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.
Learn more at the Visit Jyväskylä page:
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 Tampere-Pirkkala (TMP). Please check the options for your point of departure. Please note that no connecting flights from Helsinki to Jyväskylä (JYV) are available between June 19 to July 25.
Helsinki can also be reached by boat, with frequent connections available from Stockholm and Tallinn, as well as from Travemünde and Rostock. For schedules, please refer to the respective cruise line websites.
Tallink Silja
Viking Line
Eckerö Line
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.
Please note that if you arrive in Helsinki late in the evening, it might be good option to stay overnight at the airport or Helsinki and continue the journey the next day. The last train from Helsinki to Jyväskylä departs at 7:00 p.m. (08:20 p.m. with transfer to local railcar) ant the first one at 5:00 a.m. The latest bus driving from Helsinki to Jyväskylä departures Mon-Wed 06:10 p.m. and the first one 08:15 a.m.
How to get to Jyväskylä, Finland
Jyväskylä is situated in Central Finland, approximately 270 km north of Helsinki. The city is well connected, with frequent train services, and the journey from Helsinki to Jyväskylä takes about 3.5–4 hours. Traveling by train or bus is recommended.
From Helsinki to Jyväskylä by train
From Helsinki Airport, take the I or P commuter train to Tikkurila Station, a short 8-minute ride with departures every 10 minutes. From Tikkurila, there are direct train connections to Jyväskylä, though in some cases a transfer in Tampere may be required.
Alternatively, if you prefer to begin your journey from Helsinki city center, you may take the I or P train, or local bus 615, to the Helsinki Central Railway Station. The trip takes approximately 30–40 minutes. For route planning within the Helsinki region, the online journey planner Reittiopas is highly useful. You may also download the HSL mobile application, which allows you to conveniently check routes and purchase tickets.
The train journey from Helsinki to Jyväskylä takes about 3.5–4 hours. Timetables and tickets are available on the VR (Finnish Railways) website or the VR mobile app.
From Helsinki to Jyväskylä by bus
A direct bus service operates between Helsinki Airport and Jyväskylä, with a travel time of approximately 3.5 to 5 hours. When purchasing your ticket, please confirm whether a transfer is required. Buses depart from outside Terminal 2 of the airport. Schedules and tickets are available through the Matkahuolto and OnniBus websites.
Map of the airport
Matkahuolto tickets and timetables
Onnibus tickets and timetables
Both Onnibus and Matkahuolto buses depart from Helsinki Airport as well as from the city center. Onnibus services also operate from the Kamppi Bus Station, located within walking distance of the Helsinki Central Railway Station. To reach the Central Railway Station from the airport, you can take the I or P train, or local bus number 615. Onnibus tickets can be purchased online by credit card and, subject to availability, from the driver at a higher fare. As tickets frequently sell out, advance purchase is strongly recommended.
Flight options
Please note that no connecting flights from Helsinki Airport to Jyväskylä Airport (Tikkakoski) are provided between June 19 to July 25 due to holiday season.
If you arrive at Tampere-Pirkkala Airport, you can take a bus or taxi to the Tampere city center. From there, onward connections to Jyväskylä are available by train or bus. Further details can be found on the Finavia website.
While in Jyväskylä
If you are staying in city center, everything is within walking distance.
Public Transportation
Local transport in Jyväskylä is provided by Linkki buses. A single ticket purchased in cash from the driver costs €4, or €5 after 11 p.m. However, tickets are slightly cheaper when paid with contactless methods (Visa, Visa Electron, MasterCard, Eurocard, Google Pay, or Apple Pay) or via the mobile app, in which case the fare is €2.70 per ride. The Linkki application, available for download on mobile devices, is a convenient tool for purchasing tickets and planning routes in the Jyväskylä region.
Cycling
Cycling is also a practical way to get around the city. When using a bicycle, you should ride on designated cycle paths, marked with a blue sign featuring white symbols. In areas without a dedicated cycle path, cyclists should use the right-hand side of the roadway rather than the sidewalk and must follow the same traffic rules as motorists. The use of a helmet is strongly recommended.
Learn more at the Visit Finland 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.
