Äänekoski, Konnevesi and Hankasalmi (north-east of Jyväskylä)
This group of lake districts has the most of our cottages in Central Finland. Konnevesi, a clear lake scattered with rocky islands, is the setting for Southern Konnevesi National Park, with canoe routes, short climbs to lookout points and campfire sites. Äänekoski is a working mill town with supermarkets, and Hankasalmi to the south-east is all forest and smaller lakes. Jyväskylä is around 45 minutes to an hour away.
Best for: Canoeists and families who want clear lakes and rocky islands
Not for you if: You want a town on the doorstep: shops are a drive away from most cottages.
Petäjävesi, Keuruu and Multia (south-west)
Petäjävesi's Old Church, built of logs in the 1760s, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and opens to visitors in summer. Keuruu, on the long lake Keurusselkä, has an old wooden church of its own and a small town centre with shops. Multia, further west, is hilly and very thinly populated. Jyväskylä is about 30 minutes from Petäjävesi and around an hour from Keuruu and Multia.
Best for: Couples who want old wooden churches and lakeside quiet
Not for you if: You want big lakes and open water: these are mostly smaller, forest-edged lakes.
Saarijärvi, Karstula and Kivijärvi (north-west)
North-west of Jyväskylä the country opens into long lakes and pine forest, with small farms between. Saarijärvi is the local town, with supermarkets and public lake beaches. Karstula and Kivijärvi are smaller and quieter, with Kivijärvi's big lake good for fishing and boating. Most cottages here have their own shoreline, rowing boat and wood-fired sauna, but check each listing.
Best for: Families who want a long lake summer away from main roads
Not for you if: You want day trips to a city every other day: Jyväskylä is an hour or more away.
Jämsä, Himos and Luhanka (south, towards Päijänne)
Jämsä sits at the northern end of the Päijänne lake system, and Himos, just outside town, is one of the bigger ski resorts in southern Finland. In summer it turns to golf, mountain biking and events. Luhanka is a quiet peninsula on Päijänne itself, with long views over open water. Jyväskylä is about an hour north, and Helsinki around two and a half hours.
Best for: Skiers in winter and golfers or mountain bikers in summer
Not for you if: You want deep silence in peak ski weeks: Himos is the region's busiest resort.
Jyväskylä, Muurame, Laukaa, Toivakka and Uurainen
Jyväskylä is a university city on a ridge above Lake Jyväsjärvi, and the place to see Alvar Aalto's work: the Alvar Aalto Museum, his town hall at Säynätsalo and his early church in Muurame. Laajavuori has ski slopes in winter. Every summer, usually in late July or early August, Rally Finland is based here and the city fills up. Laukaa, Toivakka and Uurainen are 20 to 40 minutes out.
Best for: First-timers who want Alvar Aalto buildings, a city and cottages close by
Not for you if: You want wilderness: cottages near the city are closer to roads and neighbours.
Viitasaari, Pihtipudas, Kinnula and Kannonkoski (the north)
The north of the region is the most remote part, with Viitasaari on Lake Keitele and Pihtipudas and Kinnula among forest and bog further on. Villages have a supermarket and a petrol station and not much more. Main road 4 runs north through Viitasaari, which makes the drive easier than it looks. Jyväskylä is around an hour to an hour and a half away. Choice is limited here.
Best for: Anglers and anyone who wants long, empty lake views
Not for you if: You want restaurants and things to do nearby: services are thin and distances long.
