15 tips to find things to do in Seinäjoki - Aalto City

Seinäjoki offers exciting cultural attractions, diverse nature and delicious places to eat. Experience the city's best attractions and activities!
City articles
19.11.2024

Seinäjoki offers a wide range of experiences and attractions for visitors. The city is particularly known for its events and Alvar Aalto's architecture, but there is much more to experience.

In Seinäjoki you can enjoy culture, nature and city life according to your own preferences. Whether you're into sports, shopping, food or hiking, you're sure to find something to do in this centre of South Ostrobothnia.

Discover with us the best destinations in Seinäjoki!

Cultural experiences in Seinäjoki

Kalevan Navetta

1) Kaleva Navetta Cultural Centre

Kaleva Navetta is a versatile arts and culture centre located near the centre of Seinäjoki. This more than 130-year-old red-brick barn building offers plenty to see and experience.

You can visit the Seinäjoki Art Hall, which organises temporary exhibitions of contemporary art and a varied programme of side events. You can meet both Finnish and international artists at the Art Hall.

Kaleva Naveta also offers arts and crafts courses for all ages. By taking part in workshops you can learn new skills in an inspiring environment.

In addition to cultural experiences, you can enjoy delicious meals in a restaurant in a historic setting. Food experiences will crown your stay in this unique destination.

A timeline hanging on the wall of the lobby presents the interesting history of the building, which you can explore on your own.

2) Seinäjoki Art Hall exhibitions

Seinäjoki Art Hall offers a wide range of contemporary art exhibitions throughout the year. You can discover challenging and inspiring works by both Finnish and international artists.

To learn more about the exhibitions, you can take part in open guided tours or meet the artists in person. Conversational exhibition tours offer a deeper understanding of the works as experts share their perspectives.

The Art Hall also organises art workshops and courses for children and families. These activities provide an opportunity to express creativity and work together.

3) The Church of the Cross of the Lake

Lakeuden Risti is Seinäjoki's most famous landmark and an impressive sight. This modernist church, designed by Alvar Aalto, was completed in 1960 and is part of the city's Aalto Centre.

The church's 65-metre-high bell tower dominates the city skyline. The church hall is spacious and can seat 1 200 people. Wave's hand can also be seen in the interior, with details, lighting and communion equipment. In summer, you can climb to the observation deck of the tower to admire panoramic views over Seinäjoki and the surrounding valley.

The fountain designed by Aalto in front of the church and the adjacent park area make the whole harmonious. The Cross of Lake Constance is a must for anyone interested in architecture and culture.

4) Fram Technology and Innovation Centre

Frami is a modern technology and innovation centre located in Jouppila, Seinäjoki. It is a meeting place for companies, universities and university research, where new ideas and opportunities for cooperation are generated.

The region employs more than 1 000 people in various companies and organisations and is home to around 5 000 students. Frami is an important part of Seinäjoki's business and education scene.

Fram's modern premises are home to a wide range of businesses, including technology companies, design agencies and service providers. A visit to Fram is an opportunity to see how innovation and entrepreneurship flourish in Seinäjoki.

The area also hosts a range of events, seminars and training sessions open to the public. By visiting the Fram, you can experience the dynamic and forward-looking atmosphere of the city.

5) Visit the Aalto Library in Seinäjoki

The Aalto Library in Seinäjoki is part of the city's main library and is located in the impressive Aalto Centre. The library is an architecturally significant building where you can explore a wide range of literature and enjoy the inspiring surroundings.

The Aalto Library has a particularly large collection of literature related to art, architecture, history and ethnology. There is also a regional collection and parts of the children's section.

The building's façade is dominated by Aalto designed window strips covered with lattices, which create a beautiful play of light and shadow in the interior.

The former newspaper reading room houses an impressive collection of Aalto glass, owned by the City of Seinäjoki. The collection offers a unique opportunity to see glass objects designed by Alvar Aalto.

6.Explore the Törnävä museum area

The Törnävä Museum District is a historical gem in Seinäjoki, located in the beautiful Törnävä Manor area. The South Ostrobothnian Museum is the heart of the area, where you can visit the main exhibition "Where shall we be?".

In the outdoor museum area, you can travel back in time. There are 18 peasant buildings from the 1600s and 1800s, including the well-preserved Liinamaa Tamarat. In the Stone Barn, you can admire the changing exhibitions in the Vintage Gallery.

The area also provides a beautiful setting for walks and picnics. The Törnävä Museum area is ideal for history lovers and families alike.

7. Admire the architecture of the Aalto Centre

The Aalto Centre in Seinäjoki is a remarkable architectural ensemble designed by Alvar Aalto. This unique administrative and cultural centre is located south of the city centre.

The centre comprises six buildings designed by Aalto and a People's Market connecting them. During your visit, you can explore the sites on your own using a mobile app that provides information about the buildings and Aalto's architecture.

The Aalto Centre has been nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which reflects its global significance. A visit here is a memorable experience for architecture lovers.

