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In Partnership with Visit Jyväskylä Region. All opinions are our own.
Many visitors head to Lapland in the winter, but the Jyväskylä region in Central Finland is where the magic happens in summer. After a long winter, the landscape bursts into life with soft pastel lupins, forests carpeted with wild berries, and endless days beneath the midnight sun.
While much of Europe heads to the Mediterranean in summer, the Nordics remain one of the most underrated regions for summer travel.
In the heart of Finnish Lakeland, the Jyväskylä region combines pristine nature, pine-fringed lakes, and year-round outdoor adventures.
Planning a summer trip to Finland? Easily accessible by public transport, the Jyväskylä region in Central Finland invites you to discover UNESCO World Heritage sites, scenic hiking trails, peaceful lakeside retreats, and authentic Finnish experiences, with its world-famous sauna culture at the heart of it all.
This 5-day Central Finland itinerary highlights the best things to do in the Jyväskylä region, making it the perfect summer itinerary for anyone looking to experience Finland's magical white nights and long summer days.
Check out our guides to Denmark, Norway, Iceland and the Faroe Islands for more Nordic travel inspiration.
How to Use This Guide
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Contents
When most people think of Finland, they picture cosy winter scenes with snow-covered pines, husky sledges and reindeer. Yet summer reveals a completely different side, one that deserves just as much attention.
In summer, the Jyväskylä region’s white nights stretch late into the evening, painting the sky in soft pink and golden hues. The long, light-filled days are a dream for photographers and give visitors more time to hike, paddle, swim and explore Finnish Lakeland.
Surrounded by vast taiga forests and thousands of lakes, the Jyväskylä region is made for outdoor adventures. Walk among the treetops, cross cargo nets and swaying bridges, paddle across peaceful lakes, forage for seasonal berries or hike through fragrant pine forests.
During Juhannus (Midsummer), many Finns retreat to lakeside cabins to enjoy barbecues, swimming and the sauna, spending quality time with family and friends. Visitors can embrace the same slower pace of life, unwinding in nature beside the water.
Summer also brings a lively calendar of events. Rally Finland, one of the most iconic rounds of the FIA World Rally Championship, attracts motorsport fans from around the world. At the same time, music festivals, markets and open-air events make the most of the region's long summer days.
Despite its peaceful setting, Central Finland is easy to reach from Helsinki, with regular train and bus connections taking just a few hours. It is the perfect destination for a summer escape, combining pristine nature, outdoor adventure and authentic Finnish culture in one unforgettable trip.
Plan your next adventure
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Fly direct to Helsinki from most London airports, including Stansted, Gatwick, Heathrow and other UK airports such as Manchester and Edinburgh.
Helsinki offers excellent transport links to Jyväskylä, making it possible to arrive in just 3.5 hours by train. Our journey began on the commuter train P from the airport to Tikkurila, where we hopped onto the regional InterCity 145 train to Jyväskylä, operated by VR.
We were genuinely impressed by the VR trains. Some InterCity trains feature double-decker carriages, plush reclining seats, and handy hooks for your coats. Every train and bus ran right on time, a refreshing change from the delays we often face back home.
Book your train tickets across Finland on the VR website. You can also check routes and timetables, and view the Live Train Tracker Map.
Once you arrive in Jyväskylä, it’s surprisingly easy to explore the region without a car. With a well-connected public transport network linking the city to nature and heritage sites, travelling by bus is also a more sustainable way to experience Central Finland.
The local bus network, known as Linkki, consists of the region’s distinctive green buses that connect Jyväskylä with surrounding towns, villages and outdoor spots.
For those who like to travel with a bit more flexibility, car hire is available at Helsinki Airport and in Jyväskylä. This can be a good option if you want to explore more remote corners, national parks or travel at your own pace. Compare car hire options in Helsinki and Jyväskylä.
Depending on your plans, you can buy either a single ticket or a two-day pass, which is valid for 48 hours from first use. Scan your ticket on the card reader when boarding. Check the Linkki website for timetables and to purchase your tickets.
Most of the destinations in this itinerary are accessible by public transport. Throughout the guide, we’ll share the exact logistics for getting from place to place so you can follow the same route with ease.
For outdoor adventures, hiking, swimming and experiencing Finland's sauna culture, summer is one of the best times to visit Central Finland. The Jyväskylä Region is an ideal base, with easy access to lakes, forests and nearby national parks.
From June to August, the region bursts into life with wildflowers in bloom and forests full of seasonal berries. It is also one of the best times to experience the area’s wildlife-rich lakes and quiet forest trails.
June brings the longest days; July offers the warmest weather and exciting events, while August feels slightly quieter with golden evenings and the start of berry season in the forests.
