Experiences around Lake Päijänne
Taking a trip on the Finnish lakes is much more than just water activities. Most of Finland’s major cities are located on the shores and many of them on lake shores. They offer everything from shopping to history to unforgettable cultural experiences
Day 1
Arrival by flight to Helsinki-Vantaa Airport
- renting a car at airport
- taking a transfer from the airport to Lahti
- if you choose to go by public transport, the train from the airport will take about 1 hour with one transfer at Tikkurila station. In addition, the direct bus runs three times a day
Helsinki-Lahti (100 km). Arrival by train to Lahti also by Allegro train from Saint Petersburg or Lev Tolstoi train from Moscow
Welcome to Lahti Region!
Seen from the south, Lahti is the first real lakeside city and Lake Vesijärvi is the most southern body of water in Lakeland Finland. The heart of Lakeland opens up from Vesijärvi through the Vääksy canal: Lake Päijänne, which provides drinking water for one million Finns. Lahti is the first Finnish city appointed as the European Green Capital in 2021. The city’s goal is to become the first Finnish carbon-neutral city already by 2025
Recommended accommodation
Ideas for lunch & dinner:
Traditional Finnish food
- Taivaanranta restaurant where food served alongside beverages from local Teerenpeli Brewery & Distillery chosen in 2020 as the best whisky producer in the world in the International Wine and Spirit Competition
- Roux restaurant in old and stylish interior of old pharmacy
- Harald restaurant with authentic medieval viking atmosphere
Vegetarian & Vegan food
- Lipterin restaurant
- eco café MeaManna Kirjasto at the Lahti City Main Library
Great way to continue the day and immerse in the local culture will be a sightseeing tour by walk or bike along the most popular tourist attractions:
- Lahti City Museum Ristinkirkko, Church of the Cross
- Kariniemi Arboretum park with Pikku-Vesijärvi pond famous for largest musical fountains in the Nordics
- Lanu sculpture park
- Lahti Harbour
- Sibelius Hall
- Pro Puu (Wood) Centre & Wood Architecture Park, a modern piece of architecture
Day 2
Ideas for after breakfast adventures
- Self-drive trip to Hollola church village with the medieval stone church of the 15th century, Kapatuosia hillfort, Hentilä house museum (which shows a good example of typical old houses of the region). Then continue to Linnamäki panoramic view tower and Messilä Holiday Resort featuring hiking, golf, restaurant at the manor house on the top of the hill and recreational activities at Enonsaari Island. On your way back to Lahti, save time to visit Ainoa Vineyard to buy award winning wines from Finnish berries and other high quality ingredients from the forest
- Lemmenharju nature trail at the Salpausselkä Geopark*. The 4 km trail has markings in the trees, two campfire sites, benches for resting and spots for swimming. The starting point: north side of the main building of Vierumaki, the Sport Institute of Finland, accessible either by car or local buses (number 88 or 89) that run every hour a day. Schedule is available here.
Vierumaki also offers a wide range of amenities, including accommodation, meals and leisure facilities
Before you hit the road, head to one of these local markets to pack your picnic basket for outdoor healthy lunch break
- Lahti Market Square is the heart of the city with traditional market foods, seasonal delicacies such as vegetables and berries during the summertime (public market is open from Monday to Saturday)
- Traditional Lahti Market Hall (located next to Lahti Market Square) with a large number of products from local small-scale producers. Salpausselän Kala, the fish market is also located here
Other walking, cycling and waters sports activities in Lahti region are available here
Lake cruises from Lahti to Vääksy canal to enjoy the beautiful lakes Vesijärvi and Päijänne
Day 3
After breakfast, heading to Jyväskylä by a rented car or by a transfer (180 km)
If you go by car, we recommend to avoid the motorways by taking an alternate route along charming small villages and magnificent lake views of lake Päijänne. The road from Vääksy to Sysmä and onto the northern parts of lake Päijänne is one of the most beautiful scenic route in Finland. It follows the 8-kilometre-long Pulkkilanharju Esker, surrounded by open lake on both sides. Part of Pulkkilanharju Esker belongs to Päijänne National Park. If you choose to go by public transport, the express bus will take 2 hours: www.onnibus.com or www.matkahuolto.fi/en
Inspiring Jyväskylä!
Jyväskylä is a modern and youthful home of 142,000 residents. Its conveniently compact city centre and vibrant countryside create a fascinating whole. Famous for its students and architecture, Jyväskylä offers a wide range of Finnish and international events as well as activities around the year
Recommended accommodation
Ideas for lunch & dinner:
Traditional Finnish food
- Harmooni restaurant is located in the historic Jugend Building
- Vesilinna panoramic restaurant with view over the city to lake Jyväsjärvi (with roof terrace in summer)
- Pöllöwaari restaurant in Yöpuu hotel
Vegetarian & Vegan food
Afternoon activities ideas (depends on interests and weather conditions)
- Сycling the recreational route Rantaraitti that surrounds lake Jyväsjärvi and is about 14 km long. Kuokkala bridge divides the route into two shorter sections, so you don't necessarily have to circle the whole lake
- Culinary masterclass with a local to bake traditional Finnish cinnamon buns (3 hours)
- Visiting Säynätsalo Town Hall designed by Finnish architecture Alvar Aalto, one of the most influential architects of the 20th century
WORTHY KNOWING: Jyväskylä is home to many buildings designed by the legendary Finnish architect Alvar Aalto. If you are interested to find out more about his legacy in the Jyväskylä Region, you can book guided tours
Day 4
Warm up the Sauna like a Finn among the majestic landscapes and forests surrounding Lake Päijänne. Arrival from Jyväskylä to Nukula before noon. Nukula is a family-run guest house located a 35-minute drive from Jyväskylä along Oravasaarentie road.
1 day/1 night program includes: guided tour in the forest to collect tree twigs for making your sauna whisk, heating up sauna and learning about Finnish sauna traditions, sauna bath, lunch, dinner, morning swim and breakfast. Availability: 1.6. – 30.9. (except when there is heavy rain or thunder)
Day 5
After breakfast transfer home by train, bus or rented car
Can't miss events of the summer in Lahti and Jyväskylä regions
- Ironman 70.3 Finland. Race Under Nordic Midnight Sun in Lahti
- Sauna Region Week offers both locals and travelers sauna experiences in different parts of the Jyväskylä Region. Program
- Neste Rally Finland, the Finnish round of the FIA World Rally Championship
