Spend an Unforgettable Summer in Äänekoski!
Milla Hytönen |
Summer and holidays are approaching! This year, traveling abroad is still not possible, so the focus turns to nearby travel and local offerings. According to a summer survey, over 30% of Finns plan to take a summer holiday trip in Finland this year. Now is a great time to plan your summer routes and explore domestic travel options. Getting to know your home region and nearby travel can also be done alongside work whenever you need a little break from everyday life.
Äänekoski offers numerous activities in summer. Here you can rent SUP boards and explore the waters and nearby islands. If you crave more speed than SUP boarding, you can also rent jet skis or go white-water rafting. Äänekoski’s guided nature trails suit all kinds of walkers, and our stunning nature offers options for those used to more demanding adventures, too. You can explore the Laulavan mörön nature trail in Sumiainen on foot or by bike. We also offer guided fishing trips, and on a cruise you can admire the city from a different perspective. From the observation towers you can take in the whole Ääneseutu area and be awed by the beauty of summer nature.
The city's summer also offers a variety of cultural events and exhibitions. To satisfy a hunger for culture, the Ääniä Festivaali, held for the first time, is a multidisciplinary arts event that will hardly leave anyone cold. Summer theatres and opera provide entertainment and experiences in the midst of Finland’s most beautiful summer. Up-to-date information about upcoming events can be found here.
If hunger strikes, you’ll find numerous restaurant options for every taste. For example, Belgian-style waffles enjoyed in idyllic scenery are simply irresistible. For a savory craving, there’s comfort in traditional grill food, and for more demanding gourmands there are also delights from an à la carte kitchen. On the shore of Lake Keitele you’ll also find a revamped beach café.
In Äänekoski’s charming villages and townships you can discover what being from Äänekoski truly means. In the local villages you’ll find interesting sights, learn about our region’s history, and enjoy culture in museums and exhibitions. Sumiainen, Konginkangas, Koivisto, and Suolahti offer a touch of genuine village atmosphere and relaxed community spirit.
An important part of domestic travel is, naturally, staying overnight. Here you don’t have to sleep in impersonal chain hotels; instead, there are accommodation options to suit individual needs. At a campsite you can enjoy the white nights and the peace of nature, while in hotels you can relax with services close at hand. You can stay in a dugout shelter, a granary, or lodge by the water. If you grow weary, even a day-tripper can rest at one of our many lean-to shelters around the city, where firewood is ready and waiting.
Äänekoski is an excellent choice especially for families with children, as there are a huge number of sports facilities, beaches, and well-equipped playgrounds. Camps and events designed for the youngest family members are also organized throughout the summer. The Äänekoski sports park offers opportunities for versatile exercise; you can try, for example, tennis, track and field, or explore the jogging trails. In addition to the sports park, disc golf enthusiasts have numerous other options around Äänekoski.

Top 5 attractions in Äänekoski
Viukarinsaari
It’s still an unknown destination even to many locals, reachable by boat to enjoy a large lean-to and a public-use sauna. This is something you absolutely have to experience yourself!
Kapeenniemi recreational area
Kapeenniemi recreational area suits movers of all levels. It’s a short distance from Jyväskylä and easy to reach by car. Here you can experience magnificent untamed rapids and enjoy your picnic at the lean-to.
Laulavan mörön luontopolku
Laulavan mörön luontopolku is located in Sumiainen and can be experienced on foot or by bike. The entire trail is about 20 kilometers long and offers beautiful views and rest spots along the way. Late in the evening, as you go, you might hear the goblin singing.
Äänemäen näköalatorni
Äänemäen näköalatorni is located right near Äänekoski’s town center, and from there you can enjoy the splendor of Ääneseutu, for example by admiring the sunsets.
Suolahti Wanha Asema area and harbor
From the Suolahti Wanha Asema area and the harbor you’ll find a significant ensemble of transport and cultural history. The area also offers café and restaurant services, and it’s easy to reach by car or on foot. The area is located near Suolahti’s center.
What sets Äänekoski apart from other summer towns?
In Äänekoski you’ll find a thousand kilometers of shoreline, hundreds of uninhabited islands, and magnificent rapids that enchant travelers. The beauty of contrasts, created by high ridges and waterways together with hubs of technology and bioeconomy expertise, is something you can experience only here. If you’re looking for the peace of nature and straightforward service, you’ll find it here. Äänekoski is a short distance from Jyväskylä, and it’s easy to arrive by water, by car, by public transport, or even by plane. Find your own hideaway and fall in love with the tranquility of Central Finland’s nature in a place where traffic jams are unknown.
