Season
Talvi
Vehicle
By car
Duration
5 days
Length
230 km
5-Day Finnish Lakeland Winter Itinerary
This 5-Day travel plan in the wintery Jyväskylä Region will take you on a 230 km road-trip through Himos-Jämsä, Jyväskylä, Hankasalmi, Laukaa, Saarijärvi and Kannonkoski. You will get the must-have winter experiences like skiing, husky safari, winter hiking, sauna and star gazing in the dark of winter. If you are lucky, you might even spot the famous Northern lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, which make an appearance on average every 4-5 nights in the region. The itinerary includes restaurant & accommoation suggestions, but feel free to modify the travel plan to fit your preferences and budget.
Note, that some activities need to be booked before-hand, this will be mentioned in the day plan.
This itinerary requires a car. You can find information on driving in the Jyväskylä Region here. Driving in Finland in the winter may seem rather scary, especially if you are not familiar with the weather conditions. Always exercise caution when driving on snowy and slippery roads. When driving in Finland between 1 November and 31 March, it is obligatory to have winter tyres, i.e. either studded tyres or friction tyres.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact the Jyväskylä Region Tourist Office at [email protected] / +358 145690113.
Useful links & tips for a winter trip in the Jyväskylä Region
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Route description
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1Day 1 : Himos-Jämsä
Award-winning ski centre, winter activites and kissing a moose.
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2Day 2 : Himos-Jämsä
Husky safari, shoppig and delicious food.
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3Day 3 : Jyväskylä
Local museums and sauna & ice swimming
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4Day 4 : Hankasalmi
Winter hiking and views, northern lights and star gazing
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5Day 5 : Laukaa, Saarijärvi & Kannonkoski
Local shopping, Pyhä-Häkki national park and winter activities at Piispala
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Day 1
Start your Finnish winter adventure at Jämsä, a city of 19 100 residents, known especially for its award-winning ski centre Himos. After arriving at Himos, enjoy a day of outdoor winter activities such as downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowmobile & ATV safaris, or ice skating. A quick lunch in between wintery fun is easy to arrange at one of the restaurants at Himos.
In the evening, head to the close by Moose Manor to meet real life moose, fallow deer and reindeer. The bravest can even give the resident moose a kiss or a pet and the staff is happy to share insight into the minds and lives of these magnificent creatures. After the zoo visit enjoy a delicious meal at the atmospheric manor restaurant.
For a good night’s sleep book a cabin at Himos or a cozy room from the rustic Patapirtti eco farm right next to Himos.
Photo: HimosHoliday Attractions
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Accommodation
Majoitus
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Accommodation
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Day 2
After breakfast at Himos, head over to McAho’s safaris, 23 km (about 14.29 mi) from Himos, for a memorable husky safari and kennel visit. Note that you need to book the visit and the safari beforehand.
In the afternoon you can take a dive into local culture, as Jämsä is well known for the local high-quality felt industry. Especially felt shoes and different sauna products are popular. Visit the two felt factory outlets J. Alho Felt Factory and Lahtiset Felt Factory to make warm purchases for the rest of your trip or find souvenirs to bring back home. Many Finnish foot have been warmed by felt shoes from these two factories since1920’s. Both factories are around 15 km (about 9.32 mi) from Himos, and conveniently right next to each other.
After an eventful day, enjoy a cozy dinner at Patapirtti eco farm and be sure to sample their own berry wines.
Attractions
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Accommodation
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Day 3
On the third day, after breakfast and check-out, head towards the regional capital, Jyväskylä, approximately 50 km (about 31.07 mi) from Jämsä and Himos. Start the day by visiting Aalto2 museum center to take a deep dive into local history and architecture. The museum center contains the Alvar Aalto museum and the Museum of Central Finland. Explore both museums with one ticket. Next, climb to the top of the Harju Ridge, a local landmark, to get a splendid view over the city. For lunch, consider the local favorites Cielo, Harmooni, Viking restaurant Harald and Hiisi Tap Room.
Did you know that the Jyväskylä Region is the official Sauna Region of the World? So, what better way to end the day than climb on the sauna benches of the sauna restaurant Sataman Viilu, in Jyväskylä’s harbour. Viilu’s three saunas and outdoor jacuzzies ensure a relaxed evening. If you are brave enough, try ice swimming in the lake pool under a starry winter sky. If you are hungry after sauna, make sure to sample local cuisine in Sataman Viilu’s restaurant.
If you are still up for some fresh air, see some of the illuminated buildings and installations of the City of Light. For the night, lay your head on the soft hotel pillows or choose a budget-friendly hostel.
