Salpausselkä UNESCO Global Geopark

Salpausselkä UNESCO Global Geopark tells the story of the best-known geological entity of Finland. It is situated in the Lahti region in southern Finland and it consists of the area of six municipalities in Päijät-Häme: Lahti, Hollola, Heinola, Asikkala, Sysmä and Padasjoki.
The First and Second Salpausselkä are unique ice-marginal formations laid down by ancient meltwater streams at the end of the Ice Age. They reach across the entirety of southern Finland and are at their most spectacular in the area of Salpausselkä Geopark. Here they are joined to eskers of international value, such as the picturesque Kelvenne Island and Pulkkilanharju Esker in Päijänne National Park.

Lahti Sports Centre

Internationally known Lahti Sports Centre is the heart of the ski games. In addition to being a world-renowned arena for winter events, the Lahti Sports Centre is one of the town’s most fascinating tourist attractions for the whole family.

In summer, you can enjoy the wonderful view from the observation deck at the top of the Lahti Ski Jump tower. The out-run of the ski jumping hill serves as a pleasant outdoor swimming pool with separate pools for adults and children. And when hunger hits, you’ll find a nice café and a restaurant with a view over the whole Sports Centre in the museum building.

The hiking trails and skiing tracks in Salpausselkä, some of which go all the way to Messilä Ski Centre, also start from the Sports Centre. And what’s more, the services of the Sports Centre are only 10 minutes away on foot from the centre of Lahti.

What makes the Sports Centre area so well suitable for sports is its geology: the unique, diverse landscape of ridges, kettle holes, steep slopes and raised beaches. The Sports Centre is one of the most significant geosites within the Salpausselkä UNESCO Global Geopark.

Lake Päijänne

Lake Päijänne is the second largest lake in Finland. Lake Päijänne basin starts from Lake Vesijärvi in Lahti and continues north as far as the city of Jyväskylä. The water area is divided into the municipalities of Jyväskylä, Toivakka, Muurame, Jämsä, Luhanka, Kuhmoinen, Sysmä, Padasjoki and Asikkala. Altogether the lake covers an area of 1 118 km2. The largest open bodies of water in the lake are “Asikkalanselkä”, “Tehinselkä” and “Judinsalonselkä” in the southern part and “Vanhanselkä” and “Ristinselkä” in the northern part. The largest islands in the southern part are Virmailansaari (situated in Padasjoki) and Salonsaari (situated in Asikkala). You get to Lake Päijänne from Lake Vesijärvi via Vääksy Canal and from Lake Päijänne to Lake Ruotsalainen via Kalkkinen Canal.
A treat for nature tourists, Päijänne National Park is located in southern Lake Päijänne and contains steep rocks, sandy eskers, isolated lagoons and small islets. Sightseeing spots on land you can find Päijätsalo lookout towers or Kullasvuori lookout towers close to Padasjoki marina.

Lehmusreitti – an urban nature trail in Lahti city

Lehmusreitti (Tilia Trail) is an urban nature trail, which goes around the centre of Lahti, never veering more than two kilometres from the central market square.

The trail runs through pine and spruce forests, lush broad leaf woodlands, parks and lookout spots on the cliff tops, allowing the hiker to experience nature while staying close to the services of the city. A part of the trail follows the lakefront of Vesijärvi, and there are also cultural heritage sites along the trail. The trail takes you to numerous interesting sites, such as the picturesque Häränsilmä kettle pond and Radiomäki Hill on I Salpausselkä. The trail is about 13 km in length and marked on trees and poles with linden leave signs. The street parts between the nature attractions remain short. In places the trail can be followed by bicycle.

Interesting sites along the trail: Vesijärvi (Lake Vesijärvi), Teivaanmäki ja Häränsilmä (slope and kettle pond of I Salpausselkä), Radiomäki (Radiomäki Hill), Kaupungintalo (The City Hall) and Lotilanharju (steep-sided part of I Salpaussselkä), Metelinmäki and Mustankallionmäki (rocky hills with outcrops), Vesteråsinpuisto (Vesterås Park), Niemenkalliot (cliffs) – Kariniemi and Lanupuisto (park with sculptures of Olavi Lanu)

Historical Hollola Church Village

The village surrounding the Hollola Medieval Church is worth a small day trip. In addition to the picturesque church the tiny village offers art, shopping and cosy lunch restaurants.
The Medieval Stone Church of Hollola, which was originally the catholic church of Holy Mary, built in 1495-1510, is one of the most important medieval monuments in the Lahti region. By the gate there is also a belfry built in 1829-1931 according to the designs of C.L. Engel. Hollola Church is known for its richly decorated west gable end and the well-preserved wooden sculpture of the interior. The church is open daily in the summer time.

