Translating from Finnish as “Wall River”, Seinäjoki is a South Ostrobothnia city that holds strong ties to the Finnish architect, Alvar Aalto. Iron and gunpowder factories were established here in the late 18th century before Seinäjoki officially became a municipality in 1868. Today, Seinäjoki is one of the fastest-growing regional cities in Finland.
Things to do in Seinäjoki
In the heart of Seinäjoki is the Civil Guard and Lotta Svärd Museum, which occupies several buildings designed by Alvar Aalto in the 1920s. Learn about the defence services of the Civil Guard and visit the home of its leader, Matti Laurila, where personal belongings are on display. The museum also details the voluntary women’s paramilitary organisation known as Lotta Svärd.
Also designed by Alvar Aalto is the Lakeuden Risti Church, a 1960s-built landmark that is topped by a 65-metre-high cross-shaped bell tower. Its whitewashed interior features elegant stained-glass windows and a large pipe organ at the rear. Coincide your visit with a Sunday service to experience the church in all its glory.
Take a step back in time at the Regional Museum of South Ostrobothnia, which occupies the site of the historic Östermyra foundry on the banks of the Seinäjoki River. It comprises several old buildings dating back to the 17th century that include a drying barn, a workshop and a sauna. Displays about the local geology can be found in the former dairy while the stone-built cowshed hosts changing exhibitions.
Getting around Seinäjoki
Seinäjoki is around an hour’s drive from Vaasa and Vaasa Airport, which has seasonal flights to destinations across Europe. The much larger Helsinki Airport is around four hours away. Regular trains connect to the Seinäjoki railway station and buses travel throughout the city. The centre of Seinäjoki can easily be explored on foot.