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.