Opposite to the church you can find Vanha Kunnantupa which is a cosy lunch restaurant. Genuine Finnish food is served at Ravintola Kunnantupa restaurant on the other side of the church.

Right next to the church, when you continue on by a narrow alley, is artist Asta Pulkkinen’s Atelier. At the atelier you can also find a souvenir shop and a summer café. Close to the church there is also a Hentilä House Museum, which shows a good example of typical old houses of the Lahti Region.

Ski Museum

Learn about the fascinating history of Nordic ski sports and test your ski jumping skills. It is always winter here!

The Ski Museum´s exhibition “Sense of Skiing” highlights the Finnish history of skiing in all of its forms, from a recreational pastime to a professional sport.
Exhibition “Sweat, Sisu and Ski Heroes” portrays the golden era of Finnish ski racing from the 1950s to the ‘70s.
Try the ski jumping simulator and take this unique opportunity to jump into fame in Lahti.

The Ski Museum is located at the Lahti Sports Centre next to the world-famous Salpausselkä Ski Jumps. In the museum and its immediate surroundings, the local sports culture unites with the nature of the Salpausselkä area, shaped by the ice age.

Pirunpesä Gorge and Tiirismaa hill

The monumental Pirunpesä Gorge is a cliff fissure cutting through the quartzite rocks of Tiirismaa and has been a well-known visitor attraction since the 1800s. The walls of this impressive rock formation are up to 20 metres tall. Pirunpesä, which translates literally as Devil’s Nest, is one of the most important geosites of the Salpausselkä UNESCO Global Geopark. A marked hiking trail of 4,5 km passes by Pirunpesä. The trail can be reached from the parking area at road “Arvi Hauvosen tie”.
You can also reach Pirunpesä from Lahti Sport Centre through Salpausselkä gravel routes.

Tiirismaa cliff area is nationally recognised for its value in terms of nature and landscape conservation. The originally high mountain has been eroded in the course of time, but is still the highest point of southern Finland, 223 m.

Päijätsalo Observation Tower and Trails in Sysmä

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 Lake Päijänne. Part of the trail extends to the Päijänne National Park, and its main attraction is the observation tower built in the 19th century. Situated in the middle of the island, the tower offers an impressive view over Päijänne.
The trail starts from the Päijätsalo parking area or, if accessed by boat, from Pyydysniemi. There are several paths in the area, and you can plan your route as you wish. The total length of the trail is 4 km. The trail can be accessed during the snow-free seasons.

Viewing deck at the Ski Jumping Tower

High on the hill, take the elevator to the top and enjoy the panoramic views from the observation deck of Lahti’s tallest ski jumping tower – the historic site of multiple Nordic Championships and World Cup events in Salpausselkä UNESCO geopark.
Open daily in the summer (and the rest of the year by reservation), the observation deck overlooks Lahti Sport Center with its open air swimming pool, the city of Lahti, Lake Vesijärvi and the abundant nature of the region. During the summer, you can also make a round trip on the ski-lift just like the jumpers do.

Yes, ski jumpers also train in the summer – you may get lucky and see a jumper taking flight!

The viewing deck is open to the public daily from June 1 – August 31st with the exception of the Finnish Midsummer holiday. Beyond the summer, the deck can only be visited with a reservation for your private group.

