Ahlström Ironworks

The Ahlström works in Noormarkku is an industrial heritage site since 1806, offering a variety of services for tourists throughout the year. The history of the village of Noormarkku dates to the 15th century. The operation of the Makkarakoski sawmill, now functioning as a sawmill museum, began in 1753. The machinery and equipment of the current sawmill are mostly from the 1880s.

The Ahlström family acquired the works area in 1870. Since then, the area has developed into its current splendour, with three successive generations' homes being built. The most internationally renowned of these homes is Villa Mairea, designed by Alvar and Aino Aalto (1939). The area also includes numerous workers' housing and officials’ residences, forming a cohesive whole with its buildings, parks, and gardens. Noormarkku is still the home of both the Ahlström family and the Ahlström companies.

The company's story is a significant part of Finnish industrial, architectural, art, and design history. The best way to explore it is through the Ahlström Voyage exhibition in the old forge. Visitors can explore various art glasses from Iittala, Karhula and Riihimäki glassworks. The collection presents works by Tapio Wirkkala and Timo Sarpaneva, as well as several unique pieces of Savoy vases designed by Alvar Aalto.