The tower on the hill

The stunning views over Jyväskylä unfold from the Harjun observation tower.

The Mäntymetsäinen Harju rises right next to the center of Jyväskylä, and the Vesilinna observation tower located on its peak is one of the most well-known landmarks of the city. Visiting the observation tower offers an impressive 360-degree view over Jyväskylä – the lake landscapes, the city, and the surrounding nature all spread out before your eyes. The tower also houses the University Natural History Museum and the Vesilinna Restaurant, so it's easy to combine a visit with a coffee break or a meal amidst the scenery. The observation tower is open during the opening hours of the Vesilinna Cafe & Restaurant, so it's worth checking the up-to-date information on the restaurant's own website in advance. Visiting the observation tower is free of charge. You can access the tower by elevator, but you still need to climb stairs to reach the actual observation deck, so the site is not fully accessible. The experience is complemented by the Harju Evening Trumpet, a tradition where the sound of a trumpet echoes from the top of the Vesilinna every summer evening at 8 pm – a tradition that has sounded over the landscapes since 1976. There are a few parking spots at the top of the Harju for customers of the cafe-restaurant and the museum. You can also park, for example, at the Harjunrinne parking area on Yliopistonkatu.