Lake Vesijärvi

Lake Vesijärvi is part of the Kymijoki water system and empties into southern Lake Päijänne along the Vääksyjoki river and Vääksy Canal. The total length of Lake Vesijärvi is 25 kilometers. The deepest point of Lake Vesijärvi is 40 meters. The total area of the lake is 108 km2 and the biggest basins are Enonselkä (Lahti), Komonselkä and Laitialanselkä (Hollola) and Kajaanselkä (Asikkala).
Lake Vesijärvi has been managed for over thirty years, and nowadays the Lake Vesijärvi Foundation combines public and private resources to secure funding for research, maintenance, and management efforts focusing on Lake Vesijärvi and its catchment area.
In summertime a number of cafés and restaurants operate at the Lake Vesijärvi in Lahti. At the harbour you can also find some of the most interesting sights in Lahti: The Sibelius Hall and the “Pro Puu” Gallery. Lake Vesijärvi acts as a gateway to Lakeland Finland, and the clear and drinkable southern Lake Päijänne can be reached via Vääksy Canal. Several cruises on Lake Vesijärvi start from Lahti Harbour.

Tiilijärvi Lakes trail

The 7.5 km long Tiilijärvi Lakes trail in Hollola loops around three lakes, Vähä-Tiilijärvi, Keski-Tiilijärvi and Iso-Tiilijärvi. The trail consists of flat terrain, forestal paths and wooden duckboards. The northern part of the trail is steeper and great for hikers looking for a more challenging walk. Along the trail there are places with beautiful views over the lakes, the Soisalmensuo marsh and a hazelnut grove with all of their fauna. Enjoy the unique outdoors close to the city.

The three clearwater lakes are spring-fed and getting their waters from the groundwaters of the First Salpausselkä ridge, and the lakes form one of the geosites of the Salpausselkä aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark. There are public beaches on the shores of the lakes where you can take a refreshing swim or spend longer periods of time. The largest of the lakes, Lake Iso-Tiilijärvi, is also a popular diving destination.

Linnaistensuo Mire

Linnaistensuo mire, located only seven kilometres from the centre of Lahti, is a nationally valuable raised bog. The tranquil mire landscape can be admired from the duckboard trail crossing it. Linnaistensuo mire is part of the national mire conservation programme and one of the sites of Salpausselkä UNESCO Global Geopark.
On Linnaistensuo mire, surrounded by mixed forests, moist hollows alternate with drier hummocks. The flora of mire is typical for raised bogs and the representativeness of the mire makes it valuable protected site.
The nature trail, about 1,5 kilometres long, runs mostly on duckboard trail. The information boards along the way tell about the mire ecosystem. Linnaistensuo mire can be reached along Korvenrannantie or Linnaistentie and Ilolantie roads. The paths leading to the duckboard trail are marked on the trees with yellow paint.

Päijänne National Park

The pristine waters of Lake Päijänne wash the sandy shores of a chain of islands formed by an esker ridge that dates back to the Ice Age. Take a boat trip or rent a kayak and explore the park’s many islands and their sandy coves and rocky shores. The nature trail at Pulkkilanharju ridge, accessible by road, also offers fine lakekand views. Look out for ospreys soaring over the lake.

In nature conservation areas, everyman’s rights do not apply in the normal way. Please always check the rules of the destination before making your trip. National parks are nature reserves, whose key task is to safeguard biodiversity and enable people to enjoy and relax in nature on the terms of nature conservation.
All national parks in Finland are managed by Metsähallitus.

Kammiovuori Hill

Located in Vintturi, Sysmä, Kammiovuori Hill is the highest point in East Häme, and from its peak opens up a magnificent view far out over the area’s forests and lakes. Along the route, which winds through a hilly and atmospheric forest landscape, the sites to be seen include the seven metre high “Sysmä Linta” boulder and Hiskias Cave, which according to tradition was home to a hermit who lived on Kammiovuori Hill at the beginning of the 20th-century. Along the route there are also information boards which introduce the area’s diverse nature. Kammiovuori is also a part of Salpausselkä UNESCO Global Geopark and is also a valuable rocky outcrop area. Finland´s ancient solid bedrock is intersected by cracks and fractures. One such location is in the western edge of the Kammiovuori Hill.
About 2 billion years ago the area which is now Southern Finland rose as a result of a collision between the tectonic plates to form the Alps-like Svekofennic mountain range. Granoduiorite and other rock types formed deep under the ground then rose towards the surface. Over millions of years even the higher mountains were worn the forces of nature. The cliffs in our area, like Kammiovuori, are remnants of the lower parts of this ancient mountain range.
Despite the challenging landscape, Kammiovuori Hill is also a popular hiking destination for families. In Autumn 2017, steps were constructed along the steepest parts of the route, and pleasant locations for stopping to eat include the table located at the viewpoint or the shelter constructed close to the return route.
Magnificent views to enjoy,

