Jyväskylä

Jyväskylä is a nice university city in Central Finland and a sizeable part of the city's 130,000 inhabitants are students. Beautifully set between lakes and ridges, many motorsports fans are familiar with the city as the Finnish Rally of the World Rally Championships series takes place around the city each July.

• Harju. A ridge just next to the center of the town, has a park on its slopes. Good for picnics and such.
  • Vesilinna (water tower), Ihantolantie 5. Building on the top of the ridge Harju. Free entry to the observation tower which gives a wonderful view of the city. The Natural History Museum of Central Finland is also in this building, as well as a restaurant.
• Jyväskylä harbour, Satamakatu 8. The harbour is situated on a shorefront of Lake Jyväsjärvi.
• Toivolan Vanha Piha, Cygnaeuksenkatu 2, +358 400-640405. Open Mon-Fri: 10-17 and Sat: 11-15. The Old Yard of Toivola is a small yard surrounded by craftsmen’s houses. There is a cafe, craft boutiques and sometimes market events.
• Kuokkala Church, Syöttäjänkatu 4. The Kuokkala church is a modern church with an award-winning design. The outside is dark with an angular bell tower, while the inside is primarily light wood.
• Ysitien Lemmikki Zoo, Palvaniementie 4-6 (Located 18 km from Jyväskylä centrum to east. Open only in the summer.. Small zoo with domestic animals in Leppälahti district. Adult €10.

Jyväskylä has many buildings by the famous architect Alvar Aalto. These include kaupunginteatteri (the town theater), some buildings in the main campus of the university and the Alvar Aalto Museum.

Exhibitions and art museums: Admission is free for all on Fridays to Jyväskylä Art Museum, Craft Museum of Finland and Museum of Central Finland. Ask for a student discount in the museums and galleries, though often a Finnish student card is necessary. The national Museum Card gives free admission in some museums.

• Jyväskylä Art Museum, Kauppakatu 23.
• Craft Museum of Finland, Kauppakatu 25.
• Museum of Central Finland, Alvar Aallon katu 7. Adult €6, student €3.
• Alvar Aalto Museum, Alvar Aallon katu 7. Adult €6, student €4.
• Natural History Museum of Central Finland. The Natural History Museum of Central Finland is located in the tower on the top of the Harju ridge in the city centre. Free entry.
• Finnish Air Force Museum, Tikkakoskentie 125 (Tikkakoski district, 20 km from Jyväskylä to north; buses number 22, 22M and 36. 1 June–15 August daily 10:00–20:00; 16 August–31 May 11:00–17:00; air show weekend 15–17 June 2018, check times separately. Army aeroplanes, scale models about general aviation history, photographs. Messerschmitt Bf 109 and Fouga Magister simulators (available Saturdays or by agreement; book in advance on the net). Adults €10, children 7–16, students, pensioners and military €5, children under 7 free; simulators €40–70 for 30–60 minutes.

Jyväskylä Art Museum, Kauppakatu 23.

Craft Museum of Finland, Kauppakatu 25.

Museum of Central Finland, Alvar Aallon katu 7. Adult €6, student €3.

Alvar Aalto Museum, Alvar Aallon katu 7. Adult €6, student €4.

Natural History Museum of Central Finland. The Natural History Museum of Central Finland is located in the tower on the top of the Harju ridge in the city centre. Free entry.

Finnish Air Force Museum, Tikkakoskentie 125 (Tikkakoski district, 20 km from Jyväskylä to north; buses number 22, 22M and 36. 1 June–15 August daily 10:00–20:00; 16 August–31 May 11:00–17:00; air show weekend 15–17 June 2018, check times separately. Army aeroplanes, scale models about general aviation history, photographs. Messerschmitt Bf 109 and Fouga Magister simulators (available Saturdays or by agreement; book in advance on the net). Adults €10, children 7–16, students, pensioners and military €5, children under 7 free; simulators €40–70 for 30–60 minutes.

There are several recreational 'nature paths' in Jyväskylä. They are mainly situated in forest areas.

• Tourujoki. A nature preservation area just a few hundred meters off the city center. The 700 meters long trail goes along river Tourujoki.
• Kangasvuori nature trail. The path can be entried in the back of the school Huhtasuon koulu. (trail map)

Tourujoki. A nature preservation area just a few hundred meters off the city center. The 700 meters long trail goes along river Tourujoki.

