Our activities in this form began in January 1991, when the site was transferred to the City of Kokkola’s youth services and Youth Centre Villa Elba began its operations. However, the history of this place as a space for children and young people goes back much further.

In 1956, Folke Neunstedt sold the villa to the City of Kokkola. The local education department took Elba into use, and for many years it operated as a summer camp for children. For this reason, the area has served as a meeting place for children and young people for nearly 70 years. Generations have spent summer days here, learned new things, made friends, and created unforgettable memories.

Over the years, countless meaningful moments have taken place at Villa Elba: thousands of campers, excursions and adventures, encounters between young people, volunteering, youth exchanges, celebrations, events, and many other memorable experiences. Villa Elba has been – and continues to be – a place where insights are gained, a sense of community is built, and memories are created that carry far into the future.

During our anniversary year, we will be sharing memories and stories from along the way – and we would also love to hear your story, because you are an important part of Villa Elba’s journey.

Share your memory with us

Do you have memories from Villa Elba that you would like to share?
Please send us an email at: sara.forsstrom@villaelba.fi

We would love to hear what kinds of moments Villa Elba has given you.