Guide winter 2022 / 2023

BENEFITS FOR PRE-PURCHASE

Lahti Ski Games 100 + Finlandia Ski Marathon 50

Both these events with long traditions are held in an area that now for the first year has the UNESCO Global Geopark designation for its internationally valuable geological heritage, shaped by the Ice Age.

The anniversary Lahti Ski Games will include cross-country skiing, men’s Nordic combined and ski jumping, as well as a women’s Ski Jumping World Cup event. Finland’s largest mass skiing event, the Finlandia Ski Marathon, will revert to a two-day event. On Saturday, the attendees will ski classic style and on Sunday in free-style technique. ■

Finlandia Ski Marathon 25–26 February 2023 Lahti Ski Games 24–26 March 2023

One hundred years of sports in Lahti.

GUIDE 2022–2023

GUIDE is published twice a year, in May and in November

Published by Lahti Region Oy /

Viestintätoimisto Mageena

Publisher Viestintätoimisto Mageena  Vapaudenkatu 8, 15110 Lahti tel. +358 440 711722 www.mageena.fi

Editor Sane Keskiaho

Viestintätoimisto Mageena  sane.keskiaho@mageena.fi

Design & Production

Viestintätoimisto Mageena Printing Kroonpress Circulation 6 000 pcs

Cover photo Ossi Saarinen

All rights reserved.

WELCOME!

Region of sports and sustainable travel

We have the purest water in the world, tasty local food, Salpausselkä UNESCO Global Geopark encompassing six municipalities and a huge number of nature sights accessible by public transport or a shared car. For this reason, the status of a Sustainable Travel Finland (STF) destination has been applied for the Lahti region.

The region is also well-known for its excellent outdoor exercising opportunities. You will find great hiking and cycling routes and lean-tos where you can stop to light a fire and roast some sausages. Come winter, you can dig out your skis and tour skates, and head to enjoy the first snow, ski slopes and ice rinks.

The two-storey rooms of Seurahuone Loft House in the heart of Lahti and Haasi Mirror Houses in Lehmonkärki add a touch of luxury to your accommodation. If you’re looking for something more traditional, there are plenty of rental cottages in the region to suit every need and every party.

And what about the food! Here you can taste the authentic lihamuki (literally a mug full of meat and spices, a local speciality), enjoy a glass of wine made in Hollola and awarded with numerous gold medals, or have the best whisky in the world. It’s not even worth writing about rye bread – you have to taste it for yourself.

Simply put, we have everything you need for a good, relaxing holiday. ■

1,000 kilometres of winter fun!

There are over a thousand kilometres of ski tracks in the Lahti region. You can start skiing as soon as the first frosts arrive.

FIRST SNOW SKI ROUTES are in use in December, during the first freezing weather. The traditional 1.5 km long first snow ski route in Lahti can be found near the largest of the ski jumps. In addition to Lahti, there are first snow ski routes in Vierumäki, The Sport Institute of Finland. The route 1,9 km is easy and flat.

There are around 180 km of ski routes around LAHTI and the Salpausselkä region, of which about 70 km are lit between 6 am and 10:30 pm. Some of the lit ski routes can be found in

the varied terrains of Pajulahti Training Center. The most demanding ski routes are at Lahti Sports Centre, as they are of the World Cup level. www.lahti.fi/en/leisure-and-sports/sports-services/ trails-for-walking-biking-and-skiing

There are around 80 kilometres of ski routes in the municipality of HOLLOLA, most of which are connected to the Salpausselkä ski route network. You can ski from Messilä all the way to the Lahti Sports Centre. www.hollola.fi

The Lahti region has versatile skiing tracks.

In ASIKKALA, you can choose between easier or more challenging ski routes. When there is enough snow and ice, skiing tracks are also available on the ice of Lakes Vesijärvi and Päijänne. www.asikkala. fi/kulttuuri-ja-vapaa-aika/liikunta/liikuntapaikat2

There are several ski routes from the PADASJOKI parish village to Kullasvuori. In addition, you will find skiing tracks in Saksala and Kirkkolampi. www.padasjoki.fi

IN IITTI, there are ski routes throughout the municipality from Mankala to Kausala and from there all the way round Lake Urajärvi to Lyöttilä. The starting point of the illuminated ski route is at the Ravilinna Recreation Centre. www.iitti.fi

Due to an excellent artificial snow system, you can start skiing from the early winter at VIERUMÄKI in Heinola. There are lit ski routes from three kilometers to 12 kilometers Valo-Ilves route. www.vierumaki.f

The ski routes in HEINOLA start at the trotting track, from where there is a connecting route to the parish village routes. The illuminated Valo-Ilves route goes from Jyränkö to the Sports Institute of Finland in Vierumäki. There are also shorter ski routes all around town. www.heinola.fi

IN HARTOLA, you can try out your skis on routes starting at the parish village and sports centre Liikuntamaja. There are also ski routes at Hartola Golf and in Koskenniemi. www.hartola.fi

There are 1–3 kilometres of lit skiing tracks at Ohrasaari island in SYSMÄ in the wintertime, and also a ski route on the ice of the lake around the island whenever the ice conditions allow. www.sysma.fi ■

TIP!

