Muurame Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, activities, food, accommodations, and more in Muurame, Finland with this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Muurame

Muurame is a small town located in Central Finland, in Finnish Lakeland, in Finland, in the Nordic countries, and in Europe. The town is known for its beautiful natural landscape, outdoor activities, and historical landmarks. Muurame is a popular destination for visitors looking for a peaceful and scenic experience in Finland. In this comprehensive travel guide, you will discover the best places to visit, activities, food, accommodations, and more in Muurame.

List of Places to Visit in Muurame

If you’re headed to Muurame, you’ll want to make sure you see all of the top spots. Here’s a list of the must-see places to visit:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Muurame Church: This historic wooden church dates back to the 1700s and is an iconic landmark of Muurame.
  • Muurame Local History Museum: This museum highlights the local history and culture of Muurame and the surrounding region.
  • Alvar Aalto Museum: Located in nearby Jyväskylä, this museum showcases the work and legacy of famed Finnish architect Alvar Aalto.

Natural Attractions of Muurame: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Lake Päijänne: This large lake offers breathtaking views of Muurame and the surrounding landscape. Visitors can enjoy boating, kayaking, fishing, and swimming in the lake.
  • Leivonmäki National Park: This beautiful national park offers hiking trails, camping, and picnic areas where visitors can enjoy the stunning Finnish landscape.
  • Himos Ski Resort: Perfect for winter sports enthusiasts, Himos Ski Resort has downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and more.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Muurame

Muurame is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore on foot or by bike. Here are some of the top hiking and biking routes in the area:

  • Keski-Suomi Tour: This bike tour takes visitors through Muurame and the surrounding countryside, passing through quaint villages and lush forests.
  • Leivonmäki National Park Trails: With eight different trails ranging from easy to difficult, these routes offer visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty of the national park.
  • Lutakko Circular Trail: This scenic hiking trail is less than 10 kilometers long and leads visitors through forests and around the beautiful Lake Lutakko.

Best Things to Do in Muurame: Activities and Tours

Looking for some fun things to do during your visit to Muurame? Here are some of the best activities and tours in the area:

  • Muurame Golf: Golf enthusiasts will love playing a round at Muurame Golf, a stunning 18-hole course situated on the shores of Lake Päijänne.
  • Muurame Beach: Relax and soak up the sun at Muurame Beach, a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing during the warmer months.
  • Muurame Archipelago Cruise: Take a relaxing cruise on Lake Päijänne and explore the stunning Muurame Archipelago.

Week-Long Itinerary for Muurame

Want to experience everything that Muurame has to offer? Here’s a week-long itinerary to help you plan your trip:

Day Activity
1 Explore Muurame Church and Local History Museum
2 Hike in Leivonmäki National Park or take a bike tour through the countryside
3 Visit Alvar Aalto Museum in nearby Jyväskylä
4 Play a round of golf at Muurame Golf or relax on Muurame Beach
5 Take a scenic drive around Lake Päijänne or take a cruise in the Muurame Archipelago
6 Hit the slopes at Himos Ski Resort (during winter) or visit the Jyväskylä Wildlife Park
7 Shop for souvenirs in Muurame and enjoy a local dish at one of the town’s many restaurants and cafes

Food and Drink Scene of Muurame

Discover the local Finnish cuisine and drink scene in Muurame.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Kalakukko: This traditional Finnish dish consists of a fish pie made of rye flour and filled with fish, pork, and potatoes.
  • Mämmi: A beloved Finnish dessert made from rye flour, malted rye, and water, served with cream or milk.
  • Lohikeitto: A creamy soup made with salmon, potatoes, and vegetables.

Local Beverages

  • Finnish Craft Beer: Be sure to try out some of the local craft beers brewed in Jyväskylä and the surrounding areas.
  • Lingonberry Juice: This delicious Finnish juice is made from lingonberries and is a perfect accompaniment to meals or as a refreshing drink on its own.

Where to Stay in Muurame: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Muurame offers a variety of accommodations to suit every budget and preference. Here are some of the top options:

  • Muurame Hotel: This modern hotel offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a bar in the heart of Muurame.
  • Lomakeskus Revontuli: This lakeside resort offers cabins and rooms, as well as a sauna and an on-site restaurant.
  • Villa Vuosselinranta: A luxurious vacation home located right on the shores of Lake Päijänne, this rental accommodates up to 10 guests and is perfect for families or groups.

