Top-rated places to visit in Central Finland, Finland

4.0 The Alvar Aalto Museum (160 reviews)
- All about Alvar Aalto
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) is the father of Finnish design and architecture. His glassware and furniture are still very popular all over the world. His work includes also textiles, sculptures, and paintings. During his career Aalto designed over 500 individual buildings, approximately 300 of which were built. The vast majority are in Finland but also a few buildings are in France, Germany, Italy, and the USA. The Alvar Aalto Museum shows the Master's work clearly and comprehensively. It has an extensive collection of photographs, blueprints, furniture items and small copies of the buildings. There is also a shop and a cafe where you can buy Aalto’s favorite cake, whose recipe is kept in secret. See more..
4.5 Finnish Air Force Museum (104 reviews)
- Visit to Jyväskylä
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Military Museums • Speciality Museums • History Museums

Finnish Air Force Museum shows Finnish aviation history from its beginning, 1918 to the present days. The Main exhibition consists of aircraft, engines and aircrew equipment which has been used by the Finnish Air Force. The equipment of Air Force Signals Museum has its own section. A large collection of scale models gives a wider perspective to the whole field of aviation. See more..
4.5 Toivolan Vanha Piha (100 reviews)
- Jyväskylä in the 1800s
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Speciality Museums • History Museums

From Toivola Old Courtyard you can find artisan’s boutiques and workshops, Toivola Restaurant, and craftsmen’s homes. The Coppersmith’s House and the Carpenter’s House are the oldest remaining wooden residences in Jyväskylä. They were built in the 1840s. These craftsmen's homes have functioned as interesting museums since the mid-1950s. Here you can experience what life has been 180 years ago. See more..
4.0 Himos Ski Resort (64 reviews)
- Great family skiing holiday
Gear Rentals • Ski & Snowboard Areas

We were 2 adults and 4 teenagers and had a great week Himos resort offered fantastic skiing the slopes are open until 7.30pm and open at 10 all the slopes are interlinked so you can ski between different slopes they are all well maintained and suitable for all abilities . We went in half term which is different to the Finnish children half term so the slopes were almost empty . Everyone was extremely friendly the resort is immaculate and the weather was perfect . We also within the week hired a snowmobile at the resort and went ice hole swimming close by . Their is only a small shop at the resort which is expensive but the supermarkets are 10 minute drive away. We stayed in an AirBNB which was beautiful and only a 100m walk to the slopes . This was a memorable and fun packed holiday highly recommended See more..
4.5 Petäjävesi Old Church (55 reviews)
- 3rd UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Finland
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Churches & Cathedrals

This church is carved by Finnish peasants between 1763 and 1765 and was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1994 as an example of the long architectural tradition of wooden churches in the Nordic countries. The church is open for visitors during the summer time and the there is an entrance fee of 7 euros to get in (small discounts for students and senior citizens). If you decide to visit this church I suggest that you also stop by the graveyard and spend some time there. When we visited the church there was a guide around from whom you could ask questions. The church has its' own website telling the story of this unique church and can be found with address petajavesioldchurch dot fi. See more..
4.5 Natural History Museum of Central Finland (51 reviews)
- Very interesting museum
Spent 1-2 hours Natural History Museums

This museum showcases the diversity of nature in Central Finland. It has an impressive collection of over 250 000 samples of flora and fauna typical for Central Finland. The museum is situated in Vesilinna Watching Tower. On the same visit, you can have a bird's eye view over the beautiful scenery. See more..
4.0 The Craft Museum of Finland (48 reviews)
- Interesting specialty museum
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Educational sites • History Museums

The museum is a specialized museum for handicraft covering entire Finland, a place where skills and people meet as well as an interesting destination for visitors. Situated on the pedestrian street at the hearth of Jyväskylä, the Craft Museum of Finland is easily accessible museum, which unobtrusive façade hides experiences for all senses and for all ages. The museum tells the story of Finnish crafts as part of the weave of history. Handicraft has lived along with Finland both in everyday life and in celebration and it plays a significant role even in our current digital era. See more..
4.5 Wayout Jyvaskylä (30 reviews)
- Very good escape room game place in Jyväskylä.
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

You and your team will be locked in a room and your mission is to solve a set of logical puzzles and find your way out in 60 minutes! During the game you need to use logical thinking, teamwork, and creativeness to figure your "WayOut". Each room has a distinct story and a theme which will unveil to your group during the game. Are you up for the challenge? See more..
4.0 Jyväskylä Art Museum (29 reviews)
- Contemporary art
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums

