Laukaa is one of the oldest parishes in Central Finland, and the ancient waterways of Saarijärvi, Viitasaari and Rautalampi converge here. The majority of the Keitele Canal and two of its five locks are situated in the municipality. The canal connects Lake Keitele to Lake Päijänne. The waterways converge in Lake Saraavesi, which also boasts the ancient Saraakallio rock paintings, considered to be the oldest in Fennoscandia. Made with a soil paint containing haematite, the paintings were made over several generations, and their age is reckoned to be between 3,000 and 6,000 years. The path leading to the rock paintings is marked with yellow paint, but the path is somewhat difficult to traverse, so suitable footwear is a must.
The most popular destinations on a holiday to Laukaa are Spa Hotel Peurunka and Peurunkagolf. For an authentic county experience, visit the Varjola guesthouse, known for its delicious food served in a converted stone cowshed and wide variety of food on offer from several abundant buffet tables. In the summer, Varjola features white-water rafting and church boat rowing, among other things. During the winter, there are snowmobile, husky sledge and snowshoe safaris. Varjola offers accommodation in intimate villas and larger groups can even stay in an army tent.
Laukaa also has the Tupaswilla Heritage Village that plays host to the annual lumberjack competitions and medieval fair, among other things. The Mahtisavusauna smoke sauna in Tupaswilla was voted the best commercial smoke sauna in Finland in 2016. Tupaswilla is also a great place to taste the area's delicious traditional dishes.
Come to Laukaa and bring the kids along! The Nokkakivi amusement park in Lievestuore is a great place for both children and adults alike. The amusement park provides an old-timey atmosphere with its numerous classic rides and a Ferris wheel brought from the legendary Surf City. The calm and safe park has many rides for toddlers, so an enjoyable summer day is guaranteed. Adjacent to the park is the Laukaanhovi shopping centre, so all your dining and shopping needs will be easily satisfied. In addition to the restaurant, the centre has several specialist shops and factory outlets. You can bring your own picnic lunch to the park and enjoy it on one of the many tables provided all around the park. The park also has a lamb farm (petting allowed!), and you can also visit the Tarhalehdon eläinpiha animal farm to see more domestic animals. The animal farm is situated in an authentic farm house only a few miles from the amusement park.
Laukaa's Järvilinna Art Centre is a multi-faceted art centre, which offers studios and apartments for artists representing various fields of art. Järvilinna provides culture for all throughout the year. You can peruse the studios of the artists in residence and take part in workshops on graphic arts, glass art and arts and crafts. Järvilinna also has an impressive cafeteria, an art shop and as one would expect, various art exhibitions.
Puustellin työkylä is a great place to purchase distinctive and high-quality gifts. There are also intimate holiday cabins to rent and sauna facilities available at Puustelli.
A weekend trip to Laukaa is an excellent combination of activities and relaxation.
