Jämsänkoski: Industrial Heritage by the Water

In Jämsänkoski, a long history of hydropower, museums, and seasonal activities come together. Its attractions range from preserved industrial facilities to sports venues and festivals. When planning your trip, you can choose different themes depending on whether you are interested in local history, sports, or a particular event.

Industrial history by the water

Jämsänkoski is an industrial town on a narrow stretch of rapids on the Jämsänjoki River. The use of hydropower has a long history in the upper reaches of the river. A sulphuric acid tower and a sulphur container from the 1960s have been preserved in the industrial area. These structures make part of the area’s industrial history visible through tangible relics.

Another historical trace can be found at Rekolankoski, upstream from Koskikeskus: an old mill and a power plant built in 1922 still stand there. Together with the relics from the 1960s, the mill and power plant show further aspects of the long history of hydropower use in Jämsänkoski.

Museums and places of remembrance

The Aarresaari Local Heritage Museum comprises ten buildings. Visitors can learn about local agricultural and industrial history there. This brings together two themes that are also part of the area’s industrial past in one museum setting.

The Taidetalo Pässinmäki displays a permanent exhibition from the foundation’s collections in its main building. The objects on display include the memorial crosses of the Winter War and the Continuation War, together with their award certificates. Also on display is the Knight’s Cross awarded to Tauno Savolainen, Knight of the Mannerheim Cross No. 24. Aarresaari focuses on local agricultural and industrial history; Pässinmäki displays, among other things, these specific memorabilia.

Sports and swimming in different seasons

Koskikara Swimming Pool has a sports pool, a therapy pool, and a children’s pool, as well as a gym, sauna, and steam room. There are also different seasonal options: in summer, the pool enables swimming in nearby Koskikeskinen, and in winter, ice swimming. If you are planning your trip around one of these activities, take its seasonal availability into account.

The sports facilities also offer different options. Oinaala Sports Centre has athletics and football fields. The Jukka Virtanen Sports Field in the centre of Jämsänkoski has a grass pitch and a stand with 500 seats. The area therefore offers both facilities for athletics and football and a sports field with a specified spectator capacity.

Seasonal activities, festivals, and nature

Jämsänkoski is also home to the Huhdavuori Ski Centre; its operating conditions are seasonal. If a visit is important to your trip, check the latest operating information in advance. FinnMetko may also be relevant to your travel dates: the event is held every two years in Jämsänkoski, but each edition has its own dates. Be sure to check the dates for the year you plan to travel.

A family Christmas festival has been held on the Aarresaari museum grounds since 1998. An annual family Midsummer festival is also held there. The two events mark different seasons; their specific dates may be important when planning your stay.

The natural surroundings of Jämsänkoski include rapids and nearby forests that invite visitors to spend time outdoors. At Myllymäki DiscGolfPark, the first tee and information board are located at the edge of the Jämsänkoski ice rink car park. As access to the course may change, check the latest information before planning your visit around it.

For an overview of the wider region: Central Finland.