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City in Central Finland, Finland
Photo: Tiia Monto, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Jyväskylä is a lively university city and the capital of Central Finland. About a third of the city's 148,000 inhabitants (2023) are students. Beautifully set between lakes and ridges, many motorsports fans are familiar with the city as the Neste Oil Rally of the World Rally Championships series takes place around the city each July. The works of the notable Finnish architect Alvar Aalto can be seen throughout the city.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
A pine forest covered sand ridge in the center of the town is a nice place for a stroll or a picnic.
Vesilinna Observation Tower
The water tower on top of the Harju Ridge gives you a wonderful view over the city. Free entry. The tower is open when the Vesilinna Restaurant is open. The Natural History Museum of Central Finland is also situated in this building. It is well worth a visit! Free entry.
Jyväskylän satama
The harbour is a busy place in a sunny summer day. It is the base of the lake and canal cruises. The old harbour cafe, restaurant boats and other places offer something to eat and drink for everybody. Lake Jyväsjärvi has an outdoor route and outdoor gyms around it calling for sports enthusiasts. Swimming beaches, equipment rentals, water jets, floating saunas and summer cottages...all add to the character of the place. In winter there is a skating route on the ice and a typical Finnish kota acting as a winter cafe during the weekends.
Toivolan Vanha Piha
Toivola gives you a glimpse of what Jyväskylä used to look like in the early days. It is an old town dwelling consisting of the yard surrounded by traditional wooden craftsmen’s houses. Nowadays it houses a cafe and restaurant, craft boutiques, museum cottages and events.
The Kuokkala church is a modern church with an award-winning design. The outside is dark with an angular bell tower, while the inside is primarily light wood.
A small zoo with mainly domestic animals in Leppälahti near Jyväskylä. The animals in the park include: cat, pony, llamas, donkey, sheep, goats, ducks, bunnies, peacocks, chicken, wild boars, mangalizas, reindeer and others.
Suomen käsityön museo
A national museum and conservation centre. Both old and new crafts. Downstairs a good exhibition about the traditional Finnish costumes and handicrafts. A good museum shop, and next to it Aivia, a handicraft shop.
Keski-Suomen museo
A brand new permanent exhibition about the history and development of Central Finland. Changing historical and art exhibitions. The building has been designed by Alvar Aalto.
The Natural History Museum of Central Finland is located in the tower on the top of the Harju ridge in the city centre.
Suomen Ilmavoimamuseo
Aircraft, engines and aircrew equipment which has been used by the Finnish Air Force. The Air Force Signals Museum. A large collection of scale models, photos etc.. Messerschmitt Bf 109 and Fouga Magister simulators (book in advance). Cafe. Museum shop.
The museum will be thoroughly renovated 2021-2022. At the same time it will be connected with the nearby Museum of Central Finland, also an Alvar Aalto building. During this period the museum will be closed. However, the museum shop and some parts of the exhibition may be found somewhere in the city, and Alvar Aalto buildings including the university campus, the Säynätsalo Town Hall and Muuratsalo Experimental House are open.
One of the station points on the world heritage listed Struve Geodetic Arc; a spectacular view over the Lake Päijänne from the observation tower on top of the Oravivuori hill.
A nature preservation area just a few hundred meters off the city centre. The 700-m-long trail goes along river Tourujoki.
The path can be entered in the back of the school Huhtasuon koulu. (trail map)
These are available and maintained in the winter once the ice is thick enough. The ice skating track is 2.5 km long, and the ski trail is 8 km long.
When there is snow. A small ski centre for downhill skiing and snowboarding with an extensive network of cross-country skiing tracks in the vicinity. Rental for winter sports equipment.
Multiple ski tracks for traditional and skate skiing. Ski tracks connecting to Halssila, Huhtasuo and Vaajakoski. Sled hill for children.
Multiple ski tracks for traditional and skate skiing. Ski tracks connecting to Keltinmäki and Etelä-Keljo.
A small pond with usually relatively warm water. Swimming is possible also during the winter.
Maybe the most popular beach in town and has two beach volleyball fields.
or Korloppinen on Google Maps
Relatively small lake with a beach somewhat secluded compared to those nearer the town centre.
A popular beach among the inhabitants of Köhniö and the nearby neighbourhoods. Buses 1 and 2 stop here.
Swimming hall and gym.
Indoor climbing without ropes.
Jyväskylän kesä
A multidisciplinary art programme with performances from pop to contemporary classical music and dance, and theatre to films and clubs.
