The tour starts at the Ankkapurha Culture Park in Anjala beside the River Kymijoki. From there, we follow the timeline of history to Tehtaanmäki, a residential area designed by Alvar Aalto. The industrial community which arose at Tehtaanmäki in the 1870s obtained a modern update when Alvar Aalto was hired in the 1930s to design the Anjala Paper Mill and homes for the mill workers.
The various strata of human settlement are still apparent in the area. The Stone Age residential area in the middle of the built neighbourhood integrates the past into the present. The oldest industrial buildings date from the 19th century, and the houses designed by Aalto are from 1937 to 1956. The buildings designed by Aalto for the Tehtaanmäki area include industrial production buildings, Rantalinja semi-detached houses for the shift supervisors, Tervalinja terraced houses for the workers, spacious Mäntyrinne engineers’ houses and three housing blocks for the clerical employees of the mill.
The houses designed by Aalto and the entire area are still used for their original purpose. These stages of life are the venue for living, playing tennis and working. During the tour you can get to know the area, Aalto’s buildings and also visit an indoor attraction.
The tour continues with a two-hour boat ride on the wild and rugged River Kymijoki. The river separates the built-up area of Inkeroinen from the rural Anjala, and the river has served as the venue of many a historic event. During the tour, you can hear stories of the tumultuous stages of the River Kymijoki and experience the residential area beside the river from a new perspective. The tour includes coffee served beside campfire on the banks of the river.
Supper with delicious Finnish food is arranged at restaurant Ankkapurhan Helmi.
One highlight of the active day is relaxing sauna and get-together at the sauna building.
Overnight stay is in the grounds of the old manor house at Youth Centre Anjala in the midst of the natural environment. Youth Centre Anjala offers accommodation in cosy apartments. The apartments have 3 to 4 bedrooms and shared lounge, toilet and shower facilities.