Discover Finland – UNESCO architecture of Alvar Aalto
Image credit : Visit Finland , Visit Jyäskylä, and Antti-Ekola
Image credit : Visit Finland , Visit Jyäskylä, and Sara-Terho
Image credit : Visit Finland , Visit Jyäskylä, and Rauno-Traskelin
Image credit : Visit Finland , Visit Jyäskylä, and Antti-T.-Leppanen
Image credit : Visit Finland , Visit Jyäskylä, and Sara-Terho
Image credit : Visit Finland , Visit Jyäskylä, and Keijo-Penttinen
Image credit : Visit Finland , Visit Jyäskylä, and TERO-TAKALO-ESKOLA
Image credit : Visit Finland , Visit Jyäskylä TERO TAKALO-ESKOLA
Discover Finland through UNESCO World Heritage architecture of Alvar Aalto 8 Nights / 9 Days
Follow in the footsteps of one of Finland’s most celebrated architects on an exceptional journey through the Aalto Works – a UNESCO World Heritage property.
This specially designed 9-day journey connects the 13 component sites of the Aalto Works UNESCO World Heritage property, taking you from Helsinki through eastern Finland and the Finnish Lakeland to western Finland, before continuing south to Paimio and Turku.
Along the way, discover how Alvar Aalto transformed modern architecture through his human-centred approach to buildings, landscape, materials, light and design.
The journey combines the UNESCO-listed Aalto Works with additional Aalto architecture, Finnish design, cultural heritage, nature and authentic Nordic experiences.”
Arrive in Helsinki from your international gateway and transfer to your centrally located hotel (options: train, hired taxi, or rental car from Day 01).
The remainder of the day is free to relax and become acquainted with Helsinki. A gentle introduction to the city may include Senate Square and Helsinki Cathedral, Esplanadi, the Design District, and the city’s celebrated Art Nouveau architecture.
An initial introduction to Alvar Aalto’s Helsinki can include exterior visits to the Erottaja Pavilion, Academic Bookstore, Rautatalo, and Enso-Gutzeit Headquarters.
The evening is at leisure to enjoy Helsinki’s restaurants and waterfront atmosphere.
The day begin with the Aalto House, the former home of Alvar and Aino Aalto, followed by Studio Aalto, where many of Aalto’s architectural projects were developed.
Continue to three important UNESCO Aalto Works component sites in Helsinki: National Pensions Institute , House of Culture, Finlandia Hall
Together, these sites demonstrate different stages of Aalto’s architectural development and his approach to public and cultural architecture.
For guests with a particular interest in design, an optional dinner at the Aalto-designed interior of Restaurant Savoy can provide a memorable conclusion to the day.
After breakfast, collect your rental car in Helsinki and begin your self-drive journey towards eastern Finland.
Travel towards Kotka to visit the Sunila Pulp Mill Residential Area, a UNESCO-listed Aalto Works component site. Here, Aalto’s architectural vision extends beyond individual buildings to create an integrated environment combining industry, housing, landscape and community life.
Continue to Imatra to visit the Church of the Three Crosses, another UNESCO-listed Aalto Works component site. The church is particularly notable for its distinctive design, natural light, carefully considered proportions and relationship with the surrounding landscape.
After exploring these architectural highlights, continue through the Finnish countryside towards Mikkeli, enjoying the freedom and flexibility of your self-drive journey.
Continue towards Jyväskylä through the beautiful Finnish Lakeland landscape.
Upon arrival, explore the Aalto Campus at the University of Jyväskylä, one of the UNESCO Aalto Works component sites.
The campus represents an important stage in Aalto’s development of educational architecture and his ideas about the relationship between architecture, landscape and human activity.
In the afternoon, visit the Aalto Museum, providing further context about Aalto’s life, architecture, furniture and design philosophy.
Today focuses on two particularly distinctive UNESCO Aalto Works component sites in the Jyväskylä region.
Visit Säynätsalo Town Hall, one of Aalto’s celebrated mature works, with its carefully composed courtyard, brick architecture and civic spaces.
Continue to Muuratsalo Experimental House, where Aalto experimented with materials, construction techniques, colour and architectural form.
Set beside Lake Päijänne, Muuratsalo provides a unique opportunity to experience Aalto’s architecture in close relationship with the Finnish landscape.
In the evening, enjoy an optional authentic Finnish experience with a private lakeside sauna, swimming and Finnish dinner.
Travel west towards Alajärvi, an area closely connected with Aalto’s childhood and early architectural development.
Explore selected Aalto-related buildings before continuing to Seinäjoki.
In Seinäjoki, discover the Seinäjoki Civic Centre, a UNESCO Aalto Works component site.
The ensemble demonstrates Aalto’s ability to design not simply individual buildings but an entire civic environment, bringing together architecture, public buildings and urban space.
Begin with additional time to experience the Seinäjoki Civic Centre and its architectural environment.
Continue south towards Noormarkku.
The highlight of the day is Villa Mairea, one of Aalto’s most celebrated works and a UNESCO Aalto Works component site.
Created for Harry and Maire Gullichsen, Villa Mairea brings together architecture, art, furniture, materials, garden and landscape into a remarkably unified experience.
Depending on the interests and schedule of the guests, continue with the historic Ahlström Noormarkku Works and surrounding cultural environment.
Continue towards Kauttua and visit the Terraced House at Kauttua Works, a UNESCO Aalto Works component site and an important example of Aalto’s approach to housing within an industrial community.
Continue to Paimio for one of the major highlights of the journey:
Paimio Sanatorium – UNESCO Aalto Works
Discover Paimio Sanatorium, a UNESCO Aalto Works component and one of Aalto’s most influential architectural achievements.
Aalto’s human-centred approach can be seen throughout the building, where light, colour, furniture, materials, acoustics and spatial planning were carefully considered around the wellbeing of patients.
Continue to Turku, where Aalto’s early professional development can also be explored through works such as the Turun Sanomat Newspaper Office and other early Aalto buildings, subject to access.
Enjoy a relaxed morning in Turku before beginning the journey back towards Helsinki.
Depending on the departure schedule, there may be time for a final architectural visit or additional exploration of Turku.
Continue to Helsinki Airport, return the rental car and proceed with your onward international journey.
Contact us
NEW ENQUIRIES
DMC Manager, Lakshitha “Lucky” Mallikaarachchi
Email: info@northernexcellence.fi
WhatsApp : +358 50 308 1883
EMERGENCY CONTACT
Email: info@northernexcellence.fi
Mobile: +358 50 308 1883 / +358 20 746 6729
MARKETING
CEO, Marika Puttonen
Email : marika.puttonen@helinmatkat.fi
Contact : +358 20 746 6729