Kangasvuori nature trail. The path can be entried in the back of the school Huhtasuon koulu. (trail map)

Harju. A ridge just next to the center of the town, has a park on its slopes. Good for picnics and such.

• Vesilinna (water tower), Ihantolantie 5. Building on the top of the ridge Harju. Free entry to the observation tower which gives a wonderful view of the city. The Natural History Museum of Central Finland is also in this building, as well as a restaurant.

Harju. A ridge just next to the center of the town, has a park on its slopes. Good for picnics and such.

• Vesilinna (water tower), Ihantolantie 5. Building on the top of the ridge Harju. Free entry to the observation tower which gives a wonderful view of the city. The Natural History Museum of Central Finland is also in this building, as well as a restaurant.

Jyväskylä harbour, Satamakatu 8. The harbour is situated on a shorefront of Lake Jyväsjärvi.

Toivolan Vanha Piha, Cygnaeuksenkatu 2, +358 400-640405. Open Mon-Fri: 10-17 and Sat: 11-15. The Old Yard of Toivola is a small yard surrounded by craftsmen’s houses. There is a cafe, craft boutiques and sometimes market events.

Kuokkala Church, Syöttäjänkatu 4. The Kuokkala church is a modern church with an award-winning design. The outside is dark with an angular bell tower, while the inside is primarily light wood.

Ysitien Lemmikki Zoo, Palvaniementie 4-6 (Located 18 km from Jyväskylä centrum to east. Open only in the summer.. Small zoo with domestic animals in Leppälahti district. Adult €10.

The city's web site has an event calendar for current and upcoming events.

The second-hand equipment for winter sports (ice-skates and skis) may be bought for example from SPR fleemarket in Palokka or Jyväskylä Sportti-Divari.

• Ice skating and skiing on Lake Jyväsjärvi. These are available and maintained in the winter once the ice is thick enough. The ice skating track is 2.5 km long, and the ski trail is 8 km long.
• Skiing and snowboarding in Laajavuori, Laajavuorentie 15. When there is snow. A small ski centre for downhill skiing and snowboarding with an extensive network of crosscountry skiing tracks in the vicinity.
• Hiihtomaa. Multiple ski tracks for traditional and skate skiing. Ski tracks connecting to Halssila, Huhtasuo and Vaajakoski. Sled hill for children.
• Ladunmaja, Ronsuntaipaleentie 279. Multiple ski tracks for traditional and skate skiing. Ski tracks connecting to Keltinmäki and Etelä-Keljo.

Ice skating and skiing on Lake Jyväsjärvi. These are available and maintained in the winter once the ice is thick enough. The ice skating track is 2.5 km long, and the ski trail is 8 km long.

Skiing and snowboarding in Laajavuori, Laajavuorentie 15. When there is snow. A small ski centre for downhill skiing and snowboarding with an extensive network of crosscountry skiing tracks in the vicinity.

Hiihtomaa. Multiple ski tracks for traditional and skate skiing. Ski tracks connecting to Halssila, Huhtasuo and Vaajakoski. Sled hill for children.

Ladunmaja, Ronsuntaipaleentie 279. Multiple ski tracks for traditional and skate skiing. Ski tracks connecting to Keltinmäki and Etelä-Keljo.

Jyväskylä has plenty of lakes and these provide nice opportunities for swimming and general beach activities during the warm summer months. Some of them offer ice swimming during the winter.

• Vuorilampi. A small pond with usually relatively warm water. Swimming is possible also during the winter.
• Tuomiojärvi. Maybe the most popular beach in town and has two beach volleyball fields.
• Alban ranta.
• Kolmisoppinen. Relatively small lake with a beach somewhat secluded compared to those nearer the town centre.
• Köhniönjärvi. A popular beach among the inhabitants of Köhniö and the nearby neighbourhoods. Buses 1 and 2 stop here.

Vuorilampi. A small pond with usually relatively warm water. Swimming is possible also during the winter.

Tuomiojärvi. Maybe the most popular beach in town and has two beach volleyball fields.

Alban ranta.

Kolmisoppinen. Relatively small lake with a beach somewhat secluded compared to those nearer the town centre.

Köhniönjärvi. A popular beach among the inhabitants of Köhniö and the nearby neighbourhoods. Buses 1 and 2 stop here.

• AaltoAlvari Aquatic Center, Pitkäkatu 2. Swimming hall and gym.
• Boulderpaja, Ahjokatu 14. Indoor climbing without ropes. Single payment 10 € + 3 € climbing shoes rent. (Also series tickets available.).

