Season
Jun - Aug
Vehicle
By car
Duration
3 days
Length
275 km
3-Day Summer Itinerary: Hidden gems of Finnish Lakeland
This 3-day Finnish Lakeland itinerary takes you beyond the best-known destinations to discover hidden culture, ancient forests, UNESCO heritage and peaceful lakeside retreats in the Jyväskylä Region. Travelling through Jyväskylä, Saarijärvi, Petäjävesi and Keuruu, the route combines local experiences, Finnish nature and fascinating history at a relaxed pace. Along the way, enjoy scenic lake views, charming wooden architecture and some of the most unique destinations in Finnish Lakeland.
The itinerary covers approximately 275 km by car and is best enjoyed between June and August. The itinerary works well in May and September as well, but Petäjävesi and Keuruu churches (day 3) will require booking a private tour. Summer temperatures typically range between 15–25°C, with long daylight hours and pleasant conditions for outdoor activities, sightseeing and exploring nature.
A car is recommended for this itinerary, allowing you to experience the countryside and hidden gems of the Jyväskylä Region at your own pace. Rental cars are available in Jyväskylä, and the route follows well-maintained roads throughout the journey. You can find information on driving in the Jyväskylä Region here. Some locations can be reached with public transport and you will find info on this in the day plans below. Some of the activities and attractions may require advance booking, which will be mentioned in the itinerary. Make sure to check the opening hours, as not all locations are open 7 days a week.
If you have any questions, please contact the Jyväskylä Region Tourist Office at [email protected] / +358 14 569 0113.
Useful links & tips for the trip
Book accommodations & activities beforehand to ensure availability
Finnish rules & rights for enjoying outdoors
You can do parts of the itinerary using public transport
– Matkahuolto – long distance busses
– VR – trains
– Linkki – local busses
– Info on using local Linkki busses
If you want more freedom, rent an eCar
– Avis
– Omago
– Electric car charging locations on a map
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Route description
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1Day 1 : Jyväskylä
Discover hidden culture and lakeside life in Jyväskylä
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2Day 2 : Saarijärvi
Ancient forests and manor charm in Saarijärvi
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3Day 3 : Petäjävesi & Keuruu
UNESCO heritage and lakeside relaxation in Keuruu
Navigate on a specific date
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Day 1
Begin your journey in Jyväskylä, the vibrant heart of the Jyväskylä Region in Finnish Lakeland. Start the day at Toivola Old Courtyard, a charming historic wooden courtyard where artisan boutiques, cafés and cultural heritage offer a glimpse into life in Finland in centuries past. Continue to the nearby Aalto2 Museum Centre, where architecture, design and local history offer a fascinating introduction to the region.
After lunch in the city centre, head to Jyväskylä’s Lutakko Harbour and the shores of Lake Jyväsjärvi. A cruise on Lake Päijänne with Päijänne Cruises Hilden offers a wonderful introduction to the landscapes of Finnish Lakeland, while the Rantaraitti recreational route provides an easy way to explore the city’s scenic waterfront on foot or by bike. For a more active afternoon, make your way to Laajis. During summer, visitors can tackle the adventure park’s treetop courses or hit the bike park trails, all surrounded by beautiful forest scenery just minutes from the city centre.
As the evening approaches, enjoy dinner at one of Jyväskylä’s restaurants. The harbour area is full of atmospheric restaurants, like the local brewery’s Hiisi Taproom & Bottleshop, Sataman Viilu and Morton or look for more options in the city centre.
Accommodation options include for example Boutique Hotel Yöpuu in the city centre, lakeside Hotel Alba, Scandic Laajavuori surrounded by nature trails, or Lehtoranta Villas for a peaceful stay by the lake just outside the city.
This entire day can be accomplished without a car (except Lehtoranta Villas)!
Photo: Juhani Mikkola / VideoDrone Finland Oy Attractions
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Museums
Aalto2
Museum centre for the new generation. Aalto2 is a unique meeting place for architecture, design and cultural heritage in Jyväskylä.... Read more from destination Aalto2Read more → -
Päijänne Cruises Hilden
Bring the grown-ups and children on a ship cruise! Spend the best day of summer on an adventure on the... Read more from destination Päijänne Cruises HildenRead more → -
Laajis
Laajis is a favourite for children all year round! In the summertime, the entire family can take on the challenges... Read more from destination LaajisRead more → -
CafésDining restaurantsCatering restaurants
Sataman Viilu
In Sataman Viilu, you eat well, you can refresh yourself in the sauna, and have a party until late evening.... Read more from destination Sataman ViiluRead more →
Accommodation
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Hotels
Hotel Alba
Welcome to Hotel Alba on the shores of Lake Jyväsjärvi! This privately owned hotel offers accommodation, delicious food and friendly... Read more from destination Hotel AlbaRead more → -
Spa hotels
Scandic Laajavuori
An atmospheric conference and spa hotel set amidst Laajavuori’s stunning natural landscape, offering excellent customer service, delicious food and a... Read more from destination Scandic LaajavuoriRead more →
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Day 2
Leave the city behind and head north to Saarijärvi, one of the lesser-known treasures of the Jyväskylä Region. Surrounded by forests and lakes, the area offers a glimpse of the peaceful side of Finnish Lakeland.
