Journey

Ironworks villages of the South Coast

Discover the industrial history of Finland and see the transformation of the ironworks into charming and picturesque villages of today.

Credits: Julia Kivelä

Starting Point: Strömfors ironworks

4-5 days

Journey: Tour of the ironworks villages of the South Coast

In the 16th century, Finland saw the establishment of its first ironworks, primarily producing a wide range of iron goods. Today, many of these historical ironworks villages have been carefully restored, providing visitors interesting destinations to explore year-round. These renowned gems offer a captivating blend of history, culture, art, authentic village life, and local cuisine. This journey starts from the Strömfors ironworks village in Ruotsinpyhtää and continues west ending at Noormarkku and the Ahlström ironworks area. The easiest way to travel through this route is by car.

Ruotsinpyhtää

Strömfors Ironworks

The first ironworks village on this journey is the Strömfors village. Strömfors is a historic industrial destination located in Ruotsinpyhtää, 1,5 hours east of Helsinki. Dating back to the 17th century, Strömfors played a significant role in Finland's iron production and trade. Today, the area has been beautifully restored, offering visitors a chance to explore its rich history, enjoy artisan workshops, visit charming boutiques, and experience the scenic beauty of the surrounding countryside.

Travel tip:

The next location on this journey is Högfors in the Karkkila region just north of Helsinki. The drive from Strömfors to Högfors takes two hours.

Karkkila

Karkkila Ironworks Museum

Established in the 19th century, Högfors played a vital role in Finland's iron and steel production, and today, it offers visitors a glimpse into its history through well-preserved buildings, culture destinations, artisanal shops and restaurants, and even a movie theatre in Ala-Emali.

Karkkila

The Route of five Rapids in Karkkila

An interesting nature sight to visit in the Karkkila and Högfors area is the Route of Five Rapids. This popular route offers kayakers, canoeists, and nature enthusiasts a thrilling and picturesque journey, showcasing the beauty of the Finnish landscape and the power of the flowing rapids.

1 hour

Travel tip:

The next ironworks destination on this route is the Mathildedal Ironworks. Mathildedal is located 1,5 hours southwest of Högfors by car.

Mathildedal

Mathildedal Ironworks

Mathildedal Ironworks was established in the early 19th century by Viktor Zebor Bremer. Today, Mathildedal is a well-preserved cultural heritage site, offering visitors a chance to explore its historic buildings, learn about its industrial past through exhibits, and enjoy the scenic surroundings and vibrant atmosphere of the revitalized village.

Mathildedal

History museum of the Mathildedal Iron Works

An interesting place to visit in the Mathildedal Ironworks village is the local history museum. The Iron Works Museum is located in old, 1850s puddling and rolling shop. The collection consists of objects and devices made in Mathildedal in the olden days. The museum is open every day in the summer.

Travel tip:

After strolling around the picturesque Mathildedal area, it is time to head to the next ironworks destination on this route, Kauttua. Kauttua Ironworks leads you deeper into the Coast and Archipelago region and it is located 2,5 hours north of Mathildedal.

Eura

Travel tip:

After the Kauttua Ironworks tour, this route continues and ends in the Leineperi and Ahlström Ironworks near the city of Pori. From Kauttua to Leineperi, the driver takes 45 minutes. From Leineperi to Ahlström in Noormarkku, the drive is less than 30 minutes.

Ulvila

Leineperi Ironworks

The Leineperi Ironworks, located in the city of Ulvila, showcases the early stages of industrialization in 18th and 19th century Finland. Today, Leineperi stands as a renowned cultural heritage site, serving as a vibrant village of artisans and entrepreneurs.

Noormarkku

Welcome to Noormarkku Works

The Noormarkku Ironworks, also known as Ahlström Ironworks, holds historical significance as one of the oldest ironworks in Finland, with origins dating back to the 17th century. Today, the Noormarkku Works area is one of the largest ironwork areas in the country. It is a well-preserved and interesting site to visit – also for Alvar Aalto enthusiasts. Villa Mairea, one of Aalto’s most famous buildings, is located here.

Noormarkku

Ahlström Voyage exhibition

The Ahlström family, who came to own the Noormarkku ironworks in 1870’s, is a prominent Finnish family that has played a significant role in Finland's industrial history. The Ahlström Voyage exhibition displayed in an old workshop offers an interesting peek to the history of Ahlström companies and Finnish industrial history over more than 160 years.

Noormarkku

Sawmill museum at Ahlström Noormarkku

Another interesting historical site to visit in Noormarkku is the Sawmill Museum, which provides a glimpse into one of the reasons behind Finland’s modern-day wealth: wood. The Makkarakoski sawmill was converted into a museum in 2014. At the sawmill, you can peek into the life cycle of the sawmill as, initially, it was run by hydropower, them by steam and, finally, by electric power.

Pori

Guided tour in Villa Mairea

The last, but not the least, stop on this tour is Villa Mairea, an architectural masterpiece located in the Noormarkku Works area. Designed by Alvar Aalto, it was completed in 1939 for Maire and Harry Gullichsen, a Finnish industrialist couple part of the Ahlström family. The villa is known for its innovative and organic design, incorporating Aalto's signature elements such as curved lines, natural materials, and integration with the surrounding landscape. Daily tours are available, booking tickets in advance is recommended.

Places to stay

Explore places

Rest is the magical ingredient that recharges our exhausted batteries and transforms grumpy moods into radiant smiles. Here's a look at the best places to stay along this route.