Unlike many destinations in southern Europe, Central Finland enjoys pleasantly warm summer temperatures without the intense heat. Combined with the region’s white nights, when daylight lingers well into the evening, it creates the perfect conditions for spending more time outdoors and making the most of the long summer days.
Day 1 - Travel to Jyväskylä
Arrive in Jyväskylä from Helsinki and explore the city centre. In the evening, enjoy dinner in one of the city's scenic parks.
Day 2 - Jyväskylä city
Discover the architectural legacy of Alvar Aalto at the Aalto2 Museum. Indulge in a delicious lunch in the heart of the old city. Spend the afternoon by the harbour and experience a modern Finnish sauna on the lake.
Day 3 - Laajavuori
Take to the treetops at Laajavuori Adventure Park, navigating the obstacle courses above the forest floor. Afterwards, unwind at a picturesque lakeside sauna with direct access to the water.
Day 4 - Petäjävesi & Keuruu
Take a charming small train to Petäjävesi to visit its UNESCO-listed Old Church, then continue the journey across the lake by canoe before relaxing in a traditional lakeside sauna.
Day 5 - Helsinki
Enjoy a scenic train ride back to Helsinki. If time allows, explore some of the city’s highlights before heading home.
After landing in Helsinki, we took the commuter P train from the airport to Tikkurila, where we changed onto the VR InterCity 145 service to Jyväskylä. The journey takes around 3.5 hours, winding through the Finnish countryside past forests, lakes, and small rural towns, making the train ride part of the experience itself.
Once we arrived at Jyväskylä station, it's just a 10-minute walk to the city centre. We checked into Hotel Verso, a stylish, centrally located hotel within easy walking distance of shops, cafés, restaurants and green spaces.
One of the best things about visiting the Jyväskylä region is that you don't need a car to enjoy it. The city is compact and easy to explore on foot, while local buses provide reliable connections to nearby nature spots.
For dinner, we headed to Bistro Kirkkopuisto, located in Kirkkopuisto, the city’s central park overlooking Jyväskylä City Church. The restaurant has a modern design, serves fresh local ingredients and is also a great lunch option, offering a selection of sweet treats and sandwiches.
Start the day slowly with a relaxing morning at Hotel Verso and enjoy a delicious breakfast on the balcony, featuring local Finnish flavours such as regional honey, sweet berries and freshly baked bread.
Aalto2 Museum
After breakfast, we walked to the Aalto2 Museum, taking a scenic route from Hotel Verso past the university campus and some of Jyväskylä’s oldest buildings. Alvar Aalto is something of an icon in Finland; his architectural work and design have stood the test of time, becoming a defining part of Finland’s design heritage.
We learned fascinating insights into Aalto’s life, creative process and lasting influence through interactive displays and beautiful exhibitions. Aalto was also known for his furniture design, creating the famous 60 stool, a stackable wooden piece that is one of his most recognisable pieces.
The Aalto2 Museum also houses the Museum of Central Finland, which explores the region's heritage and culture with fascinating displays of rock art, ancient ways of life, and the transition to modern Finland. Before leaving, browse the museum shop or enjoy coffee and cake in the café. Book a guided tour here.
Toivola Old Courtyard
Jyväskylä has long been known as a city of merchants and craftsmen, and that tradition continues today. Step back in time at Toivola Old Courtyard, one of the last remaining pockets of the city’s historic wooden town.
The beautifully painted wooden buildings have been transformed into boutique shops, cafés, and a museum. The museum offers a glimpse into the lives and homes of local craftsmen, including carpenters and coppersmiths, showing what everyday life looked like in Jyväskylä centuries ago.
Stop for lunch at Café Valkoinen Puu, known for its blend of Finnish and American family recipes made with locally sourced ingredients. Choose from freshly baked cakes, pizzas, savoury pies, and coffee. We'd highly recommend the carrot cake and rhubarb cake if you're after something sweet.
Don't miss Yarn Shop Titityy, located just upstairs from the café. Here you'll find a beautiful selection of natural Finnish wool in a variety of colours and textures.
Sataman Viilu
Take a short stroll from Jyväskylä city centre to Lutakko Harbour, which sits on the shores of Lake Jyväsjärvi. This peaceful spot is home to Sataman Viilu, a beautifully designed lakeside sauna and restaurant, as well as Alvar Aalto's boat, Nemo Propheta in Patria, which he designed himself.
The sauna ritual is a wellness practice deeply rooted in Finnish culture, combining warm sauna sessions with refreshing lake plunges. Sataman Viilu has a sleek, modern design, with three saunas that vary in size and style. There are also two outdoor jacuzzis, outdoor seating, and direct access to the water, perfect for a summer swim.
The lakeside restaurant serves seasonal dishes, with high-quality ingredients, and during warmer months, the outdoor terrace is the ideal place to enjoy your meal overlooking the lake. Keep an eye out for the art installation under the bridge nearby.
