Six ways to dive into the Jyväskylä Region’s cultural heritage
Cultural heritage tells the story of where we come from and who we are. The cultural heritage of the Jyväskylä Region includes, for example, the architecture of Alvar Aalto, the vibrant atmosphere of the Petäjävesi Old Church (a UNESCO site), and the warmth of the saunas found in the radiant beach landscapes of Päijänne. We have found six ways to dive into the cultural heritage of the Jyväskylä Region – you’re welcome to get acquainted with the region and also find your own way!
Visit the new Aalto2 Museum Centre
Alvar Aalto is one of Finland’s most internationally renowned architects and integral to Jyväskylä Region’s cultural heritage: after all, there are more buildings designed by Aalto in Jyväskylä and its surrounding area than anywhere else in the world. The new Aalto2 Museum Centre in Jyväskylä is an excellent place to start exploring the cultural heritage of the Jyväskylä Region. Aalto2 is a meeting point for architecture, design and cultural heritage, connecting two buildings both designed by Aalto – the Alvar Aalto Museum and the Museum of Central Finland. The Alvar Aalto Museum nurtures and brings Aalto’s life work to the fore. The permanent exhibition at the Museum of Central Finland examines what the Jyväskylä Region’s cultural heritage is like, while encouraging visitors to reflect on their own.
Cruise to Säynätsalo Municipal Hall
It is easy to follow Alvar Aalto’s footsteps in Jyväskylä, as the master of architecture and design went to school, started a family, and began his career in Jyväskylä. In fact, sites designed by Aalto can be found within the city – from his first works to those conceived towards the end of his career. One of Aalto’s main works is Säynätsalo Municipal Hall, listed in the prestigious New York Times as one of the world’s most distinctive post-war buildings. You can sail the route to Säynätsalo Municipal Hall that Aalto himself travelled, on exactly the same legendary ship. At its departure point, the boat that was also personally designed by Aalto – Nemo propheta in patria – is permanently on display at Lutakko Harbour. He used the craft to travel to his summer villa at the Muuratsalo Experimental House.
Experience the atmosphere of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites
Two UNESCO World Heritage sites can be experienced in the Jyväskylä Region during the same holiday: The Petäjävesi Old Church and the measurement point of the Struve Geodetic Arc on Oravivuori Hill. There is a fascinating atmosphere in the Petäjävesi Old Church, under its steep shingle roof and within its walls, which are carved from timber. The church, built by Central Finland peasants in 1763–65, is a masterpiece of beautiful and sustainable wood construction and has survived virtually in its original form over the centuries.
The measurement point of the Struve Geodetic Arc at Oravivuori in Jyväskylä’s Korpilahti leads one in turn to the edge of both the rugged nature of the Jyväskylä Region and the history of science. The Struve Geodetic Arc is a triangulation chain stretching from the Black Sea to the Arctic Ocean, which was used to determine the shape and size of the Earth in the 19th century. One of the points in the arc was drilled into the rock on Oravivuori Hill.
Climb onto the benches in the Sauna Region of the World
Finnish sauna culture is unique by world standards, and has been included as the first item in the UNESCO list of Finland’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. In the Sauna Region of the World – Jyväskylä Region – you can find both traditional and more originally styled saunas where you can try the Finnish sauna experience at its best. Enjoy the luxury of the world’s largest smoke sauna or a cruise on a sauna ferry, or explore the world’s largest collection of Finnish saunas along the shores of Päijänne. The sauna summer is crowned by Sauna Region Week, during which dozens of sauna experiences can be enjoyed round the Jyväskylä Region.
Take flight! Learn about aviation culture and history
Aviation culture is strong in the Jyväskylä Region, and there’s a lot to see for those interested in aviation in the region. Of Finland’s six aerial museums, two are located in the Jyväskylä Region: The Finnish Air Force Museum in Tikkakoski and Jämsä’s Hallinportti Aviation Museum. In addition, a historical aerial photograph exhibition featuring the Karhumäki brothers, Finnish aviation pioneers from the Jyväskylä Region, can be seen in Jämsä.
Embrace our cultural heritage through guided or self-directed tours
You can also get acquainted with the Jyväskylä Region’s cultural heritage through guided and self-directed tours. With the help of a skilled guide, stories and history come to life and the city’s sites and prominent individuals become familiar. In summer, guided public tours on various themes are organised, and it’s possible to book guided charters for your group throughout the year. Experience, for example, the Jyväskylä known to Finland’s first independent female architect Wivi Lönn, delve into the history of Seminaarinmäki, or follow Alvar Aalto’s footsteps. In self-directed tours, you follow the already planned route at your own pace.
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Enjoy impressive architecture and idyllic milieus
In the Jyväskylä Region, many impressive types of architecture are available: read, for example, world-famous works by Alvar Aalto or get acquainted with the sites associated with Finland’s first independent female architect, Wivi Lönn. Idyllic, historical milieus invite you to enjoy a unique atmosphere.
Enjoy museum experiences
In Jyväskylä Region’s museums, you can do, see and experience things – and definitely in a fascinating way! You can find many museums in the area that are also unique throughout the nation, in addition to a wealth of attractive small museums that open the doors to the past.
Feel the peace and solitude of churches
In the Jyväskylä Region, you’ll find a vast outlay of magnificent church architecture from centuries-old wooden churches to representatives of some of the most modern architectural styles. Gaze at the original ceiling murals of the Toivakka Church, acquaint yourself with the Petäjävesi Old Church – a UNESCO site – and visit other pearls of church history in the area.
Experience the Jyväskylä Region through the eyes of locals
Would you like to dive deeper than the surface and get to know the Jyväskylä Region through the eyes of a local resident? Get acquainted with tips from residents of the area about the best things to do, pick up ideas about the region’s special treats, or take part in an experience guided by a loc
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