The Kauttua foundry park is one of the most impressive examples of Finnish industrial history. The iron foundry creates a unique residential and industrial milieu.
Come to Kauttua, where the early phases of Finland's industrial revolution are brought to life. Kauttua is a factory community that has grown around the Kauttua foundry. It is located in Eura in south-west Finland. Important buildings and locations in the area include Tallinmäki, Kauttuan Klubi and Terassitalo, an apartment building designed by Alvar Aalto in the functionalist style. Most of the buildings in the park area were built in the 19th century, while the buildings designed by Alvar Aalto represent the functionalist style.
Old Kauttua has developed over 320 years around the iron and paper industries. It has been inhabited for more than 1,000 years: the largest Viking burial site that has been studied in the Nordic region is located in Luistari, Kauttua.
In the 16th century, before iron production began, the rapids of River Eurajoki flowed through Kauttua and drove the watermill. The holder of milling rights and owner of the rapids, Baron Lorenz Creutz, had learnt about iron manufacturing in Central Europe. As wood from the local forests was available for the furnace and peasants were able to work alongside blacksmiths, the conditions were ripe for iron production to begin.
Kauttua's village and landscape are traversed by the Sepäntie road, which has been in existence since the late medieval period. Old houses painted in red ochre stretch along the sides of the road. Utility buildings and cellars are on the northern slope. Most of the buildings date back to the 19th century and they are still in residential use. An old sawmill, built on the riverbank at the turn of the 20th century, has been used as an exhibition space in recent years.
Vaulted cellars hark back to the early years of the foundry, while the only production-related building remaining is the old coal store, which was built in 1876. However, the blacksmiths' accommodation lining Sepäntie road is well-preserved. Kauttua is worth a visit purely to see these buildings. The yellow mansion house, currently housing the Kauttuan Klubi club, is located between Sepäntie road and the demolished tilt hammer workshops.
The mansion house originally served as the owner's home and it was the most important building in the area. The building now houses a high-class restaurant and a boutique hotel. The club has been renovated to respect the building's traditions and the beautiful ballrooms create a unique backdrop for celebrations and events.
The belfry in the club's park grounds is unique in Finland. The lower part of the building functions as a woodshed for the mansion house and the clock was only equipped with an hour hand. At the beginning of the 20th century, Kyöpeli was a residential building for people living in the countryside. Nowadays, it houses a summer café.
Terassitalo, designed by Alvar Aalto, mimics the sloping terrain. The building was constructed in 1939 and represents part of Aalto's plan for the residential area. Terassitalo and Villa Aalto are currently occupied by a hotel and accommodation.
In addition to the historic milieu, Kauttua offers a wide range of outdoor activities: the nature route around the foundry park, just over half a mile in length, and the Hiittenkari nature trail, which offers great views of the local landscape, including glacial till with old pines, the shores of Lake Pyhäjärvi and superb views out over the open water.
Breathtaking landscapes on your holiday in Kauttua.