Rent the equipment

You can rent skis, downhill skiing equipment, snowshoes and other snow sports equipment at SkiMac in Messilä, Sportif Proshop in Vierumäki. and Kitetirri Outdoors in Salpausselkä Park. www.sportif.fi, www.skimac.com, www.kitetirri.fi

Some winter fun. Photo Jouni Korhonen

15 slopes and 4 restaurants

In the Lahti region, you can enjoy the best slopes, illuminated ski tracks and after ski restaurants in Southern Finland.

MESSILÄ, THE LARGEST SKI RESORT in southern Finland, offers perfect conditions for downhill skiing, snowboarding and cross-country skiing in stunning scenery. Purnu in Hartola is a 100-metre-high ski resort for the whole family. In addition to the slopes, there are lit ski routes and a caravan park. Messilä and Purnu have a total of 15 slopes and four restaurants. ■ www.purnu.com, www.messila.fi

Relax and enjoy the stunning scenery in Messilä.

Onto a bike and into the wild

The varied terrain of the Lahti region offers a wonderful setting for winter cycling. The region offers a variety of routes for beginners and advanced cyclists alike.

SALPAUSSELKÄ TRAILS in the Salpausselkä outdoor recreation area consist of more than 30 kilometres of marked routes. The multipurpose trails are excellent for winter cycling, walking and snowshoeing.

TIIRISMAA TRAILS in Hollola include two mountain bike trails available all year round: the 5.7 km Tiirismaan huippupolku and the 7.4 km Tiirismaan villilenkki. The connecting trails Hollopolku and Mörripolku are 3.6 kilometres long in total.

The 31-kilometre AURINKO-ILVES HIKING TRAIL, which starts at Aurinkovori in Asikkala, runs along the second Salpausselkä ridge in the countryside scenery. There are four lean-tos along the route. Some of the trails are used as ski tracks in the wintertime, but the multipurpose trails are accessible on foot and mountain bike all year round.

The maintained winter cycling trails in VIERUMÄKI are intended for fatbikes only. The route follows a maintained trail to a level peaty forest area, where it forks into a ring route. The ring route consists of forest roads and paths of different sizes, which are easy or very easy to cycle. The route is 5.2 km long. An optional route, 3.9 km, is clearly marked in the terrain.

HIIDENSAARI ISLAND and HIIDENVUORI HILL in Iitti form an important national landscape. There

are plenty of trails on Hiidensaari that are easy to follow on foot or a mountain bike. The island’s wooden steps will take you to the top of the 60 m high Hiidenvuori, which offers great views.

SYSMÄN BIKEPOLKU is a new mountain bike trail at Päijätsalo in Sysmä. The route circles the Päijätsalo Island in two parts, divided into an easier blue section and a red section with altitude differences that will challenge even experienced cyclists.

The 12.6 km long PÄIJÄNNE-ILVES ROUTE starts at the Padasjoki harbour and goes to the Tarus recreation area, from where you can continue along the Ilvesreitti in Evo. The fairly demanding, versatile route travels along pedestrian and bicycle routes, gravel roads and forest trails. ■

Pack a lunch in your backpack!

There are lean-tos and places to make a fire along, or at least near to, many of the routes, so pack a lunch in your backpack and allow enough time to sit by a fire.

TIP!

The marked routes are also excellent for winter cycling. Photo Juha-Pekka Huotari

Culture and natural peace

The Lahti region also offers trails in the winter for those who don’t want to cycle or ski.

One of these is Kuninkaanpolku in Hartola, close to the Tainionvirta river. The trail, which is almost four kilometres long, is a combination of natural and cultural diversity. Along the route that consists of four sections, you will see an arched bridge at Ekonkoski rapids, a mire forest and cultural sites. The easy-to-follow route consists of trails, sandy roads and footpaths. There is a place where you can go ice swimming in the wintertime close to the Itä-Häme Museum. ■

www.visitlahti.fi/nature

A cup of coffee at Päijänne National Park.

Every day is a sauna day

Finns have always bathed in the sauna. In the sauna, we have cried, laughed, given birth, talked things over or just enjoyed the silence. Book your sauna visit!

KUMPELI SPA’S sauna world has an infrared sauna, an aroma sauna and a regular sauna, as well as a Turkish steam bath. The pool area includes hot tubs, a therapy pool and hot/cold walking pools. You can also go ice swimming in River Kymenvirta. www.kumpeli.fi

In NOSTURIN SAUNA, you can relax at a stunning lake view. There are separate dressing rooms for men and women, but the sauna and shower facilities are mixed spaces. A swimsuit is mandatory in the entire sauna area. www.ravintolanosturi.fi

MUKKULA MANOR’S lakeside sauna in Lahti consists of two separate saunas and lounges. William seats 30 people and Anna 20. In the wintertime, you can also go ice swimming. www.mukkulankartano.fi

In LEHMONKÄRKI’S SAUNA WORLD , you can get the authentic Finnish sauna experience in a 100-year-old chimneyless sauna or a modern glass sauna. The patios and pools are partly built on top of the water. You can go ice swimming in the wintertime. www.lehmonkarki.fi

From the sauna, you can go out into the frosty air or go ice swimming. Photo by Jouni Korhonen

The unique beach saunas of PAJULAHTI are located on the shores of the clear Lake Iso-Kukkanen. In the wintertime, the saunas are heated on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings. You can also go ice swimming. www.pajulahti.fi

