Photographer: Johannes Sipponen

Lahti Region Gate to Lakeland Finland

Lahti, the European Green Capital

Lahti, the European Green Capital

Lahti, the European Green Capital is the first real lakeside city you come to after departing from the capital Helsinki. Come to enjoy a wide range of activities and urban events in the surroundings of the unique Salpausselkä UNESCO Global Geopark area where the whole landscape is created by water.

Person swimming in Finland

Whether you’re traveling as a couple, with a family, or in a group, the Lahti region offers a range of unique accommodations, including lakeside cottages, to make your visit unforgettable. With its easy accessibility from Helsinki and the world, the Lahti region is the perfect destination for your next adventure.

The over 800 lakes of the Lahti region offer breath-taking scenery – find your own sweet spot here!  In the Lahti region you can refresh your body and mind, experience the power of nature and forests, relax with traditional Finnish sauna or feel the breeze in your hair when sitting lakeside. Summer night swims in pure lakes, slow walks in the forest and nights in a private lakeside villa are essentials for every visit.

TOP City Attractions in Lahti

The Lahti Harbour

The Lahti Harbour is full of restaurants and cafés, many of which are open all year round. The crown jewel of the harbour is Sibelius Hall where concerts and cultural events are organised. Sibelius Hall is known as a masterpiece of modern wooden architecture, combining the historic carpentry factory with modern architecture. You can also spot other wooden architecture buildings in the harbour area. And, as we are in the harbour, you can hop on a lovely lake cruise.

Lahti Harbour – Living room of Lahti

The Lahti Museum of Visual Arts Malva

The Lahti Museum of Visual Arts Malva opened in the Malski old brewery building in the spring of 2022. Malva is a new museum full of art, design, posters and culture in Lahti
Malva offers wonderful experiences for culture lovers.

In addition to fascinating exhibitions, you can find a great gift shop and several cosy restaurants under the same roof.

Lahti Museum of Visual Arts Malva

Lahti Sports Centre

Lahti Sports Centre is a Lahti classic! The iconic ski jumps, the outdoor pool, the Ski Museum, restaurant and the observation platform at the Suurmäki Ski Jumping Tower. Lahti Sports Centre is one of the town’s most fascinating tourist attractions for the whole family.

During the wintertime, there are ski trails in the area and during the summertime outdoor hiking trails and cycling.

Lahti Sports Centre
Lahti_summer_Paijanne

Salpausselkä UNESCO Global Geopark – A landscape created by water

The Salpausselkä Geopark, consisting of six municipalities of the Lahti Region (Päijät-Häme), tells the story of Finland’s most famous and unique geological whole. The first and second Salpausselkä ranges cross southern Finland, but in the Lahti area, the Salpausselkä are at their highest and most impressive.

  • Päijänne, this magnificent lake is the second-largest lake in Finland and the most significant source of clean water. The Asikkalanselkä part of the lake provides drinking water for more than one million Finns. 

    Lake Päijänne has plenty to offer. Surrounded by picturesque villages, rolling hills, and forests, Päijänne is a true haven for those seeking peace and relaxation. Päijänne is one of the best places around the year to experience the Finnish cottage culture and sauna. From hiking and biking to fishing and boating, there are a multitude of activities to keep you active and engaged.

    Päijänne
  • Päijänne National Park, esker islands and, rugged cliffs and skerries create a unique landscape and nature. Located in the municipalities of Padasjoki, Asikkala and Sysmä, there are approximately fifty islands in the national park area.

    The most famous and the most popular destination is Kelvenne, which is an eight-kilometre-long esker island with lagoon-like sandy beaches and self-service marinas. In the summer, cruises to Kelvenne are organised from Padasjoki marinaBoat taxis speed to the islands from Padasjoki and Lehmonkärki in Asikkala, among other places. 

    The Päijätsalo area in Sysmä offers several alternatives for a day trip in varied forest and lake sceneries. The longest circular trail comprises 4.1 km of atmospheric forests and shores of the Lake. Päijätsalo island in Päijänne National Park, part of the eastern side of Lake Päijänne, which boasts a rocky top reaching 85 meters above the lake’s surface. 

    Päijätsalo ja Kelvenne
  • The most beautiful road in Finland

    The breathtaking Pulkkilanharju road has been voted the most beautiful landscape route in Finland. It runs from Vääksy to Sysmä along Lake Päijänne, offering stunning views of the lake.

    On your journey to Pulkkiharju, we recommend visiting Old Vääksy, filled with boutique shops and cafés, charming small villages, and the nationally significant canal milieu.

    The most beautiful road in Finland

Päijänne-Ilves Trail, Padasjoki

Padasjoki Read more

Idyllic Old Vääksy Village, Asikkala

Asikkala Read more

Päijätsalo Observation Tower and Trails, Sysmä

Sysmä Read more
Siirry edelliseen
Siirry seuraavaan
Two men biking on the field landscape

Active Movers: A Heaven for Sports and Well-being

Thanks to the Lahti Region’s beauty and variety of outdoor offerings, it truly is a heaven on earth. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just looking to get some exercise, you’ll find everything you need.

  • One of the biggest draws for active travellers is Salpausselkä, a stunning ridge that offers a wide range of outdoor activities, from hiking and biking to cross-country skiing. With its beautiful natural surroundings, you’ll feel both challenged and refreshed as you explore this incredible area.

    Salpausselkä Things to Do
  • Another must-visit for active movers is Vierumäki, a world-renowned sports and wellness centre that offers a huge variety of sports and wellness activities, along with spa treatments and massages. Whether you’re looking to improve your performance, or simply to relax and recharge, Vierumäki has everything you need to feel your best.

    Vierumäki Things to Do and Accommodation
  • For those looking to combine their love of sports with top-notch facilities, Pajulahti is the perfect choice. This top-notch sports centre offers a wide range of activities, including sports training, competitions, and recreational activities. Pajulahti is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to stay active and healthy while in Lahti.

    Pajulahti
  • Finally, if you’re looking for a luxurious and peaceful escape, Messilä is the perfect destination. Messilä is Southern Finland’s most popular ski centre, offering a range of accommodations, including a manor and campsite, as well as a small-craft harbour on Lake Vesijärvi. With its breathtaking landscapes and a variety of year-round activities, such as skiing, golf, Nordic walking, cycling, and hiking, Messilä is a destination full of inspiration and adventure.

    Around Messilä

Pirunpesä Gorge and Tiirismaa hill, Hollola

Hollola Read more

Lemmenharju nature trail in Vierumäki

Asikkala Read more

Lahti Harbour – Living room of Lahti

Lahti Read more
Siirry edelliseen
Siirry seuraavaan

The first real lakeside city you come to from the capital Helsinki