Grab a bike and get to know the region

What is an ecological, fitness-improving and summery way to explore the Lahti region? Cycling. There are easy local trails and dedicated cycling trails for road, gravel and mountain bikes, as well as for touring cyclists. The Welcome Cyclist logo helps you find services for cyclists.

AROUND LAKE VESIJÄRVI is a classic route that active cyclists tend to ride several times each summer. You should start in the morning and have sufficiently many resting and refuelling breaks. The shortest version of the route is 80 km in length, and even a less experienced cyclist will be able to cover that distance during a single day.

SALPAUSSELKÄ TRAILS are forest trails marked in the terrain in the Salpausselkä region in Lahti and Hollola. The off-road trails are meant for both hiking and mountain biking. There are a total of around 30 km of marked Salpausselkä Trails, but those using a hybrid bike should also head for the dozens of kilometres of gravel trails in the Salpausselkä region.

SPORTS CENTRES Vierumäki and Pajulahti offer mountain biking opportunities for cyclists of all levels. You can also rent a bike.

The VELLAMO CYCLING ROUTE is a 71 km marked ring route between Hartola and Sysmä. There are nice places to take a break in the parish villages of Sysmä and Hartola, at the legendary Krouvi dance pavilion and at the sunny terrace of Ilola Inn on the shore of Lake Päijänne.

TOUR OF HOLLOLA CHURCH is one of the favourite routes of local cyclists. You can ride the 37 km route in either direction, but you should choose to go against the wind during the early part of the route. The route ascends to the top of the Salpausselkä ridge and descends from there. There are plenty of services along the route.

THE PÄIJÄTSALO BIKEPOLKU mountain bike trail circles the Päijätsalo Island in two parts, divided into an easier blue section and a more challenging red section with altitude differences. The entire route goes along forest paths.

FROM VÄÄKSY TO PULKKILANHARJU ESKER AND KALKKINEN You can ride this 57 km route along paved roads with a mountain or road bike. Pulkkilanharju esker is part of Finland’s most beautiful scenic route. Parts of the esker are included in Päijänne National Park.

This summer, the Lahti region hosts the FNLD GRVL gravel cycling event. Finland’s biggest gravel cycling event NORDIC GRAVEL SERIES will take place in the Lahti region in September. There are routes of 50, 90 and 146 km. FNLD GRVL 10 June, Nordic Gravel Series 22–23 September ■