Lemmenharju nature trail in Vierumäki

Lemmenharju nature trail near the Sports Institute of Finland in Vierumäki is one of the most charming attractions of the Salpausselkä Geopark. The trail travels on top of steep ridges and follows the shores of clear-watered little lakes.
The trail consists of Suurharju scenic trail and a walk around Lake Ahvenlampi. The Suurharju scenic trail alone is 2.4 kilometres long, and the total length of both parts is 4 kilometres. The trail starts from the north side of the main building (Kaskela) of the Sports Institute, down by sparkling Lake Valkjärvi that reflects a green landscape.
Lemmenharju nature trail can be walked clockwise or anticlockwise, following the painted orange markings in the trees. Two campfire sites are provided at the shore of Lake Valkjärvi, and there are benches for resting along the trail. It is also possible to take a swim beside the nature trail at the swimming spot of Lake Valkjärvi or at the beaches of Lake Saarijärvi and Lake Suurijärvi.

Idyllic Old Vääksy Village

The beautiful Vääksy Canal milieu has fascinated with its beauty throughout the century. Head for a walk in the canal park or admire the natural beauty of Vääksynjoki river. It is fascinating to follow the boats and ships floating in the canal and through the lock.

By Vääksyntie road and canal you can find many lovely boutiques. Finnish food souveniers you can buy from Vääksyn Mylly mill.

When hungry, head to for example Majakkapaviljonki pavilion by the canal. From the pavilion opens a great view over Lake Päijänne. Or try Kanavan Panimo brewery’s summer restaurant or Kanavan Kruunu, both by the canal. For a coffee break we recommend for example Kanavan helmi or Ranskalainen kyläkauppa.

For sightseeing Päijännetalo is a must place to visit. It is a free time fishing museum offering a great overview of sweet water fishing and presenting the history of Lauri Rapala, the man behind the famous Rapala lures. By the canal you can find also Vesimyllymuseo – water mill museum and several summer arts exhibitions. Norrlin Park, by Vääksynjoki river, gives a good and easy opportunity to enjoy nature and to relax for a while.

A good idea is to hop on a lake cruise boat from Lahti and travel to Vääksy canal by water. Päijänne-Risteilyt Hilden’s boat on the route Lahti-Heinola stop also at Vääksy. You can spend the day in Vääksy and then take a local bus back to Lahti.

Ilola Inn

Ilola Inn is located on the shore of Lake Päijänne and offers accommodation in eight beautiful suites and rooms built in 2020.

• Two Luxury Suites (two bedrooms for 2, living room + kitchen, bathroom/toilet, private terrace and lake view)
• Two Suites (two bedrooms for 2, living room + kitchen, bathroom/toilet, lake view)
• Four rooms (bedroom for 2, bathroom/toilet, lake view)
All rooms are equipped with own bathroom and a view to Lake Päijänne.

Holiday Club Vierumäki

Holiday Club Vierumäki is an oasis for active holidaymakers. Vierumäki offers an amazing array of services and impeccable comfort: a good night’s sleep in a stylish hotel or a holiday home, culinary treats at the Hill Grill and Pine Pub restaurants, pampering at the Day Spa, a tennis court and an inspiring setting for different events.

The Day Spa, pleasing all senses with sounds and fragrances, is a place of harmony ideal for all those who enjoy pampering. Stop by the Day Spa at the end of an active day or book a whole day of pampering!

Explore the abundant offering of activities and outdoor exercise routes in the Vierumäki area. In Vierumäki you can rent cross-country skis and hit the tracks, play tennis at the Holiday Club tennis court and work out in the hotel’s fitness room.

The Hill Grill and Pine Pub restaurants at the Holiday Club Vierumäki hotel serve delicious food to fuel your body for the day’s activities. You can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner. We look forward to your visit!

Vierumäki Hotels and Cottages

Welcome to Vierumäki, in the middle of Finland’s most beautiful and pure nature. We have many different accommodation options for you to choose from. Renovated hotels bring luxury to your vacation.
In the cottage village, you enjoy your own peace. Still, you can order a catering dinner for your group.
All services within walking distance. Just enjoy!

