The gems of Aalto’s architecture in Jyväskylä and Seinäjoki
PLACES TO EXPLORE
Jyväskylä, which is located in the heart of the Finnish Lakeland boasts more Alvar Aalto buildings from different periods of his career than any other city in the world. Jyväskylä has thus really earned its title as the Capital Alvar Aalto ‘s Architecture.
Alvar Aalto has left an indelible mark also on the city of Seinäjoki, situated amid the open landscapes of Ostrobothnia. The Aalto Centre in Seinäjoki is a globally significant architectural complex at the cutting edge of modern architecture.
A visit to both cities will give an in-depth insight into Alvar Aalto’s architectural thinking through the decades, while also hearing exciting stories about Aalto not only as an architect but as a designer and a private person. During the tour, you will also see the beauty of the Finnish Lakeland and the vast open fields of Ostrobothnia and enjoy a glimpse of the traditional Finnish way of life in the two towns and the nearby countryside.
ITINERARY
DAY 1: ARRIVAL TO HELSINKI
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.
DAY 2: SEINÄJOKI – BE INSPIRED BY AALTO
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 special Aalto-themed menu is served at Uppala Manor House.
DAY 3: TOWARDS JYVÄSKYLÄ
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.
DAY 4: EXPERIENCING AALTO’S DESIGNS AT MUURAME AND SÄYNÄTSALO
Breakfast at the hotel.
Departure to Muurame and visit at Muurame Church designed by Alvar Aalto. From the church the tour continues to Säynätsalo Town Hall, which is among the most significant works of Aalto’s entire career and one of the designs that launched him into the pantheon of modern architecture. Aalto designed the building as a complete work of art, with great attention given to even the smallest detail.
After the town hall, visit and guided tour at Muuratsalo Experimental House. After the tours, departure back to Jyväskylä and guided tour at Alvar Aalto Museum. Lunch at Café Alvar.
The day ends to a guided tour at Toivola Old Courtyard, which is a vibrant artisan community with a cozy café, crafts boutiques, a museum and other businesses.
Dinner at Restaurant Harmooni.
DAY 5: AALTO’s WORKS IN JYVÄSKYLÄ
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Guided tour either by bus or walk to explore Aalto’s works in Jyväskylä before continuing to Helsinki Airport. On the way, lunch at Restaurant Taivaanranta and visit at Ristinkirkko Church designed by Alvar Aalto in Lahti.
DETAILED INFORMATION OF THE TOUR:
Price: 1.250 € / person, if min. 10 persons in a group
1.020 € / person, if min. 20 persons in a group
Price includes: All transfers, accommodation in double/twin rooms with breakfast at good hotels for 4 nights, 4 x dinner, 3 x lunch, 1 x coffee at Lementtilä Farm, guided tours at Helsinki, Seinäjoki, Alajärvi and Jyväskylä, admission fee and guided tour at Petäjävesi Church, guided tours and entrance fees to Säynätsalo Town Hall, Muuratsalo Experimental House and Alvar Aalto Museum.
Price doesn’t include: alcoholic or soft drinks during meals, optionals
Single supplement: 230 € / person / 4 nights
Group size: Min. 10 persons
Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
Availability: On request year-round. The availability of services and prices are verified at the time of booking.
Language: English, German. Some guided tours also in Russian, Swedish and Japanese.
Commission for tour operators: Kindly contact the provider with regards to commission.
Bookings:
Lahti Region Ltd. sales (at) lahtiregion.fi, Tel. +358 (0)207 281 760 (group sales)
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