5 Reasons to Explore Äänekoski by Water

Äänekoski is surrounded by magnificent waterways with plenty for boaters to see and experience. Among the islands and shores you can find peace if you wish and unwind from the rush in silence, listening only to the sounds of nature. The clear, fish-rich Lake Keitele offers excellent conditions for both short and long boat trips. Services and activities are available on the shores of different town centers, and if you like you can join various events every weekend throughout the summer. 

Why Äänekoski?

If you haven’t yet marked Äänekoski as a summer holiday destination, now is a great time to reconsider. Whether you arrive by car or by boat, Äänekoski lies along excellent routes, in the heart of Finland’s most beautiful lake district. Please note that many waterside destinations are also accessible by car.

Peace

In the picturesque landscapes of the Keitele waterway there is always something new to admire. The varied scenery and shores offer countless places to explore and to stay overnight. For boaters, Keitele is a wonderful destination, as crowds are unknown on these waters. Whether you’re traveling with a large boat or a canoe, you can discover new routes and sights as you go. Those interested in culture can visit the landscapes and islands painted by Akseli Gallen-Kallela and immerse themselves in fascinating stories.

Community

While Keitele has many spots where you can enjoy solitude, it also offers places to spend time with other boaters and holidaymakers. The City of Äänekoski, various clubs and associations maintain sites on Keitele’s islands and shores. For example, Petäjäsaari is a wonderful destination with a sauna on the shoreline rocks that is free for all travelers to use. At popular family spots like Rekolahti, parents can relax while the children play on the sandy beach.

Accessibility

You can reach Äänekoski by water routes all the way from Lahti and Savo. Getting to Äänekoski is easy and, for example, from Jyväskylä the trip takes a few hours depending on the boat. Travel time is especially affected by the locks along the way—that is, how long you need to wait for your turn—as there are several locks on the route. For first-time boaters, using a lock is quite an experience in itself: the force of water flowing into the lock and the change in height are impressive when experienced from a boat. Äänekoski has 12 marinas with varying levels of services, and each town center also has a guest pier for visiting boaters.

Services

For boaters, it’s important to find services that are easy to reach by boat. In Äänekoski there are several restaurants and, for example, playgrounds right by the water. In the Suolahti Wanha Asema area, in addition to marina services, you’ll find Keitele Museo, where you can admire old trains, and Perinnetelakka, where you can explore the history of steamships. The area also offers restaurant and accommodation services, outdoor fitness equipment, and a playground. Near the center of Äänekoski, the Häränvirta guest pier is a great place to stop, even for the night. Electricity is available near the pier, and the surroundings offer a beautiful setting close to activities. There’s a restaurant by the shore and the services of the town center are within walking distance. Matilan Ankkuri is located on the border of Sumiainen and Konginkangas and is a trusted stop for boaters and cottage-goers. With one stop you can refuel the boat, enjoy a meal, and let the kids play.

Always something new to discover

Keitele is a large waterway that enchants time and again. With a smaller boat you can make exploratory trips off the main channels and find beautiful straits and hidden routes. Keitele is a clean and clear lake with many natural sandy beaches. In addition to these, the islands have magnificent rocky shores that are also worth experiencing.  Even for avid boaters, there are always new places to discover—if you dare to look. Have you already experienced Viukarinsaaret or Sittosalmi?

Psst… Did you know you don’t need to own a boat to explore the area’s waters? Several companies in Äänekoski rent, among other things, jet skis, SUP boards, and kayaks for small explorations. For those craving thrills, there’s also river sledding, white-water rafting, and river floating, ways to experience water a little differently.