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!
1. Jyväskylä Harbour in Lutakko full of activities
As usual, the Paviljonki area is the official headquarters of Secto Rally Finland. The Paviljonki area is located in the harbour that has so many exciting experiences, the Jyväskylä Lutakko Harbour. Lutakko Harbour is a pursuit of things to experience: summery Lakeland landscapes, sauna rafts cruising at Lake Jyväsjärvi and the trendy sauna restaurant Sataman Viilu. Rantaraitti Lakeshore Route is a popular sports route for locals, and it goes right through the harbour area.
Distance: At this destination you are already on the rally route!
Photo: Julia Kivelä
2. Legendary Harju & Observation tower
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: Harju and the Observation tower are located on the route!
Photo: Lina Markkanen
3. Memorable Varjola Resort
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?
Distance: The Varjola route detours from the rally route by 15 minutes when you drive north towards the centre of Laukaa.
Photo: Julia Kivelä
4. Versatile Peurunka
There are a lot of things to see and do near the SS 2 and 6 that are driven in Laukaa. One destination that is definitely worth a visit is Peurunka, where there are plenty of different services available for the rally visitors. 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: Peurunka is only 10 minutes away from the rally route when driving north-west from the centre of Laukaa.
Photo: Peurunka
5. The moving Southern Konnevesi National Park
On Friday Myhinpää SS 4 and SS 8 are driven. From the landscapes of Myhinpää there is only a 20-minute drive to the Southern Konnevesi National Park, that charms with its rugged rocks and boundless lake landscapes. Grab your camera and stop by the national park along the rally route and cross of an item from your bucket list. Or take your hiking equipment and enjoy the nature of the Jyväskylä Region with all your senses awake!
Distance: The Southern Konnevesi National Park is only a 15-minute drive from the rally route, follow the Konnekoskentie-road north.
Photo: Julia Kivelä
6. 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 accomodation 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! NB Google Maps shows this route wrong, check contact details for driving instructions from here!
Photo: Hanna Kansanen
7. A genuine sauna experience at the Sauna Village
Stop by the Sauna Village in Jämsä on your way to Vekkula on Saturday, where the SS 14 and SS 18 are driven. The Sauna Village is a journey into the history of Finnish sauna spanning over hundreds of years and a genuine sauna experience. 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. Over 20 historical smoke saunas can be found in the Sauna Village. 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!
Photo: Timo Marjala
8. Alvar Aalto’s meaningful Säynätsalo Town Hall
From the SS 14 and SS 18, driven in Vekkula, 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.
Photo: Tero Takalo-Eskola
9. Lively Korpilahti harbour
Rally cars are cruising in the landscapes of Moksi-Sahloinen on Friday, as SS 19 and SS 21 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!
Photo: Julia Kivelä
10. Activity filled HimosHoliday
On Sunday the SS 20 and SS 22 curve through the terrain of the Himos-Jämsä travel area. HimosHoliday, located in Himos-Jämsä, offers diverse activities and is a paradise for active travelers around the year. From the activity list everything from watersports to biking or ATV driving can be discovered. The Himos Safari guides are experts in designing adventures, events and trips. The restaurant Moose Manor is found close to Himos, only a 20-minute drive away, where you get to see and even pet moose and deer.
Distance: HimosLomat is on the rally route and the restaurant Moose Manor only adds a 10-minute extra journey east of the route.
Photo: HimosHolidayYou might also be interested in
Memorable summer in the Jyväskylä Region
There is something to do in the Jyväskylä Region for both children and adults in the summer. Finland’s most experimental Harbour in Lutakko, summer festivals, events and wonderful summer cafés offer things to do.
The centre of Jyväskylä
The centre of Jyväskylä provides a pleasant setting for shopping, spending time and taking care of everyday business. Surrounded by the Jyväsjärvi lake, the Harju ridge, the Seminaarinmäki hill and the Are Square, the lively core of Jyväskylä is compact and easy to navigate.
Now
Jyväskylä Region and its central city, Jyväskylä, are full of things to do all year round. Take a look at the most interesting events here and the best tips happening right now!
Top attractions and landmarks
If you are interested in architecture, nature and culture, the Jyväskylä Region with its array of attractions is the right destination for you. Get acquainted with Alvar Aalto’s famous work, unique Unesco sites, and interesting museums while enjoying the breathtaking scenery.