AaltoAlvari Aquatic Center, Pitkäkatu 2. Swimming hall and gym.

Boulderpaja, Ahjokatu 14. Indoor climbing without ropes. Single payment 10 € + 3 € climbing shoes rent. (Also series tickets available.).

During the summer, the marketplace (Yliopistonkatu 15) is a good place to visit if you want fresh vegetables or fish, flowers or craft items.

You'll definitely want to look for shopping opportunities at the Jyväskylä pedestrian precinct, which is located at the other end of Kauppakatu. There is several small boutiques and few shopping malls.

• Forum, Kauppakatu 20–22 and Vapaudenkatu 49–51.
• Jyväskeskus, Kauppakatu 29-31.
• Torikeskus, Yliopistonkatu 36-38.
• Panda factory shop, Asematie 2, Vaajakoski (Located 8 km east from Jyväskylä in Vaajakoski., +358 207918600. Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 9am-3pm. Panda was founded in 1920 and is known for its liquorice and chocolate products. It is not possible to tour the factory itself.

Three antiquarian bookstores are situated in Kauppakatu.

• Päijänne antikvariaatti Oy, Kauppakatu 16. The books are clearly categorized in a relatively large boutique. There is also books written in English.
• Jyväskylän Vanha Antikvariaatti, Kauppakatu 2.
• Antikvariaatti Lukuhetki, Kauppakatu 17.

Päijänne antikvariaatti Oy, Kauppakatu 16. The books are clearly categorized in a relatively large boutique. There is also books written in English.

Jyväskylän Vanha Antikvariaatti, Kauppakatu 2.

Antikvariaatti Lukuhetki, Kauppakatu 17.

There is also a few flea markets worth visiting in Jyväskylä.

• kirpparilla.fi, Sorastajantie 1 (6 km from centre. The biggest flea market of Jyväskylä.
• SPR-kirppis, Kirrinpolku 5. Charity flea market situated in Palokka about 8 km from city center to north. They sell clothes, books, dishes and furniture.
• Kirpputori Silinteri, Kirrinkuja 1 (Palokka district. Self-service flea market, there you may find clothes, books etc. goods.
• Kierrätyskauppa, Sorastajantie 4. Flea market sells furniture, books and clothes.
• SA-kauppa, Sorastajantie 1 A. Secondhand products by Finnish Military.

kirpparilla.fi, Sorastajantie 1 (6 km from centre. The biggest flea market of Jyväskylä.

SPR-kirppis, Kirrinpolku 5. Charity flea market situated in Palokka about 8 km from city center to north. They sell clothes, books, dishes and furniture.

Kirpputori Silinteri, Kirrinkuja 1 (Palokka district. Self-service flea market, there you may find clothes, books etc. goods.

Kierrätyskauppa, Sorastajantie 4. Flea market sells furniture, books and clothes.

SA-kauppa, Sorastajantie 1 A. Secondhand products by Finnish Military.

Forum, Kauppakatu 20–22 and Vapaudenkatu 49–51.

Jyväskeskus, Kauppakatu 29-31.

Torikeskus, Yliopistonkatu 36-38.

Panda factory shop, Asematie 2, Vaajakoski (Located 8 km east from Jyväskylä in Vaajakoski., +358 207918600. Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 9am-3pm. Panda was founded in 1920 and is known for its liquorice and chocolate products. It is not possible to tour the factory itself.

It's cheap to have lunch at the student restaurants. They are situated all over the university buildings. With a Finnish student card it costs about 2.6 euro. Without the card it costs about 5,5 euro. Student restaurants:

• Ilokivi, Keskussairaalantie 2. Vegan food is served every day.
• Lozzi, Keskussairaalantie 4.
• Piato, Mattilanniemi 2.
• Ylistö, Survontie 9.
• Maija, Ahlmaninkatu 2.

There are many pizzerias offering large pizzas for as cheap as 4-5 €, guaranteed to fill your belly.

