Experience: Furniture

Historic Ironworks Atmosphere in Satakunta

The Ahlström Ironworks in Noormarkku, Pori, is one of Finland’s most significant and best-preserved historic industrial sites. Visitors can join cultural tours at the Makkarakoski Sawmill Museum, the Ahlström Voyage exhibition, and the world-famous Villa Mairea. The Voyage exhibition features a rich collection of Finnish design, including works by Tapio Wirkkala and Timo Sarpaneva, as well as several unique versions of the Savoy Vase designed by Alvar Aalto.

The highlight of the area is Villa Mairea, designed by Alvar and Aino Aalto in 1939 as a representative residence for Maire (née Ahlström) and Harry Gullichsen. The building is considered a masterpiece of modern architecture and one of the most iconic works of 20th-century architectural design.

Just next door in the neighbouring town of Eura, visitors will find the unique Kauttua Ironworks, shaped over more than 330 years by the iron and paper industries. Among the Aalto-designed sites in the area, the Terraced House stands out—here, architecture, interior design and art are seamlessly integrated. The interiors feature original Artek furniture and lighting, some of which are available for purchase.

Another gem within the Kauttua Ironworks area is the Riverside Sauna (Jokisauna), originally designed by Aino and Alvar Aalto for the employees of A. Ahlström Oy. Today, visitors can enjoy lunch or coffee in this charming, historic setting.

From Helsinki’s Design Gems to Seinäjoki’s Lakeuden Risti and Jyväskylä’s Aalto Legacy

This Aalto-themed journey begins in Helsinki, where you can explore some of the most iconic destinations connected to the architect. The Finlandia exhibition offers an inspiring introduction to Aalto’s life, ideas and cultural impact, while a visit to Aalto’s Home and Atelier provides a more intimate perspective on his daily environment and creative process. From the capital, the trip continues to the Iittala Glass Village and Glass Museum, an essential stop for understanding Aalto’s contributions to Finnish design and the craftsmanship behind his world-famous glassware.

From there, your journey continues north to Central Finland and Ostrobothnia, where you can embark on a captivating architectural tour of numerous buildings designed by Alvar Aalto.

Arriving in Seinäjoki, you’ll immediately be drawn to the city’s landmark, Lakeuden Risti Church (Cross of the Plains Church), with its striking 65 meter high cruciform bell tower. The church is a true architectural statement, fronted by a spacious piazza that guides visitors toward its bold façade. Other Aalto-designed landmarks in Seinäjoki include the Seinäjoki City Library, the Administrative and Cultural Centre and the Civil Guard House.

From Seinäjoki, the journey continues to Alajärvi, where you can explore the ’Aalto Centre’ which consists of a rich ensemble of Aalto’s work: the municipal offices, the parish centre, the youth association house, the municipal hospital, a residence called Väinölä that Aalto designed for his brother, and the Alajärvi Library, completed by his office. In total, there are 11 Aalto sites in Alajärvi, and highlights include the famous Nelimarkka Museum and the Aalto family gravesite.

Finally, you’ll arrive in Jyväskylä, where you’ll find not only the Aalto2 Museum Centre, which includes the Alvar Aalto Museum and the Museum of Central Finland, but also the AaltoAlvari Swimming Pool, a unique facility designed by Aalto. Across the city and its surrounding areas, there are as many as 30 Aalto-designed sites, including notable landmarks such as Muurame Church and Säynätsalo Town Hall. Jyväskylä holds special significance in Aalto’s life because it is where he studied, started his family and launched his architectural career.

Two Aalto Gems: Paimio Sanatorium and the Aalto House & Studio Aalto

Paimio Sanatorium, designed by Alvar and Aino Aalto and completed in 1933, was originally built as a tuberculosis hospital and became one of the most revolutionary buildings of its time. It was also a turning point in the Aaltos’ international career, propelling them onto the world stage. The building introduced many innovations in design: bold concrete structures, advanced building technology, and a striking use of colour. Today, Paimio Sanatorium is considered one of Finland’s most internationally recognised buildings and a vibrant cultural heritage site open to visitors.

