10 destinations near the Rally Finland special stages
Secto Rally Finland offers a unique opportunity to see and experience the local attractions in the Jyväskylä Region. There are hundreds of interesting destinations by the over a thousand kilometers long rally route, so there is surely something interesting to find for every taste. There probably isn’t enough time to see all of them, but check at least these 10 destinations near the rally special stages!
On this page, you’ll find the most interesting attractions along the 2024 rally route. The 2025 route will be published well in advance of the rally. Stay tuned!
1. Experiental Lutakko harbour and the legendary Harju
As usual, the Paviljonki area in Lutakko harbour is the official headquarters of Secto Rally Finland and the rally kicks off there with a ceremonial start on Wednesday! Finland’s most experiental harbour offers summery Lakeland landscapes, sauna rafts cruising at Lake Jyväsjärvi and the trendy sauna restaurant Sataman Viilu.
This year’s Rally opens on Thursday with the legendary Harju SS 1. This route will be driven again when SS 10 Harju 2 takes over the area in the following Friday. Harju Ridge is one of the most iconic sights and the Harju Tower comes to the mind of many when asked about the city Jyväskylä. Harju scenery is worth exploring even outside of the Special Stages: snap a photo of the famous Nero Steps surrounded by a gorgeous light installation, enjoy a lovely dinner at Cafe & Restaurant Vesilinna or dive in to the Finnish nature in the Natural History Museum. The observation tower is open for visitors during the opening hours of the restaurant and the museum.
Distance: At these destinations you are already on the rally route!
2. Active Varjola Resort and relaxing Spa Resort Peurunka
Laukaa is the stage of two special stages on Friday: SS 2 Laukaa 1 and SS 6 Laukaa 2. Varjola Resort, know for a wide variety of activities, great accommodation options and rugged white-water milieu, will make the day of the rally even more memorable. What could be better for the Rally weekend than crossing the roaring Kuusaa river on a zip line or white water fishing in the summery forests of the Jyväskylä Region? Another destination definitely worth a visit is Peurunka. Make the most of your rally experience by relaxing in the Peurunka Spa and enjoying the diverse restaurant services or immerse into the speed of rally by trying out fun activities. Peurunka is also an excellent option for accommodation during the Secto Rally Finland!
Distance: Varjola and Peurunka make only a 15 minute detour from the rally route in Laukaa.
3. Historical Suolahti Old Station
New Saarikas Special Stages SS3 and SS7 are driven at Äänekoski on Friday. It’s an easy detour from Saarikas to the charming Suolahti Old Station near Äänekoski. This historical setting illustrates the late 1800s effort to connect inland waters by railway to the Finland’s coastal seas and thus to Europe. At the old station, visitors can explore the station building designed by Architect Bruno Granholm, as well as the accompanying railway yard, warehouses, locomotive sheds, and railway workers’ residences. The buildings were completed when operations began in 1898. The Keitele Museum on the premises offers insights into steam and flat-cap trains and the history of railways.
Distance: Suolahti is about a 15-minute drive from the Saarikas Special Stage.
4. Breath-taking views from the Häähninmäki lookout tower
Along the route of Myhinpää SS 4 and SS 8 the Häähninmäki lookout tower and nature trails can be found. The gorgeous lookout tower was built in 2020 and it provides breath-taking views of the surrounding landscapes. The lookout tower itself is a sight worth to be pictured and if you have the time you should climb up to admire the views. Along the nature trails is the desert hut Häähnintupa, where you can have a rest and food break. An exemplary example of the special accommodation in the Jyväskylä Region is the cozy cabin at the top of the Häähninmäki lookout tower.
Distance: To this destination there is less than a 5-minute deviation north from the rally route! Take Säkinmäentie to Purtomäentie and then to Läheahontie and you will reach the parking area.
