Alvar Aalto’s Architecture in Seinäjoki, Jyväskylä and Helsinki 4 Days

Photo: Visit Finland/Kalle Kataila

This Aalto-themed journey begins in Helsinki, where you can explore some of the most iconic destinations connected to the architect. The Finlandia exhibition offers an inspiring introduction to Aalto’s life, ideas and cultural impact, while a visit to Aalto’s Home and Atelier provides a more intimate perspective on his daily environment and creative process. From the capital, the trip continues to the Iittala Glass Village and Glass Museum, an essential stop for understanding Aalto’s contributions to Finnish design and the craftsmanship behind his world-famous glassware.

From there, your journey continues north to Central Finland and Ostrobothnia, where you can embark on a captivating architectural tour of numerous buildings designed by Alvar Aalto.

Arriving in Seinäjoki, you’ll immediately be drawn to the city’s landmark, Lakeuden Risti Church (Cross of the Plains Church), with its striking 65 meter high cruciform bell tower. The church is a true architectural statement, fronted by a spacious piazza that guides visitors toward its bold façade. Other Aalto-designed landmarks in Seinäjoki include the Seinäjoki City Library, the Administrative and Cultural Centre and the Civil Guard House.

From Seinäjoki, the journey continues to Alajärvi, where you can explore the ’Aalto Centre’ which consists of a rich ensemble of Aalto’s work: the municipal offices, the parish centre, the youth association house, the municipal hospital, a residence called Väinölä that Aalto designed for his brother, and the Alajärvi Library, completed by his office. In total, there are 11 Aalto sites in Alajärvi, and highlights include the famous Nelimarkka Museum and the Aalto family gravesite.

Finally, you’ll arrive in Jyväskylä, where you’ll find not only the Aalto2 Museum Centre, which includes the Alvar Aalto Museum and the Museum of Central Finland, but also the AaltoAlvari Swimming Pool, a unique facility designed by Aalto. Across the city and its surrounding areas, there are as many as 30 Aalto-designed sites, including notable landmarks such as Muurame Church and Säynätsalo Town Hall. Jyväskylä holds special significance in Aalto’s life because it is where he studied, started his family and launched his architectural career.

Day 1 – Arrival to Helsinki & Finlandia Exhibition

Arrival at Helsinki airport and visit Finlandia exhibition. Newly opened in 2025, this multisensory experience brings the Aalto legacy to life with insights from Finnish history and identity.

Day 2 – Aalto’s Home and Atelier in Helsinki, Iittala Glass Village & Seinäjoki

Your day begins with a visit to Aalto’s Home and Atelier in Munkkiniemi, offering an intimate look into the architect’s daily environment and creative process. From there, the journey continues to Iittala, where you will explore the Glass Factory and Glass Museum on a guided tour, followed by lunch in the charming Iittala Village and some free time to browse the local shops.

Afterward, you travel north toward Seinäjoki before concluding the day with a guided tour of Alvar Aalto’s architectural masterpieces in Seinäjoki. Here you can admire the striking Lakeuden Risti Church with its towering bell tower, explore the Seinäjoki City Library, and discover the Administrative and Cultural Centre, all part of Aalto’s renowned civic complex that defines the heart of the city.

Day 3 – Alajärvi & Jyväskylä

The day begins with a journey to Alajärvi, where you explore a rich collection of Aalto-designed buildings that form the heart of the town’s architectural identity. Highlights include the ’Aalto Centre’ with its municipal offices, parish centre, youth association house, library, and the residence Väinölä, designed by Aalto for his brother. You may also visit the Nelimarkka Museum, which celebrates the work of local artist Eero Nelimarkka, and is located near the Aalto sites, providing additional cultural context to the town.

After the tour, you’ll enjoy a lunch at a local countryside restaurant before continuing on to Jyväskylä. Once checked in, the afternoon continues with a guided tour of the region’s Aalto landmarks, including key sites in Jyväskylä, the experimental house Koetalo, the celebrated Säynätsalo Town Hall, and Muurame Church.

Säynätsalo town hall ©Visit Jyväskylä photo Keijo Penttinen
Muurame Church. Image: Visit Jyväskylä / Tero Takalo-Eskola

Day 4 – Aalto2 & Return to Helsinki

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Aalto2. There, a guided tour provides an in-depth look at the Alvar Aalto Museum and the Museum of Central Finland, highlighting Aalto’s work and his impact on Finnish architecture and design. After the visit, the journey continues with a transfer from Jyväskylä to Helsinki Airport.

Alvar Aalto Museum. Photos: Tero Takalo-Eskola

Priced from 650€ per person including:

  • Transfers throughout as described in the itinerary
  • Visit to Finlandia Exhibition
  • Lunch on days 2 & 3
  • 1 night’s accommodation in Helsinki on B&B basis (sharing a twin/double room)
  • Visit to Aalto’s Home and Atelier in Helsinki
  • Guided Visit to Iittala Glass Museum
  • Guided tour in Seinäjoki
  • 1 night’s accommodation in Seinäjoki on B&B basis (sharing a twin/double room)
  • Visit to Nelimarkka
  • Guided tour in Alajärvi
  • Guided tour in Jyväskylä
  • 1 night’s accommodation in Jyväskylä on B&B basis (sharing a twin/double room)
  • Visit to Aalto2 and Muuratsalo Experimental House

For an extra supplement we can organise:

  • Single supplement
  • Half board dinners
  • Extensions to other destinations such as Paimio

Please note prices are subject to availability.

Contact information for DMC/incoming services

tel. +358 201 303 357
email: incoming@pohjolanmatka.fi
You can also request an offer by using this form