The academic history of Jyväskylä, a city in Central Finland, dates back to the 19th century with the beginning of teacher educat

There are approximately 200 sports clubs in Jyväskylä that offer around 70 different hobbies. Football, ice hockey, gymnastics and dance are among the most popular children’s and teenagers’ hobbies. In sports clubs, adults most often engage in aerobics and dance, golf and other ballgames, and hiking or skiing. Outside sports clubs, the adult population in Jyväskylä enjoys, especially, walking and its special form Nordic walking, running, cycling and swimming.

Cross-country ski tracks and fitness trails

The city has plenty of nature paths, exercise tracks and paths, ski tracks and other outdoor activity opportunities. The city’s largest recreational area is Laajavuori. In the winter time, it boasts slopes for alpine skiing, a ski jumping hill as well as illuminated cross-country ski trails. In the summer time, the area is the perfect place for jogging or walking.

The City Sports Services is responsible for providing suitable conditions for sports and exercise, but it also organizes physical activity groups. The city arranges swimming schools for children and adults, fitness classes for adults, and adapted physical activities.