West Coast of Finland route

The West Coast of Finland route has five fascinating sites: Leineperi ironworks, Kauttua ironworks, Ahlström ironworks, Friitala leather museum and Rosenlew museum. These sites provide a variety of services and experiences including famous architecture, exhibitions and events, high quality accommodation, restaurants, cafes, and independent shops.

Industrial heritage in Satakunta

Satakunta is a region in the West Coast of Finland with a rich history in forestry and metal industries. Several ironworks were founded along the waterways as early as the 17th century. The Kokemäki river enabled the development of sawmills, as the river offered an efficient way to transport wood. The location at the Gulf of Bothnia enabled trade routes worldwide. Today the region’s export harbours are in Pori and Rauma.

An ironwork site was founded in the rural village of Leineperi in 1771. It stands as one of the best-preserved and architecturally perfect ironwork areas in Finland. Today it has evolved into a cultural area, enlivened by local entrepreneurs and events, as well as offering a setting for recreational activities.

The oldest ironworks in the West Coast is in Kauttua, was founded in 1689. The area continues its industrial activities to this day by having a modern paper factory, old industrial milieu, and an industrial heritage visitor centre. The site also has several buildings by the world-famous architect Alvar Aalto, including workers’ housing and sauna.

Today, the Ahlström Ironworks in Noormarkku is one of the largest ironworks areas in Finland. The ironworks was founded in 1806, and the current owner, A. Ahlström Oy, was founded in 1851. The Ahlström family company ended up becoming one of the most influential industrial entrepreneurs in Finland, with current headquarters in the Noormarkku ironworks. You can explore the ironworks area with its several workers’ houses and clerical buildings, gardens, and exhibitions. Three generations worth of the Ahlström family homes are in the vicinity, the most famous being Villa Mairea designed by Alvar Aalto in 1939. Ahlström Ironworks and Kauttua Ironworks are also members of the Alvar Aalto cultural route.

Industry in the West Coast has also relied on local craftsmanship. Cobblers’ workshops and tanneries enabled the development of the leather industry in the region. The Friitala leather museum, located in the former Friitala leather tannery in Ulvila, explores the industrial history of the tannery and leather production.

The Anchor Point on the West Coast route is Rosenlew museum in Pori. W. Rosenlew Co developed into one of the cornerstones of industry in the region. Rosenlew began operating in 1853 in sawmills, and quickly became multifaceted and self-sufficient in energy production. Even though the family business no longer exists, several of the factories it founded are still operating. Energy remains as one of the main industries in the region.