The sauna facilities at LOMAKESKUS LEPOLA holiday centre are located on the shore of Lake Alasenjärvi in Lahti. The sauna seats around twenty people, and you can also go ice swimming. www.lomakeskuslepola.com

THE VIERUMÄKI BEACH SAUNA can be booked for groups via the customer service. The sauna facilities include a fireplace, a lounge and spacious dressing rooms. In Vierumäki, you can also book a chimneyless sauna for 12 people. You can also go ice swimming in Vierumäki. www.vierumaki.fi

HEINOLA KYLPYLÄNRANTA’S mixed sauna is a sauna where you keep your swimsuit on. The sauna is carbon neutral and heated by wind and hydroelectric power. After the sauna you can take go ice swimming. www.rantakylpyla.fi

CAMPING SYSMÄ’S atmospheric log sauna is located on the shore of Lake Päijänne. You can go ice swimming straight from the pier in the wintertime. www.campingsysma.fi

ILOLA INN in Sysmä has a beautiful scenic sauna and a traditional wood-fired sauna, offering memorable bathing experiences. The experience will be crowned by ice swimming. There is a heated outdoor swimming pool close to the scenic sauna. www.ilolainn.fi

The modern 20-person SAUNAPAVILJONKI in Vääksy is an excellent place for a larger group to bathe in the sauna. It’s nice to sit on the scenic patio to cool off and to go ice swimming in the wintertime. www.majakkapaviljonki.fi

HEINÄSAARI ISLAND in Heinola has two saunas available by order only: a smaller one for six people and a larger for 10–15 people. You can also go ice swimming in Heinäsaari. www.visitheinasaari.fi

Have you tried ice swimming? If you want to experience something unique, try ice dipping. It increases your stress tolerance, relaxes your muscles, and improves your metabolism.

Ice swimming is a unique experience. TIP!

Start the evening at the theatre and continue to a concert

The best thing right now – culture in all its forms. And the Lahti region has plenty to choose from. Here are a few options.

SAMMIOSALI is the most recent addition to the array of venues in Lahti. Located at Malski, Sammiosali is a unique concert arena for 500 people. www.sammiosali.fi

The concert calendar of the SIBELIUS HALL includes both Finnish and international stars. The calendar does not focus solely on classical music:

there is also pop, rock, easy listening and concerts for children. Finlandia Club features the best of Finnish popular music. The club offers musical experiences in a rock-inspired environment. Located in old factory premises of the Sibelius Hall’s Carpenter’s Hall, Finlandia Club has an audience capacity of 610 people. www.sibeliustalo.fi

1. Lahti City Theatre, Something Rotten! -musical

The repertoire of LAHTI CITY THEATRE includes plenty of interesting plays. Kostonkierre (Spiral of Revenge) is based on books by Timo Sandberg, who hails from Lahti. Something Rotten! is an unfettered musical about dreams and love. Totuuden hinta, coming this spring, is the thriller-like story of former Russian security service agent Aleksandr Litvinenko. Minä, Tellervo (I, Tellervo) describes Tellervo Koivisto’s life as a political leader, the wife of Finnish President Mauno Koivisto and a private person. www.lahdenkaupunginteatteri.fi

The most legendary venue in Lahti is definitely TORVI. Restaurant Torvi’s philosophy is to offer all kinds of music. There’s something for punk, metal, rap, hip-hop and reggae lovers. Five bands in one evening or, alternatively, “a piano and a man”. www. ravintolatorvi.fi

In the hands, or rather the instruments, of the LAHTI SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA music bends into many shapes. You can enjoy this revelry at the Sibelius Hall symphony concerts every Thursday. The orchestra has won numerous international recording awards and performed at international arenas around the world. The concert season will culminate in the spring of 2023 with Carl Orff’s classic piece Carmina Burana. There is also varied entertainment programme. www.sinfonialahti.fi

MÖYSÄN MUSAKLUBI , more commonly known as Mössö, is a music club located on Hämeenkatu in Lahti. During the winter, musicians from Erika Vikman and Gasellit to Stratovarius and Vesala will perform at the club. www.moysa.fi

There is also theatre for children in Lahti. SUPER TEATTERI is a children’s theatre in the heart of the city. Pawchester's most famous sleepwalker, Mr. Clutterbuck, can be seen in the winter repertoire. Meanwhile, Lahti City Theatre’s Eero stage becomes a summer paradise with Tiltu ja Lettu ja leikkimökin asukas (Tiltu, Lettu and the Wendy House Dweller) www.superteatteri.fi ■

2. Möysä music club TIP!

Listen to live music and have a tasty dinner Combine a concert or gig with good food and drink. There are wonderful restaurants in Lahti where you can discover the local flavours.

