Explore the Stunning Landscapes of Lakeland Finland
The Jyväskylä Region lies at the heart of Lakeland Finland, part of Europe’s largest continuous lake district. With nearly 4,000 lakes, including Lake Päijänne—the longest, and deepest in Finland—this region offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. Picture yourself gliding across crystal-clear waters on a peaceful kayak trip, diving into refreshing lakes, or casting your line as the serene Lakeland scenery surrounds you.
The Jyväskylä Region is also home to four remarkable national parks: Leivonmäki, Southern Konnevesi, Pyhä-Häkki, and Salamajärvi. Each park has its own unique charm, with well-maintained trails for hiking and biking, including accessible routes. At Leivonmäki, a mountain biking trail beckons adventurers, while Southern Konnevesi’s breathtaking landscapes are best explored via lake cruises or paddling through its serene waters by kayak or canoe.
The Legacy of Alvar Aalto
The city of Jyväskylä is renowned for its concentration of buildings designed by the celebrated architect Alvar Aalto, who spent much of his childhood here and opened his first office after completing his studies. With 30 Aalto-designed locations—more than anywhere else in the world—the city forms a central part of the Alvar Aalto Route, which follows in his footsteps from classicism to modernism and from brick architecture to monumentalism. The route provides fascinating insights into the cityscape and architecture of Jyväskylä. Highlights include Muurame Church and Säynätsalo Town Hall, regarded as one of Aalto’s masterpieces, along with the Alvar Aalto Museum, now part of the Aalto2 Museum Centre, an excellent starting point for exploring the artist’s life and work.
UNESCO World Heritage Wonders
Visitors to Jyväskylä will also find two of Finland’s seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the region. The Petäjävesi Old Church, a masterpiece of Nordic wooden architecture, dates back to the 18th century and stands as a testament to traditional log-building skills. Situated on a tranquil lakeshore, it remains a serene summer destination. The bells were left in the old belfry and the graveyard is still in use, with the church being used occasionally in summer.
The Struve Geodetic Arc’s Oravivuori point in Korpilahti, Jyväskylä combines historical significance with breathtaking views. As one of six Finnish points on this transnational UNESCO-listed chain, Oravivuori stands out for its scientific heritage and natural beauty. The Puolakka Measuring Station, located at the hilltop, is the most famous Finnish Struve Geodetic Arc point, offering stunning views over Lake Päijänne.
Experience Finnish Tradition in the World Sauna Region
With approximately 140,000 saunas, the Jyväskylä Region rightfully earns its title as the Sauna Region of the World. Visitors can explore diverse sauna experiences, delve into the colorful history of Finnish sauna culture, and participate in the annual Sauna Region Week.
Sauna landmarks include the world’s largest smoke sauna in Laukaa, accommodating up to 150 people, and the Jämsä Sauna Village, home to the most extensive collection of Finnish smoke saunas, some dating back to the 18th century. Other unique sauna experiences include sauna boats on Lake Jyväsjärvi near the city center, igloo saunas, and the sauna trail at Revontuli Resort, featuring smoke and tent saunas. At Lutakko Harbour, Sataman Viilu offers a combination of saunas, hot tubs, swimming pools, and dining options.
In 2025, Sauna Region Week will feature dozens of events taking place from June 6th to 15th. During this special week, you can enjoy the soothing warmth of smoke saunas, indulge in various sauna treatments, and explore tent saunas and other unique sauna experiences across the region.
Activities for All Seasons
The Jyväskylä Region’s stunning lakeland landscapes offer great opportunities to enjoy versatile water activities, both in the lakes and in the spas. You can admire the beautiful scenery while canoeing or kayaking, SUP boarding, or onboard a ship on a relaxing lake cruise. There are many cruises departing from Lutakko Harbour in the city centre, including trips to see the ancient Saraakallio rock paintings, which predate Egypt’s pyramids! With four of Finland’s National Parks in the region, there are excellent hiking and cycling routes where visitors can experience the pristine beauty of Finnish nature, while the ‘Lakeland by Gravel’ cycling route has over 1,000 km of peaceful trails.
You can also visit Finland’s only moose park in Jämsä, Hirvikartano, located in the middle of deep forest in the backwoods of Mt. Himos. Here visitors have the opportunity to kiss a moose, should they wish, and to meet fallow deer and reindeer. The restaurant is renowned for its fresh and tasty country-gourmet, with a menu featuring game, mushrooms and berries locally sourced from the nearby woods and fresh fish from Lake Päijänne.
City Highlights
Jyväskylä, the region’s largest city with a population of 150,000, is a lively student hub where nearly one in three residents is a student. Harju Ridge, the city’s most iconic landmark, is accessed via the impressive Nero Stairs and offers stunning views of the city, lake, and surrounding forests.
Lutakko Marina is a summer hotspot, with a range of restaurants and bars, sauna facilities, and city parks making it ideal for relaxation. It is also the starting point for many lake cruises, including those onboard the city’s historic steamboats. Visitors can also admire an Alvar Aalto designed boat, and the marina hosts numerous events throughout the year.
The charming Toivola Old Courtyard, a 19th-century wooden city block, transports visitors back in time with its boutique shops, craft museum, and café-restaurant. For history and culture enthusiasts, the Aalto2 Museum Centre—combining the Alvar Aalto Museum and the Museum of Central Finland—is a must-visit, alongside other nationally significant museums such as the Finnish Air Force Museum, the Craft Museum of Finland, and the National Costume Centre of Finland.
Unique Stays and Getting There
The Jyväskylä Region offers a diverse range of accommodation options, from city hotels to scenic lakeside retreats. Unique stays include Revontuli Resort’s comfy glass igloos, the Ilmatar Airplane Lodge, and the Lumous Forest Lodge. For fans of architecture and Aalto, guests can stay in the Aalto-designed Säynätsalo Town Hall.
The Jyväskylä Region is easily reached, with daily train and bus connections from Helsinki taking approximately 3.5 hours and just 1.5 hours from Tampere. Alternatively, flights from Helsinki to Jyväskylä take 50 minutes.
Discover the Jyväskylä Region and experience the essence of Lakeland Finland—a blend of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, architecture, and unique experiences waiting to be explored.