Premium Resorts Villas

Premium Villas Vierumäki is located in the middle of Finnish Lakeland only just over an hour away from the airport and Helsinki. Our stylish log villas offer luxury for families and groups of friends or workmates by the nature. Decorated in a Scandinavian style, the villas with large panoramic windows and outdoor hot tubs guarantee an unforgettable break in the middle of everyday life.

Our villas are equipped with excellent Grundig home appliances: dishwasher, oven, stove, microwave and washing machine. A drying cabinet can be found in the Wood, Mocca and Grey log villas.

If necessary, we will arrange a shuttle transfer from the field to the villas with the help of our partners. Vierumäki can also be reached by train to Lahti and from Lahti by bus to Vierumäki. The villas, on the other hand, are located in an excellent location in Vierumäki, in the middle of Finland’s most versatile well-being and sports services.

Lehmonkärki Resort HAASI Mirror Houses

Haasi – Mirror Houses, completed in the summer of 2020 at Lehmonkärki, is an accommodation complex that is completely unprecedented in Finland. It offers something truly unique for even the most experienced traveler. Haasi Mirror House is a peaceful oasis in the middle of the beautiful Finnish nature. Enjoy for the short luxury escape surrounded by pure lake Päijänne and odorous forests.

The walls of the rooms are full-height mirrored glass, and the buildings have been built on top of a pier structure on the lake. As you enter the room, you are greeted by a stunning lake view. From inside, you can admire both the sunset and storms.

The interiors of the Haasi rooms are elegant and harmonious. The Scandinavian color scheme and natural materials create warmth and luxury.
Haasi – Mirror Houses are located in their own restricted area with their own terraces and quality sun loungers. There are four apartments in total, positioned so that each has an unobstructed view of the lake. Each Haasi apartment has its own private outdoor jacuzzi.

Lehmonkärki Resort villas

Lehmonkärki, a high-quality tourist centre located on the shore of Lake Päijänne, offers luxury for all the senses. Whether it’s a business meeting, a break from everyday life or the most important celebration of your life, we’ll help you make it memorable.

We offer you stylish and high-quality accommodation facilities, a kitchen that offers flavours made from local ingredients and, above all, individual and first-class service. Clean water, beautiful nature and silence come as bonuses!

Facts:
– 15 villas for 2-14 persons
– Villa Vellamo with four hotel rooms
– Sauna world with four different saunas
– Summer café
– 3 restaurants
– Guided summer and winter activities
– Equipment rental

Main House of Iso-Naappila

Fully renovated country house built in the 30s is the perfect romantic get away! Here you can really feel the atmosphere of an old house.
This property is mainly recommented for family celebrations, corporate groups and other smaller groups max. 50 persons.

There are 10 beds in four bedrooms, which are located on the second floor.There is also a large living room and two toilets (one with shower).

In the first floor there is a large kitchen with all needed equipment. There is also large and small dining areas, two toilets, sauna + dressing room.
Rental price includes also use of one of the saunas and you can book an outdoor jacuzzi (extra cost).

Main house also has a large yard with three opportunities to grill. Shared beach with barbeque facilities and rowing boat is located about 1 km away.
This place is worth to experience!

Päijätsalo Observation Tower and Trails in Sysmä

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 Lake Päijänne. Part of the trail extends to the Päijänne National Park, and its main attraction is the observation tower built in the 19th century. Situated in the middle of the island, the tower offers an impressive view over Päijänne.
The trail starts from the Päijätsalo parking area or, if accessed by boat, from Pyydysniemi. There are several paths in the area, and you can plan your route as you wish. The total length of the trail is 4 km. The trail can be accessed during the snow-free seasons.

Lake Vesijärvi

Lake Vesijärvi is part of the Kymijoki water system and empties into southern Lake Päijänne along the Vääksyjoki river and Vääksy Canal. The total length of Lake Vesijärvi is 25 kilometers. The deepest point of Lake Vesijärvi is 40 meters. The total area of the lake is 108 km2 and the biggest basins are Enonselkä (Lahti), Komonselkä and Laitialanselkä (Hollola) and Kajaanselkä (Asikkala).
Lake Vesijärvi has been managed for over thirty years, and nowadays the Lake Vesijärvi Foundation combines public and private resources to secure funding for research, maintenance, and management efforts focusing on Lake Vesijärvi and its catchment area.
In summertime a number of cafés and restaurants operate at the Lake Vesijärvi in Lahti. At the harbour you can also find some of the most interesting sights in Lahti: The Sibelius Hall and the “Pro Puu” Gallery. Lake Vesijärvi acts as a gateway to Lakeland Finland, and the clear and drinkable southern Lake Päijänne can be reached via Vääksy Canal. Several cruises on Lake Vesijärvi start from Lahti Harbour.

