JYU for YOU (S02 E12): Exploring the Jyväskylä Region with Rinna Valjakka

Are you moving to Jyväskylä in the summer or autumn? Did you know that the city and the region offer a wide range of things to do and see! In this episode of the JYU for YOU podcast, host Irfan sits down with Rinna Valjakka, a travel advisor at Visit Jyväskylä Region and alumna of Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences (JAMK). Rinna shares her journey of moving to Jyväskylä, how her studies paved the way for her entrepreneurial ventures, and her integration into Jyväskylä’s working life. As an experienced travel advisor, Rinna offers valuable insights for international visitors, starting with practical tips on how to reach Jyväskylä. Once there, the region unfolds with a plethora of experiences: 🔎 Sauna Culture: Discover why Jyväskylä is dubbed the Sauna Region of the World. 🔎 Architectural Marvels: Explore the works of Alvar Aalto at the Alvar Aalto Museum. 🔎 Cultural Events: From the Jyväskylä Summer Festival and Suomipop Festival to the John Smith Rock Festival, there's something for every music enthusiast. 🔎 Major Attractions: Experience the thrill of the world-famous Secto Rally Finland in the summer and the enchanting City of Light event in the fall. 🔎 Beyond events, the Jyväskylä Region boasts stunning natural beauty, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and, according to many surveys, the best burger in Finland! Whether you're a curious traveler or a student seeking a budget-friendly getaway after grinding on your thesis, this episode offers a comprehensive guide to what Jyväskylä and Central Finland have to offer! 🎧 Listen now and plan your next adventure! Links Visit Jyväskylä Region: https://visitjyvaskyla.fi/en/ Museums in Jyväskylä: https://www.jyvaskyla.fi/en/museums-and-galleries Restaurant Vesilinna (Harju observation deck): https://vesilinna-restaurant.fi/frontpage/ Sataman Viilu: https://satamanviilu.fi/in-english/ AaltoAlvari Swimming Hall: https://www.jyvaskyla.fi/en/sports-and-recreation/sports-facilities/aaltoalvari Peurunka Spa: https://peurunka.fi/en/spa/ Saraakallio rock paintings: https://visitjyvaskyla.fi/en/attractions/saraakallio-rock-paintings/ Public sauna turns in Kortepohja student village: https://soihtu.fi/en/instructions/public-sauna-turns/ KOAS saunas: https://www.koas.fi/en/tenants/housing-guide/sauna-reservation/ Secto Rally Finland: https://sectorallyfinland.fi/en/etusivu-english/ Calendar of events in the Jyväskylä Region: https://kalenteri.jyvaskyla.fi/en Jyväskylä Summer Festival: https://jyvaskylankesa.fi/en/ Suomipop Festival: https://suomipopfestivaali.fi/jyvaskyla/ The Jyväskylä City of Light: https://valonkaupunki.jyvaskyla.fi/en John Smith Rock Festival: https://johnsmith.fi/en/frontpage/ The National Parks of Jyväskylä Region: https://visitjyvaskyla.fi/en/nationalparks/ Bus to national parks: https://visitjyvaskyla.fi/en/outdoorexpress/ Laajavuori: https://visitjyvaskyla.fi/en/attractions/laajavuori/ Jyväskylä Jet Ski Rental: https://visitjyvaskyla.fi/en/attractions/jyvaskyla-jet-ski-rental/ Grill Room Hankasalmi: https://www.grillroom.fi/menus DeLorean cocktail bar: https://deloreanjkl.fi/en/delorean-english/ Petäjävesi Old Church: https://petajavesioldchurch.fi/en/ The Lake Jyväsjärvi Rantaraitti lakeshore route: https://visitjyvaskyla.fi/en/activities/biking-jogging/rantaraitti/ Säynätsalo townhall: https://www.jyvaskyla.fi/en/jyvaskyla-information/saynatsalo-townhall Panda Factory: https://www.pandatehtaanmyymala.fi/ Find your programme: https://www.jyu.fi/en/study-with-us/find-your-programme Applicants Day 2025: https://www.jyu.fi/applicants-day JYU newsletter: https://www.jyu.fi/en/sign-up-for-our-newsletter JYU for YOU: https://linktr.ee/jyuforyou Find us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn & TikTok: @uniofjyvaskyla