Photo: Taina Ristikivi Attractions
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Museums
Aalto2
Museum centre for the new generation. Aalto2 is a unique meeting place for architecture, design and cultural heritage in Jyväskylä.... Read more from destination Aalto2Read more → -
Landmarks
Harju ridge & Vesilinna observation tower
NOTE! The Observation Tower is closed due to renovation 21.10.2024–10.1.2025. Restaurant Vesilinna and the Natural History Museum are open. The... Read more from destination Harju ridge & Vesilinna observation towerRead more → -
Dining restaurants
Sataman Viilu
How about following up your morning run with a sauna and a plunge into Lake Jyväsjärvi? Or perhaps an evening... Read more from destination Sataman ViiluRead more →
Majoitus
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Hotels
Original Sokos Hotel Alexandra
Original Sokos Hotel Alexandra is a wonderful combination of a large hotel’s wide range of services and a small hotel’s... Read more from destination Original Sokos Hotel AlexandraRead more → -
Hotels
Solo Sokos Hotel Paviljonki
Solo Sokos Hotel Paviljonki has not taken long to become something of a classic among hotels. In competitions and comparisons... Read more from destination Solo Sokos Hotel PaviljonkiRead more → -
Hotels
Scandic Jyväskylä City
Located in the centre of Jyväskylä, the hotel is a comfortable and cosy place to relax annd enjoy the city... Read more from destination Scandic Jyväskylä CityRead more → -
Hotels
Scandic Jyväskylä Station
Centrally located close to the city’s railway station, this laid back hotel offers relaxed atmosphere, spacious rooms and a nice... Read more from destination Scandic Jyväskylä StationRead more → -
Spa hotels
Scandic Laajavuori
An atmospheric conference and spa hotel set amidst Laajavuori’s stunning natural landscape, offering excellent customer service, delicious food and a... Read more from destination Scandic LaajavuoriRead more → -
Hotels
GreenStar Hotel
GreenStar Hotel Jyväskylä offers cost-efficient accommodation with the best comfort. When choosing to stay with us, you make a responsible... Read more from destination GreenStar HotelRead more → -
Holiday tips for the Jyväskylä Region
Finlandia Hotel Alba
Finlandia Hotel Alba is a private hotel in Jyväskylä. We produce hotel and restaurant services and put our heart into... Read more from destination Finlandia Hotel AlbaRead more →
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Day 4
After breakfast and check-out, it is time to drive 70 km (about 43.5 mi) to Häähninmäki recreational outdoor area for some winter hiking. Before departure, visit a grocery store for snacks like sausages and marshmallows that you can grill on an open fire outdoors. Häähninmäki offers several kilometres of maintained and well-marked hiking trails in the Finnish wilderness and don’t forget to climb on top of the look-out tower for some breathtaking views. Take a moment to marvel at the silence and beauty of Finnish Lakeland. The cottage on top of the lookout tower is open during the day. Make a quick lunch on a campfire (firewood is available on-site).
After refreshing outdoor excursions, head to Revontuli Northern Light Resort in Hankasalmi, 26 km (about 16.16 mi) from Häähninmäki. If you are still yearning for activities, you can visit the nearby ski center Häkärinteet for skiing or snowshoeing or have a fun night bowling at the Revontuli bowling alley.
In the evening, enjoy dinner in one of the Revontuli resort’s restaurants. Spend the night in a glass igloo and try to catch a glimpse of the famous Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights. Revontuli Resort is particularly ideal for gazing at the sky since it is located in one of the darkest regions of southern Finland. For some pampering, choose a package with dinner and a sauna shift.
Photo: Revontuli resort Attractions
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Outdoor pursuits
Häähninmäki lookout tower and nature trails 2km, 3,8km, 24,9km
Häähninmäki Hill marks a historic boundary between the ancient hunting grounds in Hankasalmi and Konnevesi. The area has an extensive... Read more from destination Häähninmäki lookout tower and nature trails 2km, 3,8km, 24,9kmRead more → -
Glass igloosHostels & campsitesHoliday cottages and villas
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Activities
Häkärinteet
It pays to make the trip to Häkärinteet, because here the range of winter sports on offer is first-class. This... Read more from destination HäkärinteetRead more →
Majoitus
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Glass igloosHostels & campsitesHoliday cottages and villas
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Forest accommodation
Luontovire
Hidden in the depths of nature, Luontovire is a Hankasalmi-based company that provides excursions on the untrodden paths of Säkinmäki... Read more from destination LuontovireRead more →
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Day 5
After breakfast and check-out, drive 50 km (about 31.07 mi) to Kädenjälki Shop and Design and Accessory Shop Sará in the centre of Laukaa for some souvenir shopping. After the shopping stop, head over to Saarijärvi for lunch at Saarijärven Ruustinna. The lunch buffet at this historical clergy house is set with hearty home cooking and seasonal treats.
With a full belly, you are all set to drive 20 km (about 12.43 mi) to Pyhä-Häkki National Park in Saarijärvi and explore the wintry nature. Established in 1956, Pyhä-Häkki is the oldest national park in the Jyväskylä Region, featuring ancient forests and boggy terrains with well-maintained trails for hiking and skiing. The old-growth forests of the park are a sobering sight, pregnant with the mysteries of nature. The oldest tree in the park has reached for the sky for more than 500 years!
After fresh winter air, drive the 40 km (about 24.85 mi) distance north to Piispala in Kannonkoski. Piispala is a popular youth center and holiday spot, with tons of winter activities and other experiences to choose from. Try cross-country skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing or visit animal home Pihka. Piispantupa dining hall offers home-cooked and traditional foods using local and domestic ingredients whenever possible.
Spend the night at Piispala’s cottages, row houses or apartments or head back to Saarijärvi and the cozy Bed & Breakfast Ruustinna.
Photo: Julia Kivelä Attractions
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Craft shops
Kädenjälki Shop and Design and Accessory Shop Sará
The atmospheric shops Kädenjälki (Handprint in Finnish) and Design and Accessory Sará are located in the centre of Laukaa. The... Read more from destination Kädenjälki Shop and Design and Accessory Shop SaráRead more → -
National parks
Pyhä-Häkki National Park
A traveller in the Pyhä-Häkki National Park can hear the ancient pines whisper stories from more than four hundred years... Read more from destination Pyhä-Häkki National ParkRead more → -
Programme services and other activity options
Piispala
In Piispala, the possibilities for programme services and activities are breathtakingly varied. Our programmes include experience and adventure activities in... Read more from destination PiispalaRead more →
Majoitus
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Special accommodationHoliday cottages and villas
Piispala
Piispala is a centre of overall well-being and for us, our customers’ enjoyment and well-being are the main things. We... Read more from destination PiispalaRead more →
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