Kammiovuori Hill

Located in Vintturi, Sysmä, Kammiovuori Hill is the highest point in East Häme, and from its peak opens up a magnificent view far out over the area’s forests and lakes. Along the route, which winds through a hilly and atmospheric forest landscape, the sites to be seen include the seven metre high “Sysmä Linta” boulder and Hiskias Cave, which according to tradition was home to a hermit who lived on Kammiovuori Hill at the beginning of the 20th-century. Along the route there are also information boards which introduce the area’s diverse nature. Kammiovuori is also a part of Salpausselkä UNESCO Global Geopark and is also a valuable rocky outcrop area. Finland´s ancient solid bedrock is intersected by cracks and fractures. One such location is in the western edge of the Kammiovuori Hill.
About 2 billion years ago the area which is now Southern Finland rose as a result of a collision between the tectonic plates to form the Alps-like Svekofennic mountain range. Granoduiorite and other rock types formed deep under the ground then rose towards the surface. Over millions of years even the higher mountains were worn the forces of nature. The cliffs in our area, like Kammiovuori, are remnants of the lower parts of this ancient mountain range.
Despite the challenging landscape, Kammiovuori Hill is also a popular hiking destination for families. In Autumn 2017, steps were constructed along the steepest parts of the route, and pleasant locations for stopping to eat include the table located at the viewpoint or the shelter constructed close to the return route.
Magnificent views to enjoy,

Tiilijärvi Lakes trail

The 7.5 km long Tiilijärvi Lakes trail in Hollola loops around three lakes, Vähä-Tiilijärvi, Keski-Tiilijärvi and Iso-Tiilijärvi. The trail consists of flat terrain, forestal paths and wooden duckboards. The northern part of the trail is steeper and great for hikers looking for a more challenging walk. Along the trail there are places with beautiful views over the lakes, the Soisalmensuo marsh and a hazelnut grove with all of their fauna. Enjoy the unique outdoors close to the city.

The three clearwater lakes are spring-fed and getting their waters from the groundwaters of the First Salpausselkä ridge, and the lakes form one of the geosites of the Salpausselkä aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark. There are public beaches on the shores of the lakes where you can take a refreshing swim or spend longer periods of time. The largest of the lakes, Lake Iso-Tiilijärvi, is also a popular diving destination.

Kammiovuori Trail

Located in Vintturi, Sysmä, Kammiovuori (“Chamber Mountain”) is the highest spot in the Eastern Häme (Tavastia) region, offering breathtaking views over the region’s forests and lakes. The trail passes through atmospheric, hilly forest terrain. Interesting sights along the path include the impressive, seven-metre boulder named “Linta”, and Hiskias’s cave. The cave is named after a vagabond who, according to local legend, used to live in the cave at the beginning of the 20th century. Despite the challenging terrain, Kammiovuori is a popular destination for families with children, as well.
The trail starts from the parking area and goes up through a mixed, mostly coniferous forest towards Kammiovuori. The total length of the trail is 4 km. The trail is accessible during the snow-free seasons.

Pirunpesä Gorge and Tiirismaa hill

The monumental Pirunpesä Gorge is a cliff fissure cutting through the quartzite rocks of Tiirismaa and has been a well-known visitor attraction since the 1800s. The walls of this impressive rock formation are up to 20 metres tall. Pirunpesä, which translates literally as Devil’s Nest, is one of the most important geosites of the Salpausselkä UNESCO Global Geopark. A marked hiking trail of 4,5 km passes by Pirunpesä. The trail can be reached from the parking area at road “Arvi Hauvosen tie”.
You can also reach Pirunpesä from Lahti Sport Centre through Salpausselkä gravel routes.

Tiirismaa cliff area is nationally recognised for its value in terms of nature and landscape conservation. The originally high mountain has been eroded in the course of time, but is still the highest point of southern Finland, 223 m.

