10 best things to do in the Jyväskylä Region, Lakeland Finland

1. Relax in the world’s largest smoke sauna or an igloo sauna

A visit to a sauna is a must when spending your summer holiday in Finland. And what better place to experience it than in the Jyväskylä Region, the Sauna Region of the World, where you’ll find both traditional and highly original saunas to suit all tastes.

How about relaxing in the gentle heat of the world’s largest smoke sauna at Tupaswilla? Or visit the igloo sauna at Revontuli Resort or choose from a variety of saunas and sauna treatments near the foaming rapids at Varjola?

The world’s largest smoke sauna

Varjola Resort Finnish Smoke Sauna Experience

2. Admire the world famous architecture of Alvar Aalto

Walking through the streets of Jyväskylä, the visitor cannot help but become familiar with the world-famous architecture of Alvar Aalto: Jyväskylä has more of Aalto’s buildings from different periods than anywhere else in the world (29 buildings in total plus a wooden motorboat designed by Aalto). There is a strong connection between Aalto and Jyväskylä, as Alvar Aalto spent a large part of his childhood, went to school, started a family and began his illustrious career in Jyväskylä. Start your journey in Alvar Aalto’s footsteps at the Aalto2 Museum Centre or at Säynätsalo Town Hall – Aalto’s masterpiece named one of the world’s most influential buildings by the New York Times. A tip for all Aalto fans and those who want to become one: at Säynätsalo Town Hall you can even stay in the same guest room where Alvar Aalto and his wife once stayed.

In the Footsteps of Alvar Aalto – Tour at Säynätsalo Town Hall

3. Spend a summer day enjoying Finland’s longest and deepest lake

In the Jyväskylä Region you are located in the middle of stunningly beautiful Lakeland Finland and Europe’s most extensive integrated lake area. There are some 3,700 lakes in the region, the largest of which is Finland’s longest and deepest lake, Lake Päijänne (length 121 km, deepest point 95,3 m). In the Jyväskylä Region you will have the chance to enjoy the thousand lakes in a variety ways. How about a canoe trip on the calm waters of Lake Päijänne, followed by a delicious meal on the lakeside terrace of Juurikkasaari? Or perhaps a cruise on Lake Päijänne on a century-old steamboat from Päijänne-Risteilyt Hilden, admiring the surrounding lake scenery? Or if you are interested in fishing, you will find the perfect setting at Kellankoski Lodge.

Summer Evening Cruise from Jyväskylä

4. Explore Finnish nature in all its diversity in the four national parks of the Jyväskylä Region

The Jyväskylä Region boasts four national parks offering visitors the opportunity to experience Finnish nature in all its diversity. The trails in the region’s four national parks take visitors up ridges of sighing pines, to the shores of sparkling blue lakes, through vast bogs, fascinating rock fields, wilderness forests and foaming rapids. There is a way for everyone to explore the region’s nature and national parks: go on a guided or self-guided hike, explore the national park by canoe or cruise, or cycle on a mountain bike trail. The national parks also have accessible trails. In the summer of 2025, the Jyväskylä Region will launch the Outdoor Express service, which will provide guaranteed bus departures from the centre of Jyväskylä to the national parks.

Outdoor Express 

5. Visit Europe’s coolest city Jyväskylä

A vibrant city of nearly 150,000 residents, where almost one in three people is a student. Interesting museums, the world’s largest collection of Alvar Aalto architecture, charming hotels, cosy cafés and restaurants. The idyllic 19th-century wooden quarter Toivola Old Couryard and lively harbour with restaurants, terraces, water-related activities, saunas and events. Nature at your fingertips – even in the bustling city centre. No wonder Jyväskylä, the region’s capital, made the Sunday Times list of Europe’s most interesting places to visit!

Toivola Old CourtyardUnique Sauna experiences  by Sataman Viilu

6. Experience two UNESCO World Heritage Sites during the same stay

In the Jyväskylä Region you can experience two UNESCO World Heritage Sites during the same stay – how cool is that! Petäjävesi Old Church is a masterpiece of timber construction, an atmospheric church that was built by peasant farmers in 1763-65. The main part of the church is a reminder of times gone by, while the soft smell of wood and fine details that speak volumes about the craftsmanship of an earlier age leave a strong impression on the visitor.  The second one of the Jyväskylä Region’s UNESCO sites, the Oravivuori Triangulation Point in the Struve Chain, introduces us to the Jyväskylä Region’s impressive landscape and scientific history.

7. Discover rock art older than the Egyptian pyramids

Everyone knows that the famous Egyptian pyramids are thousands of years old. Less well known is the fact that in the Jyväskylä Region you can discover history that is even older than that. The oldest ones of the Saraakallio Rock Paintings on a 40-metre-high rock formation are up to 7.000 years old. They form the largest contiguous area of paintings in Fennoscandia. In summer the paintings can be seen from the deck of the Päijänne-Risteilyt Hilden cruise ship, or on a canoe or kayak tour. At Peurunka Spa & Resort you can enjoy the Saraakallio themed sauna.