Jyväskylä is the capital of the Finnish Lakeland. Surrounded by water and hills, the city is a charming and compact destination full of possibilities. “The Athens of Finland” got the nickname due to its well-established university and the strong educational traditions. The large student population in a city of 140 000 people gives it a youthful vibe – and a lively nightlife. Omena Hotel is conveniently located in the very centre of Jyväskylä, from where it is easy to explore the city by foot.

Top attractions & things to do in Jyväskylä

1. Architectural Jyväskylä: Alvar Aalto sites

Jyväskylä is known for the world-famous architect Alvar Aalto, and you can find 29 of his buildings around the city. Many of them are popular tourist attractions. Some of the sites are open for visitors, and some of the visits you need to reserve beforehand. The rest you can enjoy from the outside. Near the centre you will find for example:

• University of Jyväskylä
• Construction office
• Casa Laurén
• Aira-house
• Jyväskylä City Theatre
• Museum of Central Finland
• Central Police Station
• Defence Corps Building

2. Jyväskylä City Church and the Church Park

In Jyväskylä area there are many interesting churches, like Old Church of Petäjävesi that belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage List. If you choose to stay within the central area, do visit the Jyväskylä City Church and the surrounding park. The romanesque and gothic styled church was designed by L. I. Lindqvist and consecrated in1880. The greenery surrounding the church is a popular spot for picnics and hangouts. Great for budget travelers!

3. The City Hall – get to know the history of Jyväskylä

The City Hall is located near the church. An impressive building from 1899 was designed by Karl Viktor Reinius and has a colourful history with lots of renovations. The City Hall arranges guided tours around the premises.

4. Best views in Jyväskylä: Harju ridge and observation tower

Harju tower is a well-known landmark in Jyväskylä. The ridge itself is loved by the locals, where one can enjoy walks, picnics or go crazy running up the Nero stairs (“Stairs of Knowledge”). The Vesilinna observation tower offers a great view over the city and is open for visitors during the restaurant’s opening hours. The Natural History Museum of Central Finland is also located there.  In addition, the tower is an essential part of the soundscape in Jyväskylä. Laulu synnyinseudulle (“A Song for the Native Place”) by Aulis Raitala is played from the tower every summer evening at 8 pm.

If you are looking for things to do in Jyväskylä with children, take a nice walk to Harju, enjoy the view and get some fresh air for the whole family.

5. Shopping in Jyväskylä: the walking street

The atmospheric central street (also called the walking street) is a relaxed and joyful meeting place for the locals. The very central spot has been marked with a huge compass painted on the pavement. Along the street one can find restaurants, bar terraces, shopping malls and picturesque boutiques. Are you traveling to Jyväskylä for work? The walking street is a great place to relax after a busy day.

6. Digital art in Jyväskylä: the famous murals

Jyväskylä showcases several impressive murals around the city, and now the intriguing artwork can also be explored and enhanced with a smartphone. The project was carried out by Nordic Art Network during the City of digital art festival. The beautiful artwork by the well-known artists Million and Onur are located right around the corner from the Omena Hotel. “Keep Me” can be found at Vapaudenkatu 65 and “The Last Cocktail” at Ilmarisenkatu 12. Check out a video of the murals coming alive!

7. A Jyväskylä landmark you can’t miss: the Kuokkala Bridge

The Kuokkala Bridge separates two central districts in Jyväskylä, Kuokkala and Lutakko. The view from the bridge over the lake is gorgeous, as is the bridge itself. When walking the harbor right to the bridge opening, you can find an art piece by Seppo Uuranmäki, called Keinuja (the Swinger). It has been swinging under the bridge since 2002. The bridge is beautifully lit in the dark.

8. A must-see place in the summer: Jyväskylä Harbour

Right by the bridge you can find the lively harbour. During summers it’s the central spot for many outdoor events, in addition to which you can enjoy the restaurants ice-cream parlours or one of the many water sports. During the summer the harbour is the second living room of the citizens, and a home for many local cruises.

9. Events in Jyväskylä: Toivola Old Courtyard

Toivola Old Courtyard artisan’s boutiques and workshops, Toivola Restaurant, and the Museum of Central Finland’s craftsmen’s homes are open for visitors throughout the year. During the summer, the warehouses serve as artisan’s shops. Services include classes and workshops, guided tours, exhibitions, and special events.

Hosting many events throughout the year Jyväskylä is a great holiday destination for adult travelers. The restaurants, nightlife and other go-to places are located right around the corner from Omena Hotel.

Shopping in Jyväskylä

All the shopping possibilities in Jyväskylä are easily reached by foot. Even by the central street (Kauppakatu) you can find three malls hosting everything from small specialized boutiques to international chains. For your convenience Omena Hotel is located near enough, so you get to drop your shoppings before you continue to enjoy your day.

The location of the hotel is idea for people traveling for business. If you arrive by public transport, you will arrive at Matkakeskus (Travel Centre), and by car you only need one turn from the main central road.

Dining in Jyväskylä

How to find the best restaurants in Jyväskylä? The city is filled with restaurants, and few of the most loved ones include the Italian Trattoria Aukio, the Viking Restaurant Harald, Pöllöwaari and internationally recognized Figaro. Get to know the restaurants better at Eat.fi.

Remember to treat yourself with a great breakfast! The breakfast partner of Omena Hotel is the beautiful Wilhelmiinan Konditoria, one-minute walk from the hotel at Asemakatu 6. The atmospheric café in itself is worth a visit!