Hyvärilä Youth and Holiday Centre

We are one of Finland’s eight youth centers funded by the Ministry of Education and Culture and under youth laws. Together with Finland’s youth centers, we are the largest and most diverse organizer of camps in Finland. Hyvärilä’s activities focus on youth center, local youth work, and tourism activities. We have years of experience in organizing school camps, youth camps, and events.

Hyvärilä operates in the following areas:

  • Youth center activities: International youth work, Nuotta coaching
  • Local youth work through Nuorten kulma: Outreach youth work, youth center, workshop activities
  • Tourism services: Accommodation, equipment rental, venue rental
Map of Hyvärilä

One of eight youth centres

Finnish Youth Centres are supervised and subsidised by the Ministry of Education and Culture. The development of youth work in the Youth Centre Network is carried out by following the current Youth Act and The National Youth Work and Youth Policy Programme.

History of Hyvärilä

Hyvärilä’s main building, originally completed in 1920, initially served as a nursing home, accommodating up to 100 elderly residents. In addition to elderly care, the facility managed a farm and a mental hospital, which also cared for individuals with developmental disabilities. The institution also provided shelter for homeless.

The barn, completed in 1928, was a home for nine horses, 30 cows, one bull, nine pigs, and 30 sheep and pigs. The estate, managed by both hired staff and able-bodied patients, encompassed approximately 498 hectares for gardening, agriculture, forestry, and pasture.

Residential accommodations were provided on-site for both medical and agricultural staff. The former reception building, Unhola, served as staff housing, while B-Mental Hospital was located in the current Rantatupa.

Renovations in the late 1970s converted Hyvärilä into a youth center, beginning with the conversion of the barn into a course building and office space. The campground relocated from Kötsinmäki in the city center to Hyvärilä in 1980.

The B-Mental Hospital ceased operations in early 1980, followed by the nursing home in November 1986.

In the mid-1980s, renovations transformed Pehtoorin talo into Kartanohotelli, and in 1992, architect Erkki Helasvuo oversaw the refurbishment of the original main building. Additional constructions include a beach sauna, campground service buildings, vacation cottages completed in summer 2008, and the multi-purpose PielisAreena sports hall, completed in fall 2012.

FAQ

  • How to get there?

    The Nurmes railway and bus stations are located in the center of Nurmes, approximately 4 km from Hyvärilä. For more information on VR train schedules, visit www.vr.fi, and for bus services, visit www.matkahuolto.fi. From downtown Nurmes to Hyvärilä, the best way to travel is by taxi.

    You can rent a car from Joensuu, Kuopio or Kajaani. It takes around 90 minutes to drive to Hyvärilä. We have free parking.

  • Do you serve food?

    In Hyvärilä’s hotel restaurant, breakfast and lunch are served daily at buffet. Additionally, during the summer season, there is a buffet available during dinner hours. You can also pre-order food for rooms, cottages, and events. Hyvärilä does not offer à la carte dinner service, but the nearest dining option is approximately one kilometer away at Break Sokos Hotel Bomba.

  • How can I book a room?

    You can reserve a room by calling the reception at +358 40 104 5960, sending an email to hyvarila@nurmes.fi, or booking some rooms through the online store and Booking.com.