Jyväskylä is known for its unspoilt nature which starts off right next to the city, and you can find nature trails and beautiful waterways in every municipality in the Jyväskylä Region. Nature is literally just a stone’s throw away from the city center. The nature in the Jyväskylä Region fascinates with its diversity and offers a scenic place for sports and recreation. Both the nature itself and the city challenges you to get moving! During the summer season you can go hiking, biking, boating, fishing or play golf. Cross-country and downhill skiing in the nature are excellent ways of relaxing in winter time. Even if you don’t have time to go outside the city center, you can go hiking or cycling along the Rantaraitti route right in the heart of the city. The route also features interesting art experiences. Highly recommended! Enjoy the nature in Jyväskylä In Jyväskylä alone there are 13 nature trails, and the Jyväskylä Region offers a variety of great hiking terrains. The landscape is hilly, forested and full of bodies of water. Alvar Aalto compared the view to Toscana saying that “The slope of Jyväskylä ridge is almost like the mountain vineyards of Fiesole”. Laajavuori Ski Resort and Adventure park Laajavuori The recreational area at Laajavuori offers a fantastic range of things to do. It is only a few kilometers from the Jyväskylä city center, and you can get there by bus number 25. Did you ever want to be an adventurer? Then the Adventurepark is the place for you! Test your Tarzan-like skills and challenge yourself! Laajavuori action park is one of the biggest in Nordic countries. If you don’t feel like Tarzan, you can enjoy the nature and go biking, play Frisbee-golf, go hiking or gohave a sweat in a sauna! The spectacular scenery in Laajavuori The 4-kilometer nature trail on the Laajavuori hill lets you explore nature. You’ll also find lean-tos beside the trail. Grill a sausage or brew a coffee on a campfire! On the shore of Lake Tuomiojärvi we recommend you to stop for a while and enjoy a beautiful sunset. When you are in Vesilinna Observation Tower at the highest point, take a look in all directions and enjoy the view! Climb on top of the hill at Laajavuori, there you have a perfect lookout point. Enjoy the Lake Päijänne scenery, too! Harju ridge and observation tower One of the highest points and the landmark of Jyväskylä is Harju Ridge. It is right in the city center, and it is connected with two other landmarks, Nero Steps which will lead you to Vesilinna Observation Tower. The tower was built in 1953, and there you can find the Natural History Museum, a restaurant and an observation deck with a great view over the city. There’s also a popular jogging route that runs around the area. Tour skating circuit on Lake Jyväsjärvi Winter is nothing without skating! The Lake Jyväsjärvi is near the harbor and is turned into a wide tour skating track in winter. The skating track is very popular amongst the city residents.
