Jyväskylä
photo © Visit Jyväskylä Region
Tourism Jyväskylä Region & Jyväskylä Travel Guide
The bright and modern city of Jyväskylä lies in the heart of Finland, and is known to Finns as the City of Light, thanks to over 100 illuminated sites, including the impressive Kuokkala bridge and the delightful Rantaraitti – a well lit pedestrian and cycling path circling Lake Jyväsjärvi. The city itself is situated on the banks of Lake Päijänne, Finland’s longest and deepest lake, and the surrounding region is recognised as being one of the most beautiful areas of the country. Jyväskylä is well known as a bustling city of sport and education and as highly popular venue for events such as famous Secto Rally Finland. There are two UNESCO World Heritage sites in the region, nearly 30 buildings designed by the legendary architect Alvar Aalto (including Säynätsalo Town Hall which is consider to be one of his most significant works) and visitors should also make time to visit some of the city’s famous landmarks such the Harju ridge and Vesilinna water tower.
In addition to Jyväskylä, the Jyväskylä Region includes the municipalities of Jämsä, Muurame, Toivakka, Joutsa, Luhanka, Keuruu, Petäjävesi, Uurainen, Multia, Laukaa, Hankasalmi, Konnevesi, Äänekoski and Lomaseutu: Kinnula, Kivijärvi, Pihtipudas ja Viitasaari.
One of Jyväskylä’s most famous sons is Alvar Aalto, and there are nearly 30 buildings in the Jyväskylä Region designed by the great architect. You can enjoy the Alvar Aalto locations near the city centre on a simple walking tour. Featuring numerous pretty harbours in the midst of splendid scenery, the town is a thriving urban centre, with a rich cultural heritage of museums, galleries, events, concerts and theatre.
Tourist attractions Jyväskylä Region
Jyväskylä is also the perfect family holiday destination. Among the many family-oriented attractions in the area are Laajavuori Adventure park, Nokkakivi Amusement park, Spa Hotel Peurunka and Hilarius Mouse’s Village. Just to name a few.
Visitors in summer shouldn’t miss traditional summer festivals such as Jyväskylä Festival, which is the oldest on-going cultural festival in the Nordic countries the different sports events such as Secto Rally Finland. When the autumn arrives the City of Light event is a must for everyone visiting the city. Every three years, hundreds of designers and architects flock to the town for Alvar Aalto Symposium and Alvar Aalto Design Seminar, but the work of this great architect can be enjoyed at any time; a native of Jyväskylä, the town features several buildings designed by him, and is home to the Alvar Aalto Museum.
Other local treasures have garnered international recognition: the Petäjävesi Old Church, dating back to 1765, and the Oravivuori Triangulation Tower are UNESCO World Heritage sites, the latter playing an important role in the 19th century in establishing the shape of the earth!
With such a varied terrain, Jyväskylä Region is a haven for tourists who enjoy the outdoors, the summer being perfect for exploring the many trails, fishing the rapids, canoing and kayaking, or playing golf on some of Finland’s finest courses. Winter visitors can choose to ski or snowboard at Laajavuori, Riihivuori and Häkärinteet, or even try some distance skating on natural ice.
