The Alvar Aalto Route – 20th Century Architecture and Design is a cultural tourism route managed by the Cultural Route on Aalto’s Architecture and Design Heritage Association. The route was accepted into the prestigious Cultural Routes network of the Council of Europe in 2021 as the first route coordinated from Finland. Its goal is to connect Aalto sites and actors internationally. Today, the route includes nearly 40 participants from five different European countries.

The Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe highlight Europe’s shared cultural heritage through various themes. Certification requires diverse activities, and a theme grounded in academic research and practical scientific collaboration. The network promotes sustainable cultural tourism, supports educational activities for children and youth, increases awareness of shared European history, memory, and heritage, and fosters links to contemporary culture and the arts.

Cultural Routes undergo regular evaluations through a rigorous auditing process. The certificate granted to the Alvar Aalto Route is valid from 2025 to 2030. The route received praise for its recent development efforts, particularly in promoting sustainable tourism. In collaboration with its active network, the route has introduced new cultural tourism products and advanced sustainable practices. “The audit process encouraged us to reflect on our activities from multiple perspectives and offered valuable guidance for the future. We received encouraging feedback to continue along the same development path,” says Maija Oinonen, Executive Director of the Association.

“Holding Cultural Route status from the Council of Europe signifies that Aalto’s architectural and design heritage belongs among the cultural treasures of the world. Our task is to ensure that Aalto sites are as accessible as possible to everyone,” adds the Association’s Chairman Markku Hannonen.

The Visit Alvar Aalto website offers travel tips and information on Aalto sites for both travelers and anyone interested in Aalto’s legacy. Visitors can book ready-made travel packages or find inspiration for independent Aalto-themed trips. “We provide information about the sites, accessibility, and available services. We also support sustainable choices by highlighting our members’ sustainability efforts. Together, we’ve created a sustainable tourism strategy and are currently developing a guide to responsible travel,” explains Oinonen.

Thirteen Finnish Alvar Aalto Route sites are also included in the UNESCO Aalto Works World Heritage Tentative List. The Aalto Works selection includes the Sunila residential area in Kotka, Paimio Sanatorium, Experimental House in Muuratsalo, Säynätsalo Town Hall, and the Aalto campus in Jyväskylä, the Aalto Centre in Seinäjoki, Church of the Three Crosses in Imatra, Social Insurance Institution Headquarters, House of Culture, Studio Aalto, The Aalto House, and Finlandia Hall in Helsinki, and Villa Mairea in Pori. The nomination has been prepared by the Finnish Heritage Agency in cooperation with the Alvar Aalto Foundation, ICOMOS World Heritage experts, and the site owners. A decision by UNESCO is expected in summer 2026.

The Cultural Routes programme, launched by the Council of Europe in 1987, demonstrates in a visible way, by means of a journey through space and time, how the heritage of the different countries and cultures of Europe represent a shared cultural heritage. The Cultural Routes support the mission of the Council of Europe in promoting democracy, human rights and the rule of law across Europe and beyond. They promote awareness of Europe’s common heritage and put into practice cultural democracy and cultural diversity, dialogue, and mutual exchange across boundaries and centuries within Europe as well as with other countries and regions. As of 2025, there are 49 certified Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe.

More information:
Maija Oinonen, Executive Director
+358 40 550 9992
maija.oinonen@alvaraalto.fi

Visit Alvar Aalto
Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe – Homepage – Cultural Routes
Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe programme – Finnish Heritage Agency