The Finnish city of Jyväsklä was founded in 1837 by decree of Emperor Nicholas I. It is one of the most attractive for life among all the cities of the country. It is not for nothing that it is called the “Athens of Finland”. The first Finnish-speaking lyceums and teacher training schools were founded here. The city has a university, among the faculties of which there is the only department in the country for training specialists in the field of physical culture and sports. Two continental European motorways pass through Jyväskilä. One of them connects Norway and Greece, the other – the Finnish cities of Sodankylä and Turku.
What to see?
The city’s most famous natural park is located on Harju Hill. On its territory there is a stadium of the same name. Around the perimeter there are jogging and cycling paths, hiking routes have been developed. A stone staircase of Nero leads to the top. At the very top is built the tower “Vesilinna”. It houses an observation deck, a nature museum and a restaurant.
The famous Finnish architect Alvaro Aalto was born in Jyväsklä. In his honor, the Museum was created, which presents photographs, drawings, sketches of architectural structures, as well as interior items that were created by the “father of Northern European modernism”. The city has several more museums of interest to tourists:
- history of central Finland;
- arts;
- crafts and national Finnish costume;
- the old quarter of Toivola.
Perfectly preserved monuments of architecture, including the Lutheran Church, built in the middle of the 19th century.
The central street of Kauppakatu is declared a pedestrian zone. There is a unique heating system, thanks to which there is no snow on the road even in winter. Here is the chocolate factory “Panda”. For the process of making delicacies can be viewed through special windows, and buy high-quality and delicious chocolate – in the company store of the enterprise.
Since 1951, the city has been the center of the “Thousand Lakes” rally. Racers from all over the world gather in August to demonstrate new cars and show their technical capabilities. At this time, the hotels of Jyväsklä are crowded, and on the streets of the old city you can meet world-famous racers.
What to do?
In addition to sightseeing tours, Jyväsclülä hotels offer active leisure activities. Cycling, rafting, canoeing on Lake Päiänne, hiking in protected areas are popular in the city. In summer, the Aaaalto Alvari water park is open. Children will be interested in visiting the local planetarium. It is built right in the rock.
In winter, ski lovers come here. Not far from the city there are centers “Laayavuori” and “Riihivuori”. They are famous for their excellent ski slopes, developed infrastructure and the ability to take lessons from experienced instructors.
Where to stay?
Hotels in Jyväskilä offer a comfortable overnight stay for any budget. Almost all of them have restaurants or bars. Breakfast is not always included in the price. The review will help you choose the best place for the location and proximity to the desired recreational facilities.
Finlandia Hotel Alba
On the shore of Lake Jyväsärvi lies the hotel complex Finlandia Hotel Alba,consisting of several buildings. To the city center – one and a half kilometers. Affordable prices, delicious food, a private beach and treadmills that diverge along the routes right from the front door. Economy, standard and superior rooms are offered. It offers views of Jyväskylä and the university campus. On the shore there is a cozy terrace for relaxation, a pier for boats and fishing. There is a football field. In winter, the surface of the lake is cleared of snow and guests are offered ice skating. Breakfast is buffet. For lunch and dinner, guests can enjoy a restaurant menu.
“After breakfast we made the morning promenade around the neighborhood. Then we went to the city, and in the evening after dinner we again walked in the vicinity of the hotel. All tracks are illuminated. We got great pictures!” Boris,
Hotelli Verso
In the heart of the city on the pedestrian street Kauppakatu, where there is never snow, is a comfortable Hotelli Verso. Breakfast is served in the hotel’srestaurant. In the evening, there is a bar serving cocktails and beers from the hotel’s microbreweath. Parking is paid. Free sauna services are available in the evenings from Monday to Saturday.
“This hotel serves an amazingly delicious and rich breakfast. I liked the fact that you can take it with you and eat it on your balcony. The windows of my room overlooked a quiet courtyard. I enjoyed such a morning motion” Jingo, Latvia
Scandic Laajavuori
The large spa complex is located in a natural area, a 5-minute drive from the centre of Jyväskilä on the shores of Lake Tuomiojärvi. The number of rooms is 196 rooms of different price categories, of which 68 are hypoallergenic. Breakfast is not included in the price,served after additional arrangement and payment. On the territory there is a restaurant, a round-the-clock grocery mini market. Free parking is available. It offers a sauna, bowling, bicycle rental and a spa with hot tubs. The nearest ski resort is Laaiavuori, 1 km away.
“Great spa treatments after skiing. In the lobby there is a café with delicious buns. Children can not be pulled out of the playrooms, adults from bowling. Breakfast is standard, but delicious” Igor, Russia
Hotel GreenStar Jyvaskyla
This hotel is suitable for those who are satisfied with the format of “bed and breakfast”. There are no special entertainments here. The hotel is centrally located close to the pedestrian area of the city. In the vicinity of all attractions, in particular the market square, lutakko harbor, museums. Paid parking. There are family rooms.
