Jyväsjärvi

Lake Jyväsjärvi is a lake situated in the centre of Jyväskylä in Finland. The lake is sometimes seen as a part of the Päijänne, as both lakes are on the same level and are connected by the Äijälänsalmi strait.

Parts of Jyväsjärvi have been filled many times to gain more land for the enlarging city of Jyväskylä. Mattilanniemi and Ylistö, two campuses of the University of Jyväskylä are situated on the southern shores of the lake. Two bridges cross the lake, connecting Ylistönrinne and Kuokkala to the city centre. The harbour of Jyväskylä is located in Lutakko, near the Kuokkala bridge.

During winter seasons a three kilometres long ice skating track is created on the surface of the lake. There is also a path, popular among pedestrians, cyclists, joggers and rollerbladers, going around the lake.

Geography
Jyväsjärvi is located in the Ristiselkä (Ristinselkä) catchment area, which is part of the Päijänne basin and the Kymijoki main catchment area.

The Tourujoki is the main inflow of Jyväsjärvi and the outlet of the Tuomiojärvi-Palokkajärvi catchment area, discharging into the northern part of the lake near Lutakko and Tourula. Other inflows include Köyhänoja, which begins from the Köhniönjärvi and discharges into the Korkeakoskenlahti bay in the westernmost part of the lake, as well as an unnamed stream in western Halssila. Jyväsjärvi itself discharges into the Päijänne via the Äijälänsalmi.