Jyväskylä Art Museum is regional art museum of Central Finland. The mission of the museum is to show and collect visual art from Central Finland, Finnish and international printmaking and photography as well as other national and international artwork complementary to museum’s collections. One of the museum's focus points is art and museum education. In collaboration with the Centre for Creative Photography, the Jyväskylä Art Museum maintains The Ratamo Printmaking and Photography Centre. This centre consists of the Galleria Ratamo along with a printmaking workshop, photography studio and artist workspaces all situated in Jyväskylä’s former roundhouse. See more..
4.0 Saynatsalo Town Hall (19 reviews)
- Aalto's functional architectur
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

Säynätsalo Town Hall is one of the most significant works of architect Alvar Aalto, who has an internationally renowned position in the history of modern architecture. Aalto himself fell in love with Säynätsalo and named the islands as the Tahiti of Lake Päijänne. Tavolo Bianco is the company taking care of Tourists' services onsite. See more..
3.5 Jyväskylä Paviljonki (19 reviews)
- Friendly service, good location
Spent 2-3 hours Convention Centers

Good location and easy to find and visit. The service has always been friendly and it is easy to understand why Paviljonki is so popular amongst organizations running exhibitions. See more..
4.0 Keski-Suomen museo (Museum of Central Finland) (18 reviews)
- Very interesting museum
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums

The Museum of Central Finland operates as the provincial museum of Central Finland and the town museum of Jyvaskyla. At the Museum of Central Finland you can learn history of Jyvaskyla and Central Finland, you can re-enter bygone times and enjoy in a whole variety of ways! You can also find art exhibitions. The museum building is worthy of visit in itself. It is designed by Alvar Aalto. See more..
3.5 Panda Factory Outlet (17 reviews)
- Factory outlet for sweet tooth
Spent < 1 hour Factory Outlets

If traveling to or through Vaajakoski, take a tour at Panda Factory Outlet. There you can get fresh licorice and chocolate. If you are lucky, you'll find some experimental batches, which are not available in stores. See more..
4.5 University of Jyvaskyla (17 reviews)
- The second largest university in Finland
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Universities & Schools

Jyväskylä University has its origins in the first Finnish-speaking Teacher Seminary, which was founded in 1863. There are three campuses: the Main Campus area in the city center as well as Mattilanniemi and Ylistönrinne Campuses on opposite shores of Lake Jyväsjärvi. Several buildings in the main campus area were designed by famous Finnish architect Alvar Aalto. The university has 15,000 students and if counting the adult education students, 40,000 students in total. The university offers a wide range of study programs. Natural Sciences, Human Sciences, Sports and Health Sciences, as well as Teacher education, are the university's areas of special expertise. For a tourist, there is a University Museum, founded in 1900. It has two sections: The Cultural History Section and The Natural History Museum. The latter one is located under the Vesilinna water tower. See more..
4.5 Leivonmaki National Park (15 reviews)
- Amazingly beautiful
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM National Parks

What a beautiful place. We did the Koskikara trip, which took us about an hour in a stunning landscape. Parking was available in a school yard right next to the start. Highly recommended See more..
4.0 Nokkakivi Amusement Park (15 reviews)
- Great place to enjoy with the kids
Sunday: Amusement & Theme Parks

Nokkakivi is a great place to enjoy a sunny day with kids, the park is tidy and versatile. Even a little shower does not matter while in Nokkakivi there are places to enjoy under the roof. Service is kind, joyful and helpful all the time. Easy access from the road 9 is also a plus. See more..
4.5 Maki-Matin perhepuisto (15 reviews)
- Your kids will have so much fun!
Spent 2-3 hours Parks

This is a one of a kind playground! It has all types of places and possibilities for all age groups. It is very large and very close to the city center. So if you visit the city and want some special place where you can relax and where your kids would have lots of fun, here is your top choice! My son enjoyed it and so did all the kids I saw there. There are so many outdoor toys offered by the administration of the playground: cars, bikes, sand toys.... you name it! For more information, you can contact [email protected] See more..
4.5 Jyvaskylan Harbour (13 reviews)
- Relaxing
Marinas • Piers & Boardwalks

I had a coffee, it was delicious. Nice lake view from the veranda. Coffee was 2.7 Euro. They have very nice ice creams too. See more..
4.0 Kuokkalan silta (13 reviews)
- Busy bridge
Bridges

