Metsähallitus sells sought-after Kellokas centre for 730,000 euros

Yle reports that Metsähallitus has sold the Yllästunturi nature centre Kellokas to Markus Heikkilä and Mikko Saari for 730,000 euros. The centre attracted more prospective buyers than any other property in the organisation’s sale, and ownership will transfer in February 2027.

The sale includes a plot of more than one hectare, the nature centre building, an accommodation and maintenance building, a log building formerly used as the Savotta museum, and storage space. The buildings have about 1,450 square metres of floor space, of which around 550 square metres are currently rented.

Heikkilä said the restaurant, bicycle rental business and Visit Ylläs will remain as tenants. Metsähallitus will also continue renting office space and part of the maintenance building. Its customer service at Kellokas ended in early November, and the nature exhibition there is due to be removed by the end of January 2027.

The new owners aim to develop the property into a range of spaces for rent. Heikkilä said the buildings are in good condition and will not be renovated until tenants have been found.

Metsähallitus is selling properties as part of public-sector savings measures. The Pyhä-Luosto nature centre in Pelkosenniemi and the Syöte centre in Pudasjärvi are among those still for sale. Other properties, including the Kilpisjärvi nature centre, have already been sold.

Properties in the Nuuksio, Teijo and Seitseminen national parks may also be sold. The government approved a proposal last week that would allow park properties to be transferred out of Metsähallitus Nature Services’ management.

The sale of Kellokas began in August and lasted about three months. Metsähallitus said several serious prospective buyers came forward and that it required them to submit plans for the centre’s future as well as an acceptable purchase offer.