Breakfast at the lodging and check-out.
Departure to Alajärvi by rental car. The distance between Seinäjoki and Alajärvi is approx. 70 km / 60 min.
The road goes through Kauhajärvi and Kuortane. In Kauhajärvi you can see the church belfry designed by Alvar Aalto in 1923. In Kuortane you can see the exterior of Aalto’s birthplace. This building is now privately owned and can only be visited on the outside. At the gate there is an Alvar Aalto relief as a memorial.
After arrival, guided walking tour in the Alajärvi Aalto Centre including buildings from Aalto’s early career characterized by Nordic classicism: his first assignment the Youth Association building, Villa Väinölä and the municipal hospital, and of buildings from his so-called “white period” that include the Town hall, the Parish Centre a health centre and a library. The latter was finished by Aalto’s office.
The tour also takes you to the wooden church designed by the famous architect C.L. Engel. Aalto used to have a seat in the church loft in his youth. In the beautiful graveyard, you can see e.g. war memorials designed by Alvar Aalto, and the Aalto family grave.
The exhibition “Muodon vuoksi” of the classic 1930s glass design by Alvar and Aino Aalto is on display in the lobby of the Alajärvi Town Hall.
After the guided tour, independent lunch and optional visit at the Nelimarkka Museum.
Recommendations:
- Restaurant Alvariini located at Alajärvi
- Local Winery Punainen Tupa located about 5 km from Alajärvi
Later in the afternoon, departure towards Jyväskylä Lakeland region (about 160 km). On the way, visit the Petäjävesi Old Church, UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Overnight in Boutique Hotel Yöpuu in Aalto -room.