Discover Forssa: textile history, culture and nature

Forssa brings together the history of Finnish printed fabrics, museums, red-brick architecture and green spaces along the Loimijoki River. At Kehräämö, former industrial buildings now house exhibitions and a vibrant cultural centre. There are also walking trails, beaches, sports facilities and events, offering a range of reasons to visit. When planning your trip, it’s worth deciding what you’re most interested in: textile history, an outing in nature or a particular cultural event.

Forssa at a glance

• The Forssa Museum tells the story of the town, its people and its factories in a cotton warehouse dating from 1849.
• Kuosikeskus is dedicated to Finnish printed fabrics and features interactive exhibits.
• The Kehräämö grounds combine historic industrial architecture with parkland along the Loimijoki River.
• Mäkilamminpuisto has three walking trail networks, a shelter and Mäkilammi Beach.
• The traffic park is a summer attraction for children aged 3 to 12; it is set to continue in summer 2027.

Experience textile history at Kehräämö

In Forssa, the industrial past is not just an exhibition topic; it is also reflected in the buildings at Kehräämö. The Forssa Museum is housed in a former cotton warehouse at the heart of the site. The building, constructed in 1849, provides the setting for the permanent exhibition “Kirjavan kankaan kaupunki” (“City of Colourful Cloth”), which tells the story of Forssa, its people and its factories. Forssa is considered the birthplace of Finnish printed fabric, making it a fitting place to explore the links between the town’s history and its textile tradition.

Kuosikeskus is also located at Kehräämö, in the former yarn dyeing rooms. Its exhibition explores the history of Finnish printed fabrics and invites visitors to try things out: visitors can create their own patterns, mix colours, examine fabric structures with a magnifying glass and turn the handle of a printing machine. The visit offers insight not only into the history of a material but also into individual stages of production and pattern design.

The two exhibitions have different focuses: the Forssa Museum centres on the town, its residents and its factories, while Kuosikeskus focuses on printed fabrics and their design. Together, they make Kehräämö a great place to start for visitors interested in industrial history and applied design.

Museums, theatres and guided discoveries

In the wooden-house district of Kalliomäki, the Ronttismäki Workers’ Museum features three residential buildings, an outbuilding, a museum courtyard and a garden. The site illustrates the living conditions of factory workers from the 1870s to the 1930s. It complements the story of factories and textiles with a look at the everyday lives of the people who lived in this environment.

Guides from the Forssa Museum and Kuosikeskus offer guided museum visits and tours. These take place in the exhibitions and around Forssa, including former industrial sites and parks. The Forssa Nature Museum, meanwhile, focuses on nature and conservation. “Hämeen luonto” showcases species from the region, while the themed exhibition “Suojassa” explores nature conservation in Finland and Southwest Häme. Exhibition displays may change.

Forssa offers several ways to enjoy the performing arts. Elävienkuvien Teatteri is in the town centre on the banks of the Loimijoki River and serves as a venue for the international silent film festival, held annually in late August. The exact dates of the programme may vary. Forssan Teatteri is located in a former Civil Guard building on the market square and offers cultural experiences for all ages.

Those interested in historic farmsteads can visit Museotila Hevossilta near Forssa. Visits are available by appointment and offer a look at farmsteads and buildings from the 19th and 20th centuries, including examples from the 1800s and 1950s. It’s a separate opportunity to explore historic buildings and ways of life, with visits arranged in advance.

Parks, water and activities

At Kehräämö, industrial history meets green parkland on the banks of the Loimijoki River. The area’s distinctive red-brick historic architecture contrasts with the open riverside landscape. It is part of the Forssa National Urban Park, established in 2015. Visitors to Kehräämö can also see the Kuhalankoski dam.

Mäkilamminpuisto offers a different setting for walks and outdoor activities. It has three walking trail networks, a shelter and Mäkilammi Beach. The Hunnari DiscGolfPark is also in the area, with a challenging AA1-class course featuring 18 holes. Walking trails and disc golf offer different ways to enjoy the park, without requiring a particular route or walking time.

Linikkalanlammi Beach brings together several leisure facilities: a separate pool for small children, a playground, beach volleyball courts, outdoor fitness equipment and fitness stairs. Families may be especially interested in the specific facilities, while sports areas and workout equipment add to the experience for active visitors. Seasonal staffing periods may change.

Events and planning a trip with children

Forssa offers recurring events throughout the year: the Forssan Holjat town festival is held annually, as are Pick Nick, an event for hobby vehicles, and Forssan Suvi-ilta, a marathon and cycling event. The international silent film festival also returns every year in late August.

The Forssa traffic park is a seasonal attraction for children. In summer, children aged 3 to 12 can learn the rules of the road and ride pedal cars and scooters there. The park is set to continue in summer 2027; exact seasonal dates may vary. Together with the separate pool for small children at Linikkalanlammi, it offers a clear summer focus, while museums and theatres cater to other interests.

You can tailor your search for hotels in Forssa to your plans without making assumptions about individual accommodation properties based on the range of attractions.

Discover more destinations: Matku, Hausjärvi, Janakkala, Hattula, Tyrväntö, Riihimäki, Hauho and Tammela.

Frequently asked questions about Forssa

What makes Forssa’s textile history special?

Forssa is considered the birthplace of Finnish printed fabric. At Kehräämö, the Forssa Museum and Kuosikeskus tell the story of the town and its industrial history, as well as Finnish printed fabrics; Kuosikeskus also features interactive exhibits.

What is there for children to do?

Linikkalanlammi Beach has a separate pool for small children and a playground. The traffic park is intended for children aged 3 to 12 in summer; it is planned to continue in summer 2027.

Where can you go for a walk or play disc golf in Forssa?

Mäkilamminpuisto has three walking trail networks and a shelter. It is also home to Hunnari DiscGolfPark, with a challenging AA1-class course featuring 18 holes.

When does the silent film festival take place?

The international silent film festival takes place every year in late August at Elävienkuvien Teatteri. The exact programme dates may vary.

How do you visit Museotila Hevossilta?

Museotila Hevossilta, near Forssa, welcomes visitors by appointment. It offers a look at farmsteads and buildings from the 19th and 20th centuries.

Back to the regional travel guide: Kanta-Häme.