Visit a museum

Erik Bruun, Naturally at the LAHTI MUSEUM OF VISUAL ARTS MALVA features works from the artist’s 70-year career. Nanna Susi’s exhibition The Paintress and Furious Love describes the relationship between the artist and her art. Marjatta Tapiola’s In Other Words features works ranging from classics to completely new interpretations. www.malvamuseo.fi

The exhibitions of RADIO AND TV MUSEUM MASTOLA showcase the history of the radio and TV industry. www.lahdenmastola.fi

ITÄ-HÄME MUSEUM offers manor house culture, the memorial rooms of author Maila Talvio, author Mika Waltari and poet Uuno Kailas, a chimneyless hut and an agricultural museum. www.ihmuseo.fi

FOR THE LOVE OF SKIING - LAHTI SKI CLUB 100 YEARS presents phenomena from the skiing club’s eventful history. The main exhibition, Sense of Skiing, looks at the history of Finnish skiing from the perspective of an everyday skier, a skiing enthusiast and a professional athlete. www.hiihtomuseo.fi

HEINOLA ART MUSEUM houses the library of the Minister P. J. Hynninen Art Foundation and temporary exhibitions. The building has previously served as a home, hotel, school and industrial facility. ■

Ekho Collective’s Ahto welcomes every visitor to Malva.

Small but big experiences

When was the last time you looked at the stars in the frosty night or sat quietly by an open fire? Or went tobogganing with your child? The best experiences have no price tag.

On KARINIEMENMÄKI near the Lake Vesijärvi passenger harbour, there are 12 sculptures by art professor Olavi Lanu. The grey colouring of the sculptures is reminiscent of natural stone. At the artist’s request, the works are allowed to gather moss naturally. The sculptures have been placed close to lit footpaths.

HOLLOLA’S MEDIEVAL CHURCH is an impressive medieval monumentmedieval monument in PäijätHäme. On the same trip, you should stop to eat at Restaurant Vanha Kunnantupa opposite the church.

LAHTI IS A CITY OF STATUES. Here you will find a statue of the skier Siiri Rantanen and football player Jari Litmanen, as well as Vapaudenpatsas (Statue of Liberty) and Hiihtäjäpatsas (Statue of the Skier). Almost all the statues are in or near the city centre.

In the ancient landscape area of HAUKKASELKÄ in Iitti, there are three Stone Age rock paintings. In the wintertime, you can go and admire the paintings on snowshoes, for example. It’s a good idea to pack a picnic lunch in your backpack.

The outdoor recreation area of KULLASVUORI in Padasjoki is home to two nearly 14-metre towers. The towers offer a wonderful view over Päijänne National Park.

HEINOLA’S FESTIVAL OF WINTER AND LIGHT brings light into the dark winter. Starting from the courtyard of the WPK talo in Heinola, a light art route runs down Kymenkartano street to Rantapuisto park and from there along a pedestrian bridge to Siltasaari Island. Entrance free of charge. Festival of Winter and Light: 23–26 February 2023.

There is plenty to do and see for all ages at LAUNE PERHEPUISTO family park. The family park includes a traffic park, a spider climbing frame and several slides of different sizes. The popular park is available free of charge and open all year round.

Built around the Sibelius Hall, the WOOD ARCHITECTURE PARK is a testament to the wood construction expertise in Lahti. The buildings and structures in the Wood Architecture Park include ProPuu, where you can also shop, a light art canopy by Kengo Kuma from Japan and Richard Leplastrier’s wooden spiral. www.propuu.fi

Hot cocoa tops off a trip.

Lanu Sculpture Park in Kariniemenmäki Photo Lassi Häkkinen / City of Lahti

Restaurants and cafés

The best part of a holiday is getting to know the local food and café culture – tasting local delicacies and specialities you won’t find elsewhere.

Delicious sourdough pizzas are made in the rural landscape of Sääskjärvi in Iitti, in an old village school. RESTAURANT REHTORI’S pizzas are baked in an Italian wood-fired oven from dough that has been allowed to rise for 36 hours. www.pizzeriarehtori.com

RESTAURANT TAIVAANRANTA in Lahti serves authentic and honest food made from local ingredients with a touch of the Teerenpeli Brewery & Distillery spirit. A special feature is the popular Saturday lunch. www.taivaanranta.com

The fondues and raclettes of the FRENCH VILLAGE SHOP in Vääksy are winter food at its best. Only the best French and Swiss cheeses are used, and the dishes are prepared according to traditional recipes. www.ranskalainenkauppa.fi

WINE CAFE OLAVI is a cosy wine café in the centre of Lahti. In the café, you can taste coffee from the local roastery Kahiwa. The speciality is the bread Olavin Flätti, which will satisfy even the biggest appetite. There’s always a seasonal Flätti, using seasonal ingredients. www.winecafeolavi.com

Soppabaari in Lahti Market Hall

RESTAURANT ROUX’S menu always features the best ingredients of the season. The restaurant also has a good selection of wines. On Sundays from January to March, the restaurant serves a heavenly blini brunch. www.roux.fi

MALSKIN BISTRO is located in the former brewery building of Mallasjuoma in Lahti. Malskin Bistro serves lunch, brunch and dinner. www.malskinbistro.fi

BISTRO POPOT offers food delights with a relaxed approach and good wines. Popot’s cuisine combines classics and trends from Finland and around the world. The focus is on authentic ingredients and local produce. KOKKA BISTRO & BAR is a relaxed dining restaurant at the Lahti Passenger Harbour. The menu includes items such as meat that is aircured in its own Dry Ager cabinet, dishes to share with friends and artisan pizzas. A wide range of beverages caters to both beer and wine lovers. www.bistrokokka.fi, www.bistropopot.fi

The heady smell of pastries wafting out of KAHVILA KARIRANTA at the Lahti Passenger Harbour invites you to enjoy a leisurely cup of coffee in an idyllic setting. Here, you will find the largest croissants and cinnamon buns in the city. www.kariranta.fi

