Jyväskylä, founded by Tsar Nicholas I in 1837, is attractively situated on the north side of a small lake, Jyväsjärvi, which is linked by a narrow strait, the Aijälänsalmi, with Lake Päijänne, Finland's second largest lake and its deepest (95.3m/313ft), to the south.
Jyväskylä is an important traffic junction, the administrative and cultural center of central Finland and an industrial town (woodworking, metalworking) which is also noted for its trade fairs. The first Finnish-language secondary school was established here in 1858. The University was founded in 1934.
The town boasts a lovely town hall and beautiful church.
At Alvar Aaltonkatu 7 in Jyväskylä is the Alvar Aalto Museum, designed by Aalto himself, with a collection on architecture and design and works of art belonging to the Sihtola Foundation (periodic special exhibitions). Brochures on Aalto's work are available in the museum as well as in the tourist information office.
Jyväskylä is given its particular character by a mingling of old wooden houses and modern stone buildings. It also has many buildings designed by the famous Finnish architect Alvar Aalto, who spent his early years in Jyväskylä.
The Craft Museum of Finland displays the development of arts and crafts from the 18th century through to present day. Everything from house building, lace making and forging to the design of ornaments is featured.
Address: The Craft Museum of Finland, Kauppakatu 25, SF-40100 Jyväskylä, Finland
Jyväskylä International Arts Festival is held in June.
The Jyväskylä Arts Festival, launched in 1955, is the longest-running annual cultural event in Finland.
The 10-day program includes over 60 different events, including discussions, theatrical plays, visual arts exhibitions and music, ranging from classical to jazz to modern. The performances take place in various local churches and concert halls.
Address: Jyväskylä Arts Festival, Asemakatu 6, SF-40100 Jyväskylä, Finland
Jyväskylä Summer Festival (end of June to beginning of July): programs of cultural and artistic events; debates and discussions, extending also to social and political questions.
Address: Finland Festivals Information, Mannerheimintie 40 B, SF-00100 Helsinki, Finland
Jyväskylä Winter Festival (January or February): programs of cultural and artistic events; debates and discussions, extending also to social and political questions.
Address: Finland Festivals Information, Mannerheimintie 40 B, SF-00100 Helsinki, Finland
This is a significant Finnish collection of over 70 aircraft used by the Finnish Air Force and aircraft obtained for display from other countries.
Among the aircraft on display are some unique examples of Finnish designed and built military models.
Address: Finnish Aviation Museum, Tikkakoskentie 125, SF-41160 Tikkakoski, Finland
Hours:
June 1 to August 15: 10am-8pm
August 16 to May 31: 11am-5pm
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26), New Year's Eve (December 31), Christmas - Christian (December 25), Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24)
The Museum of Central Finland specializes in cultural history. There is an exhibit that spans the towns history from the 1830's until present. A second permanent exhibit shows the evolution, on maps, of how Finland has developed into a European state.
In addition to these, the Museum offers changing exhibitions with themes related to cultural history. Displays of art are also featured.
Address: The Museum of Central Finland, Box 634, SF-40600 Jyväskylä, Finland
An the near end of Keskussairaalantie, southwest of the Town Church in Jyväskylä, is the Museum of Central Finland (Keski-Suomen Museo; by Alvar Aalto, 1961), with collections of material on the history of the town, ethnology and applied art. A short distance north is the University (new buildings by Alvar Aalto), with the University Museum (Yliopiston Museo; history of education).
4km/2.5mi south from Rynnankyä, Muurame has an interesting "sauna village", a collection of 24 saunas from different parts of the country (cafe; sale of handicrafts).
In the centrally situated Church Gardens (Kirkkopuisto) is the neo-Gothic Town Church (1880). Nearby is a monument to the Finnish writer Minna Canth (1844-97). On the way from here to the harbor and the lake are three buildings by Alvar Aalto: the Municipal Theater (1982), the Police Headquarters (1970) and the Local Government Offices (1978). To the north, in Rajakatu, are the Orthodox church (1954) and a neo-Classical church of 1929.
The Water Tower (Vesilinna) in the Harju Park (Harjupuisto), in the center of Jyväskylä, is a landmark which is difficult to ignore. It is approached by 143 stone steps ("Nero's Steps"), laid in 1925. From the viewing terrace there is an extensive prospect over the forests and lakes of the surrounding area. Other fine viewpoints are the Syrjänharju to the northeast of the town (with park) and the ski-jump on the Laajavuori (cafe), 4km/2.5mi northwest of the town center.
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