• Kasvisravintola Katriina, Kauppakatu 11 (near the city center. The only vegetarian restaurant in Jyväskylä. Unfortunately, it is open only for lunch between 11AM and 2PM.
• Hong Kong City, Kauppakatu 12 (across the street from Katrina. Serves up pretty decent Chinese cuisine every day until 11PM
• Grilli 21, Puistokatu 21. Located near the university, serves high quality traditional Finnish street food. Try the Taxari, deep fried french fries and sausages, with your choice of condiments, 4,5 €. Especially tasty after an evening of drinking. Open until 5AM weekends.
• Restaurant Pöllöwaari, Yliopistonkatu 23 (located at same place where Hotel Yöpuu is. Serves excellent lunch between 11AM - 2PM
• Pizzeria Maria. For less than 10 euro: selection from the salad bar, pizza, pasta, kebab, fallafel, and coffee. The pasta vegeteriana is excellent.
• Figaro, Asemakatu 4. A good small restaurant located a bit off from city center, however it only servers lunch between 11AM to 3PM main courses 24,00 to 64,00 Euro.

Ilokivi, Keskussairaalantie 2. Vegan food is served every day.

Lozzi, Keskussairaalantie 4.

Piato, Mattilanniemi 2.

Ylistö, Survontie 9.

Maija, Ahlmaninkatu 2.

Kasvisravintola Katriina, Kauppakatu 11 (near the city center. The only vegetarian restaurant in Jyväskylä. Unfortunately, it is open only for lunch between 11AM and 2PM.

Hong Kong City, Kauppakatu 12 (across the street from Katrina. Serves up pretty decent Chinese cuisine every day until 11PM

Grilli 21, Puistokatu 21. Located near the university, serves high quality traditional Finnish street food. Try the Taxari, deep fried french fries and sausages, with your choice of condiments, 4,5 €. Especially tasty after an evening of drinking. Open until 5AM weekends.

Restaurant Pöllöwaari, Yliopistonkatu 23 (located at same place where Hotel Yöpuu is. Serves excellent lunch between 11AM - 2PM

Pizzeria Maria. For less than 10 euro: selection from the salad bar, pizza, pasta, kebab, fallafel, and coffee. The pasta vegeteriana is excellent.

Figaro, Asemakatu 4. A good small restaurant located a bit off from city center, however it only servers lunch between 11AM to 3PM main courses 24,00 to 64,00 Euro.

Alko shop (wine, strong beer and spirits) in the Sokos department store on Kauppakatu.

Nightlife is centered in the downtown part of Kauppakatu and cross streets, some also in the uptown part of Kauppakatu, near the University. As most of the bars are situated on Kauppakatu or very close to it, pub crawls can be easily arranged in Jyväskylä. Start from Yläkaupunki and work your way down to the clubs in Alakaupunki!

A large number of bars, restaurants and nightclubs is located around the pedestrian district. Cheaper places in this area include Bar Explosive, Pub Anneli and Bar Passion. Suggested establishments:

• Bar Bra, Kauppakatu 35. The newest club in town offers the same as the others plus a beach section with hammocks. Open Tue-Sun to 4AM. with age limit of 20 on Fridays and 22 on Saturdays. Cover charge 5 €.
• Giggling Marlin, Kauppakatu 32. This club is easily recognizable by the long queue during weekends. As a part of a night club chain, this venue offers the same blend of danceable music and beautiful people you might have seen in the other SK bars. Cover charge €5.
• ESCAPE, Väinönkatu 32. This club can also be recognized of having a long queue during weekends. A big nightclub located in an old cinema with the normal blend of danceable music and beautiful people. Cover charge €2,5-5 depending on the night. Students can get some discounts.
• Old Brick's Inn, Kauppakatu 41. Situated in Vanha Tiilitalo (The Old Brick Building), is a pub with probably the biggest selection of beer in town.
• Shaker, Yliopistonkatu 38. The one and only cocktail bar in Jyväskylä. This bar was established in 2004 and it has been since twice nominated as one of the top 20 bars in Finland. The bartender is among the best flairtenders in Finland, so don't be surprised to see some neat tricks behind and over the counter.

Bar Bra, Kauppakatu 35. The newest club in town offers the same as the others plus a beach section with hammocks. Open Tue-Sun to 4AM. with age limit of 20 on Fridays and 22 on Saturdays. Cover charge 5 €.

Giggling Marlin, Kauppakatu 32. This club is easily recognizable by the long queue during weekends. As a part of a night club chain, this venue offers the same blend of danceable music and beautiful people you might have seen in the other SK bars. Cover charge €5.

ESCAPE, Väinönkatu 32. This club can also be recognized of having a long queue during weekends. A big nightclub located in an old cinema with the normal blend of danceable music and beautiful people. Cover charge €2,5-5 depending on the night. Students can get some discounts.

Old Brick's Inn, Kauppakatu 41. Situated in Vanha Tiilitalo (The Old Brick Building), is a pub with probably the biggest selection of beer in town.

