In Rajamäki, Finnish industrial history, architecture, crafts and outdoor activities come together as distinct travel themes. The Rajamäen Ryyppi Factory and Alcohol Museum explores Finnish work, industry and the history of spirits. Other local highlights include buildings by Erkki Huttunen, two flak towers, a community in an old yeast factory and a starting point for the Kiljavannummi trail network.
Factory history at the Rajamäen Ryyppi Museum
A specific technical highlight is found in the museum’s narrow, tall distillery: it houses a Barbet distillation plant made by Metallwerke J. Aders of Magdeburg and installed in 1913. It adds an example of distilling technology to the museum’s main themes. This offers a way to explore Rajamäki’s industrial history not only through its factories and workers, but also through a named piece of equipment.
Accessibility is important when planning a visit: the museum is not wheelchair accessible. Its exhibition rooms are spread across four floors, reached by spiral staircases. Check this information again before your visit.
Huttunen’s architecture and Rajamäki’s landmarks
The factory and residential buildings designed by Erkki Huttunen in the 1930s, along with the factory community’s church, are part of a selection of significant Finnish modern architecture recognised by the international DOCOMOMO network. Huttunen also designed Rajamäki Church, which Alkoholiliike Oy had built in 1938 for its own employees. The building is neoclassical and characterised by functionalism. Its 48.11-metre-high bell tower is considered a landmark of Rajamäki.
The flak towers offer a different historical perspective: Oy Alkoholiliike Ab built them in 1940–1941, during peacetime, to protect the liqueur factory and village from air raids. The two flak towers on Tykkitorninmäki in Rajamäki are a unique landmark worldwide. They can be viewed from the outside. The church and the towers thus represent different building purposes and historical contexts in Rajamäki.
Crafts, farm life and outdoor trails
Rajamäen Hiiva, located in the old yeast factory, is a community of craftspeople, artists and small businesses. The factory is home to shops and workshops. This is a different focus from the museum’s industrial history: here, the emphasis is on craftwork and small businesses. Individual shops and their opening hours may change, so check in advance which ones will be open during your visit.
At Toikan Tila, visitors can learn about farm life and the animals, and enjoy treats. The farm sells colostrum, meat, potatoes and peas. The offer combines an insight into farm life with specific products; availability may vary. If this stop is important to your plans, ask about the current selection before your visit.
For time outdoors, Rajamäen Uimahalli swimming pool is a starting point for the Kiljavannummi outdoor trail network. This adds opportunities for hiking and other outdoor activities to the cultural and historical attractions. Check local trail information before setting out, as conditions may change.
Getting there and finding accommodation
Rajamäki has public transport connections to Helsinki and Hyvinkää and is well connected by road. Check the route and timetable that suit your travel date. Also take into account the visiting arrangements for each attraction.
Discover more destinations: Mäntsälä, Porvoo, Savijoki, Ingå, Pernå, Vihti, Svartå, Hyvinkää.
For the regional travel overview: Uusimaa.
