Discover Rajamäki

Rajamäki combines Finnish industrial history with distinctive architecture and memorial sites that shape the townscape. The Rajamäen Ryyppi Factory and Alcohol Museum explores work, industry and the history of spirits. Two anti-aircraft towers on Tykkitorninmäki add an unusual feature. There is also the old yeast factory, now home to shops and workshops; a farm where you can discover farm life; and a starting point for the Kiljavannummi trail network. Which of these aspects interests you most can also shape the focus of your stay.

Rajamäki at a glance

• The Rajamäen Ryyppi Museum is dedicated to Finnish work, industry and the history of spirits.
• Its exhibition spaces are on four floors, reached by spiral staircases; the museum is not accessible.
• Factory and residential buildings, together with the factory community church, are part of an internationally recognised selection of modern Finnish architecture.
• Two anti-aircraft towers on Tykkitorninmäki are considered a unique landmark worldwide and can be viewed from the outside.
• Rajamäen Uimahalli is a starting point for the Kiljavannummi outdoor trail network.

Industrial history brought to life

Rajamäki’s industrial history comes particularly vividly to life at the Rajamäen Ryyppi Factory and Alcohol Museum. The exhibition explores not only manufacturing but also Finnish work and industry, as well as the history of spirits. One striking detail is the narrow, tall distillery, which houses a Barbet distillation unit installed in 1913. Made by Metallwerke J. Aders of Magdeburg, it connects a specific place in the museum with a history of technology that extends beyond Finland.

The anti-aircraft towers also tell the story of Rajamäki’s industrial past, but from a different perspective. Oy Alkoholiliike Ab built them in 1940–1941 during peacetime to protect the liqueur factory and the village from air raids. Today, the two towers on Tykkitorninmäki are a unique landmark worldwide. The towers can be viewed from the outside.

The tower of Rajamäen Church is also considered a local landmark and stands 48.11 metres tall. Such distinctive buildings make local history visible: alongside the museum displays, you can encounter memorial sites in the architecture itself.

Architecture between factory and community

Rajamäki’s architectural history goes beyond individual landmarks. The factory and residential buildings designed by Erkki Huttunen in the 1930s, together with the factory community church, belong to a selection of significant Finnish modern architecture recognised by the international DOCOMOMO network. The focus is on both industrial buildings and the setting that was part of the factory community.

Rajamäen Church is a neoclassical church shaped by functionalism. Alkoholiliike Oy had it built in 1938 for its employees, to a design by Erkki Huttunen. Its history and that of the factory buildings show different aspects of local architecture: a neoclassical church on the one hand, and buildings included in the selection of modern Finnish architecture on the other. Those interested in architectural history will find several specific points of interest, rather than viewing the town solely through its industry.

Workshops, a farm and outdoor trails

Rajamäen Hiiva offers a different perspective on Rajamäki. It is a community of craftspeople, artists and small businesses in the old yeast factory, which is home to shops and workshops. As individual businesses and their opening arrangements may change, what is available on site can vary. The venue adds a present-day use as a shared workplace and retail space to the industrial past.

At Toikan Tila, visitors can discover life on a farm and its animals, and enjoy treats. The farm also sells colostrum, meat, potatoes and peas; availability of individual products may vary. These products also make a visit interesting for people who want to explore local food.

If you would like to spend some time outdoors, Rajamäen Uimahalli is a starting point for the Kiljavannummi outdoor trail network. The trails add another option to a trip that might otherwise focus heavily on architecture and industrial history. This gives you a choice of different themes for planning your day: museum and architectural history, a glimpse of farm life or outdoor activities.

Rajamäki as a base for your stay

Rajamäki has public transport connections to Helsinki and Hyvinkää and is well connected by road. If you are looking for a hotel, it is best to choose your base according to the experiences that interest you: industrial history and architecture offer a different focus from farm life or time outdoors.

If you would like to explore more destinations beyond Rajamäki, you can also find town profiles for Svartå, Sipoo, Karjalohja, Porvoo, Vihti, Hyvinkää, Nurmijärvi and Espoo.

Frequently asked questions about Rajamäki

What is the Rajamäen Ryyppi Museum about?

The Factory and Alcohol Museum is dedicated to Finnish work, industry and the history of spirits. Among its notable exhibits is a Barbet distillation unit installed in 1913, housed in the narrow, tall distillery.

Is the museum accessible?

No. The exhibition spaces are on four floors, reached by spiral staircases; the museum is not accessible.

Can you visit the anti-aircraft towers?

The two anti-aircraft towers on Tykkitorninmäki can be viewed from the outside. They were built in 1940–1941 to protect the liqueur factory and the village from air raids.

What architectural highlights are there?

Notable buildings include Rajamäen Church, with its 48.11-metre-high tower, as well as factory and residential buildings that are part of the recognised selection of significant Finnish modern architecture.

What does Toikan Tila offer?

At the farm, visitors can discover farm life and its animals and enjoy treats. Colostrum, meat, potatoes and peas are also sold there; product availability may vary.

For the wider travel overview: Uusimaa.