Virala Manor

Virala Manor is a rural estate in Janakkala with a main building featuring Neo-Renaissance design from the 1890s, set within gardens laid out during the 1880s. The property extends across forest lands and includes specialized breeding facilities that blend its historical structures with contemporary uses.

The village of Virala first appeared in written records during the 1430s, but the manor as it exists today took shape when village structures were repurposed into an estate during the 1860s. This transformation marked the start of industrial operations that would define the property for decades to come.

The red brick distillery buildings from the late 1800s reflect how industrial craft was woven into rural life at this estate. Walking through the grounds, you encounter structures that show the hands-on production methods of that era.

The estate covers forested terrain and historic buildings accessible on foot across the property. Wearing sturdy shoes is recommended, as the grounds feature rural paths and varying surfaces.

From 1872 to 1942, this location housed Finland's first industrial yeast production, using fermented mash from the distillery as raw material. This specialized manufacturing made the property an early example of turning byproducts into added value within rural industry.