This 480-meter long bridge completed in 1989 connects the city center via Lutakko to Kuokkala. When completed, it was Finland's fourth-longest road bridge. The bridge has very busy car traffic. Ylistö pedestrian bridge is much nicer for walking. Both have panoramic lake views. See more..
4.5 Tourujoen Luontopolku (12 reviews)
- Great spot close to the city
Spent < 1 hour Parks • Scenic Walking Areas

Very beautiful and easy walk. We went on a sunny day and say some squirrels and birds also. There is a nice spot on the other side of the river for relaxing. Very easy to get to as it is a short walk from the city. See more..
4.5 Oravivuori Triangulation Tower (11 reviews)
- Great lake views
Historic Sites

World heritage site See more..
4.0 Kärkisten Silta (11 reviews)
- Fantastic lake-views
Spent < 1 hour Bridges

In lake rich region this bridge provides a great view over lake Päijänne. Also a great choice of route (between Jyväskylä and Lahti) if you want to marvel other lake-views and drive on smaller roads from here to Pulkkilan harju, that has a great number of fantastic lake scenery too. See more..
4.5 Pyha-Hakki National Park (10 reviews)
- Small and old national park
National Parks

Easy and suits for everyone. Old trees. Nice park and goog fireplace. Short easy routes. Suitabe for small kids to older people. See more..
5.0 McAhon Safarit (9 reviews)
- Absolutely incredible! Highly recommend
Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Eco Tours • Sightseeing Tours

Went here with my family after Christmas - we were lucky there was snow! Hosts were so welcoming took us round and introduced us to the huskies. Very knowledgeable and friendly. Once acquainting ourselves with the dogs we got the chance to put the harnesses on them. The sledge sits 2 people one behind the other, pulled by 8 huskies and guided by the hosts son (who is a world class husky racing champion!). The sleigh ride went around their farm - awesome track and just so much fun! The whole experience was just amazing and I highly highly highly recommend to anyone. I will definitely be back! After the husky ride we ended off in a cosy hut with a fire to warm us up, was served a warm drink to end off the day. Just perfect! See more..
4.5 Vitikkala Manor (8 reviews)
- Cute wooden cafeteria, home shop and museum
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality & Gift Shops • Speciality Museums • Coffeehouses

Located perfectly in the heart of Jämsä and they have nice home shop where you may buy some souvenirs. Also highly recommended to visit the old museum and why not cup of coffee and tasty pastry. See more..
5.0 Liikelataamo (8 reviews)
- Great place
Spent 1-2 hours Bowling Alleys • Game & Entertainment Centers

We enjoyed bowling in this new and modern bowling alley. It was in quite suprising location, but also such a great suprise. See more..
3.5 Revontuli (8 reviews)
- The glassroof igloo was wonderful!!
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Bowling Alleys • Golf Courses • Game & Entertainment Centers

We had booked a package deal with accommodation in a glass roof igloo, three course meal and access to a sauna and a jacuzzi by the lake. Considering the price (349€/night) I'd say the overall experience was nice but the atmosphere in the restaurant was quite blunt. The restaurant itself seems to be stuck in the 80's and being used for breakfast, lunch and dinner it wasn't really the romantic setting one might hope for. Looking through the window and seiing a parking lot with road construction signs didn't really add to the dinner - which was quite all right though. We were also walked to the restaurant from the bowling alley all the way through empty conference rooms and a ball room, because there was only one staff member working in the entire complex. This waiter/bartender/general manager(?) was very friendly and attentive though. Since there were only a couple of other guests besides us we had the sauna and the jacuzzi to ourselves, which was nice. Sleeping under the stars in a glass roof igloo /hut was wonderful and the hut was super cozy yet stylish and seemed pretty new. And I would definitely recommend to pay little extra for the lakeside location! To sum it up: there's a lot to do at Revontuli and the glass igloos are wonderful, but the main building with the restaurant really need a facelift. Sauna and the jacuzzi were nice but during busy times they would probably be too cramped for my taste. Friendly service, basic breakfast. I might consider staying again, but just paying for the igloo and dining somewhere else. See more..
5.0 Höyry Galleria (7 reviews)
- Worth a visit / Vierailun arvoinen
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Wonderful gallery with changing exhibits in beatiful surroundings. Emalipuu shop has quality handicraft and art, and you can find one of the artists behind the counter. Have found a lot of cherished art from here. / upes galleria vaihtuvin näyttelyin kauniissa ympäristössä. Emalipuu-kaupassa on laadukasta käsityötä ja taidetta ja voit löytää yhden taiteilijan kassatiskin takaa. Olen löytänyt monta rakasta taideteosta täältä. See more..
4.5 Car Museum Wanhat Wehkeet (7 reviews)
- Great little Museum, a real find
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