One of the best things about staying in Jyväskylä is how easy it is to escape into nature. Thanks to the city's excellent public transport network, you can swap the city centre for forests and lakes in just a few minutes. The local Linkki buses provide convenient connections to many of the region's outdoor attractions.
Hop on the S5 from bus stop Urhokatu 1 for the 20 minute journey to Scandic Laajavuori Hotel, a family-friendly spa hotel with an indoor pool, sauna, restaurants and even a bowling alley.
Laajavuori Adventure Park
Just a short walk from the hotel, Laajavuori is a popular ski resort and transforms into an outdoor adventure hub in summer. Rollerblade along former ski routes, hike scenic nature trails, play a round of disc golf, unwind in an outdoor sauna, or head into the treetops at Laajavuori Adventure Park.
One of the largest adventure parks in the Nordic countries, Laajavuori has several self-guided climbing courses and ziplines suspended high among the trees. Each route is graded by difficulty; there’s something for everyone, from beginners to more challenging routes.
Lampila’ s Sauna World
One of the most memorable sauna experiences in the Jyväskylä region is Lampila Sauna World, a public lakeside sauna on the shores of Lake Vuorilampi. Surrounded by forest and overlooking the Matti Nykänen ski jump, it's a peaceful setting to slow down and experience one of Finland’s most cherished traditions.
Lampila offers wood-fired saunas, changing rooms, an outdoor jacuzzi, outdoor seating and direct access to the lake for a refreshing swim. Visits are available on a walk-in basis only, with each session lasting up to two hours. There are separate changing rooms for men and women, while the sauna and swimming area are shared, so swimwear is required.
Scandic Laajavuori Spa Hotel is a family-friendly hotel with recently refurbished rooms, set in beautiful forest surroundings on the edge of the city. The spacious spa includes indoor pools with views of the surrounding pine forest, making it the ideal place to relax after a day of outdoor adventures.
Today, it's time to head west from Jyväskylä to Petäjävesi. The scenic rail journey is part of the experience, ending at a picture-perfect station surrounded by pastel-painted wooden buildings that make the village feel like a step back in time.
To get there, take the S5 bus from Scandic Laajavuori to Jyväskylä city centre, getting off at Urhonkatu 1. From there, it's only a short walk to the train station.
At Jyväskylä station, board the tiny two-carriage train to Petäjävesi, where the slower pace of travel prepares you for the timeless charm that lies ahead. As you arrive, the village looks as though it's been lifted from a storybook, with beautifully painted wooden buildings, traditional T-shaped windows, intricate decorative details and white picket fences.
Petäjävesi Old Church
From the station, it’s a scenic 20 minute walk through the village to Petäjävesi Old Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a fascinating glimpse into rural life and worship in 18th-century Finland. Set beside the lake, it's remarkably well preserved and considered one of the country’s finest examples of traditional wooden church architecture.
Step inside and you'll immediately notice the beautifully hand-painted wooden interior. The colours were made using natural pigments available at the time, with rich reds, commonly used for Finnish homes, contrasting with striking blues that decorate the pulpit.
Built entirely of pine between 1763 and 1765, the church showcases the skill of local craftsmen. Towering hand-hewn logs, intricate carvings and a delicate chandelier; every detail adds to its unique character, and the church is still used today.
Canoeing on Keurusselkä Lake
In the afternoon, continue west to Keuruu and check into Keurusselkä Resort. One of the highlights of our trip was a guided canoe tour with Béla from Tavinsulka, who led us from Viikinhovi Hotel back to Keurusselkä Resort.
As we paddled across the lake, Béla shared stories about what makes the area unique. We learned that Lake Keurusselkä was formed by a meteorite impact millions of years ago, creating the landscape we see today. Surrounded by forests and dotted with small islands, the lake is rich in wildlife, with abundant fish and birdlife.
Gliding silently across the lake offered a completely different perspective of Central Finland, allowing us to slow down and appreciate the region's unspoilt natural beauty.
Lakeside Sauna
It's time to slow down with a lakeside sauna, one of the most memorable experiences of a Finnish summer. We enjoyed a private sauna overlooking the lake, complete with a shower, toilet, fridge, comfortable seating and direct access to the lake for a refreshing swim.
Looking out across the peaceful lake, it's impossible not to feel completely relaxed. Docked beside Keurusselkä Resort was the steamer Elias Lönnrot, Finland's only large operating side-wheel paddleboat, which takes visitors on scenic cruises across the lake during the summer months.
STAY | Hotel Keurusselkä
Set on the shores of Lake Keurusselkä, Keurusselkä Resort is a serene countryside escape, surrounded by tall pines and water. With comfortable cottages, lakeside saunas, and a range of outdoor activities on its doorstep, it's a wonderful place to unwind and experience the tranquillity of Finnish Lakeland.
