Season
-
Vehicle
By car
Duration
1 day
Length
80 km
A day trip to Saarijärvi, located north of the Jyväskylä Region, captivates with its cultural offerings and natural attractions. Set out to explore history, enjoy delicious local food, and admire the enchanting landscapes of the national park. The route can be traveled by car and also by bike in the summer, with a total length of over 80 km. The route is best traversed in the summertime, but many sites can be visited year-round. In winter, however, we recommend checking the opening hours of the sites separately and preparing with appropriate gear for moving in nature.
Map and tips
Rent an eco-friendly electric car for the trip:
– Avis
– Omago
– Electric car charging stations on a map
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Route description
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1Kusiaismäki outdoor area and Paavonrinteet
Hyppyrimäentie 1
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2Lahjapiste - gift store
Jukolankuja 4
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3Saarijärvi Church
Paavontie 8
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4Lunch: Ruustinna or Frisee
Paavontie 1
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5Saarijärvi Museum
Herajärventie 2
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6Liikelataamo
Rentontie 7
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7Activity Park Veijari
Puistotie 1
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8Pyhä-Häkki National Park
Viitasaarentie 2119
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9Purola Farm
Kekkosentie 491
Attractions
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Kusiaismäki outdoor area and Paavonrinteet
If the weather permits, head for Kusiaismäki outdoor area located next to the Liikelataamo, which offers activities year-round. During winter, the Paavonrinteet located in Saarijärvi’s Kusiaismäki offer opportunities for skiing and snowboarding on five illuminated slopes. The area also has a sledding hill and the slope café Keko, which has 40 customer seats and a terrace. In the summer season, it is possible to play disc golf or jog in the beautiful scenery and at the same time explore excellent berry and mushroom spots.
Opening hours: The outdoor area is open year-round. Check the opening hours of Paavonrinteet here.
Photo: City of Saarijärvi -
Lahjapiste - gift store
The Lahjapiste gift store is located near the Kusiaismäki outdoor area. The gift point is a home decor and gift shop, flea market, and café.
Opening hours: The store is open year-round. Check the opening hours here
Attractions
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Saarijärvi Church
The current Saarijärvi church was built between 1846-49. The church is a masterpiece of the designers and builders of its time, as the dome dominating the church hall has a diameter of 18 meters. Such a large dome would require stone structures, so the application of the dome to a wooden church is a significant achievement in our 19th-century architecture. There is an opportunity to visit Saarijärvi Church by arranging it in advance. In summer, there is a guide on site. Near the main entrance in the churchyard, there is a statue of Paavo. In the same yard, in the cultural environment of Sofia’s beach, are the oldest buildings in Saarijärvi, as well as the Taitokeskus Saarijärvi shop. The shop offers high-quality products and materials from Finnish artisans. Also, visit the attic gallery, which hosts changing and diverse art and craft exhibitions!
Opening hours: The church operates as a road church in the summer. Check the opening hours here.
Photo: City of Saarijärvi Attractions
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Lunch: Ruustinna or Frisee
After the monring adventures, it’s a good idea to head for lunch at Saarijärvi’s Ruustinna or restaurant Frisee.
The parsonage Ruustinna, protected by the Finnish Heritage Agency, was completed in 1900 and is an important cultural and historical site in Saarijärvi. This historic house near the center of Saarijärvi contains an atmospheric lunch restaurant and café, as well as accommodation in the parsonage’s yard, in the Wäentupa built in the 1830s. Check the opening hours here.
Another lunch option is Frisee, located just over 600m from Ruustinna. Frisee offers a daily changing lunch and café products! Frisee’s café delicacies are made on-site in their own bakery. Check the opening hours here.
Photo: Ruustinna Attractions
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Saarijärvi Museum
The second cultural destination of the day is the Saarijärvi Museum. The main building hosts special exhibitions year-round, and additionally, the museum includes the Summer Exhibition sites of the Gentry Home Museum and the Stone Age Village. The museum shop offers local knowledge and timeless gifts. In the museum yard, you can also find a traditional plant garden, a restored meadow by the shore, and the art home of Toivi Järvinen.
Opening hours: The museum is open year-round. Check the opening hours here.
Photo: City of Saarijärvi Attractions
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Liikelataamo
After the museum tour, you can head to the year-round entertainment center Liikelataamo. At Liikelataamo, you can bowl, enjoy a sauna, and have refreshments and snacks.
Opening hours: Liikelataamo is open from Monday to Saturday. Check the opening hours here.
Attractions
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Activity Park Veijari
Approximately 6 km away is Puuhapuisto Veijari, which, true to its name, is a genuine activity park where you can move and frolic in the fresh outdoor air, embraced by nature. In addition to numerous activities, at the heart of the park there is a large group of captivating animals, the charming Kappelilampi summer café, and the restaurant’s delicious offerings. If you get inspired to spend the rest of your day in Veijari, you can head to the nearby Ahvenlampi Camping at the end of the day, which is one of Finland’s oldest still operating campsites. Ahvenlampi Camping offers traditional well-equipped log cabins, each with its own beach area. The cabins at Ahvenlampi have their own terrace, and some also offer great views of Ahvenlampi.
Opening hours: Puuhapuisto Veijari is open during the summer. Check opening hours here.
Photo: Veijari Activity Park / Visual Friday Oy Attractions
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Pyhä-Häkki National Park
Pyhä-Häkki National Park offers a wonderful opportunity to explore an ancient old-growth forest. The park’s old pines and spruces create a magical atmosphere, and there are also extensive marsh areas. Hikers can enjoy peaceful walks on boardwalks and admire the biodiversity of nature. This national park is a perfect destination for nature lovers who want to experience the enchanting beauty of Finnish forests.
Alternatively, you can head to the nearby Julmat Lammit, where you can admire gorge lakes, cliff faces, and darkly magnificent forests. The three-kilometer hiking trail features three ponds, a campfire site, a viewing platform, and a beach. The route is part of the 12-kilometer Runeberg Nature Trail.
Photo: Julia Kivelä Attractions
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Purola Farm
At the end of the day, it’s nice to stop by Purola Farm for dinner. Purola Farm is located in the heart of the most beautiful countryside and offers delicious meals, cozy accommodation in the inn, and various activities such as Icelandic horse riding, peat treatments, and traditional sauna experiences.
Opening hours: Dinner is available during the summer season and on weekends by reservation. Check the opening hours here.
Attractions
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