Vehicle
By car
By train
Duration
6 days
Length
Approximately 300 km km
6 Day Finnish Lakeland Summer Itinerary – with public transport
This 6-Day travel plan in the summery Jyväskylä Region will take you on a 300 km road-trip through Laukaa, Jyväskylä, Petäjävesi, Keuruu and Himos-Jämsä. You will get the must-have summer experiences like sauna, national parks and nature, water activities and interesting museums. You can marvel at the light nights and the gentle warmth oh the Finnish summer. 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 can be accomplished completely with public transport, or you can rent a car. Ther public transport connections are mentioned in the text according to the day itinerary. You can find information on driving in the Jyväskylä Region here.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact the Jyväskylä Region Tourist Office at [email protected] / +358 145690113.
Tips and useful links
Book accommodations & activities beforehand to ensure availability
Finnish rules & rights for enjoying outdoors
You can do the whole itinerary using public transport
– Matkahuolto – long distance busses
– VR – trains
– Linkki – local busses
– Info on using local Linkki busses
If you want more freedom, rent an eCar
– Avis
– Omago
If you cannot see the map, accept cookies and refresh the page
Route description
-
1Day 1 : Laukaa
Saraakallio rock paintings, water activities & spa
-
2Day 2 : Jyväskylä
Views, museums & lake cruising
-
3Day 3 : Jyväskylä
History, architecture and lake views
-
4Days 4 : Petäjävesi & Keuruu
UNESCO world heritage site and historic milieus
-
5Day 5 : National Park
National Park, nature & views
-
6Day 6 : Himos-Jämsä
Outdoor activities & meeting moose
Navigate on a specific date
Day 1 route on Google Maps
Day 2 route on Google Maps
Day 3 route on Google Maps
Day 4 route on Google Maps
Day 5 route on Google Maps (depends on the chosen national park)
Day 6 route on Google Maps
-
Day 1
Begin your Lakeland adventure in Laukaa, 23 km northeast of Jyväskylä (local bus 41). Start your day of adventures at Laukaa harbour, where you can rent a canoe or stand-up paddle board and paddle 3 km over Saraavesi lake to marvel the historical Saraakallio rock paintings. The 40-meter-high rock formation has more than 100 rock paintings or parts of them, the oldest ones are up to 7,000 years old. The rock paintings of Saraakallio form the largest continuous area of images in Fennoscandia.
After a morning on waves, you can have lunch at Laukaa harbour café. If you want to do some local shopping, now is a good time to visit Kädenjälki Shop and Design and Accessory Shop Sará (750 m) in the centre of Laukaa.
For the evening adventures, head to Spa Resort Peurunka (4 km from the centre, bus 41) for fun outdoor activities. You can rent an eFatbike and explore the surrounding nature or relax in the spa and saunas. For a more adrenaline induced evening you can travel 5 km further to Varjola Resort (busses 141 and Koivuranta) located by Kuusaa rapids. Varjola offers fun activities like white water rafting. Finish the day by relaxing in a Finnish sauna at Peurunka or at Varjola.
After a fun day of outdoor adventures, you can spend the night at Spa Resort Peurunka’s rooms or cottages or at Varjola Resorts Villas or B&B.
Photo: Jaakko Manninen Attractions
Go to previous-
Harbours
Laukaa Harbour
Sararanta harbour at Laukaa is known as a port of positive winds. As a high-quality guest harbour it is a... Read more from destination Laukaa HarbourRead more → -
Cafés
Laukaa Harbour Café
The cosy café in Laukaa Marina at Lake Saravesi offers a warm welcome to locals and visitors alike. The outdoor... Read more from destination Laukaa Harbour CaféRead more → -
Outdoor pursuits
Saraakallio rock paintings
In Laukaa, on the eastern shore of the Saraavesi Lake, you can look backward thousands of years. The 40-meter-high rock... Read more from destination Saraakallio rock paintingsRead more → -
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 → -
Peurunka Spa & Resort
Your whole family will enjoy the most active spa in Finland! Go down the whopping 130-metre water slide and test... Read more from destination Peurunka Spa & ResortRead more → -
B & BFarm accommodationHoliday cottages and villas
Majoitus
Go to previous-
B & BFarm accommodationHoliday cottages and villas
-
Peurunka Spa & Resort
Your whole family will enjoy the most active spa in Finland! Go down the whopping 130-metre water slide and test... Read more from destination Peurunka Spa & ResortRead more →
-
-
Day 2
After breakfast, check out and take bus 41 to the regional capital Jyväskylä (23 km) which will serve as your headquarters for the next 4 nights. Begin the second day by climbing to the top of the Harju Observation Tower to get a beautiful view over the city. Don’t forget to stop for a coffee in the 2nd floor café restaurant and visit the natural history museum on the bottom floor. (Note, the tower is closed on Mondays)
Next you will walk through the city centre to the Aalto2 museum centre, which houses two museums: the Alvar Aalto museum and the Museum of Central Finland. Take a couple of hours to explore the museums (one ticket gives you access to both) and take a break in the Aalto2 Café and visit the Aalto2 shop for some souvenirs. (Note, the museum center is closed on Mondays). If you want to continue with the architecture & history themes, walk back to the city centre through Jyväskylä University main campus, Seminaarinmäki. The newer buildings of the campus are designed by Alvar Aalto, and the older ones are the original school buildings from The 1800’s.
