Overview
Come and experience the authenticity that characterizes every moment in the unique environment of Sunila! Overnight in Sunila offers a mini-journey into the architecture of the Aaltos, the sense of community spanning past and present, and the maritime nature of Kotka. Kotka’s Sunila is one of Finland’s most famous suburbs. The iconic Sunila is a complete residential area designed by architects Aino and Alvar Aalto, known as a forest suburb.
The residential area of Sunila emerged around the factory. Currently, the factory is undergoing a period of transition. The announcement of the factory’s closure at the end of 2023 cast a shadow over the area, until news emerged of new companies interested in the production facilities. The future of the factory is still uncertain, but its history is rich.
During the journey, we delve into the history and present-day of Sunila’s factory community and the entire area, as well as the prospects for the future. Sunila’s forest suburb is a relatively unknown gem in terms of tourism, making this travel package suitable for trendsetters of all kinds.
Suitable for
Adventure travelers
Activity enthusiasts
Groups of friends
Architecture enthusiasts
Architects, designers, and planners
Groups
Includes
Accommodation in Sunila’s workers’ housing
Guided tours in Sunila
Self-guided and guided hiking in the area
Architectural brunch or menu
Group size
Ideal for groups of minimum 8 people (guide for up to 25 people)
Itinerary
The uniqueness of Sunila unfolds through historical insights, with Alvar and Aino Aalto playing a central role in the narrative. Harry Gullichen, serving as the CEO of A. Ahlström Corporation and the chairman of the board of Sunila Oy, had a significant influence. As a friend of Alvar Aalto, he proposed Aalto as the architect for the area. Both shared modern ideas about art, architecture, and societal progress. Lauri Kanto, the manager of the nearby Halla factory, was appointed as the project leader, with Aulis Kairamo serving as its technical director. These four men collaborated closely to create a technically, architecturally, and socially advanced production facility and community.
Day 1
The group arrives at Sunila Kantola by boat (following a new route from Sapokka to Kantola pier) or by car. Accommodations are provided at the worker housing units in the Sunila area. The shared program begins with an introduction to Kantola and a general presentation by the guide about the area. During the presentation, a soup lunch and coffee are served.
The day includes a comprehensive guided tour of the Sunila area, as well as the opportunity to participate in a guided bike ride to the Tiutinen fishing village or a kayaking excursion off the coast of Sunila. The arrangements for physical activities are handled by Retkipiste.
At the end of the day’s program, there is an opportunity to relax in the Kantola beach sauna. An organized dinner is served at Kantola, featuring a three-course architect’s menu. The concept and dishes of the architect’s menu are inspired by the Aaltos’ beloved Italy, Finnish nature, and innovative design.
Day 2
The second day begins with breakfast, which is composed of local products and ingredients from nearby producers. The rest of the day’s program is free. Participants will receive tips for exploring the area, including information about swimming spots and other nearby points of interest.
Lunch is served at Kantola, and if desired, it can also be prepared collectively in the Kantola large-scale kitchen to accommodate the group’s needs. After lunch and coffee, the participants will gather the travel tips in Kantola’s guestbook for the enjoyment of future adventure travelers.
Services incluced in the package
Sunila Kantola
“Sunila Kantola” is part of the Sunila factory area in Kotka. Sunila was once one of Finland’s largest pulp and paper mills, and its area also included a residential area built for the factory workers, known as Sunila Kantola.
During the tenure of the factory managers, the rooms and upper floor of Sunila Kantola served as the family’s private spaces, but they also provided sleeping and guest rooms for visitors. The view from the largest room’s windows overlooking the park courtyard and the sea created a unique atmosphere for waking up in the morning. The cozy and peaceful atmosphere of the smaller rooms warmly welcomed overnight guests. Today, these spaces are available for guests! Additionally, there are more accommodation options in the Sunila area and its vicinity, such as quality AirBnB apartments, to provide additional lodging capacity for visitors.
Furthermore, Sunila Kantola offers an architect’s brunch experience!
Retkipiste
Retkipiste organizes immersive nature excursions for groups. Their activity packages are always led by authorized and professionally trained nature and wilderness guides. Having a guide ensures organization, a sense of security, and assistance with the use of various equipment. Moreover, a skilled guide can help you experience new adventures, discover new aspects of the surrounding nature, your group, and perhaps even yourself.