We came upon the Wanhat Wehkeet car museum by chance. But what a find, it's a must see for anyone who loves old vehicles and things from the past. Lots of wonderful and well restored classic cars and motorcycles of all kinds. There are also many vintage items and interesting sets of life in the past. The old style cafe fits in perfectly and the food and drink were good. The staff were all nice and friendly. If you are in the area it's a very interesting place to visit. See more..
4.5 Old Church of Keuruu (7 reviews)
- Beautiful!
Spent 1-2 hours Churches & Cathedrals

This old church is just incredibly beautiful! You must go inside and enjoy the old paintings! Mind your feet:-) We were lucky enough to have a local explain the history of the church. See more..
4.0 Kauppakeskus Sokkari (6 reviews)
- Good shopping center
Sunday: Shopping Malls

This S-Group shopping center is located on the city's pedestrian street. It has several chain stores, unique shops, restaurants and cafes under one roof. For example, here you can find a Sokos department store, Alko liquor store and Mestarin Herkku food store. See more..
4.0 Torikeskus (6 reviews)
- Sure it's not most modern but it has many small nice stores
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Shopping Malls

The building is a bit... dark and not most modern but there are lots of small and nice stores where you will find jewelry, clothes, legos, toys, food, etc. Trust me, it's worth checking out! See more..
4.5 Nestori (5 reviews)
- Real local - and delicious - profuct just 1 min from E4-route!
Speciality & Gift Shops

Nestori is one of the oldest "direct-sell from farms"- stores in Finland and still a really high-quality one! It is cooperative selling local breads, cakes, conservatives, farmproducts, handicrafts etc. They also have little cafe. I love this place and when I am on holiday in Viitasaari I always get my bread etc. From there. At 10 am You get them nice and warm. See more..
4.5 Liesjärven Kansallispuisto (5 reviews)
- Great day
National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas

We had great day at liesjärvi with friends. Guides were very nice and told a lot of interesting facts about the place and its nature. Go and learn about the nature even if you are a Fin See more..
5.0 Kapsäkki (5 reviews)
- Cute cafe
Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

Visit a hundred years old bookstore, now interior,gifts etc. We also have a unique Cafe Tassi in the old cowshed located in the traditional backyard. Enjoy a cup of latte/cappuccino/espresso with some of our delicious coffee breads in the shadows on an apple tree! Cafe is open only from may to the end of august! Store is open every day on summertime, and on saturdays in the autumn/ winter/spring. See more..
4.5 Church of Keuruu (5 reviews)
- Beautiful!
Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

What a wonderful little wooden church. Smells, looks, sounds amazing. We've also seen a wedding taking place (a great choice of site!). See more..
4.0 Muurame Church (Muuramen kirkko) (5 reviews)
- Kesäkahvila Lumme
Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

Alvar Aallon suunnittelema kirkko. See more..
4.5 Art Center Haihatus (5 reviews)
- Interesting exhibitions
Spent More than 3 hours Art Galleries

Haihatus Art Center and Residency is a unique, versatile and international all year round art center located in Joutsa, Central Finland. Just a couple of hours' drive from Helsinki and only one hour from Jyväskylä you get to experience art and culture in an unique environment in the middle of the beautiful Finnish lakeland. During the summer season art exhibitions, picnic concerts, art workshops, contemporary circus performances and Finland's only gallery house specialized in kinetic art; KITA, attract domestic and international travellers of all ages. In the winter Haihatus offers atmospheric multi-art evenings and snowy happenings for the whole family. Haihatus serves as a residence for international artists, so during your visit you may be able to meet the artists from all over the world creating art. See more..
4.5 Jyvaskylan Kaupunginteatteri (5 reviews)
- Wonderful place
Spent 2-3 hours Theaters

The service has always been good, the seats are comfortable and the location is of course amazing! I have especially enjoyed the musicals. See more..
4.0 Nyrölän luontopolku (5 reviews)
- Good place for family with kids
Hiking Trails

Recommend to those who travels with kids, really easy to hiking, beautiful nature of the Finnish forest, lake and summertime. See more..
4.5 Toivakan kirkko (4 reviews)
- Church like no other - worth to visit
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Churches & Cathedrals

