Theme: Local products

Alvar Aalto Route: Curated Journeys Through Timeless Architecture

Welcome to the Alvar Aalto Route – a journey where the magic of architecture and design comes alive, inviting you to see the world through a redesigned lens. Alvar Aalto (1898–1976), the visionary of modern architecture, shaped spaces with a profoundly human approach. His creations are more than buildings; they are experiences that resonate with the soul. Scattered across Finland and beyond, they serve as gateways to a reimagined world.

In 2021, this extraordinary route was honoured with the prestigious certification as a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe, affirming its role in the rich tapestry of European heritage. The Alvar Aalto Route offers more than a journey through architectural masterpieces—it extends a warm invitation to immerse yourself in a space where design, nature, and the human spirit converge in harmony.

This catalogue is your guide to a curated collection of Aalto experiences. Each package is a thoughtfully designed adventure into Alvar Aalto’s world, seamlessly blending his iconic architecture with the unique flavours of local life. From serene Finnish landscapes to vibrant European Aalto destinations, these journeys offer something for everyone. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a devoted admirer of Aalto’s work, we warmly welcome you—and continually seek new partners to enrich the experience.

Step into spaces that defy the ordinary, where every curve, every material, and every detail tells a story that redefines how you perceive the world around you. This is the essence of the Alvar Aalto Route: an invitation to rediscover beauty, functionality, and the interconnectedness of life through the lens of one of modern architecture’s greatest minds.

Let us help you navigate this adventure and uncover how Aalto’s vision can transform not just physical spaces but also the way you view the world itself.

Download the catalogue: 
Alvar Aalto Route

Experience Alvar Aalto’s architecture in Jyväskylä

Experience Alvar Aalto’s legacy in the city known as the “Alvar Aalto capital of the world,” Jyväskylä. This unique tour immerses you in a cityscape that showcases the most comprehensive collection of Aalto’s work, spanning every phase of his career.

Discover Aalto’s architectural masterpieces, where modernist design meets everyday life. On this journey, you’ll do more than just see architecture; you’ll live it. Sleep, dine, and even relax by the water, all within spaces crafted by Aalto’s hand.

Jyväskylä is where Aalto’s story began: he opened his first architectural office here, started a family, and created his nearby summer retreat. It is also home to the world’s only Alvar Aalto Museum, housed in a building he designed himself.

Throughout the tour, witness the evolution of Aalto’s style—from his early classicism, through the warmth of his red-brick period, to the crisp lines of his monumental white structures.

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.

Iittala Glass Factory and Design Museum Iittala

Finnish design is known for glass. Iittala is home to a Finnish glass center, the only glass factory in operation in Finland. Iittala’s story began in 1881, when a glass factory was founded in the village. Today, Iittala’s design story is known worldwide.

The names of Alvar and Aino Aalto have been connected to Iittala since the beginning. Alvar Aalto wanted to ‘free’ glass from geometric form and create an impression of organic, living forms. Aino and Alvar Aalto believed objects should be essential, beautiful, useful and democratically available to all. Today, the legendary Aalto vase is a symbol of Finnish design and one of the world’s most famous glass objects. Each vase is mouthblown at the Iittala Glass Factory.

The Iittala Glass Factory offers a unique opportunity to see how skilled glassblowers create Aalto vases, art objects and common utility articles from molten glass. The demanding work of the glassblowers can be followed either independently at a viewing balcony or with a pre-booked tour guide.

In Design Museum Iittala, located in a cultural-historical area of the Iittala glass factory, the visitor has an opportunity to explore the history of the factory. The largest of the exhibitions is the basic exhibition that presents the glass history of Iittala, and displays internationally acclaimed art glass and prominent serial design products from the late 19th to the 21st century. The exhibition focuses on the Aalto vase and on the golden age, the 1905s, of Finnish design.

Varkaus – Alvar Aalto’s Architecture and Industrial Heritage by the Shores of Saimaa

Varkaus offers a fascinating blend of industrial heritage, Alvar Aalto’s architecture, and the serene beauty of the Saimaa lake district. This historic industrial town is where Aalto began his design work in the mid-1930s, leaving a lasting impact over the following decade. Exploring Varkaus is a unique opportunity to see how Aalto incorporated the principles of functionalism into everyday life and industrial settings.

Aalto’s contributions to Varkaus include a wide range of designs: industrial buildings, urban plans, and standardized type houses, many of which still serve as homes for local residents. The prefabricated houses produced at the Varkaus factory were distributed widely across Finland, supporting the nation’s post-war reconstruction and promoting practical, affordable living solutions. Varkaus is a testament to Aalto’s vision for a more equal and functional society.

Industrial Innovation and Excellence in Varkaus
With over 200 years of industrial history, Varkaus has cultivated expertise in a variety of fields, from ironworks and engineering to shipbuilding, wood processing, and paper production. Today, the town is also known for its cutting-edge energy technology. Part of the old industrial area has been transformed into a modern hub for aquaculture, producing environmentally friendly rainbow trout in the pristine waters of Lake Saimaa—a local specialty worth tasting.

Culture and Nature in Perfect Balance
In Varkaus, history, modern architecture, and lush nature come together in a harmonious urban landscape. The Saimaa lake district invites visitors to experience its tranquil waters and natural beauty, while local Savonian cuisine adds a delightful flavor to any visit.

A compelling addition to the town’s attractions is the Museum of Mechanical Music, where you can explore the fascinating world of mechanical music from the 19th century to the present day. This internationally renowned museum is a must-see for visitors of all ages.

In Varkaus, Alvar Aalto’s vision, industrial heritage, and the tranquility of nature combine to create a destination that captivates both architecture enthusiasts and those seeking a fresh perspective on Finnish history and culture.

Welcome to Varkaus – discover the harmony of Alvar Aalto’s design and industrial heritage by the shores of Lake Saimaa!