After a culture filled morning, head for lunch in the city centre. Stop by the Church Park and choose Bistro Kirkkopuisto or the mediterranean Cielo. You can also continue past Church Park to the pedestrian street for more restaurant options.
Next you will cross the railroad and the highway to the Lutakko harbour. In the harbour park you can find the big Jyväskylä -letters, which are a popular photo spot. The harbour and the lakeside are full of fun summer activities. Have picnic in the harbour park, rent a stand-up paddle board or a jet ski or relax in the sauna world of Sataman Viilu. In the evening, hop on a 3-hour long freshwater cruise and enjoy the summer evening on waves of Lake Päijänne, deepest and longest lake in Finland. You can also have dinner on board. Alternatively, you can enjoy dinner after the cruise in one of the many harbour restaurants, like Sataman Viilu, Morton, Hiisi Taproom or Trattoria Aukio. If you are not yet yearning for soft hotel beds, you can enjoy the vibrant nightlife in the harbour’s restaurant boats or head back to the pedestrian street for more options.
For a good night’s sleep head to one of the Sokos hotels, Finlandia Hotel Alba by the Jyväsjärvi lake or to the Boutique hotel Yöpuu.
Photo: Julia Kivelä Attractions
Go to previous-
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 → -
CafésDining restaurantsCatering restaurants
Café & Restaurant Vesilinna
The scenic Café & Restaurant Vesilinna overlooking the city is located on the pine-covered ridge in the centre of the... Read more from destination Café & Restaurant VesilinnaRead more → -
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 → -
Ethnic restaurants
-
Harbours
Jyväskylä’s Lutakko Harbour
Finland’s most memorable harbour In summer, the Jyväskylä harbour transforms into a point of recreation for the city dwellers of... Read more from destination Jyväskylä’s Lutakko HarbourRead more → -
CafésDining restaurantsCatering restaurants
Sataman Viilu
In Sataman Viilu, you eat well, you can refresh yourself in the sauna, and have a party until late evening.... Read more from destination Sataman ViiluRead more → -
Päijänne Cruises Hilden
Bring the grown-ups and children on a ship cruise! Spend the best day of summer on an adventure on the... Read more from destination Päijänne Cruises HildenRead more →
Majoitus
Go to previous-
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
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
Hotel Alba
A private hotel on the lakeshore – within walking distance from the services of the city centre! A private hotel... Read more from destination Hotel AlbaRead more →
-
-
Day 3
After a slow breakfast at the hotel, start the day by visiting the historic Toivola old courtyard. The beautiful wooden buildings and the historical atmosphere will transport you to the 19th century Jyväskylä. Enjoy a morning coffee and snack in the Café Valkoinen puu, tour the small boutiques of the courtyard and learn about the local craft history in the Craftsmanship Museum.
Next you will hop on a local bus (16, 16M or 21) and head towards Säynätsalo archipelago (16 km from Jyväskylä). First you will visit Säynätsalo Town Hall, one of the world-famous architect Alvar Aalto’s most significant works. From the Town Hall you can rent a bike if you wish and tour the beautiful archipelago.
For lunch you can head to Juurikkasaari, 1 km from the Town Hall, to enjoy a delicious home-made lunch buffet by the Lake Päijänne. If your 3rd travel day happens to land on a Wednesday, Juurikkasaari also offers a public sauna shift in their wood-heated lakeshore sauna.
For the afternoon, head back to Jyväskylä city centre (busses 16, 16M or 21). Now is a good time to explore the boutiques and stores of the city centre. If you want to make some local purchases, you can visit Koto Design Market or if you like making second-hand finds you can visit some of the flea markets and second-hand stores. Alternatively, if you want a move active afternoon, hop on bus S5 and go climbing in the Laajavuori Adventure Park, 5 km from the city centre. Check for dinner options in the city.
Kuva: Tero Takalo-Eskola Attractions
Go to previous-
Holiday tips for the Jyväskylä Region
Toivola Old Courtyard
Most beautiful courtyard in Jyväskylä city – experiences from dawn to dusk. Toivola Old Courtyard – known to its friends... Read more from destination Toivola Old CourtyardRead more → -
Museums
Craftsmen’s museum and Sparvin Museum shop
Located at the Toivola Old Courtyard, the Craftsmen’s Houses of the Museum of Central Finland exude an old-time feel. Pop... Read more from destination Craftsmen’s museum and Sparvin Museum shopRead more → -
Alvar Aalto
Säynätsalo Town Hall (1949–52)
Constructed between 1949 and 1952, Säynätsalo Town Hall is among Alvar Aalto’s most significant works. It holds a special status... Read more from destination Säynätsalo Town Hall (1949–52)Read more → -
Craft shopsSouvenirs
Koto Design Market
The Koto Designmarket is a joint effort of three young woman entrepreneurs. We opened in the spring of 2018. Our... Read more from destination Koto Design MarketRead more → -
Laajis
Laajis is a favourite for children all year round! In the summertime, the entire family can take on the challenges... Read more from destination LaajisRead more →
-
-
Days 4
An early breakfast is recommended as a lot of distance will be covered today. Start the day by heading to Jyväskylä Travel centre, where you will hop on a bus or a train to Petäjävesi. Petäjävesi is a small town, but it is home to a UNESCO world heritage site, Petäjävesi Old Church. The church is open every day during the summer season. After a visit at the Old Church, hop back on a bus or a train to Keuruu.