What to Buy in Muurame: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Looking for the perfect souvenir or gift to bring home from your trip to Muurame? Here are some of the top local products to consider:

  • Finnish Design: Visit one of the many local design stores in Jyväskylä to find unique, high-quality Finnish design products.
  • Lapuan Kankurit Textiles: This Finnish company produces beautiful textiles made from sustainable materials, including wool and linen.
  • Finnish Foods: Stock up on local Finnish delicacies like rye bread, smoked fish, and lingonberry jam to bring a taste of Finland back home with you.

Local Culture and Customs of Muurame

Finland has a rich cultural heritage, and Muurame is no exception. Visitors can get a taste of Finnish culture through traditional events and customs. A few examples include:

  • Juhannus: This midsummer festival, celebrated in late June, is one of the most important holidays in Finland and is marked by bonfires, dances, and traditional foods.
  • Sauna Culture: Sauna is an essential part of Finnish culture, and many homes in Muurame have their own private saunas. Visitors can experience the luxury of the Finnish sauna by booking a stay in a rental cabin or hotel room with a sauna.
  • Finnish Design: Finland is known for its innovative and beautiful design products, including furniture, home decor, and clothing. Visitors can explore the thriving design scene in the nearby city of Jyväskylä or visit the Alvar Aalto Museum to learn more about Finland’s acclaimed architect and designer.

Best Time to Visit Muurame

The best time to visit Muurame is during the summer months from June to August. The weather is mild and sunny, and visitors can enjoy all the outdoor activities and natural scenery that the area has to offer, including hiking, biking, and swimming in the lake. Winter is also a beautiful time to visit, when the landscape is blanketed in snow and visitors can participate in winter sports like skiing and snowmobiling.

Do’s and Don’ts of Muurame

Here are a few important things to keep in mind during your visit to Muurame:

Do:

  • Try Finland’s famous sauna culture.
  • Embrace the local culture by trying Finnish cuisine and attending traditional events.
  • Take plenty of photos of the stunning natural landscape and gorgeous architecture.

Don’t:

  • Be rude or disrespectful to locals or customs.
  • Leave trash or litter when enjoying outdoor activities like fishing or hiking.
  • Ignore traffic law or speed limits when driving in Finland.

Safety and Health in Muurame

Finland is a very safe country, and visitors can expect a peaceful and secure experience while in Muurame. As with any travel, it’s important to look after your health by staying hydrated, wearing sunscreen, and practicing safe physical distancing. It’s also recommended to obtain travel insurance before your trip to Muurame.

Getting to Muurame: Transportation Options and Logistics

Here’s what you need to know about getting to Muurame and navigating the area:

Airports Near Muurame

The nearest airport to Muurame is Jyväskylä Airport, which is located just 25 minutes from the town center. Helsinki Airport is a larger airport approximately 3.5 hours away.

Bus Stations Near Muurame

Muurame has a well-connected public transportation network, with bus services running from Jyväskylä and other nearby towns. Visit the Matkahuolto website for schedules and fares.

Other Options

If you prefer to drive, Muurame is easily accessible from major Finnish cities like Helsinki and Tampere, with well-maintained roads and highways. Car rental services are available at both Jyväskylä Airport and in the nearby city of Jyväskylä.

How to Get Around in Muurame

Muurame has a well-connected public transportation network, with bus services running to nearby towns and destinations. If you prefer to travel by car, car rental services are available at both Jyväskylä Airport and in the nearby city of Jyväskylä. Biking is also a popular way to explore the area, and rental bikes can be found in various locations throughout Muurame.

Where to Go Next from Muurame: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking to continue your Finnish adventure, here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider:

  • Jyväskylä: Just a short drive from Muurame, Jyväskylä is a lively city with plenty of restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions to explore.
  • Helsinki: The capital city of Finland is approximately a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Muurame and offers additional cultural and historical landmarks, as well as stunning waterfront views.
  • Tampere: Located about an hour and a half west of Muurame, Tampere is known for its beautiful parks, museums, and stunning architectural landmarks like Tampere Cathedral.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat in the Finnish countryside or an active outdoor adventure, Muurame has it all. From stunning natural landscapes to rich cultural heritage, this small town has much to offer visitors. Use this comprehensive travel guide to plan your trip to Muurame and discover all the best places to visit, things to do, and food to enjoy in this beautiful Finnish destination.

A wooden bridge along the nature trail crosses river Muuramenjoki A wooden bridge along the nature trail crosses river Muuramenjoki