A group tour to Paimio can be ideally combined with a visit to Alvar Aalto’s home in the Munkkiniemi district of Helsinki. Completed in 1936, the house served as the Aaltos’ family home, where Alvar Aalto lived until his death in 1976. A short distance away is the Aalto Studio, completed in 1955 as a new working space to meet the demands of a growing architectural practice. The studio is a key example of Aalto’s 1950s architecture and offers a glimpse into the creative atmosphere of his later work.

In Helsinki, groups can also explore other Aalto-designed landmarks such as Finlandia Hall, the House of Culture, and the Helsinki Energy Office Building (Sähkötalo).

For those interested, the programme can be enriched with additional cultural experiences such as an evening at the theatre or opera in Helsinki. Optional excursions can also include a visit to the charming riverside town of Porvoo or to the beautifully situated Villa Kokkonen in Tuusula — another architectural treasure.

Alvar Aalto Route: Curated Journeys Through Timeless Architecture

This catalogue presents a curated selection of destinations where architecture is part of everyday life, work, celebration, and travel. The Route takes you to buildings both large and small, connected to experiences of living, learning, civic life, industry, and care. Many places also invite a longer stay. You can spend the night, go to sauna, enjoy a meal, or simply take your time.

In Alvar Aalto’s buildings, the human scale is present in details: a handrail, a doorway, a staircase, the direction of light, or a view from a window. In many destinations, the work of Aino and Elissa Aalto is also part of the story. The practice continued over decades and reached from homes to churches, universities, factories, and cultural venues.

Alvar Aalto Route is a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe. Through the Route, Aalto’s thinking is connected to European cultural heritage. Destinations are located across Finland, and also in France, Italy, and Germany. The Route keeps evolving with its member sites, local partners, and travel professionals.

This publication helps you see the full picture and find a way of travelling that suits you. The destinations are meant to be experienced without hurry. Many of them are still in active use. People work, study, meet, rest, and return.

Download the catalogue: 
Alvar Aalto Route

Villa Mairea and Ahlström Works – cultural and culinary experiences

In Noormarkku, Pori, you’ll experience a comprehensive journey into architecture and design through guided tours of the worldrenowned Villa Mairea and Ahlström’s unique historical industrial area with its museums.

This experience is a feast for the senses, combining culinary delights at Noormarkku Works area with a
journey through history, design, and architecture. Villa Mairea’s aesthetic brilliance is a tribute to Aalto’s
genius as well as the relationship between modern design and natural beauty. In Ahlström’s Noormarkku
works, come and meld culture, architecture, and gastronomy, and ask yourself how architecture can
elevate and redefine the cultural landscape.

Villa Mairea and the Ahlström Ironworks are a harmonious marriage of art, design, and industry. Designed by Alvar and Aino Aalto, Villa Mairea is an architectural gem amidst a pine forest, while the Ironworks area invites you to stroll through a living museum of industrial heritage. Together, they offer a rich cultural experience highlighting the creative synergy of Aalto’s design and Ahlström’s industrial legacy.

Villa Skeppet – Aalto’s personal design journey

This journey offers a unique insight into a residence that blends Mediterranean warmth with Aalto’s signature Nordic touch. Explore rooms where architecture tells personal stories, spaces that pulsate with intimate narratives. As well as observing architectural excellence, explore how thoughtful design can create environments that echo with personal histories and deepen our appreciation for the transformative power of architecture.

Experience a guided tour of Villa Skeppet, where Aalto’s personal touch and Mediterranean influences are evident. Discover the unique history of a home designed as a token of friendship and explore the various architectural solutions that Aalto developed throughout his illustrious career.

