In the so-called Finnish Athens, it is impossible not to fall in love at first sight. Jyväskylän is an ideal city where modern buildings blend with pristine nature. Here are famous scientific centers that are engaged in the development of high technology.
Conveniently located city
The settlement, which looks like a tiny spot on the map of the country, received the status of a city in 1837 by order of Nicholas I. At that time, Finland was still part of the Russian Empire. But for the first time, a small settlement was mentioned in historical chronicles as early as the beginning of the 16th century.
The city, which receives tourists year-round, is considered the most comfortable in Central Finland. Spread among pine forests and picturesque lakes, it has a convenient geographical position, making it easy to get here. At 23 kilometers from the heart of the city is Finavia Airport, which welcomes guests from different countries. Fans of land transport will reach the cultural center by bus or train. Not far from the central part is the railway station, over which pedestrian crossings are built. Russian tourists will be able to get to Jyväskylä (Finland) from the administrative center of the state by train.
The most comfortable corner of the country
The capital of the Keski-Suomi region, which is home to about 130 thousand people, is well developed in terms of infrastructure. Hundreds of thousands of travelers from different countries arrive annually in the city, located 270 kilometers from Helsinki, and the Finns consider it the most attractive place to stay. Residential buildings are literally immersed in greenery, and in the vicinity of the city you can rent a cozy cottage located on the lake.
Weather
In a city full of unusual sights, tourists from all over the world rush year round. The weather of the cultural center of the country pleases not only in summer, when the average temperature is 20 degrees, but also in cool winters, accompanied by snowfalls. However, strong frosts that can interfere with the ski season, you can not be afraid. January air temperature rarely drops below minus 6 degrees.
Oldest Laajavuori Center
The famous Laajavuori ski resort, located a few kilometers from the city, welcomes guests from mid-November to April. In the northern country, snow does not melt until spring, and slopes and tracks that are in excellent condition are waiting for winter sports enthusiasts. The oldest center "Laavayuori" offers its visitors specially equipped slopes for adults and playgrounds for children. Thrill-seekers choose tracks of varying difficulty that are beautifully highlighted when dark. In the center, where international competitions in ski jumping and skiing are held, you can go sledding and snowboarding.
For lovers of winter holidays, Laajavuori is a real expanse.
Cultural and educational center
The first schools were opened in the country's cultural center, where students were taught in Finnish, and the University of Jyväskylä (Finland), founded in 1863 and grown from a pedagogical institute, is considered the best educational center of the state in northern Europe. Over 16 thousand young people study here, including from Russia, and every third resident is a student.
Symbols of the city
Even experienced tourists will be surprised by the various sights of Jyväskylä (Finland). As the locals joke, there are so many of them that they will not fit on any map.
Harju Hill, on which the Vesilinna Tower was built in 1953, is considered a symbol of the beautiful city. Numerous paths for hiking enthusiasts are laid on the natural island, and the observation deck offers stunning views of the surroundings. In the period from May to September, as well as in December, charming music is heard from the tower every day.
Built in 1989, the Kuokkala bridge connecting the two parts of the city is the hallmark of Jyväskylä (Finland). In the evening, when the backlight turns on, the half-kilometer ferry is a stunning sight. Multi-colored lights reflected in the dark water are admired not only by guests of the city, but also by local residents.
Recently, he was decorated with an acrobat figure resembling a living person.
Kauppakatu
What to see in Jyväskylä (Finland) and where to go primarily for tourists? In the "small big city" there are entertainment for every taste. Perhaps the most interesting for guests is the central pedestrian street of Kaupakatu, which was recognized as the best in the country. It is with her that any city tour begins. The brightly lit Kauppakatu has a festive atmosphere around the clock, plays live music, shopping centers and restaurants. It is curious that even in the cold winter, the pedestrian zone is warmed by the heat that comes from the local thermal power plant, and there is absolutely no snow on the street. Therefore, even in cold weather, tourists walk on it and are not afraid to freeze.
This is a great place for shopping, and here you can literally buy everything at lower prices than in Russia.