Once you arrive to Keuruu, head for lunch at Café Iidan Unelma or Bistro Fiilis. After lunch you can tour the atmospheric old Keuruu. Visit the Keuruu Old Church, with similar vibes to Petäjävesi Old Church, Keuruu museum, the picturesque old railways station and the Keuruu local history museum.
After a culture-filled day, hop back on a train or a bus and return to Jyväskylä for the night. If you have a rental car, you can also stay overnight in a cabin or hotel room at Hotel Keurusselkä, which is only a 10 km drive from the Keuruu centre.
Photo: Anne Kalliola Attractions
Go to previous-
Churches
Keuruu Old Church
The roots of Keuruu Old Church go back to the 18th century, when the church was consecrated in 1758. The... Read more from destination Keuruu Old ChurchRead more → -
Old Keuruu
Old Keuruu delights the senses with its splendid cultural environs. Buildings that breathe history, such as Keuruu’s old church from... Read more from destination Old KeuruuRead more →
Majoitus
Go to previous-
Canoeing and boat trips
Hotel Keurusselkä
The splendid nature around Keurusselkä provides a wide variety of possibilities all through the year! In summer, you can go... Read more from destination Hotel KeurusselkäRead more → -
Holiday tips for the Jyväskylä Region
Keurusharju Holiday Cottages
Keurusharju holiday cottages offers a relaxing holiday atmosphere in Keuruu, right next to Hotel Keurusselkä. Cottages are located in a... Read more from destination Keurusharju Holiday CottagesRead more →
-
Day 5
Day 5 is all about nature! Start your day with a good breakfast and a visit to a grocery store for some hiking snacks. Most national parks do not have restaurant services, so make sure you have enough food with you for lunch in the park. Hop on the Outdoor Express at the Travel Centre or pick up a rental car and head to one of the region’s 4 national parks. Outdoor Express drives to different parks every weekend but if you have chosen a rental car, you can have your pick!
Check beforehand if there are some services, guided excursions or rentals you’d like to utilize in the national park. For example, Southern Konnevesi National Park is great for canoeing and Leivonmäki National Park has a great mountain biking trail.
Once you arrive to the national park, choose a hike and start enjoying the pure Finnish nature. Most trails will have lean-tos and campfire places along the way, so you can stop for a rest and make some lunch. If there is no fire ban (check warnings here), you can make a campfire and cook sausages for example.
After national park exploration, you can head back to Jyväskylä, where you can have dinner in one of the many restaurants in the city. If you are travelling with a rental car, you could also stay in a cabin or other accommodation near the national park.
Photo: Jukka Paakkinen Attractions
Go to previous-
National parks
Leivonmäki National Park
Located in the municipality of Joutsa, the Leivonmäki National Park makes an excellent destination for hikers and rovers of all... Read more from destination Leivonmäki National ParkRead 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 → -
National parks
Southern Konnevesi National Park
The Southern Konnevesi National Park, the newcomer among Jyväskylä Region’s parks, was founded in 2014. However, its rough, rocky landscapes... Read more from destination Southern Konnevesi National ParkRead more →
-
-
Day 6
After breakfast and check-out, head to the Jyväskylä Travel Centre, where you will hop on a bus to Himos, in Jämsä, located 50 km southwest of Jyväskylä. You can reach Jämsä by train as well, but a bus will drop you less than 1 km from Himos and you can avoid the 7 km taxi ride from the train station. If you can, book a bus connection that stops at Häyrylänsalmen silta –bus stop. Check in at your accommodation or at least drop your luggage and the reception. Himos offers lots of activity options, like ATV safaris, paddling, bowling, simulator world, that you can try out during the day.
Before lunch time, rent an eFatbike and take an 11 km bike ride via a dirt road to Moose Manor. You can meet the majestic moose, reindeer and other deer and the manor and even feed and pet the animals! After the zoo tour enjoy a delicious local dinner at the Moose Manor restaurant and bike back to Himos.
End the last day by relaxing in a sauna or taking a walk around the area. You can have dinner at one of the restaurants at Himos, or you can take a 2,5 km evening walk to the picturesque Patapirtti Farm restaurant on the other side of the lake.
Photo: Julie Weien Forøy Attractions
Majoitus
Go to previous-
Accommodation
-