At the time in 1970s the Toivakka church's ceiling paintings were scandal and even the vicar Vironmäki resigned because he did not want to preach under the paintings. It is the style - pop culture / pop art - where Jesus is like hippie and the angels are like fashion model, vampire, gypsy, Chinese and Egyptian just to mention few. The contrast is so huge with the church itself (built in 1882). Paintings are made by local artist Pellervo Lukumies whose father was Toivakka's long time vicar Kalle Lukumies. Paintings painted by Lukumies replaced the old ones, which were painted according to Alvar Aalto's plan in 1920s..... It is said that the church just wanted renovation of the old ones (angels and apostles), but artist Lukumies thought differently. There is lot of humour in these paintings but artist also had a message which is more than topical even today (actually always) "there is room for everyone in heaven" See more..
5.0 Kotielainpiha Vanha Mylly (4 reviews)
- Ihana paikka!
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Zoos

Vanha Mylly (The Old Mill) is an interesting little farm to visit in Muurame, next to Jyväskylä. In addition to domestic animals, the farm itself is rich with history. We have rabbits, donkeys, sheep and chickens. You don't have to just look at the animals from afar; petting and interacting with them is encouraged. Inside the atmospheric house you can enjoy coffee, soda etc. and even get some sausages for roasting at our old blacksmith's fireplace. We also sell a variety of animal themed prints (stickers, magnets, cards) as well as delicious eggs from our own chickens, honey from our beehives, wool products and more. See more..
4.0 Kirkkovuori Nature Observation Tower (4 reviews)
- The most beautiful view over the area
Spent 1-2 hours Observation Decks & Towers

Visiting friends in the area we had heard of the beautiful view from the tower. After roaming the town - as the tower was hard to find - we finally found it. It is a steep path from the parking lot up to the tower, but wow - we were paid back in full when we got there. The view is breathtaking. See more..
4.0 Julmat Lammit (4 reviews)
- Upea luontokohde
Spent 2-3 hours Lookouts • Scenic Walking Areas

Selkeät opasteet puissa. Helppokulkuinen reitti ensimmäiselle näköalatasanteelle, jonka jälkeen maasto vaikeakulkuista. Reitin kesto mukavine evästaukoineen reippaalla vauhdilla 2 tuntia. Parkkipaikka aivan tien vieressä, josta helppo lähteä reitille ja löytää perille. See more..
5.0 Rantaraitti (4 reviews)
- My favourite in Jyväskylä
Biking Trails

Whenever I visit Jyväskylä I will find time to walk or jog around the lake. It follows the lake all the way. Best place to start is at the harvour.. This is a wonderful route offering beautiful views from every angle. Congrats to the city for offering this kind of experience! There are several outdoor gyms on the trail See more..
4.5 Kirpputori Silinteri (4 reviews)
- Avara kirppis
Sunday: Flea & Street Markets

Jyväskylässä ollessani kävin tutkimassa Silinteri kirppiksen tarjonnan. Kirppis oli avara ja valoisa, mutta myytävä tavara ei saanut hihkumaan innostuksesta, lisäksi aika paljon epäsiistejä pöytiä. Hyvää oli tiskin takana olevan hyllyn tavaroiden näkyvä hinnoittelu. See more..
4.5 Jyvaskyla City Church (4 reviews)
- Nice
Churches & Cathedrals

Really nice church. Easy access. Central location. Nice architecture for a Lutheran church which normally are so plain. See more..
4.5 Sahis Aki resort (3 reviews)
- Great skiing
Ski & Snowboard Areas

We had an hour's ski lesson here. Fabulous instructor. Reasonably priced and really friendly staff. would definetly go again See more..
3.5 Jyvaskyla City Hall (3 reviews)
- Beautiful building
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Government Buildings

When the City Hall was completed in 1899, it was a prominent Renaissance Revival style building in a town of wooden houses. The field between the red-brick City Church and the City Hall served as a marketplace until 1931. Today, the City Council has its meetings in the Great Hall on the first floor. Sometimes there are guided tours where you can see the interiors. See more..
3.5 Vesilinna Observation Tower (3 reviews)
- Panoramic views
Observation Decks & Towers

Vesilinna observation tower is situated on top of the Harju ridge, which is a popular recreational area with pine forests in the middle of the city. The main route from the city center to Harju runs through the majestic Nero stairs completed in 1925. The Vesilinna tower was built in 1953. It serves as a water and observation tower. Its observation deck offers magnificent views in all directions. I must say that the city looks much better from here than from the street level. You can also find the pleasant Cafe & Restaurant Vesilinna and the interesting Natural History Museum of Central Finland from here. See more..