Seinäjoki – a city of events
Seinäjoki has become known for its numerous events. Established in 1979, Provinssi is one Finland’s largest rock festivals. The three-day festival attracts tens of thousands of visitors every June. July is an action-packed month in Seinäjoki. The Tangomarkkinat tango festival offers high emotion and memorable experiences and invites visitors to enjoy concerts, dances, dance competitions and performances by popular artists. Seinäjoki’s Race & Rock Festival brings together motor sports and music. During the event, visitors can enjoy live music on the streets of Seinäjoki on three evenings and watch racing for two days. Arranged in August, the Solar Sound Festival brings the best urban and electronic music to Seinäjoki.
Arts and culture in the footsteps of Alvar Aalto
The iconic Finnish architect Alvar Aalto left his mark on the architecture of Seinäjoki. Formed by cultural and administrative buildings, Seinäjoki’s Aalto Centre is unique on a global level. It consists of six buildings: The Cross of the Plains church, Parish Centre, Town Hall, Aalto Library, government office centre and Seinäjoki Theatre. Seinäjoki’s Defence Corps Building is the only building from the early part of Aalto’s career that has not been altered at any stage. The entity is completed by a collection of Aalto’s glass designs, which can be viewed at Aalto Library.
The spectacular Apila Library, which opened its doors in 2012, is located close to Aalto Centre and has become a firm favourite among local residents and visitors alike. It was designed by JKMM Architects, who won an invitation competition to design the new library in 2008. Apila has been nominated for several design awards, with great success.
Seinäjoki offers an extensive cultural programme. Seinäjoki Theatre stages numerous high-quality productions all year round. Several amateur theatre groups also operate in Seinäjoki. Seinäjoki is home to several museums and galleries, ranging from the Provincial Museum of South Ostrobothnia to stunning private collections and galleries located across the city. In operation since winter 2020, the art and cultural centre Kalevan Navetta is a new introduction to Seinäjoki’s cultural scene. It houses Seinäjoki Art Hall, Restaurant Äärellä Kuppi+Kattila, Taito Shop, the art rental shop Parsi and the adult education centre’s wood and metal workshops. The Seinäjoki unit of the Sibelius Academy of the University of the Arts Helsinki arranges concerts in the Hugo Auditorium, which is the base for it operations.
Joy of the great outdoors
If a city is lacking a hill and a lake, it has to build them. The area of Joupiska and Kyrkösjärvi is a popular centre for sports and leisure activities in all seasons. In winter, the downhill ski centre attracts both downhill and cross-country skiers and ice-skaters. In the summer months, numerous hiking paths and jogging routes criss-cross the area. An obstacle course has been built on top of Joupiska hill, where visitors can put their stamina to the test. Completed in summer 2019, exercise steps have proved an instant hit with athletes.
Located outside the city centre, Ylistaro’s Malkakoski is a beautiful recreational area, where you can go birdwatching, relax at a lean-to, fish and enjoy the river scenery.
Seinäjoki also has several public beaches and in winter you can try ice-swimming in Sahalampi, Tanelinlampi and Veneskoski. In summer, Kaanaa Lines offers idyllic river cruises. The interesting stories and facts shared by the boat’s captain lend the cruises extra colour.
With its comprehensive services, Kalajärvi Resort in Peräseinäjoki is an exciting travel destination.
Fun and games for families
Seinäjoki also has action-packed holiday destinations for the whole family. The Dudesons Activity Park, which is open all year round, offers a great setting for hair-raising stunts and activities. The centre includes 30 activities. Younger children will enjoy a visit to the HopLop soft play park, and the children’s traffic park, open throughout the summer, is always popular with families.
City of Seinäjoki
With its population of almost 64,000 residents, Seinäjoki is the centre of South Ostrobothnia. A river by the same name runs through the town. Seinäjoki is famous for its buildings designed by Alvar Aalto, large events, diverse exercise and free-time opportunities, and excellent location close to main roads. Seinäjoki is a town of active people, where everything is within easy reach.
It also offers a wide range of shopping opportunities. In autumn 2019 Ideapark, with its more than 100 shops and restaurants, opened its doors in Seinäjoki. In addition, the city centre has a wide range of shops, including those in the Torikeskus and Epstori shopping centres.
