Photo 1 (above): A busy day of meetings is best started with a good breakfast. Marko Helenius is enjoying his breakfast at Hotel Yöpuu right in the heart of Jyväskylä. In addition to the cold cuts and salad at the buffet there is warm bread, oven-cooked barley porrage and small perch from Lake Päijänne. Hotel Yöpuu is located in an attractive building of architectural importance dating from the 1920s.
Photo 2 (below): The Innova tower offers a modern venue for business meetings in the very centre of Jyväskylä. Transport-wise its location is excellent whether approaching on foot, by train or bus or in a car. Jyväskylä's tallest building contains the premises of many international companies as well as comprehensively-equipped conference suites, restaurant facilities and, right at the top, a sauna section offering a great view over the lake.
Photo 3 (below): At lunchtime one possibility is to dine at Restaurant Vesilinna, situated on top of Jyväskylä's trademark, the Harju ridge. Among other things waitress Anni Immonen recommends the roast beef salad. From the restaurant's elevated position a marvellous view unfolds of the whole city and Lake Jyväsjärvi beyond. Sitting atop the ridge, Vesilinna was built in 1953 in accordance with plans drawn by architect Olavi Kivimaa. For city dwellers, from the end of the nineteenth century onwards, the ridge has been an area for relaxation and recreation, with its sports stadium, sawdust fitness tracks, summer theatre and May Day traditions. Vesilinna is also home to the Natural History Museum of Central Finland.
Photo 4 (below): A day of negotiations is crowned by a cruise on majestic Lake Päijänne. Once on board the meeting can continue; alternatively there is a chance to unwind, enjoy the delicacies whipped up by the vessel's chef or even take a sauna. Jyväskylä harbour, located in the centre of the city, is the northernmost passenger harbour on Lake Päijänne. The waterway that takes in Finland's second biggest lake runs from just outside Lahti right through to northern Central Finland.
Photo 5 (below): In a free moment it is worthwhile heading in the direction of the pedestrian precinct in Jyväskylä's city centre. The heart of the city is rich in shopping centres, cafes, terraces and music bars, not forgetting night clubs either. Catch the moment right, and you could find yourself part of one of the numerous summer events held in the precinct.
photos by petteri kivimäki, janne nousiainen (restaurant vesilinna)