Before heading back towards Helsinki, spend your final morning discovering Keuruu, a charming lakeside town within the Jyväskylä Region that can easily be explored in a day.
Keuruu offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, with scenic walking trails, museums, cosy cafés, observation towers, paddleboat cruises and beautifully preserved wooden churches.
Keuruu’s Old Church
Before you leave, it's well worth stopping at Keuruu Old Church. Built in the 18th century, this historic wooden church is captivating both inside and out. The craftsmanship immediately stands out, creating a sense of peace and calm, while the painted clouds across the ceiling give the impression of looking up into heaven.
The church has been meticulously preserved, offering a glimpse of what it would have been like for local villagers who gathered here for worship centuries ago. It's remarkable to think that the elaborate paintings and hand-carved details have survived for so long and remain in such excellent condition.
Helsinki
Keuruu Station marks the final stop of your Central Finland adventure before boarding the train to Helsinki. The journey takes around 3.5 hours, usually with a change in Tampere.
If you have a few hours to spare before your flight, Helsinki is well worth exploring. Highlights include the striking Helsinki Central Library Oodi, a modern architectural landmark and one of the city's most popular public spaces, as well as Senate Square, Market Square and the beautiful Helsinki Cathedral.
Is 5 days enough in Finland?
If you're focusing on one region, absolutely. Five days is enough to experience the highlights of Central Finland and the Jyväskylä Region, at a slower pace of travel. If you're hoping to combine Helsinki and Finnish Lakeland in one trip, allow at least 7–10 days.
Is Central Finland worth visiting in summer?
Absolutely. While many visitors head to Helsinki or Lapland, Central Finland offers a quieter and more authentic side of Finland. During summer, the region comes alive with long daylight hours, peaceful lakes, fragrant pine forests, wild berries and endless outdoor adventures. It's the ideal destination for slowing down, reconnecting with nature and experiencing Finnish culture beyond the usual sights.
Can you explore Central Finland without a car?
Yes. One of the biggest surprises from our trip was how easy it was to explore around Jyväskylä without hiring a car. Regular VR trains connect Helsinki with Jyväskylä in around 3.5 hours, while the Linkki bus network provides reliable connections to many of the destinations featured in this itinerary. Jyväskylä itself is compact and easy to explore on foot.
How much does public transport cost in Finland?
Public transport is generally affordable, especially when you book long-distance journeys in advance. Local buses in the Jyväskylä Region offer single and 48-hour tickets, while train fares vary depending on demand. Using the Linkki app or paying by contactless card is usually cheaper than buying tickets with cash on board.
How much does it cost to travel from Helsinki to Jyväskylä?
The cost of travelling from Helsinki to Jyväskylä varies depending on the season, booking time and whether you travel by bus or train. As a guide, bus tickets start from €5 while train tickets range from €15–70. VR uses dynamic pricing, so booking ahead gives you access to the cheapest Saver fares.
Do I need to book trains in advance in Finland?
While you can buy tickets on the day, booking ahead is recommended for longer journeys between cities. VR uses dynamic pricing, meaning the cheapest fares are usually released in advance. During the busy summer months, booking early can help you get better prices.
Is the Jyväskylä Region part of Finnish Lakeland?
Yes. The Jyväskylä Region sits in the heart of Central Finland and is part of Finnish Lakeland, Europe's largest lake district. It's an ideal base for discovering pristine lakes, pine forests, outdoor adventures, traditional saunas and charming rural towns.
What are the best things to do in the Jyväskylä Region?
Some of the highlights include discovering Alvar Aalto’s iconic designs at the Aalto2 Museum, exploring the historic Toivola Old Courtyard, relaxing in a lakeside sauna, climbing through treetops at Laajavuori Adventure Park, visiting the UNESCO-listed Petäjävesi Old Church, canoeing on Lake Keurusselkä and enjoying the region's peaceful forests and lakes.
What should I eat in Central Finland?
Central Finland celebrates seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Look out for local dishes such as muikku (mall crispy fish usually fried and served with potatoes and vegetables), fresh berries, honey, rye bread and traditional Finnish pastries such as korvapuusti (cinnamon buns).
What should I bring to a Finnish sauna?
Pack a swimsuit if you're visiting a mixed or public sauna, as many require swimwear. A lightweight towel (check beforehand whether one is provided), flip-flops and a reusable water bottle are also useful. Most public saunas provide showers and changing facilities.
Is Jyväskylä a good base for exploring Central Finland?
Yes, Jyväskylä is the largest city in Central Finland and makes an excellent base for exploring the wider region. With direct train connections from Helsinki, reliable public transport, a pedestrian-friendly city centre, easy access to lakes, forests, national parks and cultural attractions, it's a convenient starting point for a Central Finland itinerary.
