Early and later works of architect Alvar Aalto

Arrival at Seinäjoki and check-in to Hotel Alma (double room) near the railway station. The hotel is one of the oldest buildings in Seinäjoki. Originally it functioned as a house of the railroad workers. All the rooms are partly furnished with antique furniture and with varying color decor. The newest and most exceptional rooms are located in the Water Tower behind the main building. The tower was built in the 1920s and it used to supply water for the steam locomotives.

After arrival, independent lunch and later on, guided walking tour in the Seinäjoki Aalto Centre.

Alvar Aalto designed the cultural and administrative center of Seinäjoki. The unique centre consists of six buildings: The Cross of the Plains Church, Parish centre, City Hall, municipal library, governmental office building and City Theatre.

During the summer you can visit the 65-metre high church tower and enjoy the scenery. It is also recommended to go and see the new library Apila, which is connected to the Aalto Library by an underground passageway. Apila was designed by the Finnish office JKMM Architects. The largest private collection of Aalto glassware is on display at the Aalto Library. Guidance as an additional service.

Independent dinner.

Overnight Hotel Alma, Seinäjoki

Breakfast at the lodging and check-out.

Departure to Alajärvi by rental vehicle. 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.

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, Jyväskylä

Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, drive to Säynätsalo. The highlight is the remarkable Säynätsalo Town Hall, one of the most famous buildings by Alvar Aalto. Already at the time of its construction the unique building attracted attention. Today about 3000-4000 enthusiastic visitors from all around the world visit the Town Hall annually. Guided tour at the town hall and afterwards, guided tour at Muuratsalo Experimental House.

Later on, drive back to Jyväskylä and optional visit to the Old Courtyard Toivola, which takes you back in time to the historical wooden town and offers possibilities for shopping local handicrafts etc. Independent lunch. After lunch, visit at Alvar Aalto Museum.

Overnight in Boutique Hotel Yöpuu in Aalto -room, Jyväskylä