The gems of Aalto’s architecture in Helsinki, Jyväskylä and Seinäjoki

Arrival to Helsinki and transfer from the airport to Glo Art hotel. Later in the afternoon guided walk tour including the most important works of Alvar Aalto.

Half-board dinner at the hotel.

After breakfast, private coach transfer to Seinäjoki. On the way, stop for independent lunch either at Iittala (optional visit at Iittala Glass Museum or at Tampere (optional city sightseeing tour). Arrival to Seinäjoki in the afternoon.

Check-in at Sokos Hotel Lakeus. The hotel is centrally located next door to the Aalto Centre with the rooms overlooking the majestic tower of Lakeuden Risti Church.

After arrival, guided walk at the Aalto Centre in Seinäjoki

Alvar Aalto designed the administrative and cultural centre of the City of Seinäjoki. The Aalto Centre is comprised of six buildings: The Cross of the Plains Church, parish centre, Town hall, Aalto library, government administrative building and Seinäjoki Theatre. During the summer you can climb to the top of the 65-metre church tower and admire the sweeping views over the region. Another building worth a visit on your tour is the Apila library, which is connected to the Aalto Library by a subterranean corridor. Apila was designed by JKMM Architects, a leading contemporary Finnish architectural practice. The Aalto Library has on display the world’s most extensive collection of Aalto glassware.

After guided tour, optional visit at Kalevan Navetta Art and Culture Centre. Also, possibility to buy Finnish and more specifically local Ostrobothnian handicrafts from Taito Shop Seinäjoki (located at the art centre). The products are funny, creative and contemporary – perfect for everyday use or as gifts!

Later in the evening 3-course dinner at Alma Seinäjoki or similar.

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out.

08.30 Departure from Seinäjoki towards Jyväskylä. Seinäjoki–Alajärvi approx. 70 km / 60 min.

Our route goes via Kuortane. In Kuortane, you will have the chance to view Alvar Aalto’s birthplace from the outside. The building is currently privately owned. There is an Alvar Aalto memorial relief in the garden.

10.00 Arrival in Alajärvi. Guided walking tour around the Aalto Centre in Alajärvi “From Alvar Aalto’s first design to the last project by Aalto’s office”.

The Aalto Centre in Alajärvi is formed by Alvar Aalto’s classicist works in the town centre, including Alajärvi Youth Association Building, Aalto’s first constructed work; Villa Väinölä; and the former municipal hospital. It also includes some of Aalto’s white-period works: the town hall, health centre, parish centre and the city library finalised by Aalto’s office. On the walking tour, we will have the chance to admire Alajärvi Church designed by C.L. Engel for this beautiful lakeside location. In this church, young Alvar Aalto had a favourite spot in the gallery where he used to sit. Be sure not to miss the beautiful Alajärvi cemetery and pay your respects at the Aalto family grave and the war memorials designed by Alvar Aalto.

Aino and Alvar Aalto’s 1930s glass designs are on display as part of the For the Form exhibition in the lobby of the Alajärvi Town Hall.

11.45 Transfer to Punaisen Tuvan Viinitila vineyard, Aalto-themed lunch and possibility to buy local farm produce.

Enjoy the hospitality and delicious food at an authentic Ostrobothnian farm. The wines include the berry wine “Alvariini” and wines made of birch sap. The vineyard is located in the middle of idyllic countryside surrounded by tall ancient birch trees.

13.15 Departure to the Jyväskylä region. Alajärvi–Petäjävesi approx. 125 km / 100 min.

15.15 Lemettilä Farm

We will stop for a relaxing coffee break at the old stone barn at Lemettilä Farm in the midst of a beautiful Central Finnish rural landscape next door to Petäjävesi Old Church.

16.15 Petäjävesi Old Church

Petäjävesi Old Church was included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1994 and is described as a flagship work in Nordic wood architecture. The church represents Lutheran Nordic church architecture and the long tradition of log building.

17.00 Departure to Jyväskylä

Jyväskylä is a city that lives and breathes Alvar Aalto, while also offering visitors a wealth of nature experiences around the city. The vibrant cultural scene challenges everyone to join and create lasting memories. Accommodation in Jyväskylä at Hotel Verso.

Dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.