For Jyväskylä-based influencer Kerttu Pylvänäinen, the best thing about winter is winter sports and outdoor activities, but it’s also lovely to spend a winter’s day in a museum. Read Kerttu’s tips for winter in Jyväskylä and the region.
Jyväskylä-based Kerttu Pylvänäinen is known for her cheerful Modernisti kodikas account and blog. Even though Kerttu confesses to being a summer person, she says that she also likes winter. As a visual person, the snowy landscapes of winter are close to Kerttu’s heart.
“The snow and the sun bring a great deal of energy and mental well-being. The best thing about winter is definitely winter sports and outdoor activities. We spend a lot of time outdoors”, says Kerttu.
During the Covid years, the family started walking the local nature trails. There is no winter maintenance on the trails in the winter, but the most popular trails often remain open in winter thanks to the hikers. One of Kerttu’s favourite hiking destinations is Muurame’s Muuratharju, where you can also go skiing. Kerttu’s special memory from last winter is the excursion to the Hitonhauta in Laukaa.
“The place is spectacular in the winter, when magnificent icicles decorate the cliff walls. I definitely recommend this place to others too. It is also an exciting, slightly different hike destination for the children.”
Camp skating and cold swimming in the city centre
One of Kerttu’s favourite winter destinations is Jyväsjärvi, located in the centre of Jyväskylä in front of the harbour of Lutakko. Once the freeze has lasted long enough, a skating rink and a cross-country ski trail are ploughed onto the lake’s ice.
“Every year you have to walk, skate and ski on the ice in Jyväsjärvi. On a sunny day, there are many people on the ice and I enjoy watching the place gather together a wide variety of people, regardless of age, gender, and background, to enjoy outdoor activities. “
There’s also a sauna restaurant on the shore of Lake Jyväsjärvi, which Kerttu, who loves ice swimming, recommends to anyone visiting Jyväskylä. You can swim in the harbour’s Viilu lake pool all year round, even in the winter.
Jyväskylä Region offers a good framework for skiing and snowboarding, as there are several ski resorts. Kerttu’s family also enjoys skiing, and the slopes of Laajavuori and Riihivuori have become familiar to the family. In particular Kerttu also enjoys cross-country skiing.
“I recommend the Latu lodge, the ski trails are always in good condition there. For example, the Hanhiperä loop at the Ladun Maja skiing area is a relatively flat and gentle trail.”
Other tips for a winter day in the Jyväskylä Region
Aalto2-museum center: “Lots to see and do, a nice café and a nice museum shop for strolling around. It’s a place for all age groups.”
Restaurant Cielo, Kirkkopuiston Bistro, Figaro: “I gladly recommend these. They are typical Jyväskylä places, with their own character.”
The old courtyard of Toivola: “Especially at Christmas, it’s a really nice place in the middle of the city.”
The Revontuli Resort: ‘Igloo accommodation for adults who want to spend a nice day or weekend. The feeling of Lapland in the middle of the Jyväskylä Region.”
