Stories from the islands

Säynätsalo, Lehtisaari, and Muuratsalo

3 Islands in Lake Päijänne, connected by Bridges and Stories

Although the three islands in Lake Päijänne have been inhabited for only about 125 years, they have developed a rich history and many attractions during this time.

In 1897, the entrepreneur Johan Parviainen from Jyväskylä purchased the uninhabited island of Säynätsalo to build a sawmill and later a plywood factory. Until then, the island had only been sporadically used by farmers and fishermen, and, like the nearby Lehtisaari and Muuratsalo, was covered with dense forests. This changed quickly as the small community grew from the families of the factory workers and employees. Soon, alongside the timber processing plant, a brick factory was established, a school was built, a nurse and a police officer were hired, and a dock was constructed for the ferry to Jyväskylä.

Already in 1924, the island received recognition as an independent municipality. Its development was closely overseen by the Parviainen family. The family’s residence was located in the rapidly growing city of Jyväskylä, where the family maintained close ties with the local community.

The children of the founder Johan Parviainen – Hanna, Walter, Hugo, and Aina – continued to support the island’s development after their father’s death in different ways. While Hugo Parviainen initially took over the management of the factory, Walter Parviainen, a medical doctor, focused on the social and cultural development of the islands.

The construction of the culturally and historically valuable Säynätsalo Church, which is now under heritage protection, was also supported by the Parviainen family. Hanna Parviainen, who took over the leadership of the company in 1925, initiated several development projects on the island. Together with the architect Wivi Lönn, she realized architecturally significant building projects on Säynätsalo, some of which can still be visited today (tours are available from the town hall).

Säynätsalo came to international attention after the inauguration of it’s town hall in 1952. This building, designed by Finnish architect Alvar Aalto, gained international recognition. After Alvar Aalto built his now also world-famous experimental house as a summer residence on the neighboring island of Muuratsalo, the islands soon became a draw for architecture enthusiasts from around the world. Both buildings are still open for visits today

With the decline of the timber industry in Säynätsalo, the island lost its independence. The town hall was closed, and in 1992, the municipality was incorporated into Jyväskylä. However, the architectural treasures remained, and above all, the vibrant community of island residents and the beauty of the surrounding nature persisted

This is especially evident on the island of Muuratsalo, which is still largely covered by forests. Here, in the silence of the woods, on the shores of Finland’s second-largest lake, one can understand why architect Alvar Aalto described the islands as the “Tahiti of Lake Päijänne”

Once a year, usually in September, the so-called Säynätsalo Day takes place. Organized by the residents of Säynätsalo with various support, a large festival is celebrated over several days with numerous events. The vibrant community of inhabitants, who actively engage in multiple organizations for the welfare of their community, is certainly one reason why more and more young people are moving to Säynätsalo, breathing new life into the former industrial town (text Scriptorium).
In addition to the long-time residents who are committed to the development of the islands, there are also numerous artists on the islands who appreciate the conditions there.

Many visitors come to Säynätsalo and the neighboring island of Muuratsalo because of Alvar Aalto. Those who have more time than just to visit the town hall and the experimental house might want to ask: WHY did the famous architect come to the islands? What was and still is there to explore? What beauty and liveliness can be found off the beaten path? Where is it especially pleasant to linger?

Spend time in the islands’ cafés and get to know their very different characters, hike through the forests of Muuratsalo, swim in Lake Päijänne, browse in the second-hand bookstore, visit the art space, eat in the old village hall. And above all: enjoy the peace and beauty of the islands.