Discover Alvar Aalto in Oulu

Get to know the lesser-known works of architect Alvar Aalto. Of the three locations in Oulu, the Koskikeskus plan is within walking distance of the city centre, and the Toppila Sulphite Pulp Mill area is easily accessible by bus or bike. Perhaps Oulu’s best-known Aalto building, now called AaltoSiilo, is located in Meri-Toppila. Did you know it was once voted the ugliest building in Oulu? Read more about the works of this famous Finnish architect below!

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Koskikeskus – Aalto’s Vision for the River Delta

Within easy walking distance of Oulu’s city centre, you can find Alvar Aalto’s first urban centre plan.

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Alvar Aalto's Toppila Sulphite Pulp Mill

Hop on a bus or a bike and discover the Toppila district, where historic factory buildings have found new life.

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Typpi Oy – Alvar Aalto's Red Brick Industrial Community in Oulu

Most of the Typpi factory is a restricted area, but the auditorium, residential buildings, and sauna can still be admired from the surrounding walking paths.

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The Alvar Aalto Route

The Alvar Aalto Route helps you discover architectural sites designed by Alvar Aalto more easily. Explore Aalto locations from all over Europe – above all, you will find interesting tours and inspiration for planning your own Aalto trip.

Read more about Alvar Aalto Route

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Oulu cathedral in Oulu city.

Oulu Cathedral

Oulu
Old wooden houses in Karjasilta.

Wooden Karjasilta from the reconstruction era

Oulu

Alvar Aalto’s Oulu River Estuary Vision: Koskikeskus

Oulu
Tähtitorni cafe winter.

Tähtitorni Observation Tower

Oulu
Varjakka island fire station.

Varjakka industrial heritage site and nature trail

Oulu

Alvar Aalto's Toppila Sulphite Pulp Mill

Oulu
Pikisaari scenery in winter.

Wooden old town in Pikisaari Island

Oulu
Market hall in winter.

Oulu Market Hall

Oulu
Row of pastel colored houses in Raksila with autumn foliage.

Pastel-coloured wooden Raksila

Oulu

Kindergarten Visit

Oulu
Korkea sisätila, vasemmalla kirjahyllyjä, oikealla korkea ikkunaseinä.

Central Library Saari

Oulu
Northern lights abowe the Nallikari lighthouse.

Nallikari Lighthouse

Oulu
Rantakortteli block in winter.

Historical Rantakortteli blocks of Oulu

Oulu
Inside Oulujoki church.

Oulujoki Church

Oulu
Kuusiluoto presents heritage of wood building in Finland.

Many layers of history in Kuusiluoto

Oulu
Design Center Proto

Design Center Proto

Oulu

Typpi Oy – Alvar Aalto's Red Brick Industrial Community in Oulu

Oulu
Hiukkavaaran monitoimitalon kirjaston tilasta, biljardipöytä, kirjahyllyjä, pöytäryhmiä ja kolme lasta tilassa.

School Visit

Oulu
Inside Turkansaari museum church.

Turkansaari Museum Church

Oulu