An intriguing summer destination
A practical shopping town
Kauppakatu (Market Street) running through downtown Jyväskylä and Kompassiaukio (Compass Square) along it are well-known meeting places. Plenty of events, such as street theatre and music performances, are held on Kompassiaukio in the summer. There are plenty of shopping opportunities, cafes and restaurants in the city centre. You can also shop in the craft boutiques and workshops located in the warehouses at Toivolan vanha piha (Old Toivola Yard).
Enjoy the magnificent scenery
Magnificent views across the city centre to Lake Jyväsjärvi open up from Harju Ridge and the Vesilinna observation deck at its top, located in the vicinity of Jyväskylä city centre. Harju is also a popular area for outdoor exercise due to its many trails and walking routes.
You can also enjoy Jyväskylä’s summery scenery on a cruise. Embark on an inland water ship and enjoy the wonderful lake scenery. You can travel from Jyväskylä all the way to Pielavesi and Lahti along canal routes. Both short and long cruises are available.
What to see and do in Jyväskylä in the summer
Perhaps the biggest summer event in Jyväskylä is the Neste Rally Finland in the late summer. There are also many summer events in the city, of which Jyväskylä Summer festival and the Suomipop (Finnish Pop Music) festival are the best known. Jyväskylä Summer festival, the oldest city festival in Finland, offers a diverse range of theatre and music performances and much more for people of all ages. In addition, Lounaispuisto (South-west Park) in Yläkaupunki (Upper Town) offers many kinds of programmes, from festivals to open-air cinema, in the summertime.
Active holiday
The Laajavuori Adventure Park located next to Scandic Laajavuori is one of the biggest in the Nordics, with nearly 2.5 km of treetop climbing, high ropes and ziplining. There are trails for beginners as well as advanced trails. You can also rent an e-fatbike or downhill bike and enjoy the speed on routes of different levels along the Laajavuori slopes. You can also play relaxed frisbeegolf, suitable for the whole family, on courses of different levels.
In addition to a spa and gym, Scandic Laajavuori has a minigolf course and a bowling alley.
Hupimaa, which is located in Laajavuori Adventure Park, and Nokkakivi amusement park, as well as the craft track at the Craft Museum of Finland, provide fun for the youngest in the family.
Beautiful nature experiences
Laajavuori Nature Trail starts about 500 metres from Scandic Laajavuori. The 4 km trail runs through the forests around the lower and intermediate mountain slopes. Along the trail, you will find checkpoints that tell you about the nature in the area, as well as a lean-to, where you can have a little break and grill sausages. You will also find the beautiful Vuorilampi pond, east of which you will find a swimming area with a diving board.
The Tourujoki Nature Trail is located in the nature reserve in Tourujoki river valley, right in the middle of the city. The vegetation of the grove and forest is exceptional, not only for the city but also the province. On the information boards you can read about the plants in the grove, water conservation and the cultural history of the area.
Oravivuori Triangulation Tower and Trail are located in Puolakka, Korpilahti. The starting point for the trail and parking is along Vanhanpääntie. The approximately 1 km trail leads up the rocky and, at times, steep slope to the top of Oravivuori, where one of the UNESCO World Heritage Triangulation Towers Struve Arc (Struven ketju) is located, with stunning views over Lake Päijänne.
Majestic Hyyppäänvuori is an excellent destination for an excursion, as its summit is up to 160 metres higher than the gorge below. Breathtaking views over Lake Lievestuorejärvi and the surrounding forests open up from its cliffs, and due to its scenery Hyppäänvuori is called the Koli mountain of Central Finland. The top of the mountain, moulded during the ice age, has a great observation point, old pine trees and a nature conservation forest protected by Metsähallitus. The signs of the ice age can also be seen in the caves in the rocky slopes. The terrain is demanding, the mountain slopes are steep and slippery when wet, and therefore it is best to be equipped with appropriate shoes.
Leivonmäki National Park is located near Jyväskylä, in Joutsala. You can choose from different routes, and there are many safe and easy trails lined with wooden planks, suitable for the whole family. Leivonmäki National Park is a sort of miniature version of Central Finland: nature ranging from forest to swamps, lakes, roaring rapids and stunning serpentine ridges.
Our hotels in Jyväskylä
Our hotels in Jyväskylä are located in the centre and in the majestic scenery of Laajavuori.
