Äänekoski

Äänekoski is a town in the Central Finland region (Keski-Suomi), formed in 2007 through the merger of the former municipalities of Äänekoski and Suolahti. Situated on the shores of Lake Kuhnamo, it has a population of just under 19,000 and lies around 40 km north of Jyväskylä. The town is best known for its substantial forestry industry, most notably the Metsä Group bioproduct mill, opened in 2017, one of the largest industrial investments in Finnish history and a major driver of the local economy. The surrounding landscape, typical of Central Finland, combines dense forests and lakes, offering opportunities for walking, fishing and winter sports, including the ski slopes at Häkärinteet. The historic district of Konginkangas, part of the town, contains the ruins of an old stone church, a notable piece of regional heritage. Äänekoski thus provides a quiet natural setting that blends modern industry with traditional Finnish pastimes such as sauna culture and lakeside living, set within a continental climate marked by long, snowy winters and short but bright summers.