Nature, outdoor activities and sports in Seinäjoki

Jouppilanranta

8. Get active on Jouppilanranta

Jouppilanranta is a pleasant recreational area in the city of Seinäjoki, offering a variety of opportunities for outdoor activities, exercise and relaxation in the beautiful lake scenery.

The area has a popular beach, which attracts visitors especially in summer. The beach offers space for sunbathing and swimming. There are also grassy areas nearby, ideal for picnics and play. 

The beach is surrounded by beautiful walking and cycling paths through lush green landscapes. The area is particularly popular with hikers and nature lovers. The trails connect easily with the outdoor areas of Jouppilanvuori, so you can extend your day with a jog or a nature walk.

Jouppilanranta is also a winter season destination. The area is ideal for activities such as open water swimming or enjoying the winter scenery on peaceful walks. The lake freezes over in winter, making it ideal for winter sports such as skating and walking on ice.

9. Admire the Seinäjoki Botanical Garden

Seinäjoki Botanical Garden offers a unique opportunity to explore the diverse flora. In the garden you can admire different plant species and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

The garden is divided into different sections with both local and exotic plants. You can learn about plant diversity and their importance to the ecosystem.

The area has pleasant walking trails, perfect for relaxing and enjoying nature. During the summer, the garden is particularly beautiful when many plants are in bloom.

10. Play in the Duddies Activity Park

The Dudsonit Activity Park offers more exciting things to do for the whole family at Seinäjoki Ideapark. The park is full of energy and fun activities.

You can try the giant trampoline area or climb the four-storey climbing world. The park also has a skate park and many other sports to try.

There are activities to suit all tastes, from parkour to football pinball. The Dudson Activity Park is perfect for a tyhy event or a Christmas party.

11. Pulikoi in Seinäjoki swimming pool

A variety of activities are available at the Seinäjoki swimming pool, so you can enjoy a wide range of entertainment.

You can swim leisurely at your own pace or try your skills on the water diving tower. A swimming ticket gives you two hours of swimming time, and you can combine it with a gym session if you wish.

12. Experience the Jouppilanvuori outdoor recreation area

Jouppilanvuori is a well-known and loved outdoor destination in Seinäjoki, attracting locals and tourists alike all year round. This versatile recreational area offers plenty of opportunities for active exercise, relaxing in nature and enjoying the scenery.

There are well-marked trails for hiking and mountain biking on Mount Jouppila. The trails follow varied terrain through forests, and you can stop along the way to admire the beautiful scenery. The trails are ideal for beginners and more experienced outdoor enthusiasts alike. 

In winter, Jouppilanvuori's ski trails are particularly popular. The area has illuminated trails, which also allow skiing in the evenings. The trails vary in length and difficulty, so they are suitable for skiers of all levels. In addition to the traditional style of skiing, the area is also suitable for ice-skating.

The nature trails of Jouppilavuori are a great way to relax from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy the sounds of nature. Along the trails there are resting places where you can sit down and admire the surrounding landscape. Especially in spring and summer, the area's flowering plants and birdsong create a wonderful atmosphere.

Dining and shopping in Seinäjoki

Seinäjoki city centre

13. Go out for a treat in restaurants

Seinäjoki has nearly 100 eateries offering everything from local delicacies to international flavours. Restaurant Juurella, for example, offers an atmospheric setting and delicious dishes. Talriikki restaurant at the Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna and Vinola on the edge of the central square are also popular places to eat. Restaurant Alma offers a unique Art Nouveau-inspired dining room and a varied menu. The Japanese restaurant Juku offers delicious Asian cuisine from both the à la carte menu and the lunch buffet.

14. Mallaskoski Brewery Restaurant

Mallaskoski Brewery Restaurant is a popular destination near the city centre. Here you can enjoy local beers on the scenic terrace.

The Brewery Restaurant offers the opportunity to learn about beer brewing. You can book a tour of the brewery, where you can learn about its history and the brewing process. The tour also includes a beer tasting.

The restaurant organises various events and parties, such as birthdays and Christmas parties. During the autumn, the outdoor sales are mainly open on Thursdays and Fridays from 15-18.

15. Try local food

Maatilatori Seinäjoki, which offers a wide range of local products directly from producers. The shop sells high-quality meat, bread, cheese and other products from local farms and small producers. 

The Farmers' Market is the perfect choice when you want to buy ingredients that are not only fresh but also ethically and ecologically produced. This shop is a great place to pick up supplies to take home or prepare great meals from local produce.

Another place worth visiting is Kauppahalli Seinäjoki, which combines the atmosphere of a city tower with the comfort of the interior. The Kauppahalli offers fresh food such as vegetables, fruit and fish, but also local handicrafts and seasonal products. This is a good destination if you want to shop in a peaceful environment, but also experience the local market tradition. The market hall also offers the chance to make unique finds in small boutiques that showcase local expertise and creativity.

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