Summer 2025 brings a new and easy way to explore the magnificent national parks of the Jyväskylä Region. Outdoor Express buses offer direct connections from the center of Jyväskylä to the Pyhä-Häkki, Southern Konnevesi, and Leivonmäki national parks.
Outdoor Express buses operate on weekends, offering convenient connections on Saturdays and Sundays. The journey starts at the Jyväskylä Travel Center, and the routes pass through beautiful landscapes, giving passengers the opportunity to enjoy nature along the way. At the national parks, there is about 4-5 hours to explore the area’s diverse nature trails and attractions.
The magic of Pyhä-Häkki’s ancient forests
Pyhä-Häkki National Park, located in Saarijärvi, invites you to experience the mystique of the region’s oldest forests. This magnificent park offers ancient forests with trees up to 400 years old and extensive marshlands that you can explore via boardwalk trails.
The park’s well-marked trails are perfect for day hikes and offer unforgettable nature experiences for all hikers.
Transportation loops through the center of Saarijärvi and also allows for overnight stays in the area. Right near the center is the country hotel Ruustinna, which offers tired hikers hotel-level accommodation and delicious meals in an idyllic old parsonage setting.
If you stay in the area longer, you can also experience the ravine ponds and cliffs featured in the poems of the national author Runeberg. Julmat Lammit offers a 3 km nature trail with rest stops or a more extensive three-pond ensemble with a length of 12 km.
The Diversity of Leivonmäki National Park
Leivonmäki National Park in Joutsa offers a stunning combination of ridge, lake, and marsh landscapes. This versatile park is an excellent destination for the whole family, as its well-marked trails provide options for all levels of hikers.
You can enjoy the beautiful scenery by hiking, cycling, or canoeing. The information boards on the Koskikara circuit guide you through the area’s history. The park is home to program service entrepreneurs from whom you can rent equipment for an independent visit or book guided tours. On weekends, a pop-up café operates at the Selänpohja parking lot, providing free hiking advice. At Kirveslammi, you can participate in guided Forest Yoga.
The Harjujärvi trail in Leivonmäki is accessible. The trail requires an assistant due to its slope.
Leivonmäki Outdoor Express also serves those coming from the Joutsa direction and enables visits to the Myllykoski conservation area right near the center of Joutsa.
Southern Konnevesi National Park – Adventure on rugged cliffs and clear waters!
Southern Konnevesi National Park enchants with its rugged cliffs and endless lake views. Established in 2014, the park offers challenging routes and stunning landscapes, perfect for hiking and water sports. The park’s clear waters and numerous islands invite kayaking and boating.
There are two Outdoor Express routes to Southern Konnevesi National Park, one taking you to the Kalaja area for hiking and the other to the Häyrylänranta water gate for enjoying cruises and kayaking trips. You can also rent equipment for self-guided adventures. The harbor offers restaurant services and a campsite where you can stay longer and enjoy the beach’s sauna services and swimming area. The center of Konnevesi, with its hotel and restaurant services, is just 2 km away.
About 2 kilometers from Häyrylänranta, you’ll find the charming Partiomajanpolku trail along the Taikinaisen and Karinkoski areas. This easy trail offers a great way to explore the natural habitat of the lake trout. Along the circular route, there is a lean-to shelter and a cabin maintained by the scouts.
Add a touch of luxury to your nature holiday and take advantage of the accommodation services along the route. Outdoor Express also picks up passengers from Laukaa’s Spa Hotel Peurunka and Revontuli Resort in Hankasalmi. In the summer of 2025, you can explore the historic Saraakallio rock paintings in Laukaa via a new viewing platform, taking you back 7000 years in time.
Join the adventure and experience the unique nature of the Jyväskylä Region’s national parks aboard the Outdoor Express buses! Tickets are available from January, so book your seat in advance and prepare for an unforgettable nature experience.
It is also worth exploring other tourist destinations in the area accessible by public transport. There are many, from Aalto to UNESCO!
Outdoor Express is part of the Sustainable International Accessibility for Tourism in Central Finland (KeKaSa) project. The buses offer an environmentally friendly alternative to private car travel, reducing traffic emissions and promoting responsible tourism. The project is co-funded by the European Union. The funding has been granted by the Regional Council of Central Finland.
