Toivakka is on the eastern side of Lake Päijänne. Topics to consider when planning your trip include the church details designed by Alvar Aalto, a local history museum about rural life, and opportunities for canoeing, mountain biking and winter swimming. Cultural history and recreational activities offer different highlights; you can also compare the stated trail distances.
The church and local history
Toivakka Church was built between 1879 and 1882. During an interior renovation in 1923, architect Alvar Aalto designed, among other things, the ceiling paintings, chandeliers and pulpit. The construction and interior design therefore belong to different periods in the church’s history: the building, erected in the late 19th century, was followed by Aalto’s designs for selected interior features.
The Old Vicarage of Toivakka also dates from the late 19th century. The local history museum is located on its grounds and uses objects to illustrate rural life in the first half of the 20th century. Its topics range from agriculture, forestry and cooking to, in part, hunting, fishing and transport. The portrayal of everyday life thus covers a variety of areas of work and living.
Also on the grounds of the Old Vicarage is a veterans’ shelter built by Toivakka’s war veterans. It contains mementos from wartime; a 76 mm gun stands outside. Elisabeth’s Forest has a different historical connection: the forest, designated a WWF Heritage Forest, is on the Metsä-Piililä estate in Toivakka, owned by UPM. It is associated with the state visit by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in May 1976. Following the visit, UPM agreed to preserve the picnic forest in its natural state.
Lake Päijänne and trails
A specific location puts Toivakka’s landscape on the map: the deepest point in Finland’s inland waters is at Ristiselkä in Lake Päijänne, off Rappukallio in the western part of Toivakka. There is also a specific starting point for activities on the water. The lakes in Toivakka are suitable for canoeing; contact Pisto Pro Oy for information about equipment rental, tours and routes. Check with them in advance for the latest information.
Perinnepolku is near the parish centre and is marked with signs reading “Perinnepolku” and with Vakkaukko symbols. In Huikko, the 1.5-kilometre Laavu Trail offers a place to rest and have a campfire. Also in Huikko, at Temiseväntie 45, there is a five-kilometre mountain biking trail classified as easy. The details vary by activity and distance: at 1.5 kilometres, the Laavu Trail is shorter than the mountain biking trail.
Uimala: beach, winter swimming and beach volleyball
Uimala is a public beach on the shore of Lake Saarinen. Part of the beach is reserved during swimming lessons; at other times, it is open to local residents and visitors. Check for seasonal restrictions before visiting. There is no lifeguard at the beach. Uimala also has a public winter swimming spot: swimming is at your own risk. The municipality of Toivakka and Toivakan Jäänsärkijät ry are jointly responsible for the swimming spot. A beach volleyball court is located beside Uimala at Toivakantie 62.
Getting there and planning your trip
Toivakka is about 35 kilometres from Jyväskylä and can be reached by car via Route 4 in less than 30 minutes. The circular route “A Day in Toivakka” is a separate option: it is just over 20 kilometres in total and can be travelled by car and, in summer, by bicycle. If you plan to cycle, take the seasonal note into account. The Toivakka Rally is mentioned alongside other events as a summer offering for visitors; check the specific event dates before your trip.
When planning a visit around Uimala, take into account the restriction during swimming lessons and the conditions for winter swimming. This helps you choose your destination based on specific interests without confusing distances, activities and seasonal conditions.
Discover more destinations: Saarijärvi, Luhanka, Vaajakoski, Viitasaari, Kivijärvi, Sumiainen, Suolahti, Keuruu.
For the regional travel overview: Central Finland.
