Saarijärvi is a rural town and municipality in Central Finland, Finland. It is known for its beautiful nature, with forests and many lakes and rivers. It is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and cross-country skiing.

Saarijärvi has a population of around 9,500 people (as of 2021) and covers an area of approximately 1,368 km², making it a relatively small and rural community. The namesake lake has several islands, as the name suggests.

Saarijärvi has a diverse range of industries, including forestry, agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The largest employers in the town include the local sawmill, a dairy farm (among Finland's biggest, with 600 cows), and a metal industry company. There are also several small businesses and entrepreneurs who contribute to the vibrant local economy.

Finland's national poet J.L. Runeberg worked as private teacher in Saarijärvi during his studies, in 1823–1825, for the Enehjelm family. The house is a museum (temporarily closed as of 2025). There is also a trail by his name, leading to the museum. One of his most famous poems, Paavo the Peasant, is about a farmer in Saarijärvi, who met his ordeals with heroic stoicism, with sisu the Finns would say.

Saarijärvi lies 60 km north-north-west of Jyväskylä.

• 62.741325.17461 Puuhapuisto Veijari, Puistotie 1 (6 km north-west of Saarijärvi, take Highway 13), ☏ +358 400-621-663, [email protected]. 2025: 2 Jun–6 Aug daily 11:00–18:00. Activity park. Also animals big and small, from domestic animals to fish and snakes. Café with meals. Online: family ticket €85 (4 persons), children under 3 years free; ticket valid for two consecutive days; meals €16–20. 
• 62.850325.48922 Pyhä-Häkki National Park (20 km north-east of the centre, by road 6510 towards Viitasaari). Mires and old-growth forest. The Mastomäki wood, with trees of an average age of 250 years and some from the 16th century, is the most remarkable old-growth forest of southern Finland.  

• 62.69720225.2910761 HalpaHalli, Jyväskyläntie 33. (updated Nov 2022)

• 62.70645325.2594521 Prarichat, Ilolantie 15, ☏ +358 46 885 9181. Thai restaurant. (updated Nov 2022)

• 62.750325.1621 Ahvenlammin leirintäalue (8 km north-west from the centre, take Highway 13 towards Kokkola), ☏ +358 400-505-768, [email protected]. May–Aug. Campsite by a small lake, popular among families. Cottages. Beach, barbecue facilities, kiosk, rowing boats, sauna, shop, disc golf, free Wi-Fi. The cottages have kitchen or kitchenette, some have a view to the lake. The tent site is on the forested ridge. Reception open 10:00–21:00. Tent or caravan €15 + €4/2 per person, electricity €5, cottages €45–130.