Lemmenharju nature trail in Vierumäki

Lemmenharju nature trail near the Sports Institute of Finland in Vierumäki is one of the most charming attractions of the Salpausselkä Geopark. The trail travels on top of steep ridges and follows the shores of clear-watered little lakes.
The trail consists of Suurharju scenic trail and a walk around Lake Ahvenlampi. The Suurharju scenic trail alone is 2.4 kilometres long, and the total length of both parts is 4 kilometres. The trail starts from the north side of the main building (Kaskela) of the Sports Institute, down by sparkling Lake Valkjärvi that reflects a green landscape.
Lemmenharju nature trail can be walked clockwise or anticlockwise, following the painted orange markings in the trees. Two campfire sites are provided at the shore of Lake Valkjärvi, and there are benches for resting along the trail. It is also possible to take a swim beside the nature trail at the swimming spot of Lake Valkjärvi or at the beaches of Lake Saarijärvi and Lake Suurijärvi.

Lake Päijänne

Lake Päijänne is the second largest lake in Finland. Lake Päijänne basin starts from Lake Vesijärvi in Lahti and continues north as far as the city of Jyväskylä. The water area is divided into the municipalities of Jyväskylä, Toivakka, Muurame, Jämsä, Luhanka, Kuhmoinen, Sysmä, Padasjoki and Asikkala. Altogether the lake covers an area of 1 118 km2. The largest open bodies of water in the lake are “Asikkalanselkä”, “Tehinselkä” and “Judinsalonselkä” in the southern part and “Vanhanselkä” and “Ristinselkä” in the northern part. The largest islands in the southern part are Virmailansaari (situated in Padasjoki) and Salonsaari (situated in Asikkala). You get to Lake Päijänne from Lake Vesijärvi via Vääksy Canal and from Lake Päijänne to Lake Ruotsalainen via Kalkkinen Canal.
A treat for nature tourists, Päijänne National Park is located in southern Lake Päijänne and contains steep rocks, sandy eskers, isolated lagoons and small islets. Sightseeing spots on land you can find Päijätsalo lookout towers or Kullasvuori lookout towers close to Padasjoki marina.

Salpausselkä UNESCO Global Geopark

Salpausselkä UNESCO Global Geopark tells the story of the best-known geological entity of Finland. It is situated in the Lahti region in southern Finland and it consists of the area of six municipalities in Päijät-Häme: Lahti, Hollola, Heinola, Asikkala, Sysmä and Padasjoki.
The First and Second Salpausselkä are unique ice-marginal formations laid down by ancient meltwater streams at the end of the Ice Age. They reach across the entirety of southern Finland and are at their most spectacular in the area of Salpausselkä Geopark. Here they are joined to eskers of international value, such as the picturesque Kelvenne Island and Pulkkilanharju Esker in Päijänne National Park.

Idyllic Old Vääksy Village

The beautiful Vääksy Canal milieu has fascinated with its beauty throughout the century. Head for a walk in the canal park or admire the natural beauty of Vääksynjoki river. It is fascinating to follow the boats and ships floating in the canal and through the lock.

By Vääksyntie road and canal you can find many lovely boutiques. Finnish food souveniers you can buy from Vääksyn Mylly mill.

When hungry, head to for example Majakkapaviljonki pavilion by the canal. From the pavilion opens a great view over Lake Päijänne. Or try Kanavan Panimo brewery’s summer restaurant or Kanavan Kruunu, both by the canal. For a coffee break we recommend for example Kanavan helmi or Ranskalainen kyläkauppa.

For sightseeing Päijännetalo is a must place to visit. It is a free time fishing museum offering a great overview of sweet water fishing and presenting the history of Lauri Rapala, the man behind the famous Rapala lures. By the canal you can find also Vesimyllymuseo – water mill museum and several summer arts exhibitions. Norrlin Park, by Vääksynjoki river, gives a good and easy opportunity to enjoy nature and to relax for a while.

A good idea is to hop on a lake cruise boat from Lahti and travel to Vääksy canal by water. Päijänne-Risteilyt Hilden’s boat on the route Lahti-Heinola stop also at Vääksy. You can spend the day in Vääksy and then take a local bus back to Lahti.