The only vegetarian restaurant in Jyväskylä.
Serves up pretty decent Chinese cuisine every day until 11PM
Located near the university, serves high quality traditional Finnish street food. Try the Taxari, deep fried French fries and sausages, with your choice of condiments. Especially tasty after an evening of drinking. Open until 05:00 in weekends.
Finnish gourmet restaurant, more expensive than most restaurants in Jyväskylä. Excellent lunch.
For less than 10 euro: selection from the salad bar, pizza, pasta, kebab, falafel, and coffee. The pasta vegeteriana is excellent.
One of the best restaurants in the city. Lunch, à la carte, wine bistro, bar.
The newest club in town offers the same as the others plus a beach section with hammocks. Open Tu-Su to 04:00, with age limit of 20 on Fridays and 22 on Saturdays. Cover charge €5.
This club is easily recognizable by the long queue during weekends. As a part of a night club chain, this venue offers the same blend of danceable music and beautiful people you might have seen in the other SK bars. Cover charge €5.
This club can also be recognized of having a long queue during weekends. A big nightclub located in an old cinema with the normal blend of danceable music and beautiful people. Cover charge €2.5-5 depending on the night. Students can get some discounts.
Situated in Vanha Tiilitalo (The Old Brick Building) is a pub with probably the biggest selection of beer in town.
The one and only cocktail bar in Jyväskylä. This bar was established in 2004 and it has been since twice nominated as one of the top 20 bars in Finland. The bartender is among the best flairtenders in Finland, so don't be surprised to see some neat tricks behind and over the counter.
This pub has been around for a while and has still managed to stay fresh. Many students come here, maybe because the university is just next door or maybe because of the "rock hours". Food is also served. Open every day and until 02:00 on weekends.
Definitely the coolest spot in town to have a beer, afternoon or evening (happy hour is 21:00 till 23:00 every day. 4-litre tap for €2). Art shows on the walls change every 20 days or so. Live music occasionally. Theater in the cellar. Lots of board games available for play. Wireless internet.
A quality establishment with over 100 beers to choose from. Friendly knowledgeable staff. Wireless internet. Awesome jukebox packed with an eclectic collection of old 45s. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Just a block further from Vakiopaine. A true Finnish drinking experience, you'll hear the word "perkele" several times before your first beer is gone!
The Best Hostel of the Year 2021 in Finland! A small, stylish family owned hostel in the centre of Jyväskylä, a member of the Hostelling International.
In the student village of Kortepohja, about 2 km from the city center.
A nice, mid-range budget hotel. Half of the rooms face the lake, while the other half face the city.
A rather new green hotel near the Travel Centre Jyväskylä. A short walk to the city centre, restaurants and shopping.
A small, beautiful boutique hotel (but expensive one!)
A new stylish private hotel, bar and restaurant in the very centre of the city. Verso is owned by the same family that owns Hotelli Yöpuu, listed among the 10 best boutique hotels in Finland.
Independent shopping centre.
Panda was founded in 1920 and is known for its liquorice and chocolate products. It is not possible to tour the factory itself.
Toy store.
The books are clearly categorized in a relatively large boutique. There is also books written in English.
The biggest flea market in Jyväskylä.
Charity flea market situated in Palokka about 8 km from city centre to north. They sell clothes, books, dishes and furniture.
Self-service flea market, there you may find clothes, books etc. goods.
Flea market sells furniture, books and clothes.
Second hand products by Finnish Military. The Jyväskylä shop will be closed in June 2021.
By train
Jyväskylä has mostly adequate rail connections via Tampere and via Pieksämäki, and a mostly daily railcar from Seinäjoki.
By bus
Coaches travel between Jyväskylä and other Finnish cities, as well as smaller destinations.
By plane
Tikkakoski Airport is a small airport 20 km from Jyväskylä centre. NyxAir flies from Helsinki. used by the Finnish air force with a base nearby, and their flight school.
By boat
Päijänne Cruises Hilden operates between Lahti and Jyväskylä and between Jyväskylä and Suolahti through the Keitele-Päijänne Canal.
By bus
Local buses travel between the different parts and suburbs of Jyväskylä. You can use route planner.
By taxi
Taxis can be usually be found waiting at the Jyväskylän matkakeskus or other taxi poles in the centre of the city. If there are no taxis present, you have to call for one.
By electric kick scooter
German Tier, Swedish Voi and American Bird rent electric kick scooters for use in the centre. Tier has also electric bicycles.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Jyväskylän Maalaiskunta · Regional · JYV
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