Situated in the heart of Finland, the Jyväskylä region is a modern centre of industry and learning with a population of close to 130,000. The region enjoys lively international contacts in a wide range of fields. Served by an extensive network of communications, the area has established itself as a national hub of high technology and business. The beautiful, versatile and untouched countryside surrounding the city of Jyväskylä offers all the elements of the Finnish landscape within a small area.
Jyväskylä is the capital of the Province of Central Finland. One-fifth of the city area is covered by water. There are large and small lakes, wide forests, surging rapids, and high hills, with their magnificent scenic views. The facilities at Laajavuori Winter Sports Centre include miles of cross country ski tracks and slalom slopes. The Sallaajärvi virgin forest, only a few miles from the city centre, is a fine experience for anyone looking for a true wilderness and unspoiled nature.
City Theatre of Jyväskylä, designed by Alvar Aalto.
Strong industries
The main local industries with their long traditions specialize in mechanical and chemical wood-processing as well as the production of machinery for making paper. Valmet Inc, a supplier of paper-making technology, stands out as an international leader in its field. In wood-processing, the best known enterprises are the Metsä-Serla Group, Schauman Wood and United Paper Mills.
Valmet Inc and Sisu Tractors Ltd have made themselves international names in the metal industry. Top local expertise in electronics and automation is exemplified by such companies as Enermet Ltd (the IVO Group) and Nokia Cellular Systems Ltd.
Top-flight expertise and effective communications
The favourable location in the heart of Finland, combined with good transport connections, guarantee easy access. In terms of data communications, Finland is one of the most sophisticated countries in Europe. The Jyväskylä region serves as a hub of the national network.
The Jyväskylä Regional Development Corporation JYKES Ltd has established links in St. Petersburg and Nizhny Novgorod in Russia, which are available to foreign businesses operating in the Jyväskylä region. JYKES also provides sites and premises for enterprises settling in the area.
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The Jyväskylä Science Park Ltd Advanced research and education, One of the Jyväskylä region's merits is the population's high standard of education. The University of Jyväskylä, a multi-faculty institution with over 10,000 students, serves as a major driving force in the area. The university is engaged in international student exchange on a large scale. It also houses the Centre for Applied Science and Advanced Technology (CASAT) dedicated to promoting research in such fields as paper-making technology, pulp and paper science, nanotechnology, biotechnology and environmental problems. The Centre has joint projects with other research institutes and with industry, both on the national and international level.
The Technical Research Centre of Finland, the largest of its kind in Scandinavia, has its Energy Engineering Laboratory in Jyväskylä. The Jyväskylä Cyclotron Laboratory contributes to the progress of science, education and business alike. The ever-changing requirements of commerce and industry are met by numerous local schools of technology and commerce as well as various institutions for life-long education.
Growth and potential
The Jyväskylä region offers the advantages of a favourable geographical location, safe and pleasant surroundings, and specialized commercial and other services. Firms operating here also have all the benefits of an advanced business environment, and excellent networking opportunities with all parts of the world.
The growing international emphasis makes its presence felt in the daily life of the district. The region frequently hosts major congresses, fairs and other scientific, cultural and sports events, which attract an increasingly cosmopolitan audience. One of the top attractions is the Neste 1000 Lakes Rally drawing well over 300,000 spectators from near and far.
Alvar Aalto's architectur
The city of Jyväskylä and its environs feature nearly 30 buildings designed by the world-famous architect Alvar Aalto over seven decades. The red-brick civic house in Säynätsalo is internationally the best-known Aalto building. In addition, the Alvar Aalto Museum houses a collection of drafts and works of the master spanning his entire career.
Finnish culture at its most luxuriant can be experienced in Jyväskylä. Two wide-ranging cultural events, Jyväskylä Arts Festival and Jyväskylä Winter Festival, are arranged annually. The international art triennials Alvar Aalto Symposium on architecture, Graphica Creativa on graphic arts, and Lumo on photography, contribute to the solid foundation of a vivid cultural life.
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