“Everything here is created for a full sleep. We only stayed one night but were pleasantly surprised by the service. Upon check-in, we immediately paid for breakfast (it is not included in the accommodation), but in the room we found free tea and coffee” Nadezhda, Belarus
Hotelli Milton
The traditional and cosy privately run Hotel Milton is located in the heart of Jyväskilä’s excursion routes. Within walking distance are the main attractions of the city: museums, theaters, pedestrian zone. Most rooms are single. There are several family and double rooms. Breakfast is served according to the Swedish system (to be paid additionally). There is a lobby bar in the lobby. There are restaurants and cafés in the neighbouring houses.
Hotels in Finland offer sauna services. This national tradition is not observed everywhere. In “Milton” there is no steam room, only a shower.
“Very convenient location: 300 m to the station, a couple of steps to the center, there are a lot of shops in the area. We were able to park at the entrance to the hotel for free. Loved the friendly staff and breakfast” Tatiana
Scandic Jyvaskyla City
A large hotel is located near the University. All 202 rooms have been recently renovated and are waiting for their visitors. Breakfast is served at 6 a.m. on weekdays. For evening relaxation there is a fitness center, swimming pool, sauna. Guests can dine in the restaurant with an à la carte menu. There is also a bar. The train station is 50 metres away and the central pedestrian street is just around the corner. In summer, bicycles are rented and guests are invited to take part in boat tours. In winter, ski trails and trips to ski resorts are popular.
“The hotel is close to the city center. It was about -10 degrees outside, but it was nice inside. Jyväskiä is a beautiful city to visit» Ian, Australia
Omena Hotel Jyvaskyla
The five-storey hotel is located a 5-minute walk from the railway station. Breakfast is served in the café “Wilhelmiinan Konditoria” at a price on weekdays 8.9 euros, on weekends – 12.5 euros. Children receive a 50% discount at the hotel. Payment is made on the spot. Near the entrance there is a bus stop from which you can get to the Alvaro Aalto Museum, the Holvi Museum of Art, the old church in the village of Petäävesi and other attractions. There is no sauna. Parking is paid.
“The hotel is open automatically. Upon check-in, a pin code from the doors is issued. Departure without the participation of staff. Parking is not very expensive. A great option for transit travelers» Andrey, Ukraine
Solo Sokos Hotel Paviljonki
The hotel complex is located on the territory of the exhibition center Paviljonki. Within a 3-minute walk there is a beach, a market square and a pedestrian area with shops and restaurants. Lutakko Harbour is also called the “Jyväskilä Summer Lounge”. Her business card is the 480-meter Kuokkala Bridge, where you can walk and take beautiful photos for memory. The hotel’s restaurant specialises in Italian cuisine. A stone oven is set up for pizza making. On the top floor there is a sauna. The superior rooms have their own steam rooms.
“New hotel with modern finishes and furniture. Stylish interior. Good breakfast. As in the whole of Sokos parking is paid – 12 euros per day” Maria
Scandic Jyvaskyla Station
Scandic hotels provide services of the highest class. The interiors are equipped according to European eco-standards. It is located in the centre of Jyväskylä, close to railway and bus stations. It offers 150 rooms, a sauna, a swimming pool, a terrace, a restaurant and a café. Breakfast is not included in the accommodation fee. Free outdoor parking is available. 18 rooms are designed for accommodation with animals. Nearby – a pedestrian zone, a harbor, shops. Bicycles, yoga mats, water belts and Nordic walking poles can be rented at reception. A golf course is open in summer.
“Stylish interior, modern living conditions. Good breakfast, lots of shops nearby. Overall liked it» Eugene
Original Sokos Hotel Alexandra
This is another object of hospitality from the brand Sokos,located in the heart of the city. There are three restaurants. Buffet breakfast is served in the french restaurant hall. Jyväsklä Theatre is a 2-minute walk away. In the evening, guests can relax in the communal sauna, dine in the French restaurant or have a drink at the bar.
“We specifically chose this hotel because it is big and close to the harbor. We stayed during the “white nights”. Thick curtains were saved from the light. Every evening we went to a free sauna” Marinochka, Russia
Regardless of the season, Jyväskilä hotels have their own pricing policy. They often have promotions and pleasant discounts. During the “Thousand Lakes” rally, it is recommended to book rooms in advance. This is the only period when discounts are not provided. From September 1, students come here. According to statistics, every fourth resident of the city studies at a local university. In winter, regional and national competitions are held at the stadiums and ski slopes of Jyväsklä.
