Attractions

• Harju Ridge & Vesilinna Observation Tower

  The Harju ridge is a pine forest ridge formation in the middle of the city of Jyväskylä and the Vesilinna with its observation tower on the top of the ridge is a recognisable landmark that can be seen everywhere the city. Harju is also a year-round area for outdoor activities and recreation for the city dwellers, a soothing green oasis right next to the city centre. The Vesilinna Observation Tower houses the Natural History Museum and a café-restaurant. The observation tower is always open during the opening hours of the Vesilinna Cafe & Restaurant. It is recommended to check the opening times of the Vesilinna Cafe & Restaurant website before the visit.

  The Nero Stairs that ascend to the top of the ridge are one of Jyväskylä’s more picturesque sights. The robust stairs, whose foot is at the edge of the city centre, were built as an unemployment relief project in 1925. The name of the stairs derives from the municipal engineer of the day, Oskar Nero.

• Museum Shop – Craft Museum of Finland

  Support handicraft – step into the Museum Shop

  The Museum Shop offers products from Finnish craftsmen throughout Finland and literature in the field. The museum shop’s handmade selection follows the seasons. At present, there are products for about one hundred Finnish craftsmen or designers.

  The museum store has become famous in Jyväskylä as a gift shop for Finnish handmade products. The museum shop is easy to pop in for shopping on the pedestrian street.
  For exhibition visitors, the museum shop offers the opportunity to have a memorable visit.

  Welcome to look and enjoy! There is free access to the street level of the museum, which includes the Museum Shop.

• Jyväskylä Art Museum

  Jyväskylä Art Museum focuses on exhibitions on art from Central Finland and art related to Central Finland. In addition, we present art of national and international interest to regional public and tourists. During the year we organise 3-4 main exhibitions and also small gallery exhibitions. A wide range of events – lectures, meetings with artists, guided tours – are organised in connection with the exhibitions.

  You can also come to Jyväskylä Art Museum to spend time with friends or family. We have free admission for everyone under 24 every day and on special event days.

  You can buy cards, books, jewellery and other nice things for yourself or as gifts from the museum’s popular museum shop. We also have the most beautiful art restrooms in town!

  The Jyväskylä Art Museum was founded in 1998. Before that, it was the Fine Arts Department of the Alvar Aalto Museum. Jyväskylä Art Museum is a regional museum in charge together with the Museum of Central Finland. Art museum is responsible for the regional art museum function in Central Finland.

  Art Museum of Jyväskylä, in cooperation with the Centre for Creative Photography, runs the Ratamo Printmaking and Photography Centre, which includes the Ratamo Gallery and the printmaking and photography studios.

• Church Park

  Church Park (Kirkkopuisto) is one of the oldest parks in Jyväskylä. The Jyväskylä marketplace was located in Church Park from the 1830s until the 1930s. Jyväskylä City Church, the first stone church in Central Finland, was built in the middle of the market square in 1880.

  Church Park is part of a nationally significant setting and urban environment. Today, Church Park is a green oasis, a beautiful and popular meeting place in the middle of the city. In the summer, people gather on the grass of Kirkkopuisto with their picnic, and on Christmas time, the Christmas lights are admired in Kirkkopuisto.

  Check out the opening times of the Jyväskylä City Church from tourist information. Guides are available at the church.

• Toivola Old Courtyard

  Most beautiful courtyard in Jyväskylä city – experiences from dawn to dusk.

  Toivola Old Courtyard – known to its friends simply as “Toivola” – is a unique 19th century craftsman’s courtyard with a fascinating history. To this day, the courtyard is home to high-quality services. The relaxed and upbeat meeting point aims to bring joy to visitors and provide unforgettable experiences. Once you step through the gates, you’ll find a wide range of history combined with the present day, art, culture, events, craftsmanship, kindness, atmosphere, food, and drink – as much, or as little, as you want. Toivola is located right in the city centre of Jyväskylä, but that is quickly forgotten once you’re inside the gates. Leave all your troubles at the gate and step into the unhurried idyll, where you can relax and unwind.

  Vanha Pappila ‘Old Rectory’ café and tea room | Art Catering | Valkoinen Puu Café | Yarn Shop Titityy | Paja Restaurant | Toivola Courtyard and Event Kiosks | Yarn Shop Titityy | Craftmanship Museum | Sparvin Museum Shop | Decoration boutique Madame Rustique | ByPias | Pappila Boutique Apartments

• The Capital City of Alvar Aalto’s Architecture

  Jyväskylä is known as the capital of Alvar Aalto, as there are more buildings in and around the city by world-renowned architect Alvar Aalto than anywhere else in the world.

  A wonderful Aalto2 Museum Center will open in the summer of 2023, accommodating the Alvar Aalto Museum and the Museum of Central Finland under one roof. The new museum center focuses on heritage, the cultural environment, architecture and design.

  In the capital of Alvar Aaltos there is a suitable way for everyone to get to know the history, objects and anecdotes of the world-famous architect. For example, on Aalto-themed bus tours and walking tours, visitors gain a deep insight into the unique features of Aalto’s architecture. Captivating stories of Aalto’s life and architecture, told by a knowledgeable guide, offer a whole new perspective on this person.

• Lake Jyväsjärvi and Lutakko Harbor

  In summer, the Jyväskylä harbour transforms into a point of recreation for the city dwellers of all ages. The harbour, located in the immediate vicinity of the city centre and the Travel Centre attracts people to enjoy sunny summer days, fun activities and varied treats to eat.

  The Jyväskylä Harbour, the northernmost passenger harbour on Lake Päijänne, is the starting point for several different cruises. From Jyväskylä you can comfortably sail to Lahti, Jämsä, Suolahti, Laukaa and Viitasaari, for example. A cruise is an excellent way of experiencing the scenery on Lake Päijänne while enjoying the delicious buffets on the cruise boats.

  You can also take off from the harbour on a floating sauna. In between sauna baths, it is fun to dip into the refreshing lake water to cool off. Or enjoy the lake sceneries by renting a Houseboat, which is sure to be a memorable experience! If you are looking for excitement, you can hop aboard a water jet or test the ferocious-looking flyboards.

  A stone’s throw from the harbour is unique opportunity to race along the water surface on a wakeboard or rent SUP boards.

  In the harbour, there are activities for every taste! The Rantaraitti recreational route in Jyväskylä is the biggest outdoor gym in Finland. The route takes you round the Jyväsjärvi lake. The 13 kilometre route provides changing landscapes in different neighbourhoods in Jyväskylä.

  The large green space in the harbour offers a good ground for cosy lounging and having picnics. In addition to your picnic, you can indulge your taste buds at many restaurants in the area.

  The Lutakko Square located by the harbour is famous for music. The range of events and festivals on the Lutakko Square is wide, from the large Rally Finland and Suomipop to smaller events.

  The Jyväskylä Lutakko Harbour offers a lot to do even in winter.
  Visiting craft can take on fuel and drinking water – as well as empty their septic tank and bilge – at the service jetty.