Begin the day in Pyhä-Häkki National Park, home to some of Finland’s oldest forests. Ancient pine trees, quiet woodland trails and untouched natural landscapes make it one of the most unique hiking destinations in the region. Choose a shorter nature trail or spend a few hours exploring the park’s tranquil scenery. Make sure to bring some snacks, as there are lean-tos and campfire places along the way, so you can stop for a rest and make some lunch. If there is no fire ban (check warnings here), you can make a campfire. The national parks are free to visit.
After the hike, continue to Saarijärven Ruustinna, a historic lakeside manor house with a welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy lunch or dinner while taking in the views across Lake Saarijärvi. The evening is best spent slowing down and embracing the calm pace of Finnish Lakeland. Relax by the lake, enjoy a sauna or simply take in the silence before settling in for the night. Or if you want a more active evening, rent a canoe or a bike from Ruustinna and go explore the surroundings!
You can get to Pyhä-Häkki National Park with Outdoor Express bus on certain weekends and Ruustinna in the centre of Saarijärvi can be reached with a bus.
Photo: Julia Kivelä Attractions
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National parks
Pyhä-Häkki National Park
A traveller in the Pyhä-Häkki National Park can hear the ancient pines whisper stories from more than four hundred years... Read more from destination Pyhä-Häkki National ParkRead more → -
Eat wellCafésDining restaurants
Saarijärvi Ruustinna
Saarijärvi Ruustinna breathes history while living firmly in the present. The valuable cultural environment and the beautiful Central Finnish lake... Read more from destination Saarijärvi RuustinnaRead more → -
Cafés
Ruustinna Summer Café
The Ruustinna Summer Café is open from mid-June until the beginning of the school year in autumn. Experience the relaxed... Read more from destination Ruustinna Summer CaféRead more →
Accommodation
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Eat wellCafésDining restaurants
Saarijärvi Ruustinna
Saarijärvi Ruustinna breathes history while living firmly in the present. The valuable cultural environment and the beautiful Central Finnish lake... Read more from destination Saarijärvi RuustinnaRead more →
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Day 3
After breakfast, leave Saarijärvi and continue towards Keuruu through the beautiful rural landscapes of the Jyväskylä Region. Along the way, stop at the Petäjävesi Old Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Finland’s finest examples of traditional wooden church architecture. From Petäjävesi, continue to the lakeside town of Keuruu. Visit the atmospheric Keuruu Old Church, one of the oldest wooden churches in Finland, before continuing to Keurusselkä Resort.
Spend the afternoon at Keurusselkä Resort, beautifully situated on the shores of Lake Keurusselkä. Those looking to unwind can enjoy the sauna, relax by the lake or simply take in the peaceful surroundings. For a more active afternoon, a variety of activities are available, including swimming, paddleboarding, cycling and outdoor games. As the evening arrives, enjoy dinner overlooking the lake before settling in for a final night in the Finnish Lakeland.
Petäjävesi Old Church and Keuruu centre can be reached with both VR trains and Matkahuolto busses from Jyväskylä, but not directly from Saarijärvi.
Photo: Emese Maczko Attractions
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Churches
Petäjävesi Old Church
Petäjävesi Old Church – masterpiece of construction in wood. Petäjävesi Old Church gained inclusion in Unesco’s world heritage list as... Read more from destination Petäjävesi Old ChurchRead more → -
Churches
Keuruu Old Church
The roots of Keuruu Old Church go back to the 18th century, when the church was consecrated in 1758. The... Read more from destination Keuruu Old ChurchRead more → -
Activities
Keurusselkä Resort
The splendid nature around Keurusselkä provides a wide variety of possibilities all through the year! In summer, you can go... Read more from destination Keurusselkä ResortRead more →
Accommodation
Go to previous-
Activities
Keurusselkä Resort
The splendid nature around Keurusselkä provides a wide variety of possibilities all through the year! In summer, you can go... Read more from destination Keurusselkä ResortRead more →
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