CAFÉ OSKARI is located in the last and only wooden building dating back to the township of Lahti. There are homemade delicacies from savoury to sweet, an extensive selection of organic coffees, vegan soup lunches and a hearty breakfast. www.kahvilaoskari.fi

Voted Finland’s best street food kitchen last summer, KUSMIKU in Heinola is fighting wastage by reducing the number of potatoes in its portions, among other things. You can get more potatoes free of charge if you’re still hungry. The buns for the burgers are made in the nearby Pekan Leipä bakery. www.kusmiku.fi

LINTAN KAMMARI in Sysmä is an idyllic café and interior decoration store in an old dairy building. www.lintankammari.fi

A trip of tastes! Local cuisine is famed for its fish, game, berries. and mushrooms. Check out the local flavour at www.visitlahti.fi/eat-and-drink

Kahiwa Coffee Roasters

TIP!

Iitti Farm Market

Panimomyymälästä juomat joka tilanteeseen, niin arkeen kuin juhlaan!

A brewery shop with drinks for every occasion, for everyday life and parties!

A brewery shop with drinks for every occasion, for everyday life and parties!

Panimomyymälästä juomat joka tilanteeseen, niin arkeen kuin juhlaan!

Open: Tue-Fri 12 - 18

Open: Tue-Fri 12 - 18

Address: Kasaajankatu 13, 15520 Lahti

Avoinna: ti-pe klo 12-18 Osoite: Kasaajankatu 13, 15520 Lahti

Address: Kasaajankatu 13, 15520 Lahti

Avoinna: ti-pe klo 12-18 Osoite: Kasaajankatu 13, 15520 Lahti

Contact: vierailukeskus @hartwall.fi

Ota yhteyttä: vierailukeskus @hartwall.fi

Ota yhteyttä: vierailukeskus @hartwall.fi

Contact: vierailukeskus @hartwall.fi

Authentic flavours from cereals

The Lahti region is home to numerous small breweries and bakeries whose products are worth checking out and buying to take home with you.

KAHIWA COFFEE ROASTERS is an importer and roaster of raw coffee. You can taste the coffees at Kahiwa’s own wine café at Malski in Lahti. In addition to coffee roasted on the spot, you’ll find the most interesting wines of the wine world and freshly baked delicacies. www.kahiwacoffee.fi

1 VIIPURILAINEN KOTILEIPOMO is a familyrun bakery that focuses on craftsmanship. The bakery makes its bread from a starter dough, and only premium local ingredients are used. www.viipurilainen.fi

BREWERY & PUB ANT BREW is located in the traditional brewery building of Mallasjuoma in the centre of Lahti. In addition to the brewery’s own unfiltered beers, carefully selected products from other manufacturers are available. www.antbrew.fi

FAZER SHOP in Lahti sells bread, pastries, cakes, sweets, biscuits, porridges, gluten-free products, jams, oils and raw baked goods, among other things. www.fazer.fi

Hollola-based AINOA WINERY has won several gold medals in prestigious international competitions. The winery’s raw materials are Finnish berries and root vegetables. www.ainoawinery.com

LA KAR DE MUMMA’S delicatessen in Hartola is a cosy café-bakery that also sells gluten-free products. lakardemummanherkkukammari

2 KANAVAN PANIMO produces craft beers and swears by local produce. The malt comes from Viking Malt in Lahti and the cereals from farmers in Päijät-Häme. The twist in seasonal beers is created with local berries and herbs using the brewery’s own recipe. www.kanavanpanimo.fi

HARTWALL BREWERY STORE sells a wide range of beverages from waters to speciality beers, as well as other speciality products from Jaffa posters to long drink blankets. www.hartwall.fi

TEERENPELI BREWERY & DISTILLERY has been making unique bottom- and top-fermented beers and ciders seasoned with actual berries for more than twenty years. The brewery makes beers and ciders suitable for all seasons and seasonal beverages. www.teerenpeli.com

2. Kanavan Panimo

Open Nov 19th – Dec 23rd 2022 Mon-Fri 11 am – 6 pm Sat 10 am – 4 pm Aleksanterinkatu 13, Lahti

Something new, something old

The Lahti region has a wealth of boutiques, antique shops and second-hand stores where you can find bargains.

SECOND HAND LAHTI SHOP offers the best of recycled culture. It’s a fresh, beautiful and modern second-hand shop where you can find clothes, accessories, second hand treasures and small utility articles. www.secondhandlahtishop.fi

MARIMARI sells MariMari Collection clothes designed and made in Lahti, fashion from the world and lifestyle products, such as art, jewellery, bags and ecological detergents. www.marimari.fi

1 PUINE from Lahti makes beautiful wood products. Jewellery, watches, business cards and interior design products made from birch plywood are made in Lahti. www.puine.fi

WANHA KAMMARI in the centre of Old Vääksy is full of carefully selected objects from the past. The selection includes textiles, jewellery, old-fashioned tableware, magazines, books and Finnish design from different eras, for example. wanhakammari

1. Puine design shop

LAHDEN ANTIIKKITUKKU is an antique shop where you can find antiques, design and style furniture from the 19th century to the present day. Among other things the selection includes wardrobes, sofas, hand-knotted genuine carpets and crystal chandeliers. www.antiikkitukku.fi

