History of Yöpuu Group
Us then and now
The birth of the historic stone building
In 1928, goldsmith Jaakko Emil Vehmas commissioned a stone building at the corner of present-day Yliopistonkatu and Kansakoulunkatu, known today as Hotel Yöpuu and restaurant Pöllöwaari. The building was designed and constructed by Mauno Forselius. Right from his architectural plans, Forselius designated the ground floor for commercial premises, setting it apart from the upper residential floors with a molded cornice and rougher plasterwork. On the facades, Forselius incorporated simple embellishments shaped by classical motifs.
The first steps of Hotel Yöpuu and Restaurant Pöllöwaari
In 1987, the estate of Jaakko Emil Vehmas decided to sell the building to Kerrostyö, a Sinivuori Group company. Hotel Yöpuu was established when married couple Esa and Sirkku Arola leased space in the Vehmas building and renovated the property for hotel and restaurant use. After many stages, Hotel Yöpuu opened in August 1988. Hotel Yöpuu and restaurant Pöllöwaari received a warm reception. From the very beginning, the clientele included university and city leadership, among others, as the Arolas placed a strong emphasis on quality.
Influences brought from around the world
When the recession hit in 1992, the Arolas stepped down from the business, and another entrepreneur, Heli Rajamäki, stepped in. Rajamäki was also a travel agency entrepreneur who had traveled the world staying in countless hotels. She brought a wealth of those experiences with her to Yöpuu. Rajamäki eventually decided to part with the hotel-restaurant, wanting to focus on running her travel agency as she grew older.
Emphasis on Finnish identity and design
In 2006, the business was acquired by Katriina Pilppula and her husband Ari Pärnänen. Under the couple’s leadership, work began on refining the hotel-restaurant’s business concept. They transformed the hotel and restaurant into a distinctly Finnish business tailored for an international clientele. In line with this vision, Alvar Aalto- and Marimekko-themed rooms were introduced to the hotel.
The birth and expansion of Yöpuu Yhtiö Oy
Today, Hotel Yöpuu and Restaurant Pöllöwaari continue to uphold the very same traditions that have always been cherished at the property. The business continues to be developed as an independent, non-chain establishment. In 2016, Yöpuu Yhtiö Oy was established, expanding operations to include Hotel Verso and Verso Bar in downtown Jyväskylä. In 2017, operations expanded further with the completion of the Kerkkä meeting and event venue—capable of hosting over 200 guests—on the hotel’s second floor.
Verso Bar & Kitchen opens
A few years after the opening of Verso and the construction of the meeting facilities, a clear demand emerged for a high-quality yet relaxed dining restaurant. The concept of Verso Bar was refined and the premises expanded to accommodate dinner service as well. In May 2019, Verso Bar & Kitchen opened its doors to better serve hotel guests and locals alike.
The era of Bistro Kirkkopuisto
In March 2021, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, we received an offer to launch a restaurant in the heart of Kirkkopuisto, inside a stunning glass building constructed around an old kiosk. After various delays, we opened the doors of Bistro Kirkkopuisto on September 8, 2021. True to its name and bistro spirit, there is something for everyone inside: a café, kitchen, and sauna. In the summer, the 100-seat terrace comes alive.
Today, Yöpuu Yhtiö is a strongly local, family-owned business serving its customers across five unique destinations in the heart of Jyväskylä. The historic Hotel Yöpuu and the prestigious Restaurant Pöllöwaari operating alongside it offer classic elegance. Located along the pedestrian street, the modern Hotel Verso and its meeting and event spaces provide a wonderful setting for any occasion, while the adjacent Verso Bar & Kitchen serves as a relaxed living room for locals. Completing the collection is Bistro Kirkkopuisto, a stunning glass building constructed next to the old park kiosk, bringing together a café, restaurant, and sauna facilities into a unique experience.
Explore our spaces
Whether you dream of a relaxing hotel getaway, a memorable dinner, an inspiring meeting day, or an atmospheric sauna evening, we have the perfect setting for you.
Step inside and discover your favorite!
