10 best things to do in Finnish Lakeland in winter
Looking for the perfect winter holiday in Finland? Discover the Jyväskylä Region in Finnish Lakeland, where authentic sauna experiences, unique winter activities, beautiful winter landscapes, UNESCO-recognised Alvar Aalto architecture and distinctive accommodation come together. With nature always close by and many local tourism businesses committed to sustainable travel, it’s a place where you can slow down and experience Finnish Lakeland at its most authentic.
Here are 10 tips for your winter getaway in the heart of Finnish Lakeland.
1. Experience the world’s hottest sauna culture
In the Jyväskylä Region, the Sauna Region of the World, the authentic Finnish sauna culture is part of everyday life. You can try a traditional smoke sauna, including one of the largest in the world at Tupaswilla, or something a bit different, like an igloo sauna.
Cooling off is just as important. Ice swimming is easy to try in places like Revontuli Lakeland Village, Peurunka Spa & Resort and Keurusselkä Resort. In Jyväskylä city, Sataman Viilu offers access to lake water pool all year round right in Lutakko harbour.
2. Discover Alvar Aalto’s UNESCO-recognised legacy
Discover UNESCO-recognised Alvar Aalto sites in the city where his career began.
Alvar Aalto’s architecture in Jyväskylä is not just famous buildings. Jyväskylä lies at the heart of Alvar Aalto’s story. The world-renowned architect spent much of his childhood here, started a family and launched his remarkable career. Nowhere else in the world can you find such a wide range of Aalto’s work from different periods gathered in one area. Three of the 29 buildings he designed in Jyväskylä have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the Aalto Works ensemble.
A good place to begin exploring his legacy is Aalto2, a museum centre that brings together two buildings designed by Aalto himself. Nearby, Hotel Alba makes a convenient and comfortable base for anyone interested in his work.
3. Winter activities in nature
Winter in Finnish Lakeland turns the landscape into a place where you can try something a little different every day. At Varjola and HimosLomat, you can experience arctic floating, drifting quietly in icy water while staying warm and comfortable in a thermal suit. If you’re after something more active, Varjola also offers an arctic whitewater adventure that combines floating with a zipline ride and even a tightrope crossing above the rapids.
If you’d rather take things at your own pace, fatbiking is a great way to get around in winter. The wide tyres make it easy to ride along snowy forest tracks and frozen lakeshores. For a slower, more peaceful way to explore, Tavinsulka’s guided snowshoe walks take you into the quiet of the winter forest, where everything feels still and unhurried.
4. Unique winter accommodation in Finnish Lakeland
Looking for accommodation in Finnish Lakeland? If you want your winter escape to feel a little out of the ordinary, Jyväskylä has plenty of characterful places to stay. In the heart of the city, Yöpuu boutique hotel offers a cosy, intimate atmosphere paired with thoughtful design. For something completely different, Ilmatar Airplane Lodge gives you the chance to spend the night in a converted aeroplane. There’s even a sauna inside, which makes the experience feel distinctly Finnish in the best possible way.
If you’re drawn to quiet surroundings, Luontovire offers secluded forest accommodation where you can properly switch off and wake up to the peaceful sights of the winter forest just outside your door. And for a stay that blends history with fresh, modern comfort, Ruustinna combines the atmosphere of a former vicarage with a brand-new hotel, creating a warm and characterful setting for a winter break.
5. Skiing in the heart of Finnish Lakeland
Whether you prefer downhill runs or slower cross-country routes, the Jyväskylä Region makes it easy to get out on the snow. The area includes Southern Finland’s largest ski resort as well as several smaller ones, with reliable conditions often from November/December onwards. Cross-country tracks run through quiet forests and, when conditions allow, across frozen lakes. Many places offer equipment rental and lit trails, so you don’t have to stop when daylight fades
6. Embrace the darkness and greet the light
Winter in the Jyväskylä Region is a season of contrasts. Slow down in a lakeside cabin, unwind in a sauna and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Finnish Lakeland. On clear nights, you might even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
Known as the City of Light, Jyväskylä is home to more than 100 permanent lighting installations that brighten buildings, bridges and public spaces throughout the winter season. Scandic Hotels, Sokos Hotels, Hotel Verso and GreenStar Hotel make excellent bases in the centre of Jyväskylä if you want to explore the city’s illuminated attractions on foot.
