Useful Information in Jyväskylä
Public Transport
Buses run regularly around the city. Bus time tables can be searched for on http://linkki.jyvaskyla.fi/. You can find more information about public transport in Jyväskylä in English on the city website.
Vappu (May Day)
May 1st is a national celebration in Finland called Vappu. On Vappu you will be able to see many Fins walking around in white caps and their university overalls (in Finland most subjects offer coloured overalls that students buy and sow patches on over their time in university). There are also some traditional foods that can be tried at this time:
For more information see: http://www.studyinfinland.fi/living_in_finland/way_of_life/festivities/vappu
- sima - a sweet and mildly alcoholic drink
- tippaleipä - deep fried cake dusted with powered sugar
- munkki - Finnish donuts
For more information see: http://www.studyinfinland.fi/living_in_finland/way_of_life/festivities/vappu
Finnish Food
When journeying to any country one of the biggest joys is often trying local cuisine. Finland has a wide ranges of delicious things to try. A more complete list can be found at http://www.visitfinland.com/article/iconic-finnish-foods-of-all-time/ but here are some recommendations:
- Korvapuusti - A cinnamon bun with a twist. These rolls pair cinnamon with cardamom for a delicious sweet treat
- Karjalanpiirakka - These simple looking snacks consist of rice encased in a skin of rye bread. Great when combined with butter, cheese or another kind of spread
- Salmiakki - Some people love it and some not so much. Salmiakki is a salty liquorice that most find to be an acquired taste. It is a staple of the Finnish lifestyle however and therefore a must try!
Sauna
Sauna is one of the few words from Finnish to have entered the English language and a national passion. While in Finland a visit to a sauna is a must. As with any any national tradition there are guidelines that should be followed. Check out some of the basics at http://www.visitfinland.com/article/10-sauna-tips-for-beginners/
Museums
There are several museums in Jyväskylä that are worth investigating during your time here. You can see the top recommendations on TripAdvisor.
Two to consider checking out are the Alvar Aalto Museum, located very close to the university campus, and the National History Museum of Central Finland, which is located adjacent to a tower where it is possible to see the whole of Jyväskylä for free.
Two to consider checking out are the Alvar Aalto Museum, located very close to the university campus, and the National History Museum of Central Finland, which is located adjacent to a tower where it is possible to see the whole of Jyväskylä for free.