Tips for Spending Autumn Break in Äänekoski

Autumn break is approaching again, and Äänekoski offers autumn holidaymakers plenty to do, see and experience. Would you like to try something new or relax by touring the sights? Below you'll find our Visit ambassadors' tips for the autumn! There are experiences and activities throughout October, and you don't have to fit everything into a single week. 

Experiences and unwinding

Autumn break is a great time to relax and prepare for the darkest time of the year. Unwinding on darkening evenings by candlelight or a campfire gives energy for the winter. Äänekoski offers wonderful opportunities to enjoy the calming sound of water, admire autumn colors, or even soak up culture. Have you heard of Pro Nemus? The forest's visitor centre offers a fantastic multi-sensory exploration of the possibilities of the forest industry using modern technology.

Unwind in the heart of nature

In the crisp autumn air, it's nice to spend time outdoors. Pack some snacks and head to stunning waterside scenery. In Äänekoski there are several free-use shelters and observation towers where you can pause during your trip. Read Sini and Pete's tips for the best nearby hiking spots here! From clean forests you can find funnel chanterelles and lingonberries, and from the waters you can fish, for example, perch. A catch you've gathered yourself always tastes better than one picked from a store shelf.

Tip! Have you explored Sumiaisten hitonhauta and Laulavan Mörön luontopolku or listened to the roar of the rapids at Kapeenniemen virkistysalue?

A new sport!

Autumn is a great time to start a new hobby. For example disc golf is an affordable, low-threshold pastime for all ages. Disc golf courses can be found in every Äänekoski district and time flies while playing. You'll rack up steps and improve your fitness without noticing as the whole family competes together light-heartedly with the new sport. Read our Visit ambassador Mira's overview of the area's courses here!

Go and try the city's sports facilities too! In Äänekoski you'll find activity parks as well as playgrounds where you can practice balance, for example, and get carried away with the most imaginative games. At local outdoor exercise areas you can alongside a run, take care of your whole body's mobility and strength. You can also get your heart rate up on the city's many fitness stairs. Read our Visit ambassador Ella's training tips here! It's also nice for the whole family to take a dip or enjoy the sauna at Äänekoski's two indoor swimming pools, which are open during the autumn holiday week as well.

You don't always have to be outdoors

If it's raining, there's plenty to do indoors too! The cinema Kino Hirvi and Pankkari Bowling offer ways to spend time even when being outdoors isn't an option. Have you already explored Äänekoski's museums? At Suolahti's Wanha Asema you can learn about Lättähattu railbuses and admire an area of cultural-historical significance. Äänekoski Art Museum has, in addition to the permanent exhibition, a temporary exhibition Light of the World - Vladimir Borodin (1941-2021). Borodin was a globally known and respected painter who often visited Äänekoski as well. The Light of the World exhibition is an interesting look at Vladimir Borodin's extensive and diverse oeuvre the span of several decades.  You can find other current events worth exploring in our event calendar.

On 3.11. there is an open session at the Pro Nemus visitor centre, where you can marvel at everything that can be made from wood. By combining virtual reality, real nature and immersive experiences, Pro Nemus tells about the possibilities of the forest industry and how Finnish wood transforms into different products. You can read more about the visit here and register here!

Discover the city from behind the lens

Interested in photography? Äänekoski has numerous spots perfect for nature photography, and during the fall foliage season the scenery is photogenic everywhere. Waters and bridges are characteristic of Äänekoski. Various bridges have been captured in many photos, and they're interesting to shoot from different angles at different times of day and year. You can also get stunning landscape shots from the observation towers. Take a photo of what you think is the most photogenic place in Äänekoski and tag @visit_aanekoski and we'll share your photo on our social media channels.

Here are our Visit ambassadors' tips for the autumn break!

Walking the dogs in nearby forests and at the cottage, plus visiting the dog park. -Milla

Go pick funnel chanterelles in the forest and then have carrot pie at Wilhelmiina. -Ella

Knitting and jogging, hiking in nearby forests. - Miia

Unhurried hanging out in local cafes. -SinijaPete

Mountain biking. -Simo

Bowling and swimming. In addition, the kids will surely go skateboarding a lot with friends if the weather is good. A forest outing might also be on the program. - Iida

Knitting! -Outi

Have a relaxing autumn break, everyone!