Toijala: Wallpaper History and Experiences by the Water

Toijala combines industrial history with discoveries by the water: a distinctive wallpaper factory stands on Lake Nahkialanjärvi, while the cultural environment trail takes in buildings of cultural and historical significance and local natural attractions. Toijala Harbour Beach and the Terisjärvi Nature Trail offer other sides of the area. You can plan your trip around whether you are especially interested in design history, culture, or outdoor activities.

Toijala at a glance

• The three-storey Pihlgren ja Ritola wallpaper factory on Lake Nahkialanjärvi was completed in 1937.
• Toijala’s first wallpaper factory was founded by Juho V. Hellberg, Emil Syrén, and Anselm Saarinen in 1903.
• Toijala railway station was completed in 1876 and is considered Finland’s second-oldest railway junction station.
• The cultural environment trail highlights buildings of cultural and historical significance and local natural attractions; its destination signs have QR codes for audio guides.
• There is a water park at Toijala Harbour Beach; the Terisjärvi Nature Trail is promoted for birdwatching and other activities.

Wallpaper patterns and industrial history

The history of local wallpaper production dates back to the founding of Toijala’s first wallpaper factory in 1903. It was founded jointly by Juho V. Hellberg, Emil Syrén, and Anselm Saarinen. A striking example of this industrial history is the three-storey Pihlgren ja Ritola wallpaper factory, completed in 1937 on the shore of Lake Nahkialanjärvi. The founding year and the factory building mark different stages: the beginnings of production and a later building that still serves as a tangible landmark in Toijala’s wallpaper history.

The development of wallpaper patterns drew on both outside influences and original designs. Pihlgren ja Ritola purchased wallpaper patterns from foreign design studios; after establishing its own tela workshop, the company also began designing patterns itself. During her career at Toijala’s first wallpaper factory, Saimi Hämäläinen drew almost 4,000 patterns. She was Finland’s first full-time wallpaper pattern designer. These details make the story interesting as more than just a factory history: they also show how design and production came together.

Those interested in built cultural heritage will find further tangible landmarks: Sampola, a meeting hall designed by master builder Heikki Tiitola, was completed in 1910. Prykin kellari is an underground cellar made of fieldstone and brick, built beside the Toijala brewery’s warehouse. Both buildings add different aspects of architectural history to the picture of Toijala.

Cultural environment trail and changing art themes

The cultural environment trail highlights buildings of cultural and historical significance and local natural attractions in Toijala. The signs at its destinations have QR codes that let you play audio guides on your smartphone. This combines on-site orientation with additional information without limiting the trail to a single theme.

The Näkymä environmental art exhibitions also offer a glimpse of the culture around Lake Nahkialanjärvi. Their themes changed from year to year; examples included Raw Art, Star, Utopia, and Tree. At times, the exhibitions extended from Nahkialanjärvi Park to various parts of the municipality of Akaa.

Water, nature, and excursions

There is a water park at Toijala Harbour Beach, promoted for family recreation. The offering may change. This makes spending time by the water a different kind of experience alongside Toijala’s historical attractions.

The Terisjärvi Nature Trail focuses on birdwatching. Other promoted activities include grilling under a shelter and exercising on fitness steps. This gives you a clear choice when planning your day: you can make the nature trail, with its opportunities for observation and exercise, the focus, or concentrate on Toijala’s cultural history and buildings.

Cruises by inland waterway vessel also depart from Toijala Harbour for Visavuori and the landscapes of Sääksmäki. These destinations are in the wider region, making this a different kind of travel plan from exploring Toijala itself. Cruise availability may vary.

For more trip-planning ideas, you can also explore Kolunkylä, Kämmenniemi, Karhe, Tampere, Viiala, Västilä, Ikaalinen and Laitikkala.

Frequently asked questions about Toijala

What makes Toijala interesting for wallpaper history?

The first wallpaper factory was founded in 1903. Later, the three-storey Pihlgren ja Ritola factory, completed in 1937, was built on Lake Nahkialanjärvi. Saimi Hämäläinen’s pattern work is also part of this history.

What can you discover on the cultural environment trail?

The trail highlights buildings of cultural and historical significance and local natural attractions in Toijala. QR codes on the destination signs provide access to audio guides on a smartphone.

What activities are promoted by the water and on the Terisjärvi Nature Trail?

There is a water park at Toijala Harbour Beach. The Terisjärvi Nature Trail is promoted for birdwatching, grilling under a shelter, and exercising on fitness steps.

Which excursions from Toijala Harbour go to the wider region?

Cruises by inland waterway vessel depart from there for Visavuori and the landscapes of Sääksmäki. Cruise availability may vary.

For the regional travel overview: Pirkanmaa.