Paimio Sanatorium

Paimio Sanatorium, Alvar and Aino Aalto’s international breakthrough design, is one of the most renowned buildings in Finland. Completed in 1933, it is a masterpiece of humane modernism and a true gesamtkunstwerk. Designed as a tuberculosis sanatorium and having served as a general hospital, Paimio Sanatorium has now entered a new era of the philosophy of well-being.

Enclosed by a vast forest of tall pine trees, the iconic site invites you to unwind in its tranquil ambiance. Explore the corridors, sense the luminous light and colors of the Sanatorium as you take a guided tour, discovering the stories of the past. A hike through nature trails or outdoor meditation, Paimio Sanatorium offers the perfect retreat to rejuvenate senses. Lenghten the stay by accommodating on-site, enjoy the local cuisine and various spaces of the Sanatorium.

Seaside museums – Architecture, art and home museums by the sea!

A self-guided museum tour around the Laajalahti bay, outside the usual tourist routes, reveals seven unique museum sites that can be experienced together or separately. In addition to the scenic surroundings, the sites are united under interesting architecture and the fact that they have originally been homes and / or workspaces. The Didrichsen Art Museum, Villa Gyllenberg and Gallen-Kallela museums also feature significant art collections and changing exhibitions.

In Alvar Aalto’s home and office building in Munkkiniemi you can take part in guided tours all year round. Aficionados of architecture and design will get an insight into the interesting life of the Aalto family and everyday life of architects’ office. During the visit, you can also explore the beautiful gardens surrounding the buildings.

On a guided tour in Tamminiemi you will learn about the house’s most famous and longest-lived inhabitant: president Urho Kekkonen (1900–1986), and discover the original interiors and design from the 1970s. Tamminiemi’s legendary tar-smelling, seaside sauna can also be visited during the summer season.

The nearby Seurasaari open-air museum comes alive in the summer. The beautiful and fascinating traditional Finnish buildings, immersed into the magnificent natural setting of the island, constitute a favourite destination for both Helsinki locals and travellers around.

There are as many as two high-quality art museums on the small Kuusisaari island. The Didrichsen Art Museum has 2-3 changing exhibitions each year. The neighbouring Villa Gyllenberg features museum’s permanent collection which includes, amongst other masterpieces, 38 works by Helene Schjerfbeck. In addition, the museum also organises changing exhibitions. On Saturdays during the summer, Kuusisaari can be reached also by water bus running between Market Square in the city centre and Kuusisaari.

The northern shore of Laajalahti bay also offers exciting museum experiences, as well as a pleasant museum café where visitors can spend a relaxing moment. The Gallen-Kallela Museum, located in a castle-like villa designed by artist Akseli Gallen-Kallela, presents the art and life of Gallen-Kallela and his contemporaries with changing exhibitions, as well as exhibitions of contemporary art. From April you can also cycle to the museum on a city bike.

Aalto masterpieces at the Ahlström’s Noormarkku and Kauttua Works

Get to discover the collaboration between Ahlström Ironworks and Alvar Aalto, which resulted in these architectural masterpieces surrounded by pine forests. These buildings receive visitors from every corner of the world!

Get to learn about architecture and lifestyle in the Ahlström’s Works sites designed by Alvar Aalto. In Noormarkku you will get acquainted with the sophisticated Villa Mairea, while in Kauttua you will explore the Terraced House and the Riverside sauna.

Human scale and a healthy lifestyle are an integral part of the architecture of the Kauttua Works area. Here, the visitor is presented with a diverse selection of architectural designs by Aalto. You can start your tour at the famous Terraced House, where you can explore an apartment furnished with Artek interiors. On a guided walking tour, you will also visit the Riverside sauna: the location of the public sauna and laundry for the Ahlström workers, designed jointly by Aino and Alvar Aalto. All around, you will spot several other architectures by Aalto, including the civil servants’ residence and standard housing on the Varkaudenmäki hill.

The visit to the Terraced House also offers the possibility to purchase the vintage Artek pieces on display, while the Riverside sauna also hosts a design shop that features secondhand items as well as new Finnish and Scandinavian design models!

