This university town was the hometown of functionalist architect Alvar Aalto. It has several buildings he designed, as well as the Alvar Aalto Museum. Also visit the Handicraft Museum (traditional Finnish costumes), the Art Gallery (Finnish and international painting and sculpture) and the Museum of Central Finland (regional history). The 19th-century City Church, restored in the typical Finnish yellow and green colors, was once the focal point of daily life. Those interested in motor rallies can attend the Thousand Lakes Rally (August). The city also hosts the Jyvaskyla Arts Festival (July), which includes silent theater, mimes, underground films, music and activities for children. 145 mi/235 km north of Helsinki.
