Tyrjais

Tyrjais is a former municipality in the region of Central Finland, situated within the Central Finland Province. It lies on the coast of Lake Tyrvää and is bordered by the municipalities of Suolahti and Äänekoski. The locality was established as a separate municipality in 1865, based on the historic Tyrjais parish that had existed since medieval times. In 2011, Tyrjais was consolidated with the city of Äänekoski, ceasing to exist as an independent administrative unit.

The population of Tyrjais peaked at approximately 1,200 residents in the early 20th century; during the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the population declined to around 800 inhabitants. The census records from 1990 indicate an ethnically homogenous populace, predominantly Finnish-speaking with a small minority of Swedish speakers. According to the 2010 municipal register, the age distribution was slightly older than the national average, reflecting a trend toward an aging rural population.

Historically, the local economy has centered on forestry, with timber processing and sawmill operations forming the principal sources of employment. Agriculture, particularly small-scale dairy and cattle farming, has supplemented income for families in the surrounding villages. In recent decades, tourism linked to the natural landscapes of Lake Tyrvää has developed, with opportunities for fishing, boating, and cross-country skiing attracting visitors.

In terms of cultural heritage, the Tyrjais church, originally erected in the 17th century and rebuilt in the 18th century, remains one of the region’s notable landmarks. The church's architecture reflects the regional style of wooden ecclesiastical buildings. The community is also represented by a local museum, which documents the traditional lifestyle and the history of the surrounding environs.