Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Säynätsalo town hall, one of Aalto's most famous works, is on an island southeast of
Jyväskylä. The sturdy brick tower of this 'fortress of democracy' recalls a castle, but the
grassy patio bathes the interior with light and reflects a relationship with nature that is
present in much of Aalto's work. The classroom-like council chamber is on the top floor.
Reach Säynätsalo from Jyväskylä on bus 16 or 21 (€5.50, 30 minutes); get off at the SS-
Kunnantalo stop.
Two rooms (€50) are available, named after the man and his second wife, who often
slept here while supervising construction. They are singles (although extra beds can be put
in), share a bathroom and have simple kitchen facilities.
Muuratsalo
Muuratsalon Koetalo
ARCHITECTURE
( 014-266-7113;
www.alvaraalto.fi
;
adult/student/child €17/8/free; 1.30-3.30pm Mon, Wed & Fri
Jun-mid-Sep, plus Tue & Thu Aug)
Peaceful Muuratsalo islet, connected to Säynätsalo by bridges, was Aalto's summer re-
treat. On Päijänne's shores he built his
Experimental House
, a must-see for Aalto lovers,
but pricey if you're not. Entrance is by guided tour pre-arranged by phone or email (the
Alvar Aalto Museo or Jyväskylä tourist office can do this). Take bus 16 (€5.50, 40
minutes) from central Jyväskylä to the end of the route; the house is 500m further.
You first see his beloved boat,
Nemo Propheta in Patria
('Nobody is a Prophet in their
Homeland') on terra firma: it was never very seaworthy. Then it's the lakeside sauna and
house itself. Aalto used the charming patio to try out various types and patterns of bricks
and tiles to see how they looked in different seasons and how they weathered.
The interior is surprisingly small; it's cool and colourful. A guest wing is perched on
timber and stones (another playful experiment). You can well imagine Aalto looking out
over the beautiful, peaceful lake and pondering his designs.
Petäjävesi
Thirty-five kilometres west of Jyväskylä, Petäjävesi has a wonderfully gnarled Unesco-lis-
3.50; 10am-6pm Jun-Aug, call for low-season visits)
. Finished in 1765, it's a marvellous ex-