Kallioplanetaario
The unique planetarium carved in the rock is proud of Jyväskylä (Finland). Photos of the object that delights foreigners will not be able to convey all the charm of this amazing place. As tourists admit, it is impossible to describe in words how you feel when panoramic sessions under the dome of the planetarium begin. Here, images obtained using a telescope are demonstrated, various multimedia presentations are arranged. After exploring the distant cosmic world, adults will be able to go to the sauna, visit a restaurant, and the kids who are waiting for adventure go to explore the surroundings along the beaten paths. The only structure of this kind in the world, carved into the rock, leaves an indescribable feeling.
Museum City
Jyväskylä (Finland) is famous for having a huge number of museums there. Each guest will even be able to travel back to the 19th century by time machine, visiting the historical Hallan tupa complex, which consists of 12 ancient huts. In a small village, the atmosphere of past centuries with all traditions and customs is exactly recreated. Often an unusual corner is used for various celebrations.
At the Aviation Museum, samples of military equipment await everyone who is keen on airplanes, and the Museum of Applied Arts will introduce you to works of wood, ceramics, and fabric. There are both permanent and periodic exhibitions.
One cannot but visit the Museum of Contemporary Art Holvi, where the best works of Finnish artists and architects are exhibited. Curious expositions often change, and each visitor will form his own opinion about the highly social works of talented authors.
In the suburbs, in the municipality of the Muurame region, is one of the most unusual museums in which visitors not only learn a lot about Finnish baths and saunas, but also take a steam bath in them.
The Museum of Central Finland will tell you in detail about the history of the country and the city itself. Two permanent exhibitions invariably attract a large number of visitors.
Where to go with the kids?
Peukkula amusement park is a wonderful place where you can recharge with positive emotions. Fairy-tale characters come to life on a vast territory with which adults and their children take pictures for memory. On spacious venues, the little one has fun and plays, and in the evening large-scale performances and concerts for children begin.
Wonderful water park in Jyväskylä (Finland) invites all lovers of water attractions. Adults and children will appreciate the huge pools with artificially created waves and hydromassage, Jacuzzi, water slides. Designed by a renowned architect, the AaltoAlvari water park is a great place for healing the body and relaxing.
Where to stay?
Comfortable hotels in Jyväskylä (Finland) will satisfy the most discerning travelers. Each guest will be able to settle in accordance with their budget. Prices are highly dependent on the location of the hotel and its stars. The farther the hotel is from the city center, the cheaper the accommodation. Those who prefer an economical vacation choose cozy hostels (for example, Laayari), in which all living expenses are minimized, but this does not affect the quality of service.
Tourists wishing to spend their holidays in luxurious rooms will appreciate the Sokos hotels located in the very center of the city. They are distinguished by the highest level of service and trained personnel, sensitive to customer requests.
A popular hotel located in the business district of the city is the Cumulus Jyväskylä with a spa area, restaurant, parking and rooms with a sauna. All major attractions are within a 10-minute walk from the hotel.
Interesting Facts
Finns love to steam, so it is not surprising that there are saunas in every city apartment, private house and hotel.
The famous architect A. Aalto lived and worked here, after which the streets and universities in Finland are named. The city has many buildings designed by the architect, as well as a museum bearing his name.
Locals have a passion for dancing, and every tourist can walk along the Foxtrot lane, Tango and Waltz streets.
In the city of Jyväskylä (Finland), the famous Neste Oil Rally rally is held, where racing enthusiasts get an unforgettable experience. For the period of competition, the population increases several times.
One of the most beautiful architectural monuments is the ancient wooden church of Petiajavesi, protected by UNESCO.
The Panda Chocolate Shop, which is open every day, is visited daily by hundreds of tourists. In the paradise for sweet tooth you can buy delicious souvenirs for relatives and try a fragrant treat.
The picturesque city, in which life does not calm down even at night, the locals secretly call the country's most illuminated village. In the dark, more than 70 objects, shimmering in different colors, cause real delight.
The city of Jyväskylä (Finland), saturated with a special spirit, is distinguished by the fact that life here is filled with inexhaustible energy. Each tourist remembers his vacation as an exciting journey into a real fairy tale, which I want to repeat.