Ode to architecture and culture – best of Lahti

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Sibelius House Lahti the Wood Hall
Sibelius House Lahti the Wood Hall
Front Page > Experiences > Ode to architecture and culture – best of Lahti

The tour takes you to the buildings by the renowned Finnish architects Alvar Aalto and Eliel Saarinen, and to see some contemporary wooden architecture.

Transfer to Lahti from Helsinki. After arrival, guided wooden architecture tour in the Lahti harbour area. The wood architecture park is constructed in the vicinity of the Sibelius Hall in Lahti and it consists of buildings and structures designed by the winners of the international Spirit of Nature Wood Architecture Award. The tour also includes visits at the Sibelius Hall and Pro Puu “Pro Wood” Gallery, which promotes the collaboration of wood professionals. The premises include a gallery and shop.

Later on, transfer and lunch at Restaurant Roux, which was chosen Restaurant of the Year in 2016. After lunch it is time to explore the designs of Alvar Aalto and Eliel Saarinen in Lahti with a guide. During this guided walking tour, you will admire the work of Alvar Aalto and Eliel Saarinen. The tour starts from the Lahti City Hall designed by Eliel Saarinen (please note: short indoor tour is possible only during working hours). The Lahti City Hall was completed in 1912 and represents the art nouveau style. From the city hall the tour continues to the Church of the Cross designed by Alvar Aalto and completed in 1978. The acoustics of the church were designed by Alvar Aalto’s son, Hamilkar Aalto.

After the tour, transfer back to Helsinki.

Experience Highlights

  • Church of the Cross designed by Alvar Aalto
  • City Hall designed by Eliel Saarinen
  • Wood Architecture park
  • Sibelius Hall
The facade material of the church is dark red brick except for the massive bell tower of raw concrete. Photo: Alvar Aalto Foundation
The facade material of the church is dark red brick except for the massive bell tower of raw concrete. Photo: Alvar Aalto Foundation
Entrance hall windows are shaped like a monumental cross. Photo: Maija Holma, Alvar Aalto Foundation
Entrance hall windows are shaped like a monumental cross. Photo: Maija Holma, Alvar Aalto Foundation
Interiors of the church hall. Photo: Maija Holma, Alvar Aalto Foundation
Interiors of the church hall. Photo: Maija Holma, Alvar Aalto Foundation
Lahti City hall was designed by Eliel Saarinen. Photo: Alvar Aalto Foundation
Lahti City hall was designed by Eliel Saarinen. Photo: Alvar Aalto Foundation

Ode to architecture and culture – best of Lahti

Duration

1 day

Accessible

No

Availability

All year round

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