Culture in nature
Culture and nature intertwine seamlessly in the Jyväskylä Region. Discover, for example, the thousands-year-old rock paintings of Saraakallio set amidst the most beautiful lake scenery. Explore the cultural heritage of science and technology in the stunning landscapes of Lake Päijänne, and admire how world-renowned architect Alvar Aalto and national painter Akseli Gallen-Kallela masterfully integrated the surrounding nature into their designs.
Saraakallio rock paintings – cultural heritage thousands of years old
In the Jyväskylä Region, you can experience a cultural history that predates even the pyramids of Egypt. Located in Laukaa on the shores of Lake Saraajärvi, the Saraakallio rock paintings form the largest contiguous site of rock art in Fennoscandia. The oldest images date back as far as 7,000 years. These remarkable paintings are always viewed from the water, and you can reach them by cruise, kayak or boat. In winter, when the ice is strong, they can also be accessed by skiing across the frozen lake.
UNESCO World Heritage amidst nature
The Struve Geodetic Arc is a chain of survey points stretching from the Black Sea all the way to the Arctic Ocean. In the 19th century, it was used to determine the size and shape of the Earth. Today, the Struve Geodetic Arc is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of its measurement points can be found on Oravivuori Hill in Korpilahti, part of the Jyväskylä Region.
A scenic, approximately one-kilometre-long trail marked with UNESCO signs leads through beautiful forest landscapes to the summit of Oravivuori, with some steeper sections along the way. At the top, a lookout tower rewards visitors with breathtaking views over Lake Päijänne.
Alvar Aalto’s architecture on the shores of Lake Päijänne
World-renowned architect Alvar Aalto was a master of integrating the surrounding natural environment into his designs. A striking example of this is the Muuratsalo Experimental House, the Aaltos’ own summer residence, which blends beautifully into the rocky shoreline of Lake Päijänne. Located in Muuratsalo, Jyväskylä, the villa can be explored during the summer season on guided tours organized by Aalto2. Nearby, you will also find Säynätsalo Town Hall, widely regarded as one of Aalto’s most significant works. Both sites are part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Aalto Works series.
In the footsteps of Akseli Gallen-Kallela
In Jyväskylä Region, you can hike through the very landscapes that inspired Finland’s national artist, Akseli Gallen-Kallela. The Gallen-Kallela Trail in Äänekoski takes visitors through the scenic areas of Suolahti and Konginkangas, leading to locations that served as inspiration for some of his most celebrated works, including Lake Keitele, Midsummer Landscape from Konginkangas, Lair of the Lynx, and The Lamenting Boat. The route can be completed in several shorter sections or as a full-day journey exploring the combination of nature, culture, and art history.
Additionally to the route, Gallen-Kallela’s creative legacy can be discovered throughout Jyväskylä Region. For example, Keuruu is featured prominently in many of his paintings, either as a subject or as a background, including works such as Outbildings at Hoskari farm in Keuruu, Kullervo’s Curse, Winter Landscape from Keuruu, Girl in the old church of Keuruu, Landscape from Ekola, and Lake Jamajärvi. The Korpilahti area of Jyväskylä also appears in several of his works, including Evening Landscape in Korpilahti, Young Faun, Return from Work, and Landscape of Korpilahti. In addition, Lake Päijänne, Finland’s second-largest lake, inspired a number of paintings, among them Päijänne and Landscape from Päijänne.
Hiking in the landscapes of J.L. Runeberg’s youth
You can also walk in the footsteps of another national artist in the Jyväskylä region – as Johan Ludvig Runeberg, renowned as the national poet and the lyricist of the Finnish national anthem, used to live in Saarijärvi for a couple of years. During his time there, he wrote, among other works, one of his most known poems called Saarijärven Paavo, also known as Paavo the Peasant in English. Even though Runeberg only lived in Jyväskylä Region for a few years, it has been said that the time period had a great impact on his life and his work. Runeberg’s path, located in Saarijärvi, offers the chance to walk the very path he once used to take from Säätyläiskoti, which served both as his home and workplace 200 years ago, towards the Julmat lammit ponds.
Sauna Culture in the Sauna Region of the World
Did you know that the Finnish sauna tradition has been inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list? In the Jyväskylä Region, the Sauna Region of the World, you can enjoy a sauna experience in, for example, the world’s largest smoke sauna or explore the history of the Finnish smoke sauna at Sauna Village. Sauna culture and urban nature come together beautifully on the sauna rafts on Lake Jyväsjärvi, which depart from Lutakko Harbour right next to Jyväskylä city centre.
Cultural events surrounded by nature
In the Jyväskylä Region, you can experience memorable cultural moments in the heart of beautiful nature. How about a summer concert evening at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Petäjävesi Old Church? Beneath its steep shingle roof and within centuries-old log walls, your mind naturally settles into the music. In Joutsa, the charming setting of Café Meijerinliiteri hosts the Suonteen Soitto summer concert series. Meanwhile, the July event Naisten Viikko (Women’s Week) brings music, poetry, art and philosophy to Konnevesi.
Museums, art and churches in the heart of nature
Looking to combine your summer nature experience with art? Art Centre Haihatus is set in a rural landscape in Joutsa, less than an hour’s drive from Jyväskylä. For those seeking a truly memorable summer getaway, it is even possible to stay overnight in a tent within Haihatus’ sculpture park.
If you’d like to step back in time, visit destinations such as the Hankasalmi Museum Village or the Pienmäki Farmstead Museum, both open during the summer season.
Jyväskylä Region is also home to many beautiful churches set in scenic natural surroundings. One particularly unique experience is the Pihlajavesi Wilderness Church in Keuruu, nestled deep in the forest. The church has no wall or ceiling paintings. Instead, mysterious shadow-like figures of past congregations can be seen on its wooden walls.
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