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Hiking in the Jyväskylä Region

The Jyväskylä Region is full of great hiking opportunities that attract nature lovers and campers alike. The hiking trails offer varied landscapes and opportunities to explore the nature of the Jyväskylä Region in many ways. Whether it’s a day trip or a longer trek, the hiking trails in the Jyväskylä Region won’t leave you cold.

It’s easy to experience the varied nature of the Jyväskylä Region in the region’s four national parks. The stunning scenery with its glacial erratics, roaring rapids, marshes dotted with marsh Labrador tea and glistening blue lakes will impress any hiker. All four national parks have routes suitable for both short and long trips, but Salamajärvi National Park in the northern Jyväskylä Region is particularly well suited for those looking for a longer trek.
 

The hiking trails in the Jyväskylä Region offer unforgettable nature experiences and a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of your daily life. Whether you prefer hiking on forest trails or trekking along lakeshores, the Jyväskylä Region offers a wide range of options for all nature lovers. Come and experience the stunning hiking scenery of the Jyväskylä Region yourself! 

If you are a beginner hiker, you should check out Metsähallitus’ hiking tips. 

 

Hiking trails in the Jyväskylä Region

Photo: Julia Kivelä

Salamajärvi National Park

Located in the northern Jyväskylä Region, the clear lakes and lush forests of Salamajärvi National Park offer great opportunities for hiking and camping. Salamajärvi National Park is the perfect destination for anyone who wants to get closer to the Finnish wilderness. You can spend the night in a tent, at a lean-to, or in a wilderness cabin or rented cabin.

Vaatimen kierros trail 17 km
Hirvaan kierros trail 58 km
Peura trail 77 km

Photo: Jukka Paakkinen

Southern Konnevesi National Park

This national park is best known for its rugged rocky landscape and beautiful lakes. There are trails of different lengths and levels of difficulty, so everyone can choose one based on their skill level. You can spend the night in a tent or at a lean-to.

Three Mountains trail 14 km

Photo: Julia Kivelä

Pyhä-Häkki National Park

Located in Saarijärvi, Pyhä-Häkki National Park is an excellent choice for those wanting a shorter hikeThe ancient pine trees of Pyhä-Häkki tell the stories of centuries past – the primaeval forests are an impressive sight that offers hikers a glimpse into the mysteries of nature. You can spend the night in a tent, at a lean-to or in a rented cabin. 
 
Tulijärven polku trail 17 km 

Photo: Jukka Paakkinen

Leivonmäki National Park

Leivonmäki National Park in Joutsa is one of the gems of the Jyväskylä Region. The park offers a wide range of hiking opportunities, and along its trails, you can admire the beautiful forest and lake scenery. Leivonmäki charms visitors especially in the autumn with its magnificent autumn foliage. You can choose a short trail or a longer trek, and the national park has lean-tos and campfire places for a nice break during your hike. You can spend the night in a tent or at a lean-to. 
 
Mountain biking trail 22 km 
Rutalahti connecting trail, 11 km each way, can be combined with the other trails 

Photo: Lina Markkanen

Gallén kierros circular trail 60 km

In 1900, Akseli Gallén-Kallela took a trip to the Jyväskylä Region to immortalise the natural and cultural landscapes in a sketchbook. The Gallén kierros trail (ca. 60 km) takes you on an trek around Lake Pihlajavesi in Keuruu. Along the way, you will see landscapes of cultural and historical significance along with stunning natural sites. Follow in the footsteps of Gallén-Kallela, stop for a while in the wilderness, get to know the local culture and enjoy the Finnish wilderness to the fullest. You can spend the night in a tent or at a lean-to. 

From Jyväskylä, you can take the train to the Pihlajavesi station, which is about 300 metres from the starting point of the Gallén kierros trail. 

Gallén circular trail 60 km
Kontioreitti trail 20 km

Photo: Julia Kivelä

Metsoreitti trail

Located in the municipality of Laukaa, the Metsoreitti trail is a multipurpose route suitable for a wide range of activities. The 50-kilometre trail passes through villages and beautiful landscapes.
The trail is popular among hikers and mountain bikers when there is no snow, but in the winter it is reserved for skiers. There are 15 lean-tos/Lapp huts along the 50-km route, serving both those hiking for a day and overnight visitors. The trail meanders in the traditionally Finnish but varied landscape of the Jyväskylä Region. 

You can get to the starting point of the trail (Ampumaradantie) by local bus no. 41. 

Metsoreitti trail 50 km

Photo: Pihtipudas municipality / Anna Ruotanen, Family Creatives

Suurijärvi Hiking Trail Network

The network of trails forms a wider whole that also includes the Peura trail network. The landscapes of the Lake Suurijärvi hiking route offer rich and diverse nature for all hikers. You can marvel at the early stages of natural history such as post-glacial marine stages, beach ramparts, rocky shores and felsenmeer. You can spend the night in a tent, at a lean-to, or in a wilderness cabin or rented cabin.

50 km of trails altogether 

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Aeriel photo of small lakes surrounded by pine forest.

Nature & hiking

Getting out and about in nature is the best counterbalance to your daily life. There are four national parks and numerous signposted nature trails criss-crossing the varied landscape in the Jyväskylä Region.

A bicyclist rides across a suspension pedestrian bridge that stretches over a small lake.

Cycling & outdoor activities

Whether you like urban cycling, mountain biking or gravel biking, the Jyväskylä region offers varied routes and opportunities.

A group of bicyclists take a break to relax and hydrate in a forested area near a lake.

Sustainable hiking

Sustainable hiking refers to considering the impact of being in the wilderness. A responsible hiker is environmentally friendly and respectful of nature, and acts responsibly.