Journey

Finnish design gems in the Helsinki region

Credits: Helsinki Marketing

Starting Point: Helsinki

2-3 days

Journey: Finnish design gems in the Helsinki region

Are you interested in Finnish design? This journey, which begins in Helsinki before heading to the Hämeenlinna and Iittala regions and Riihimäki, will guide you through the area’s must-see design spots. In Helsinki, you’ll learn about Finnish design and history. In Iittala and Riihimäki, you’ll dive into the area’s well-known design and manufacturing history, as well as its beautiful glass art.

Helsinki

Design Museum Arabia

The entire history of Finnish ceramic art and glass design is currently on display for the first time ever in a single curated collection. Themed "glass, ceramics, art and time," this collection includes works from design legends like Kaj Franck, Timo Sarpaneva, Rut Bryk and Tapio Wirkkala.

On this guided visit of Design District Helsinki, you'll visit famous Finnish design brands like Iittala and Artek, which are known for their Alvar Aalto furniture, and explore Helsinki's fresh design and fashion talents at smaller boutiques.

Travel tip

From Helsinki, continue your journey to Iittala via a commuter train. The ride takes just under two hours. You can check the timetables and buy tickets at vr.fi.

Hämeenlinna

Iittala Glass Factory

The Iittala Glass Factory offers a unique opportunity to see how unique glass items and artwork are made. Watch in awe as talented glassblowers create things like Aalto vases, Oiva Toikka birds, and more -- all from molten glass.

Hämeenlinna

Iittala Glass Museum

Design Museum Iittala, part of the Finnish National Design Museum, highlights the history of the Iittala Glass Factory. The basic exhibition displays internationally acclaimed glass art and prominent serial design products from the late 19th to the 21st century.

Travel tip

On your way back from Iittala to Helsinki, make a stop at Riihimäki. The commuter train ride takes about 30 minutes from Iittala. The Finnish Glass Museum in Riihimäki is worth a visit!

Riihimäki

The Finnish Glass Museum

The Finnish Glass Museum presents the history of glass dating back over 4,000 years and the 300-year history of Finland's glass industry. The collections consist mostly of Finnish household, design and art glass from the 18th-21th centuries.

Places to eat in Helsinki

Explore places to eat in Helsinki

Helsinki is a must-visit destination for foodies and design enthusiasts alike. Here are some restaurants that offer great food and interesting design – from 20th-century Helsinki to modern Nordic.

Helsinki

Restaurant Lasipalatsi

Places to stay in Helsinki

Explore places to stay in Helsinki

Quality, creativity and vision are core elements of design – and they can be found in many of Helsinki’s accommodations. Try St. George or Kämp for a luxury experience, Hotel Helka for stylish Finnish designs or the Folks Hotel for a hip, trendy atmosphere.

Helsinki

Hotel Haven

Helsinki

Hotel St. George

Helsinki

Hotel Helka

Helsinki

Hotel Kämp

Helsinki

The Folks Hotel Konepaja

Iittala and Hämeenlinna highlights

Explore the highlights in Iittala and Hämeenlinna

There’s plenty to do in the historic Iittala and Hämeenlinna region. From touring a medieval castle to shopping the best of Scandinavian design, here are a few suggestions for what to do, where to stay, and where to grab a bite to eat.