Village of 300 builds gym so popular it draws a third of locals and visitors from neighbouring towns

A small Finnish village near the eastern border has defied expectations by building a thriving community gym that now serves over a third of its 300 residents—and attracts visitors from beyond its borders, reports Yle.

The Kisa Gym in Värtsilä, a village in the municipality of Tohmajärvi, has become a hub of activity in a region where services like schools have been shut down. Nearly 60 percent of the village’s population are members of the local sports club Värtsilän Kisa, and over 100 regularly use the gym.

The facility, housed in a former commercial building near the closed border crossing, was built through a mix of EU funding, sponsorships, and hundreds of volunteer hours. Recent upgrades—including new equipment and an air-source heat pump—were made possible by a project involving 400 hours of community work.

Eero-Matti Lintunen, chair of Värtsilän Kisa, says the gym is more than just a place to work out—it’s a statement about rural resilience. “I worry about the future of villages like ours,” he told Yle. “This shows that we can still offer services and a good life here.”

The gym’s popularity extends beyond Värtsilä, drawing visitors from neighbouring villages and across Tohmajärvi. Some travel up to 70 kilometres from Joensuu to train there. Local businesses, including farms and restaurants, have sponsored the facility, while community events like a winter skating trail and café have brought in new visitors.

With its growing success, the gym will soon introduce single-visit fees to allow non-members to try the facilities. “Everyone who uses this place helps develop it,” said Mirja Kinnunen, a peer instructor at the gym.