Journey

Alvar Aalto destinations in Helsinki and Lakeland

Credits: Pete Laakso

Starting Point: Helsinki

1-3 days

Journey: Alvar Aalto destinations in Helsinki and Lakeland

This journey will take you to some of the architectural gems built by world-famous Finnish architect, Alvar Aalto, in the Helsinki and Lakeland regions. You’ll start in the Finnish capital and then head to Lahti and Jyväskylä in Lakeland.

Finlandia-talo Karamzininrannan puolelta

Helsinki

Finlandia Hall

Finlandia Hall is a masterpiece by famous Finnish architect Alvar Aalto. It was designed in 1962 and built between 1967-71.

Travel tip

To continue the Aalto journey from the Helsinki region to Lakeland, take a 1-hour train from to the city of Lahti. In Lahti, you'll find the Church of the Cross, one of Aalto's last designs. View train schedules and tickets from Helsinki to Lahti at vr.fi.

Lahti

Church of the Cross by Alvar Aalto

The impressive tower of the Church of the Cross, built in 1978, rises from the old Kolkanmäki church site. This vital element of the Lahti cityscape is the creation of Alvar Aalto and elegantly mirrors the City Hall – located across the market square – designed by Eliel Saarinen, another master architect.

Travel tip

From Lahti, head 3.5 hours north to the city of Jyväskylä, where you’ll find 29 works by Aalto, the most in any city in the world. VR’s direct train connection will take you from Lahti to Jyväskylä quickly and comfortably.

Jyväskylä

Where to stay in Helsinki

Explore where to stay in Helsinki

Helsinki offers a variety of accommodations for design and architecture lovers. Try St. George, Hotel F6 or Klaus K for an upscale stay, Hotel Helka to see Finnish design, Glo Hotel or Scandic Marski for design-inspired accommodations, or Hotel Arthur for a budget-friendly stay near the city center.

Helsinki

Hotel St. George

Helsinki

Hotel Arthur

Helsinki

Hotel Helka

Helsinki

Klaus K Hotel

Helsinki

Hotel F6 - Nordic home-like luxury in the heart of Helsinki

Helsinki

Marski by Scandic

Where to eat in Helsinki

Explore where to eat in Helsinki

Feast your eyes and fill your stomach at some of Helsinki’s many design-inspired eateries. Here's a selection of restaurants and cafés to try during your stay.

Helsinki

Restaurant Olo

Helsinki

Löyly Restaurant

Helsinki

Sea Horse

Helsinki

FINLANDIA CAFE&WINE

Helsinki

Restaurant Lasipalatsi

Highlights in Jyväskylä

Explore the highlights in Jyväskylä

Here are some recommendations for places to stay, eat and shop in Jyväskylä. To read more about all the Alvar Aalto destinations in the city, go to Visitjyvaskyla.fi or Visit.alvaraalto.fi.