Verla Groundwood and Board Mill

In the atmospheric factory village of Verla, at the roots of the forest industry, you can sense the work and way of life of bygone times. The Verla groundwood and board mill was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, representing small-scale wood-processing industry that emerged in rural areas and thrived in the 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in Northern Europe and North America.

Authentic and idyllic Verla is the only wood-processing industry site on the World Heritage List. Verla’s small groundwood mill began operating in 1872 but was soon destroyed by fire. A new groundwood mill and an adjacent board mill were built in 1882. Production continued with early methods until 1964, and in 1972 the factory opened as Finland’s first factory museum.

The factory village grew around the mill. In Verla, the entire functional entity is present: raw material was sourced from the forest, power for the machines came from the rapids, and spruce logs were floated along waterways.

Around the factory, the workers’ residential area has also been preserved. The original machines in their original locations show how spruce wood was turned into board.

The Verla groundwood and board mill is located in Northern Kymenlaakso, about 30 kilometers from Kouvola’s center. Guided tours at the factory museum make it easy to understand the different stages of board production. Historical buildings, courtyards, and the charming park are maintained and restored with respect for authenticity.

Verla tells the story of past generations in a small village community where the factory cared for the entire village. Around 40,000 visitors explore Verla’s stories each summer. Guided tours are organized in the factory, garden, and workers’ residential area. Accommodation is also available in cottages. Verla is owned and maintained by UPM-Kymmene Corporation.