Paimio Sanatorium is celebrating its 90th anniversary!
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Welcome to Paimio Sanatorium!
Step into the fascinating masterpiece of functionalism by Alvar and Aino Aalto. The Paimio sanatorium (1929-1933), which was built with the principles of humane modernisim, is perhaps the world’s best-known Finnish building. The warm atmosphere and characteristic feel of the place has carried the sanatorium through decades of change. The building and its surrounding nature has been designed to be a healing element in itself.
You can visit the Sanatorium by taking part in the tours and visiting the exhibitions. The outside can be explored freely or by following the Architectural path organized around the building. There is also a cultural path that takes you to the surrounding pine forest which is an integral part of the complex. During the visiting hours, Restaurant Toivo welcomes you to enjoy the lunch, dinner or just a cup of coffee.
Opening hours and guided tours
Opening hours in May:
Wed–Sat 10.00-15.00
Opening hours in June, July and August:
Tue–Sun 10.00-18.00
Guided tours are in Finnish. Reading material in English available.
Private tours and tours in other languages available on appointment.
Private tours, tours in English and other languages on appointment:
sales@paimiosanatorium.com
Plan your visit
25 € / 15 € (discount)
The guided tour takes you on a journey into the architecture, innovations, and everyday life of Paimio Sanatorium. The tour consists of a one-hour guided tour of the different floors and rooms of the sanatorium and a visit to the exhibition. The estimated combined duration of the tour and the exhibition is 90 minutes.
During the tour, you will learn about the architecture and healing elements of the building, hear stories of the eventful history of patients and staff at the sanatorium, and explore the importance of design. The tour finishes at our Rooms at Paimio Sanatorium exhibition with its presentation of extensive design, colour, and furniture details. You will also visit the patients’ rooms from the 1930s and 1970s in their original condition.
After the guided tour, you can do some shopping at Kauppa, enjoy a delicious meal at Restaurant Toivo or stroll around the sanatorium grounds.
This tour is in Finnish. Reading material in English available. For private tours in other languages, please contact us.
Price includes access to all exhibitions.
The discount groups include children aged 7–15, students, pensioners and the unemployed.
You can book tickets online for up to seven people. Please contact us if you have a larger group (sales@paimionparantola.fi or 0413184431).
15 € / 10 € (discount)
The guided tour takes a quick look at the daily life and architecture of the sanatorium. The tour consists of a half-hour guided tour of the sanatorium and a visit to the exhibition. The estimated combined duration of the tour and the exhibition is 60 minutes.
The tour includes stories about the architecture and history of the sanatorium and a short visit to the roof terrace. The tour ends with the Rooms at Paimio Sanatorium exhibition.
This tour is in Finnish. Reading material in English available. For private tours in other languages, please contact us.
Price includes access to all exhibitions.
The discount groups include children aged 7–15, students, pensioners and the unemployed.
You can book tickets online for up to seven people. Please contact us if you have a larger group (sales@paimionparantola.fi or 0413184431).
We are also happy to tailor personalized guided tour for individuals or groups on your preferred date and time. Tour contents can, for example, be focused on the Sanatorium’s achitecture, history and living or the building’s structure. The tour can also be like a retreat – but a peaceful walk through the Sanatorium’s hallways and spaces. Please contact us to learn more about themes and special tour guides.
Tailored tours are offered in Finnish, Swedish, English and Russian. Other languages on request.
The tailored tour fee is 25 € per person (15 € reduced) + 80 € guide fee. We reserve one guide for up to 25 people. Price includes access to all exhibitions.
Rooms of the Paimio Sanatorium
10 €
The Rooms at Paimio sanatorium is an experiential exhibition about the architecture, design, community and isolated everyday life. During your visit you can experience the horizontal point of view of the patient, sit back and relax on the Paimio chair and test the silent wash basin by Alvar Aalto. In the exhibition you can familiarize with Aino and Alvar Aaltos thinking process of the architecture and co-operation with other professionals. Admire the beautiful colors of the sanatorium.
Children under 7 years free admission.
Payment on site.
Upcoming:
Human Perspective Poster Competition 12.5.–30.9.2023.
The building itself is very special also from outside. You can explore the exterior on your own by walking in the yard or following the Architectural path which gives you extra information and fun facts about the building.
The path is marked by flags with QR codes.
Kindly note that Architectural path is available on Summer season only.
Free of charge
The surrounding pine forrest is also an essential part of the Sanatorium complex. The Paimio Sanatorium Nature trail, operated by Sanatorium Forest Association, (2,6 km) starts from the Chief Physician’s apartment, close to the parking lot of the current Preitilä kindergarten.
The trail takes the visitor to the sanatorium’s fairytale forest, where a clear-water creek is bubbling amidst mossy rocks. The path passes a small pumping station designed by Alvar Aalto. The pumping station is still in operation and still provides irrigation water for the sanatorium garden.
Visitors should note that, there is one difficult section on the way, right after the pumping station sign. A campfire place is along the trail. Firewood is not available on behalf of the sanatorium.
A shorter, one-kilometer (1 km) version of the trail is available too.
Free of charge
Journey info
Address
Paimio Sanatorium
Alvar Aallon tie 275
21540 Paimio
Parking
Near the main entrance there are two parking areas where visitors can park freely. Busses have designated parking area.
Accessibility
Accessible entrance is located behind the main building. Driving in front of main entrance is allowed. Guided tours are accessible.
Public transport
Regional bus trips from Turku center take about an hour. Lines 705 and 706 arrive in front of Paimio Sanatorium, lines 703 and 704 stop in the center of Paimio, a short 3 km walk or taxi ride away.
Bus services from Helsinki arrive at exit 11 of national road 1 / E18. The stop is called “Paimio th L” and located about 5 km from Paimio Sanatorium, which can be walked or bridged by taxi.
Bus services Turku – Paimio Sanatorium
Föli, Turku regional transport
Bus services Helsinki – Paimio
Matkahuolto, national bus services
Taxi 0200 10041 (+358 600 14121)
Taxidata, regional provider (call charges 2,00 € + operator fees)
Service transport, Jalobus Oy: +358 50 305 4422