Toivakka: Culture, history and lake scenery

Toivakka is located on the eastern shore of Lake Päijänne. It is about 35 km from Jyväskylä; by car, you can reach Toivakka via Route 4 in less than 30 minutes. If you’re looking for a hotel in Toivakka, you can choose a location based on the themes that interest you: architectural history, local heritage or activities on the water.

Culture and architectural history

Toivakka Church was built between 1879 and 1882. During the interior renovation in 1923, architect Alvar Aalto designed, among other things, the ceiling paintings, chandeliers and pulpit. This brings together the church’s late 19th-century construction with Aalto’s work from 1923.

The Old Vicarage of Toivakka also dates from the late 19th century. The local history museum is located on its grounds. Through its collection of objects, the museum presents rural life in the first half of the 20th century. Topics include agriculture, forestry and cooking, as well as, to some extent, hunting, fishing and transport. The same grounds are also home to the veterans’ shelter built by Toivakka’s war veterans. It contains mementos from wartime, and a 76 mm gun stands outside.

Lake Päijänne and distinctive local history

At Ristiselkä on Lake Päijänne, opposite Rappukallio in the western part of Toivakka, lies the deepest point in Finland’s inland waters. Another distinctive feature is Elisabeth’s Forest, a woodland designated as a WWF Heritage Forest on UPM’s Metsä-Piililä estate in Toivakka. The forest is associated with the state visit of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in May 1976. After the visit, UPM pledged to preserve the picnic forest in its natural state.

Canoeing, trails and a cycling route

The lakes in Toivakka are suitable for canoeing. For information about equipment rental, canoe trips and routes, contact Pisto Pro Oy. Check the provider’s latest information when planning a trip. In Huikko, at Temiseväntie 45, there is an easy 5 km mountain biking route. The Laavu Trail in Huikko is 1.5 km long and has a rest area with a campfire site. This lets you choose an easy-rated cycling route or a shorter trail with a place to rest, depending on your interests.

The Perinnepolku trail is near the parish centre of Toivakka. It is marked with signs reading “Perinnepolku” as well as Vakkaukko symbols. These markers distinguish the trail by its own name and signs.

Uimala and the circular route

Uimala is a public beach on the shore of Lake Saarinen. Part of the beach is reserved during swimming lessons; otherwise, it is open to residents and visitors. There is no lifeguard on duty. A beach volleyball court is located next to Uimala at Toivakantie 62. There is also a public winter swimming spot at Uimala. Swimming is at your own risk; the spot is jointly managed by the Municipality of Toivakka and Toivakan Jäänsärkijät ry.

The circular route “A Day in Toivakka” is just over 20 km in total. It can be travelled by car and, in summer, by bicycle. If you’re planning to take the route, check the seasonal opening hours of individual stops. This lets you take transport options and seasonal availability into account when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Kuhmoinen, Viitasaari, Rutalahti, Vaajakoski, Vahanka, Pylkönmäki, Jyväskylä, Kannonkoski

For the main travel overview: Central Finland.