The 19th-century ironworks milieu in Ulvila offers visitors a tranquil cultural environment. Leineperi, also known as Fredriksfors ironworks, was founded on the banks of the Kullaanjoki River at Katokoski in 1771. The ironworks benefited from waterpower, local charcoal production, and a reasonable distance to the coast for transporting iron ore.

Leineperi thrived in the 1860s, becoming one of Finland’s largest manufacturers of wrought iron. During this period, raw iron was processed and refined for various applications.

Today, Leineperi is one of Finland’s best-preserved and most architecturally complete ironworks sites. The area features one of only three surviving blast furnaces in the country. Its numerous historic buildings are beautifully situated along the river, intertwined with the village of Leineperi and its lush natural surroundings.

The site offers various attractions, including museums and exhibitions, artisan workshops, a charming café-restaurant, and a diverse range of cultural and recreational activities. Year-round, the ironworks hosts numerous events, both large and small, making it an excellent destination for groups and corporate meetings.

In summer, visitors can enjoy café-restaurant services in an authentic 1850s workers’ bakehouse, explore museums, and take part in an adventure trail designed for families. Other attractions include a frisbee golf course, a swimming area, a playground, grazing sheep, a summer theatre, and artisan workshops and boutiques housed in historic blacksmiths’ cottages. The ironworks also hosts themed events with workshops, demonstrations, and performances, as well as three big market days each year.