7. The perfect winter getaway in a holiday resort
Whether you’re travelling with family, friends or solo, holiday resorts offer relaxing winter holiday with cosy accommodation, delicious restaurants, and a wide range of seasonal activities. Revontuli Lakeland Village, Peurunka Spa & Resort, Resort Keurusselkä, Piispala, Varjola Resort and Himos Holiday are all located on or near a lake, offering beautiful winter landscapes and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the season outdoors. Try snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or even ice swimming. Many resorts also offer guided winter adventures and some even spa experiences to warm up after a day outdoors.
Pro tip: Kids will love the water slides at Peurunka Spa & Resort, including one of the longest in the Nordic countries! If you’re looking for a spa hotel close to the city centre yet surrounded by nature, Scandic Laajavuori is a perfect choice.
8. Kiss a moose
A visit to Finland without seeing a moose – no way! The Jyväskylä Region offers the best chance to meet the king of the forest at Finland’s only moose farm, Moose Manor. The farm is also home to other antlered animals such as reindeer and deer. Nearby accommodation is available through HimosLomat, Himosmajoitus and Break Sokos Hotel Himos.
9. The Jyväskylä Region is the perfect place to enjoy an atmospheric Christmas
The Christmas season fills the Jyväskylä Region with atmosphere. Church Park is illuminated by twinkling lights, while the historic Toivola Old Courtyard glows with seasonal charm. A variety of concerts, Christmas markets and joyful events create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Browse for thoughtful gifts, sample traditional festive treats and enjoy a relaxing break in the Jyväskylä Region, where the magic of Christmas is brought to life.
10. Find the Finnish Happiness
What makes Finland the happiest country in the world? The answer is different for everyone, but in the Jyväskylä Region it is easy to appreciate the things Finns value most: closeness to nature, time to relax and a balance between activity and quiet moments. Winter offers the perfect setting to experience this way of life. Perhaps that happiness is also connected to the way nature is valued and cared for, with local tourism businesses committed to making it possible for future generations to enjoy these same experiences.
Places like Lehtoranta Villas and Hotelli Viikinhovi make it easy to settle into that slower rhythm, with time and space to simply be. Or perhaps you’d like to experience the Finnish way of life at Taiken Tila farm. And then there’s the food. At Patapirtti Restaurant, the focus is on seasonal, local ingredients, prepared in a way that feels honest and unpretentious.
Frequently Asked Questions about winter in Finnish Lakeland
What are the best things to do in Finnish Lakeland in winter?
Popular winter activities include sauna experiences, skiing, snowshoeing, ice swimming and exploring Alvar Aalto’s UNESCO-recognised architectural legacy.
Can you see the Northern Lights in the Jyväskylä Region?
While Northern Lights are never guaranteed, they can occasionally be seen in the Jyväskylä Region during the winter months, especially under clear skies and away from city lights.
Why visit Finnish Lakeland in winter?
The Jyväskylä Region in Finnish Lakeland combines authentic Finnish sauna culture, UNESCO-recognised Alvar Aalto architecture, unique winter activities, beautiful winter landscapes and distinctive accommodation, all within easy reach in the world’s happiest country.
Is the Jyväskylä Region a sustainable travel destination?
Yes. Sustainable tourism has been a long-term priority in the Jyväskylä Region. The destination has been awarded Visit Finland’s Sustainable Travel Finland (STF) label, and many local tourism businesses have also completed the STF programme. This reflects a shared commitment to protecting the region’s unique nature, supporting local communities and developing tourism responsibly for future generations.
Where can I experience an authentic Finnish smoke sauna?
The Jyväskylä Region is home to several traditional saunas, including one of the world’s largest smoke saunas at Tupaswilla.
Need more ideas for your Lakeland holiday?
Already planning your trip to Lakeland Finland next summer? Read the best tips!
Best tips for your summer holiday in Lakeland Finland
10 best things to do in the Jyväskylä Region
Read more
6 Day Finnish Lakeland Summer Itinerary – with public transport
Inspiration for your holiday planning
Read moreYou may also be interested in
The Sauna Region of the World
Smoke sauna, igloo sauna or perhaps a tent sauna – Jyväskylä Region offers many options for your sauna experience.
Discover what the Jyväskylä Region has to offer
From world-famous architecture to breathtaking views, there’s plenty to see and do in the Jyväskylä Region.
Things to do with children
Read the tips on what to do with children on holiday in the Jyväskylä Region!
What did you think of our content?
Your feedback is important to us. We are continuously improving our content based on the feedback we receive.