KONTTI SECOND-HAND store in Lahti has something for everyone: affordable everyday clothes, but also finds for those who crave design. www.sprkontti.fi

NUKKA SECOND HAND is a new second-hand and lifestyle boutique for modern families with children in the centre of Lahti. www.nukkasecondhand.fi

At the atmospheric LIIKE- JA YRITYSKESKUS KORI, built in 1945 in the Villähde, you can enjoy delicious food and a glass of wine, and find some bargains at a flea market. www.korinyrittajat.fi

VILLÄHTEEN KYLÄHULLU sells interesting old stuff for both decorators and collectors: nostalgia, design, antiques, collectibles. villahteenkylahullu

ZOOM DESIGN in Old Vääksy is an interior decoration and lifestyle store for high-quality brands. www.zoomdesign.fi

KIRPPUTORI KISÄLLI in Lahti is a genuine treasure trove for collectors. The selection, which changes all the time, includes high-quality tableware, lamps, rugs and furniture. On the same trip, you should also check out RETROSISKO in Nastola. www.kirpputorikisalli.fi, retrosisko

TOPDEI in Lahti sells trendy fashion from Italy. In addition to clothing, the selection includes shoes, bags, jewelry and other accessories. topdeifashion

Interior decoration store and café LINTAN KAMMARI in Sysmä sells handmade clothes and accessories, as well as a seasonal selection of interior decoration items and gifts. www.lintankammari.fi

TIP!

Check this out!

If you are looking for a unique gift or local and environmentally friendly products, you should stop by at the gift shop in of Lahti Museum of Visual Arts Malva in Malski. www.malvamuseo.fi

Malva Museums gift shop

Staycation

Ar you on holiday, working remotely or a bit of both? Here you’ll find just the right accommodation for every holiday.

PREMIUM VILLAS Vierumäki’s elegant log villas offer luxury for families and groups of friends or colleagues. The Scandinavian-style villas with large panoramic windows and outdoor hot tubs guarantee an unforgettable holiday in the wilderness. www.premiumresorts.fi

HOTEL FENNADA is a modern, high-quality hotel close to the restaurant and sports facilities of Vierumäki. Versatile room types and adaptable layouts allow for a great night’s sleep for one, two, a family or a larger group. SPORT HOTEL PIHKALA is a new sports-oriented hotel in Vierumäki. The hotel has 59 rooms on four floors. www.vierumaki.fi

At RADALLA RESORT you can choose whether to stay in a comfortable beach hotel, a manor hotel or a modern beach villa. An active day can be found in the sauna world with the gentle lazes of the saunas. www.radallaresort.fi

LEHMONKÄRKI’S HAASI – MIRROR HOUSES offer a unique accommodation experience for adults. 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. Each of the four Haasi apartments has an unobstructed view of the lake and a private outdoor jacuzzi. www.lehmonkarki.fi

MESSILÄ’S centuries-old manor area has the atmosphere of yesterday, next to the longest ski slopes in Southern Finland. In Messilä, you can choose to sleep in a hotel, a cottage or an Old Store Room. www.messila.fi

Boutique hotel ILOLA INN at Suopelto in Sysmä offers a great setting for working remotely, for example. Built in the 19th century, the log building has eight apartments decorated to a high standard. You can end your working day in a sauna with a stunning view. There is access from the sauna to a heated outdoor pool all year round. www.ilolainn.fi

1 Located in the heart of Lahti, the SEURAHUONE LOFT HOUSE offers a luxurious setting with design rooms, an indoor garden and a lounge area. The guests can also enjoy the gentle warmth of two on-demand saunas and the cosy atmosphere of the Loft Lounge. When you are relaxed enough, you can grab your skis and walk to the nearest ski route. www.sokoshotels.fi/fi/lahti

KUMPELI SPA invites you to a relaxing holiday full of wellbeing. All rooms at the hotel have a balcony or patio and stunning views. The spa’s special features include a sauna world and the beautiful river views. www.kumpeli.fi

GREENSTAR HOTEL LAHTI is an enviromentalfriendly hotel in Lahti. It offers you comfortable facilities and good-value accommodation close to lisäys close to Travel centre, sports facilities, nature, trails and nightlife. www.greenstar.fi

VÄÄKSYN APTEEKINMAJOITUS in Vääksy offers an idyllic setting for accommodation. The rooms in the main building are decorated in an old-time style. www.apteekinmajoitus.fi ■

1. Seurahuone Loft House

Lahti harbour

The atmospheric passenger harbour is also busy in the wintertime.

THE CENTREPIECE OF THE HARBOUR is the Sibelius Hall, a glass-fronted congress and concert centre. It is surrounded by restaurants, including Kahvila Kariranta and restaurants Lokki, Nosturi, Lastu and Kokka, which serve you all year round. The ship restaurants are closed in the height of winter, but will open again as spring comes. Pro Puu, located in a former match factory, features varied wood-related monthly exhibitions and a shop. Located in the same building as Kahvila Kariranta, craft shop Ulpukka offers unique high-quality handicraft products from several Finnish manufacturers. ■

www.visitlahti.fi/lakeland

If the ice situation permits, you can walk on the ice of the lake from Restaurant Lokki along a ploughed path to Mukkula. Photo by Markus Ketola / City of Lahti

Lahti

figures 120 000 residents in Lahti 180 kilometres of outdoor exercising routes 70 kilometres of illuminated routes

in

Lahti

Lahti is known as a sports city. The outdoor exercising routes of the forest-covered Salpausselkä formation offer a great setting for winter skiing and a variety of other sports activities. Starting at Lahti Sports Centre, the outdoor exercising routes are illuminated and allow you to experience the varied

terrain of Salpausselkä Geopark.

