Toijala: Wallpaper, Railways and Nahkialanjärvi

Wallpaper patterns, railway history and nature experiences offer different ways to discover Toijala. The town’s history stretches from an early wallpaper factory to its distinctive railway junction station; the cultural environment trail connects buildings of cultural and historical significance with local nature destinations. Other themes include environmental art, birdwatching and water-based recreation. Which side you focus on more during your trip can also help guide your choice of a holiday apartment in Toijala.

Railway History and Finnish Wallpaper Art

Toijala railway station was completed in 1876. It is Finland’s second-oldest railway junction station—a notable place in the country’s railway history. Wallpaper manufacturing is also part of the town’s history: Juho V. Hellberg, Emil Syrén and Anselm Saarinen founded Toijala’s first wallpaper factory in 1903. During her career, Saimi Hämäläinen designed almost 4,000 wallpaper patterns for the factory. She was Finland’s first permanently employed wallpaper pattern designer.

Another highlight of the local industrial history is Pihlgren ja Ritola’s three-storey wallpaper factory. It was completed on the shore of Nahkialanjärvi in 1937. The company purchased wallpaper patterns from foreign design studios and also began designing patterns itself after setting up its own workshop. Toijala therefore showcases both the development of pattern design and wallpaper production: different facets of a craft that brings design and manufacturing together.

Cultural Trail, Buildings and Changing Art Themes

The cultural environment trail in Toijala highlights buildings of cultural and historical significance and local nature destinations. At the destinations, signs with QR codes link to audio guides that you can play on a smartphone. Sampola is a community hall designed by master builder Heikki Tiitola and completed in 1910. Prykin kellari also tells the story of local construction: the underground cellar is built of rubble stone and brick and was constructed next to the Toijala brewery’s warehouse.

Näkymä environmental art exhibitions explored changing annual themes, including Raw Art, Star, Utopia and Tree. In the past, the exhibitions have occasionally expanded from Nahkialanjärvi Park to different parts of the municipality of Akaa. This variety of themes offers a different cultural perspective from Toijala’s architectural and industrial history.

Nature, Water and Excursions in the Wider Region

A water park for family recreation is advertised at Toijala Harbour beach. As facilities may change, it is worth checking the latest information before visiting. Birdwatching, grilling under a shelter and working out on fitness steps are advertised along the Terisjärvi Nature Trail. There are several ways to spend your time: observe nature, plan a break at the grill or exercise on the fitness steps.

Cruises on an inland vessel also depart from Toijala Harbour for Visavuori and the landscapes of Sääksmäki. These destinations lie outside the local area described here and offer a chance to explore the wider region. Cruise availability may vary; if you are planning a trip, check whether one is offered on your travel dates.

Your planned activities may help you choose a holiday apartment: would you most like to explore the railway and wallpaper history, focus on the cultural trail and its buildings, or plan nature and water activities?

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Vaskivesi, Aitoo, Lempäälä, Parkano, Laitikkala, Karhe, Suinula, Kangasala.

For the main travel overview: Pirkanmaa.