Welcome!
The Industrial Heritage Route brings together Finland’s rich and experiential industrial cultural heritage, which contains diverse experiences, hidden gems and a colorful journey through Finnish history from the 17th century to the present day. Whether you are looking for a domestic destination for a day trip, a weekend or a longer holiday – on the Industrial Heritage Route you will find fascinating museums, UNESCO sites, nature experiences, the most wonderful hotels, art and boutique finds. In our diverse destinations you may also find something completely surprising – such as a go-kart track or a cinema!
The Industrial Heritage Route includes 30 Finnish destinations, but we are not alone in the network! The Industrial Heritage Route is part of the European Route of Industrial Heritage (ERIH), a cultural heritage route of the Council of Europe. The ERIH network includes over 300 member destinations from 30 countries. Discover European cultural heritage in Finnish destinations and plan your next trip abroad on the ERIH website!
Let industrial heritage color your next trip!
From Industry to Travel Destinations
The modernization of industrialization in Finland in the 1970s led to a situation where technological development and the pressures for change on old buildings led to the desertification or demolition of numerous traditional Finnish factory environments. In the 1980s, Finland became active in defending Finnish industrial heritage, and the movement gave rise to projects for the reuse of historical environments all over Finland. The projects not only gave new life to factory buildings, but also carefully documented the lives and past history of their workers, while building a huge intangible and tangible archive of the centuries of Finnish development. The oldest route destinations date back to the 17th century, and the youngest originated in the 19th century. However, in all destinations, industry has not yet retreated, but lives side by side with historical cultural heritage. Come and experience our destination where history meets the present day!
Sites
ERIH Anchorpoints
Rosenlew Museum
Forssa Museum and Pattern Centre
World Heritage Site Verla Groundwood and Board Mill
Strömfors Ironworks
Members
Ahlström Ironworks
Aitoneva Peat Museum
Friitala Leather Museum
Haapakoski Ironworks
Valvilla Wool Mill Museum
Högfors Ironworks and Finnish Foundry Museum
Juankoski Ironworks
Kauppilanmäki Open Air Museum
Kauttua Ironworks
Kellokoski Ironworks
Kuusankoski Art Mill
Maritime Centre Vellamo
Leineperin Ironworks
Mathildedal Ironworks Village
Museum Center Vapriikki
Myllysaari Museum
Nuutajärvi Glass Village
Porras Leather Workshop
Stockfors Village
Sunila
Suvilahti Cultural Centre
Dalsbruk Ironworks Museum
Teijo Ironworks
Museum of Technology
Finnish Labour Museum Werstas
Varkaus Museum Centre Konsti
Current events
FAQ
Arrival, opening hours and tickets
What is the best way to get from one location to another?
The sites on the Industrial Heritage Route are located throughout Finland, in cities, rural areas and villages. The fastest and easiest way to get around is by car, but many sites are also on cycle routes, which we warmly recommend to cycling enthusiasts. Some sites can also be reached by local transport. Check in advance what kind of transport connections are available to the site you want!
Is the Finnish Museum Card valid for the sites on the Industrial Heritage Route?
There are different entrance fee systems in use at the route destinations. Many of them use the Museum Card and a significant number of the destinations are completely free. Please check the entrance fee situation at the destination before your visit.
Are the sites open in winter?
The route includes both destinations that are open year-round and destinations that are only open during the summer. Some destinations are open year-round only by reservation. Please check the opening hours of the destination before visiting!
Contact and further information
I want more information about the route – who can I contact?
We are happy to provide more information about the route’s operations at teollisuusperintoreitti@gmail.com
I want to organize a group trip to several destinations – who do I contact?
Industrial Heritage Route destinations are ideal for group trips and many destinations offer services specifically targeted at groups all year round. Contact teollisuusperintoreitti@gmail.com and tell us which destinations would interest your group the most and we will connect you with the right people!
Finnish Industrial Heritage Route organization
Who manages the Finnish Industrial Heritage Route?
The Finnish Industrial Heritage Route is managed by the Industrial Heritage Society, whose board member directs a steering group consisting of representatives of the route sites. The steering group is the route’s decision-making body. The operation is non-profit and follows the goals of the Industrial Heritage Society of strengthening the status of industrial cultural heritage and disseminating information.
Is the Finnish Industrial Heritage Route a Regional Route of European Route of Industrial Heritage?
No, the Finnish Industrial Heritage Route is longer in scope and distance than 200km, and therefore cannot be a regional route. The Finnish Industrial Heritage Route is an independent national network that cooperates with ERIH. However, the Industrial Heritage Route members form several ERIH regional routes, which are presented on the “Regional routes” page.
How are destinations selected for a route?
New member sites are added to the Industrial Heritage Route once a year in January-February, when the marketing material is updated. All Finnish industrial heritage sites that showcase the site’s industrial heritage, either physically on site or digitally, can be selected as sites. If you are interested in bringing your site to the route, please contact teollisuusperintoreitti@gmail.com.
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