Rajamäki: Industrial History and Modern Architecture

Rajamäki brings together the history of the alcohol industry, distinctive architecture and surprising places of remembrance. A visit can take you from the Rajamäen Ryyppi Factory and Alcohol Museum to the factory community’s buildings and the anti-aircraft towers. There is also an old yeast factory with shops and workshops, as well as an opportunity to learn about life on a farm.

Industrial History at the Museum

The Rajamäen Ryyppi Factory and Alcohol Museum is dedicated to Finnish work, industry and the history of spirits. Its exhibits therefore explore not only a product, but also the history of work and industry. The narrow, tall distillery houses a Barbet distillation plant installed in 1913 by Metallwerke J. Aders of Magdeburg. This is a specific detail of the museum’s technical history and adds to the picture of how production developed.

For planning your visit, it is important to know that the museum is not accessible. Its exhibition rooms are spread over four floors, reached by spiral staircases. Keep this layout in mind when deciding which stops are suitable for your trip.

Factory Architecture and the Church

Rajamäki is also notable for its modern architecture from the 1930s. The factory and residential buildings designed by Erkki Huttunen, along with the factory community’s church, are part of a selection of significant Finnish modern architecture recognized by the international DOCOMOMO network. The buildings thus link the industrial character of the area with a story of architectural history.

Rajamäki Church is a neoclassical church whose design is shaped by functionality. Alkoholiliike Oy had the church built in 1938 for its employees, to a design by Erkki Huttunen. Its bell tower is a landmark of Rajamäki and stands 48.11 metres high. Architecture enthusiasts will find here another work by the same architect, alongside the factory and residential buildings, as well as a striking landmark in the local landscape.

Anti-Aircraft Towers and a Distinctive Local History

Two anti-aircraft towers on Tykkitorninmäki form a landmark unique in the world. Oy Alkoholiliike Ab built them in 1940–1941, in peacetime, to protect the liqueur factory and the village from air raids. Their story connects the protection of an industrial operation with the defence of the local community. The towers can be viewed from the outside, making this stop different from a museum visit that includes indoor spaces.

Workshops, Farm Life and Local Produce

In the old yeast factory, Rajamäen Hiiva is a community of craftspeople, artists and small businesses. The factory has shops and workshops. This offers a different perspective on Rajamäki’s industrial history: a former production site is also connected with craft and creative pursuits.

At Toikan Tila, visitors can learn about life on a farm and its animals while enjoying treats. Colostrum, meat, potatoes and peas are also sold there. Your trip can therefore combine cultural and agricultural interests: you can focus on architecture and industrial history or choose to experience everyday farm life and the foods available there.

Trails and Connections

If you would like to spend time outdoors, Rajamäen Uimahalli swimming pool is a useful point of reference: the pool is a starting point for the Kiljavannummi outdoor trail network. This makes it possible to complement visits focused on architecture and local history with an active outdoor option. Rajamäki also has public transport connections to Helsinki and Hyvinkää, and good transport links. When choosing a holiday apartment, you can therefore first decide whether the experiences described in the town itself or connections to these two destinations will play a bigger part in your stay.

If Rajamäki’s industrial history, architecture, farm life or trail network inspires your trip, you can search specifically for a holiday apartment in Rajamäki. Find more local pages for Vihti, Kirkkonummi, Siuntio, Mörskom, Karjalohja, Sipoo, Hanko and Nummi-Pusula.

For the broader travel overview: Uusimaa.