Shaker, Yliopistonkatu 38. The one and only cocktail bar in Jyväskylä. This bar was established in 2004 and it has been since twice nominated as one of the top 20 bars in Finland. The bartender is among the best flairtenders in Finland, so don't be surprised to see some neat tricks behind and over the counter.

If you prefer a more laid-back night scene than euro-disco hell, walk uphill along Kauppakatu until you are past the church. This is where Yläkaupunki begins. Suggested establishments:

• Sohwi, Vaasankatu 21. This pub has been around for a while and has still managed to stay fresh. Many students come here, maybe because the university is just next door or maybe because of the "rock hours". Food is also served. Open every day and until 2AM on weekends.
• Vakiopaine, Kauppakatu 6. Definitely the coolest spot in town to have a beer, afternoon or evening (happy hour is 9PM till 11PM every day. 4 liter tap for 2€). Art shows on the walls change every 20 days or so. Live music occasionally. Theater in the cellar. Lots of board games available for play. Wireless internet.
• Vihreä Haltiatar, Kauppakatu 13. A quality establishment with over 100 beers to choose from. Friendly knowledgeable staff. Wireless internet. Awesome jukebox packed with an eclectic collection of old 45s. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.
• Ylä-Ruth, Seminaarinkatu 19. Just a block further from Vakiopaine. A true Finnish drinking experience, you'll hear the word "perkele" several times before your first beer is gone!

Sohwi, Vaasankatu 21. This pub has been around for a while and has still managed to stay fresh. Many students come here, maybe because the university is just next door or maybe because of the "rock hours". Food is also served. Open every day and until 2AM on weekends.

Vakiopaine, Kauppakatu 6. Definitely the coolest spot in town to have a beer, afternoon or evening (happy hour is 9PM till 11PM every day. 4 liter tap for 2€). Art shows on the walls change every 20 days or so. Live music occasionally. Theater in the cellar. Lots of board games available for play. Wireless internet.

Vihreä Haltiatar, Kauppakatu 13. A quality establishment with over 100 beers to choose from. Friendly knowledgeable staff. Wireless internet. Awesome jukebox packed with an eclectic collection of old 45s. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Ylä-Ruth, Seminaarinkatu 19. Just a block further from Vakiopaine. A true Finnish drinking experience, you'll hear the word "perkele" several times before your first beer is gone!

The Jyväskylä tourist information website maintains a list of internet access points and wifi hotspots.

• Forum, Kauppakatu. Mon-Fri 9am-9pm, Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 12pm-6pm. The Forum shopping centre in the centre of the city has a free wifi connection.
• Jyväskeskus, Kauppakatu. Mon-Sat 7am-10pm, Sun 12pm-10pm. The Jyväskeskus shopping centre in the centre of the city has a free wifi connection.
• TE-palvelut, Corner of Vapaudenkatu and Urhonkatu. Mon-Fri 9am-4:15pm. The TE-palvelut unemployment office has free wifi and free toilets.

Every library in the city has both computers with internet access and free wifi. Usually the wifi password is written on a sign somewhere, but you can ask a librarian, as they all speak English. The main library in Jyväskylä city centre also has free toilets.

Restaurants and bars also have wifi connections for customers, but a password is usually needed and must specifically be asked for.

Forum, Kauppakatu. Mon-Fri 9am-9pm, Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 12pm-6pm. The Forum shopping centre in the centre of the city has a free wifi connection.

Jyväskeskus, Kauppakatu. Mon-Sat 7am-10pm, Sun 12pm-10pm. The Jyväskeskus shopping centre in the centre of the city has a free wifi connection.

TE-palvelut, Corner of Vapaudenkatu and Urhonkatu. Mon-Fri 9am-4:15pm. The TE-palvelut unemployment office has free wifi and free toilets.

The crime rate in Jyväskylä is generally low. However, it's best to avoid obviously drunk people during weekend nights after the bars close. Long queuing for taxis or late night snack sometimes frustrate some partygoers to seek fighting opponents from other people. Sometimes this results to a temporary conversion from a pedestrian district to fighting arena, but the common sight of patrolling police makes the occurrences more rare. Despite this, walking on the streets at night (or any time of day) is safe. Keep in mind that in the winter time the streets might be slippery and that it is mandatory by traffic law to wear a reflector during the dark period.

• Petäjävesi — in this town 40km to the west you can visit an UNESCO World Heritage Site: the old church.