The city of Seinäjoki is a major inland communications hub in western Finland. If you hire a car here, you'll soon find that it is the centre of road, rail and water links. There's even a local airport, ten miles to the south. Seinäjoki stands among the countryside of Southern Ostrobothnia, a region of lakes, forests and farmland. Lake Lappajärvi is the most popular local watering spot, it was created by the impact of a meteorite millions of years ago. Other visitor highlights include the family-friendly Alaharma theme park and the Simpsiö skiing resort. Nearby, Ruuhikoski Golf Course is rated Finland's best.
Seinäjoki is the largest city for many miles, so it has the facilities to cater for a large rural catchment area. Visitors with a hire car can get about the city easily and find its renowned major shopping malls along with specialised boutique stores. You'll discover museums about the region, the railway and the country's paramilitary organisation. Acclaimed modern Finnish architect Alvar Aalto designed the city's library, church and administrative buildings. The best place for a panoramic view of the cityscape is from Jouppila Vouri Hill on the outskirts or from the striking white modern tower in the centre, which was again designed by Aalto.