From Kauttua, the tour continues towards Noormarkku Works. The world-famous Villa Mairea is located in Noormarkku, where it stands surrounded by a pine forest. Aino and Alvar Aalto designed Villa Mairea as a home for their friends Maire and Harry Gullichsen; the villa is still partly in private use by the Gullichsen family. On the inside, the beautiful original interiors designed by Aino Aalto are further enrichened by a significant international art collection.

While on the guided tour of the Works, you will also get to explore the Ahlström Voyage -exhibition, and the Makkarakoski sawmill museum.

Guided walking tour of the Aalto Centre in Seinäjoki

As an architectural whole, the Administrative and Cultural Centre in Seinäjoki is unique on a global scale.

The Seinäjoki Aalto Centre was designed by world famous architect Alvar Aalto. As an architectural whole, the Administrative and Cultural Centre in Seinäjoki is unique on a global scale. The six buildings are gathered right in the middle of Seinäjoki city centre, within walking distance from Seinäjoki railway station.

A guided walking tour led by a local guide from Seinäjoki will include the The Cross Of The Plains Church, Seinäjoki City Hall, Seinäjoki City Theatre, Aalto Library and the world’s largest collection of Aalto glassware. You will also see the architecturally spectacular Apila Library, designed by JKMM Architects.

Aalto sites in Kouvola

Alvar Aalto’s most prominent works in Kouvola are located in Inkeroinen within the area of the Ankkapurha Culture Park. The buildings designed by Aalto in Tehtaanmäki, Inkeroinen date back to 1937 to 1956. These include the industrial buildings of the Anjala Paper Mill and the Tampella Co. Housing Area, including Rantalinja semi-detached houses, Tervalinja terraced houses, three engineering personnel houses and housing blocks for the workers of the mill. While in Kouvola, also make sure to check the Kasarminmäki gateposts, which the young architect designed for the garrison area when he was doing his military service.

The area is complemented by the Tehtaanmäki Primary School finished in 1940 and the Karhunkangas housing area of single-family homes, where most of the residential buildings were completed in 1938. The Tehtaanmäki Primary School is the only elementary school designed by Alvar Aalto that is still in its original use. The town plan designed by Aalto in 1937 covered the entire centre of Inkeroinen, but only the Karhunkangas area and the area adjacent to the mill were ever implemented.

The centre of Kouvola is also an interesting attraction to architecture enthusiasts. The administrative centre of Kouvola representing modernism is a nationally significant built cultural environment catalogued by the National Board of Antiquities. The Town Hall of Kouvola (Bertel Saarnio, Juha Leiviskä, 1964 to 1968, 1969) is an outstanding work of modern architecture classified by the international DOCOMOMO organisation.

The renovated pedestrian street Manski with its shops and cafeterias beckons you to have a cup of coffee and a rest. Those craving for culture make their way to explore the high-standard exhibitions of the Kouvola Art Museum belonging to the Poikilo Museums, and the museum building flooded with light.

Homes and habitats by Alvar Aalto

Villa Mairea in Noormarkku, Kauttua Terraced house and Paimio Sanatorium remain as homes, where everyday life merges with architecture and iconic design furniture. Well-being stems from the pine forests and riverside sauna. Set out to experience living as envisioned by Alvar Aalto!

This tour in the South West Finland takes you back in time and presents you the masterpieces of modern architecture. At the Paimio Sanatorium you can learn about Aalto’s modernist ideas healthy environments, at Kauttua you can see the Terraced house, that Aalto designed for residential use.

Villa Mairea presents you the beautiful private home of timeless decor. In the historical Noormarkku and Kauttua Works of the Ahlström company you can enjoy the picturesque milieu and learn about the history of Finnish woodworking industry.

Delicious lunch and dinner are served at authentic locations. There is also a possibility to bathe in the riverside sauna, a building designed by Aalto.