DISCOVER
Jyväskylä
The Heart of Finnish Lakeland
Nestled in the picturesque Finnish Lakeland, Jyväskylä is a hidden gem that offers the perfect blend of nature, culture, and innovation. Whether you’re seeking adventure, tranquility, or inspiration, Jyväskylä is your gateway to authentic Finnish experiences – all year round.
Renowned as the capital of Central Finland, Jyväskylä is surrounded by rolling hills, dense forests, and over 3,700 sparkling lakes. This unique landscape creates an ideal setting for outdoor enthusiasts. In summer, hiking, cycling, and kayaking are popular ways to explore the region’s pristine nature.
Jyväskylä is also known as the City of Light and for good reason. Its award-winning urban lighting design creates a magical atmosphere, especially in the darker months. The city is safe, walkable, and brimming with charm, making it easy to explore day or night.
Jyväskylä is also a dynamic university city, home to the University of Jyväskylä. This gives the city a youthful energy and a wealth of cafés, restaurants, and nightlife options. Foodies can enjoy a mix of traditional Finnish cuisine and modern Nordic flavors, often made with local ingredients like forest berries, mushrooms, and freshwater fish.
Alvar Alto
Culture lovers will be delighted by the city’s rich artistic and architectural heritage. Jyväskylä is the spiritual home of Alvar Aalto, Finland’s most famous architect. Visitors can take the Alvar Aalto Route, which includes several iconic buildings designed by him – from the Säynätsalo Town Hall to the Alvar Aalto Museum. The city celebrates his legacy with exhibitions, guided tours, and design-focused events throughout the year.
The city’s vibrant cultural scene doesn’t stop at architecture. From museums and galleries to music festivals and theater, there’s always something happening. The Jyväskylä Art Museum, Craft Museum of Finland, and Toivolan Vanha Piha (Old Courtyard) offer deep dives into Finnish craftsmanship, history, and local talent.
Travel
How to get to Finland
You can fly, cruise or drive to Finland.
Arriving by plane: Helsinki-Vantaa (HEL) airport near the capital city is the country’s biggest airport and offers many connections to and from other parts of the country and abroad. Besides Helsinki, there are a handful of national airports, such as Rovaniemi (RVN) and Kittilä (KTT) in Lapland, that offer direct international flights. Check the options for your point of departure.
Arriving by boat: Helsinki has boat connections with Germany, Poland, Sweden, Latvia and Estonia. You can also arrive by boat via Vaasa (from Umeå, Sweden), Turku (from Stockholm, Sweden) and Hanko (from Nynäshamn, Sweden). There are many companies that offer Baltic Sea cruises – some of them also stop at ports in Finland for day trips.
Arriving by car: On the northeastern border of Finland, you can drive in via Sweden and Norway. You can also drive your own car to a boat and then cross the Baltic to Finland.
Learn more at the Visit Finland page:
How to get to Jyväskylä
You have three main travel options from Helsinki Airport to Jyväskylä (located about 270 km north of Helsinki):
Train
From Airport to Tikkurila Station: Take the I or P commuter train directly from the airport to Tikkurila (approx. 8–10 minutes).
From Tikkurila to Jyväskylä: Transfer to an Intercity or Pendolino train to Jyväskylä. The journey takes about 3 to 3.5 hours.
Tickets: Purchase via VR.fi or the VR mobile app.
Travel time: Around 3.5 to 4 hours.
Long-Distance Bus
Bus companies like Matkahuolto and OnniBus offer direct routes from Helsinki Airport or downtown Helsinki to Jyväskylä.
Travel time: About 4.5 to 5.5 hours, depending on the route and traffic.
Tickets: Book online at matkahuolto.fi or onnibus.com.
Domestic Flight
Finnair sometimes operates flights from Helsinki to Jyväskylä, but they are infrequent.
The local airport in Jyväskylä is Jyväskylä Airport (JYV) in Tikkakoski, about 20 km north of the city.
You’ll need a taxi or local bus from Jyväskylä Airport to the city center.
Travel time: Around 50 minutes.
Learn more at the Visit Jyväskylä page:
Explore More
Things to do in Finland
Things to do in Jyväskylä
Summer in Finland
Whether you’re an outdoor adventurer, a culture seeker, or someone looking to unwind in a peaceful, beautiful setting, Jyväskylä has something special to offer. It’s a place where nature and innovation live side by side, where traditions are cherished, and where every season paints the landscape in a new light.
Come and experience Jyväskylä
where the rhythm of Finnish life flows as naturally as its many lakes.