You can also visit Lake Vesijärvi, a lively yearround destination. People gather at the Lahti Passenger Harbour to bask in the sun and enjoy the services. In the wintertime, you’ll see people ice-fishing and skating/skiing on the ice of the lake.

Lahti Ski Games will be arranged at the Lahti Sports Centre for the 100th time.

Photo by Juha Tanhua

EXPERIENCE

Family Park

There is something to do at the Family Park all year round. The extensive playground area includes several slides, climbing frames and the Laune Castle.

Get out into nature

Lapakisto nature reserve is a year-round nature destination for the whole family.

Admiring the rugged cliffs and lake scenery allows your soul to rest while you improve your fitness. The less wellknown Linnaistensuo marsh offers hikers experiences during all seasons. The nature trail runs on duckboards.

LAHTI.FI

The diverse exhibitions at the Lahti Museum of Visual Arts Malva are captivating, and the museum shop is a great place to find bargains. You can also stop by the bistro for lunch, pop into the brewery restaurant for a local drink or visit the Kahiwa café for a speciality coffee. Photo by Karoliina Redsven/Malva

Asikkala in figures

12 lean-tos ~60 kilometres of skiing tracks 29 farms producing local produce

Asikkala

Asikkala is known for the Vääksy Canal, which radiates the villa history of the days of yore, and the idyllic old Vääksy with its buildings and interior decoration boutiques. The municipality is located at a junction between lakes Vesijärvi and Päijänne. The Vääksy Canal, a gate between the two waterways, is a historical water traffic junction. The surroundings of the canal are an impor-

tant cultural environment with sites that offer new experiences all year round.

When the weather allows in the wintertime, you can ski along skiing tracks on the ice of lake Päijänne to lean-tos on the Linkosaari and Pernasaari islands, or to Varjansaari island in lake Vesijärvi. You will find a resting place and a place to light a fire in all of these islands. ■

Boys enjoying snacks outdoors.

Refreshing Lake Päijänne

A dip into a hole in the ice, followed by a hot sauna. There are ice holes for swimming at Majakka-Paviljonki, the Salonsaari holiday village and Lehmonkärki.

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Going on a trip EXPERIENCE

Picnic at a lean-to Would you like to take a trip to a campfire on an island in Lake Päijänne, enjoy the rugged Salpausselkä ridge scenery or snowshoe through a forest to have a cup of coffee in the wilderness? You can find the locations of all lean-tos in Asikkala at www.asikkala.fi/liikuntapaikat

Hartola in figures

Hartola

Hartola is a popular destination for nature lovers, caravanners, culture tourists and winter sports enthusiasts alike. Explore the skiing routes, rent a fatbike and go ride the Kuninkaan polut (King’s Trails), go cycling or spend a winter day on the slopes of Purnu Ski Resort. Buying a Museum Card and heading to the Itä-

Häme Museum is also a good idea. A unique place to visit in the Koskipää Manor milieu, the museum is open all year round.

A granite church designed in the early 20th century by architect Josef Stenbäck in the Finnish art nouveau style is located in the middle of the village. ■

On the Kuninkaanpolku hiking route, you can enjoy beautiful scenery.

Kingdom

On 31 August 1784, King Gustav III ordered that the kingdom of Hartola was to become an independent benefice. The municipality was named after the six-year-old Prince Gustaf Adolf.

There are activities for all ages, during all seasons.

EXPERIENCE

On all fours in the unbroken snow

The snow situation permitting, the World Championships in Snow Crawling will take place at Hartola Golf’s range in the heart of winter. The fun and playful competition has series for all ages.

www.visithartola.fi/tapahtumat

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Heinola in figures ~1000

kilometres of shoreline 200 shops downtown 3 spas

Heinola

Heinola surprises tourists with its plentiful and varied offerings. In addition to an active holiday, you can come to Heinola to relax, eat delicious food and shop: Heinola is a city close to magnificent waterways, genuine wilderness and excellent hiking routes. After a rewarding day of brisk out-

door activities, you can relax in one of the city’s three spas. In Heinola, you can also visit Team Koirakikka’s husky farm, the largest of its kind in Southern Finland, where you can see huskies, wolves, foxes, reindeer and other exotic animals of the north. ■

Kumpeli Spa

Heinola is easy to reach

The highway will quickly get you there for a day or two, or to stay forever.

EXPERIENCE

Relaxing spa holiday

Kumpeli Spa’s sauna world has an infrared sauna, an aroma sauna and a regular sauna, as well as a Turkish steam bath. The pool area includes hot tubs, a therapy pool and hot/cold walking pools. The relaxation area includes wonderful heated chairs, a salt room and a gym.

Koirakikka husky farm

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Hollola

in figures

107 kilometers from Helsinki 100 kilometres of tracks and skiing routes 1 ski resort

Hollola

Hollola is the dream destination for people who like sports. It’s excellent for skiers, ice skaters, runners and disc golfers. You can also don a pair of snowshoes and enjoy the varied landscape, deep kettle holes and wonderful scenery on foot.

