Seinäjoki

Seinäjoki lies in western Finland, in the region of South Ostrobothnia. Besides the tango festival held here every year, the city stands out for its wide-ranging cultural scene. Above all, Seinäjoki is famous for the buildings designed by the celebrated architect Alvar Aalto.

Seinäjoki at a glance

• Population: 64,130 (as of 2020)
• Region: South Ostrobothnia
• Language: Finnish
• Currency: euro

Sights in Seinäjoki

The Apila library

Seinäjoki got a new city library in 2012. The striking building was designed by JKMM Architects and named Apila.

Seen from above, the building looks like a cloverleaf, and the design was inspired by Japanese origami. The facade is clad in copper laid out in a scale pattern.

The old library houses a reading room, a collection of art, history and ethnography books, and a large number of Finnish children's books.

The Apila library and the Aalto library are connected by an underground corridor.

The Kalevan Navetta art and culture centre

Kalevan Navetta is close to the centre of Seinäjoki and offers a varied programme of art and culture.

The 130-year-old former cowshed houses exhibitions of contemporary art and hosts events such as art courses, concerts and food evenings.

The first floor is home to a wide range of art and cultural activities, including the Seinäjoki adult education centre.

The second and third floors invite you to linger among the changing exhibitions of contemporary art run by the Seinäjoki cultural centre.

On the ground floor, visitors will find a shop with fine handicrafts, the art rental service Taidelainaamo Parsi and a cosy cafe.

Lakeuden Risti

The church, also designed by Alvar Aalto, is the main church of the Seinäjoki parish.

Aalto won a design competition for the church, which was originally meant to be clad in polished black granite. In the end, this was only used on the lower parts of the walls and in the chapel.

Culture in Seinäjoki

Alvar Aalto

Alvar Aalto was an important Finnish architect whose influence still shapes the city. The buildings he designed draw architecture fans from Finland and abroad to Seinäjoki.

Besides buildings, Aalto also designed glassware, furniture and even entire residential districts. The Aalto Centre in Seinäjoki comprises six buildings plus the civic square, built in 1988:

1. Lakeuden Risti
2. The parish centre
3. The town hall
4. The Aalto library
5. The government office building
6. The theatre

The Matin-Tupa cinema

The cinema has been running since 1941, when the first film was shown in the still unfinished building.

Today the cinema, with its 200 seats, shows a broad selection of feature films and weekly Finnish premieres. The foyer also holds an exhibition of more than 20,000 film posters.

The cinema is the main venue for Ylistaro's annual film festival "Filmia ja valoa", which shows around 15 films on a chosen theme. The three-day festival takes place every November.

You can find the programme on the cinema's website, though only in Finnish.

Seinäjoki city orchestra

The city orchestra was founded as an association in 1936. Made up of a string and wind quintet, the orchestra focuses on chamber music but also gives symphony concerts, for which additional professional musicians join in.

The orchestra performs regularly at the annual tango festival and maintains a close partnership with the Vaasa city orchestra; together the two give two or three concerts a year.

The tango festival

On mild summer nights, to the sounds of Finnish tango, visitors can enjoy the Seinäjoen Tangomarkkinat festival in July.

Around 100,000 music fans come to Seinäjoki every year, making it one of the biggest festivals in Finland supported by the non-profit organisation Finland Festivals.

Outdoor activities in Seinäjoki

If you fancy a swim in summer, head to Sahalampi beach, right in the centre of Seinäjoki.

If you would rather explore the countryside around the city by mountain bike, you can hire one at Cykli Mountainbike. The shop at the foot of Joupiska carries a wide range of mountain bike models, and the nearest trail is only 200 metres away, so you can set off straight away.

Winter makes a trip to Seinäjoki something special. In the cold months there is snow on the ground and temperatures drop below freezing. Perfect for a winter holiday!

On lake Kalajärvi there is a 1.5-kilometre floodlit ice-skating track that winds through the wintry forest. At weekends you can hire skates at the Kalajärvi restaurant. The track is open daily, weather permitting.

Where to stay in Seinäjoki

Finns traditionally spend the summer in lovely wooden cabins. In Seinäjoki you can rent a variety of cabins of different sizes and standards.

The Hotel Fooniki is around 3.5 kilometres from the city centre and has its own restaurant. There is plenty of free parking, and after an eventful day guests can unwind in the hotel pub or by the fireplace.

In the beautiful surroundings of Törnävä, holidaymakers can spend the night at Seinäjoki Camping. The family-friendly site has around 60 pitches with electricity as well as rental cabins. Besides service buildings with toilets, showers and washing machines, there is also a sauna for relaxing.

Food and drink in Seinäjoki

Seinäjoki spoils its visitors with a wide choice of around 100 restaurants and cafes. There are pizzerias, sushi restaurants, Asian specialities, fast-food chains and much more!

Alongside charcoal-grilled burgers and other treats from the grill, Club Smoke is just down the stairs. You can dance here, and at weekends guests can put their singing to the test at karaoke.

Conclusion: a treat for culture lovers

Culture lovers and fans of distinctive architecture in particular will love Seinäjoki. But the city is also worth a visit in winter, and the warm months of the year have plenty to offer too.

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