Päijänne Cruises Hilden Ltd’s ships have been sailing on the Päijänne for over sixty years. Here are five ways to explore Päijänne in a boat operated by a traditional family business. In summer 2024, a boat will also take you to Leivonmäki National Park! Departure date is 11.8.2024.
1. To Päijänne in a real steamboat
With the blue of Lake Päijänne in your eyes and the deck of the real steamship S/S Suomi under your feet, the summer atmosphere couldn’t be more idyllic. Päijänne Cruises Hilden’s skippered boat, well over a hundred years old, is boarded in the Lutako harbour in Jyväskylä. The journey in Päijänne’s archipelago-like landscape proceeds pleasantly as the captain describes the scenery. If you dare to take your eyes off the Päijänne for a moment, you can visit the permanent history exhibition on board the boat.
Read more about lunch cruises and summer evening cruises.
2. A cruise to experience Alvar Aalto’s architecture
Jyväskylä is known as the capital of the world-famous architect Alvar Aalto: there are more buildings designed by Aalto in the city and surrounding areas than anywhere else in the world. Aalto was inspired by the landscapes of Päijänne, and one of his most important works was built on the island of Säynätsalo in the lake. Päijänne Cruises Hilden’s special cruise ‘Aalto à la nature’ takes the visitor along Lake Päijänne to the architecture of Aalto. The best thing is that it is on the same legendary steamboat and the same route that Aalto once used himself.
3. A Päijänne cruise with the children
An inland waterway cruise on the Päijänne is also a wonderful experience for children – not least because ice cream tastes at least a thousand times better on deck than ashore. Children are also always welcome on the Päijänne Cruises Hilden’s vessels. There are tasty treats for the kids at the buffet and you can even meet the captain!
4. A day on the Päijänne – cruising to Jyväskylä
Did you know that you can also get to Jyväskylä on a cruise? You can board the Päijänne Cruises Hilden vessel in Lahti, the southernmost town on the Päijänne, and travel along Finland’s longest lake to its northernmost passenger harbour in Jyväskylä. This is definitely an unforgettable experience!
5. From Jyväskylä to Äänekoski along five canals
Lake Päijänne is connected to the clear-water Lake Keitele via the Keitele Canal. On M/S Suomen Suvi, you can travel from Lutako harbour all the way to Äänekoski. The route through the beautiful countryside includes five locks and also a stop at Laukka harbour. On the way, you will also pass the Saraakallio rock paintings, which are more than 7,000 years old and represent the largest field of such paintings in Fennoscandia.