5. Comfort zone of the Revontuli Resort
Between the Myhinpää and Ruuhimäki Special Stages driven on Friday, lies the year-round Revontuli Resort, a holiday resort in Hankasalmi. Guests staying at Revontuli are pampered with luxurious glass igloos and holiday cottages. In addition to accommodation, Revontuli offers golf, sauna world experiences, and bowling. Along the way, you’ll also find Grill Room Hankasalmi, selected as Finland’s second-best burger place in 2023.
Distance: Revontuli Resort and Grill Room Hankasalmi are located along the rally route, on the road E63.
6. A genuine sauna experience at the Sauna Village
Saturday is all about traditions, when the SS 13 and SS 16 are driven in legendary Ouninpohja! Continue the day of traditions stopping by the Sauna Village in Jämsä. The Sauna Village is a journey into the history of Finnish sauna spanning over hundreds of years and a genuine sauna experience. Over 20 historical smoke saunas can be found in the Sauna Village. On summer Saturday’s the Sauna Village has general sauna shifts, so jump in to the “löyly”, the steam that rises from the sauna stove.
Did you know that the Jyväskylä Region is the Sauna Region of the World? So, it is worth to also take a peek at the other sauna treasures of the region!
Distance: This sauna treasure only adds a few minutes to the rally route!
7. Himos full of adventures
Heading towards SS 13 and SS 16 at Ouninpohja, along the way lies also Himos. HimosLomat, located in Jämsä, offers a variety of activities and is a paradise for active individuals all year round. Everything from watersports to biking or ATV driving can be enjoyed. If you’re looking for parties, you should make a stop at HimosAreena, that hosts events throughout the entire rally weekend. Additionally, at Hirvikartano, “Moose Manor”, which is only a 20-minute drive away from Himos, you get to see and even pet moose and reindeer!
Distance: HimosLomat is on the rally route and the Moose Manor only adds a 10-minute extra journey east of the route.
8. Lively Korpilahti harbour
Rally cars are cruising in the landscapes of Sahloinen-Moksi on Sunday, as SS 17 and SS 19 bring some speed to Jämsä and Korpilahti. Approximately a 15-minute drive away from Moksi there is the lively Korpilahti Harbour, which was awarded as the best guest marina of the Finnish Lakeland. Located on the shore of Lake Päijänne, Korpilahti Harbour is a must see. While visiting the harbour you can have dinner in Restaurant Satamakapteeni and enjoy art in Höyry-galleria gallery!
Distance: Stopping by the Korpilahti Harbour only adds 5 minutes to the trip!
9. Alvar Aalto’s meaningful Säynätsalo Town Hall
Coming back from Salhoinen-Moksi SS 17 and SS 19, it is easy to stop by up to two Alvar Aalto destinations: the Säynätsalo Town Hall and the Muurame Church. At the Säynätsalo Town Hall Café you can pop in for a cup of coffee and eat a freshly baked cinnamon roll. Take a guided tour or even stay overnight at the Säynätsalo Town Hall. In Jyväskylä you’ll find the largest number of masterful buildings in the whole world designed by Alvar Aalto, so an architecture fan will surely find a lot to see in the Jyväskylä Region!
Distance: A small detour from the E68 to 6090 to the Säynätsalo Town Hall adds less than 10 minutes to the rally route.
10. Laajavuori for relaxation and thrills
On Sunday, the rally also takes place in Laajavuori, Jyväskylä, for two special stages, as SS 18 and SS 20 conclude the competition. The Laajavuori area with its services offers a variety of activities right near the rally route. Relax after an exciting race weekend in the saunas and hot tubs of Scandic Laajavuori, or feel the rush at Laajis Bike Park and Adventure Park. For those interested in Finnish sports history, a visit to the Laajavuori ski jumping stadium is a must, as the ski jump hill is named after the legend Matti Nykänen. The observation tower of the ski jump hill also offers a magnificent panoramic view of the Jyväskylä Region!
Distance: At this destination you are already on the rally route!
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