From the highest hill in Southern Finland, Tiirismaa (223 m above sea level) offers spectac-

ular views in the direction of Vesijärvi.

Hollola is also home to the largest skiing centre in southern Finland, Messilä, and one of the most magnificent natural formations in southern Finland, Pirunpesä, a fissure in the rock that is surrounded by vertical walls of 5–20 metres. ■

Messilä Ski Center in Hollola

EXPERIENCE

Skiing routes

The majority of the Finlandia Ski Marathon routes are in Hollola. In addition to international level skiing routes, Hollola has routes suitable for the whole family.

Picturesque Parish Village

The Hollola parish village is worth a day trip. The medieval stone church or St. Mary’s Church is known for its well-preserved wooden sculptures and a bell tower designed by C.L. Engel. The village also has shops and lunch restaurants. Vanha Kunnantupa restaurant is open all year round.

A blue moment at the chimneyless sauna. Photo Johannes Wilenius

HOLLOLA.FI

Iitti in

Iitti

In Iiitti, you can make the most of winter by skiing, snowshoeing or just enjoying the wilderness and peace – not to forget tasty local delicacies.

An active winter enthusiast can ski from Lahti via Nastola all the way to Iitti along the E6-E10/ Aurinkolatu skiing route. There are ski tracks throughout the municipality from Mankala to Kausala and from there all the way round Lake Urajärvi to Lyöttilä. The illuminated ski tracks

start at the Ravilinna leisure centre in Kausala. Snow transforms the most popular outdoor exercising route in Iitti into well-kept skiing route. The ski lodge serving hot beverages is open on winter weekends from January to March.

In addition to winter activities, Iitti offers you the option of relaxing in a natural setting. Take a dip in a hole in a lake, enjoy the sauna at Veteraanimaja lodge or rent a cottage with a hot tub!

LAHTI

The frosty winter landscape offers the most beautiful winter magic.

Put on your skis

For up-to-date information on Iitti's skiing routes, see the digital map service. You can follow the movements of the ski-track machine in real time. www.iitti.fi/ladut

In the majestic scenery at the top of Hiidenvuori hill, the setting is perfect for a coffee break.

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EXPERIENCE

Snowshoeing

The landscapes and nature trails in Iitti provide a good setting for snowshoeing. You can snowshoe along the ready-made routes or relax in the middle of the beautiful untouched nature. Snowshoes can be easily borrowed from the Iitti Municipal Library.

Padasjoki in figures

9 village associations 1 harbour 100 kilometres of snowmobile routes

Padasjoki

When there is enough snow, great skiing routes to the islands of the national park start at Padasjoki harbour. The islands offer several places for making a campfire to brew coffee and enjoy the winter scenery of Päijänne National Park. If you’d like a shorter winter trip, Kalainsaari cottage with its

cookhouse is just over a kilometre from the harbour. Spending time on the ice is also possible without skis: you can just walk. The municipality of Padasjoki is responsible for the maintenance of the skiing tracks and footpaths. ■

Kalainsaari island

164 steps

Lighted exercising stairs were completed at the Kullasvuori sports area in Padasjoki last spring. The exercising stairs have 164 steps.

EXPERIENCE

Rent a bike and get out into nature

Padasjoki offers an excellent setting for mountain biking. You should check out Tarus and Evo, among others – there are dozens of kilometres to cover. If you don’t have your own bike with you, you can rent a 7-speed fat bike from Padasjoen latu outdoor association. www.padasjoenlatu.org

Kalainsaari cooking hut

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Sysmä in

Sysmä

In Sysmä, you can find all the ingredients for a successful holiday: good accommodation, delicious food and interesting things to do. You can stay in a hotel, a cottage or a camping site that is open all year round where you can try swimming in a hole in the ice of a lake straight from the sauna. There is plenty to do in Sysmä. You can go hiking in Päijänne National Park or snowshoeing at the

spectacular geological site of Kammiovuori. Or are you more into ice skating or ice hockey? Then you should head to Sysmä’s artificial ice rink or put on your skis and enjoy the wintry nature and Sysmä’s extensive network of skiing routes. At the end of the day, you can head to the indoor swimming pool, a sauna or a gym, and naturally enjoy a good dinner. ■

The best ski tracks in Sysmä. Photo by Tervalepikon Torpat holiday cottages

Long time no skate?

The artificial ice rink at Väihkyläntie 9 in Sysmä is open regardless of the weather. You can enjoy ice skating and ice hockey any time. Free entry.

EXPERIENCE

Sysmä Library

Sysmä Library is more than just a library. You will find films, book tips, e-books and audiobooks. There is a coffee machine in the reading room. In addition to a comprehensive selection of Finnish magazines, there are plenty of foreign magazines as well.

Kammiovuori. Photo Sysmän kunta.

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You can drink water straight from the tap.

Best tap water in the world

The water in Lahti region is unique.

FINNISH TAP WATER has been called the best in the world and water filtered through the the sand and gravel layers of the Salpausselkä ridges can be described as the purest in the entire country. In Lahti region you don’t have to buy bottled water, since you can drink water straight from the tap, or order a jug of tap water in a restaurant and have a taste of the world’s best drinking water. ■