The culturally rich city of Seinäjoki
Seinäjoki is located in Western Finland in the region of Southeast Bothnia. In addition to the annual tango festival, the city is particularly impressive for its diverse cultural offerings. Seinäjoki is most famous for the buildings designed by the famous architect Alvar Aalto.
Profile Seinäjoki
- Population: 64,130 (as of 2020)
- Landscape: South Ostrobothnia
- Language: Finnish
- Currency: Euro
Sights in Seinäjoki
The Apila Library
Seinajöki received a new municipal library in 2012. The imposing building was designed by JKMM Arkkitehdit and named Apila.
From above, the building looks like a cloverleaf and the design was inspired by Japanese origami. The facade is made of copper in a scale pattern.
The old library houses a reading room, a collection of art, history and ethnography books, and a variety of Finnish children’s books.
The Apila Library and the Aalto Library are connected by an underground corridor.
The Art and Cultural Center Kalevan Navetta
Kalevan Navetta is located near the center of Seinäjoki and contains a diverse offer of art and culture.
The 130-year-old former cowshed hosts exhibitions of contemporary art and holds various events such as art courses, concerts or even culinary experiences.
On the second floor there is a wide range of art and cultural activities such as the Seinäjoki Adult Education Center.
The 2. and 3rd floor invite you to linger between the changing art exhibitions of contemporary art of the Seinäjoki Cultural Center.
On the first floor, visitors can find a store with beautiful handicrafts, the art rental Taidelainaamo Parsi and a cozy café.
Lakeuden Risti
The church, also designed by Alvar Aalto, is also the main church of Seinäjoki parish.
Aalto won a design competition for the church, which was originally to be clad in polished black granite. However, this was used only in the lower parts of the walls and in the chapel.
The culture in Seinäjoki
Alvar Aalto
Alvar Aalto was an important Finnish architect whose influences have left their mark on the city. The buildings he designed attract numerous national and international architecture lovers to Seinäjoki.
In addition to buildings, Aalto also designed numerous glass works, furniture and even entire residential areas. The Aalto Center in Seinäjoki includes six buildings, as well as the Civic Square built in 1988:
- Lakeuden Risti
- The community center
- The city hall
- The Aalto Library
- The official building
- The theater
The Matin-Tupa Cinema
The cinema has been in operation since 1941, when the first film was shown there in the incomplete building.
Today, the 200-seat cinema offers a wide selection of feature films and weekly Finnish premieres. In addition to films, the cinema also features an exhibition of over 20,000 film posters in the foyer.
The cinema is the main hub for Ylistaros’ annual film festival “Filmia ja valoa“, which shows around 15 films on a selected theme. The three-day festival takes place every year in November.
An overview of the program can be found on the cinema’s website, but in Finnish.
Seinäjoki City Orchestra
The town orchestra was founded as an association in 1936. The orchestra of string and wind quintets focuses on chamber music, but symphony concerts are also held. For this purpose, the orchestra is supplemented by other professional musicians.
The orchestra performs regularly at the annual Tango Festival and also maintains a close partnership with the Vaasa City Orchestra, with whom two to three concerts are held jointly each year.
The Tango Festival
On balmy summer nights and to the sounds of Finnish tango, visitors can enjoy the Seinäjoen Tangomarkkinat festival in July.
Around 100,000 music enthusiasts come to Seinäjoki every year, making the festival one of the largest in Finland, sponsored by the non-profit organization Finland Festivals.
Outdoor activities in Seinäjoki
If you like to swim in summer, you can do it at Sahalampi beach. The beach is located right in the center of Seinäjoki.
If you prefer to explore the nature around the city on a mountain bike, you can rent a bike at the bike rental Cykli Mountain Bike. Located at the foot of Joupiska, the store offers a wide range of different mountain bike models. The nearest track of the store is only 200 meters away, so you can start directly.
Especially in winter, a trip to Seinäjoki offers a special experience. In the cold months there is snow here and temperatures drop into the minus range. Perfect for an unforgettable winter vacation!
At Lake Kalajärvi, there is a 1.5-kilometer floodlit skating rink that winds through the winter forest landscape. On weekends, skates can be rented at the Kalajärvi restaurant. The railroad is open every day, weather permitting.
Spend the night in Seinäjoki
Traditionally, in Finland, the summer is spent in the beautiful wooden huts. In Seinäjoki it is possible to rent various wooden cabins, which vary in size and furnishings.
Hotel Fooniki is located about 3.5 kilometers from the city center and has its own restaurant. In addition to ample free parking, visitors can relax after an eventful day in the hotel pub or in front of the fireplace.
In the beautiful surroundings of Törnäva, vacationers can spend their nights at Seinäjoki Camping. The family-friendly site has about 60 pitches with electricity and rental cabins. In addition to service buildings with toilet, shower and washing machines, there is also a sauna to relax.
Culinary in Seinäjoki
Seinäjoki spoils its visitors with a wide selection of about 100 restaurants and cafes. Here you can find pizzerias, sushi restaurants, Asian specialties, fast food chains and much more!
In addition to burgers from the charcoal oven and other delicacies from the grill, Club Smoke is located down the stairs. Here you can dance and on weekends guests can show their singing talent at karaoke.
Conclusion – A special experience for culture lovers
Especially culture lovers and fans of special architecture will love Seinäjoki. However, the city is also worth a visit in winter and the warm months of the year also have a lot to offer.
The most frequent questions from travelers
What is the best time to travel to Seinäjoki?
For a summer vacation are suitable the months of June, July and August with maximum temperatures of up to 22 °. In January and February temperatures can reach -10 °, which makes these months particularly suitable for a winter vacation.
Who is Alvar Aalto?
Alvar Aalto was a Finnish architect who designed several buildings in Seinäjoki. He lived from 1898-1976.
