Oiva Toikka owl in Iittala store

©Tim Bird/Lonely Planet

Iittala

Helsinki


Finland's famous glass manufacturer – established in 1881 in the southern Finnish town of the same name and later shaped by Alvar Aalto – has a central outlet here on Pohjoisesplanadi, and an outlet at Arabiakeskus, 5km north of the city, which has a museum covering the brand. Along with glassware, it now creates ceramic, wood and textile designs.