Lahti
photo © Visit Lahti
Tourism Lahti & Lahti Guide
Idyllically situated around a bay on Lake Vesijärvi, Lahti is a vibrant town 100km north of Helsinki. A popular travel destination, Lahti has excellent skiing facilities at Messilä Ski Resort and the famous ski jumps by the Salpausselkä Ridges. It is also home to the Lahti Museum of Visual Arts Malva, Lahti Symphony Orchestra, and hosts the Lahti Sibelius Festival. Other sites of note are the Church of the Cross and the Musical Fountain in the harbour. Lahti region also includes municipalities of Asikkala, Hartola, Heinola, Hollola, Iiti, Padasjoki and Sysmä.
Lahti is a lively city of almost 100,000 inhabitants just an hour from Helsinki. It is the capital of Päijänne Tavastia region, and was first mentioned in documents in 1445, originally being a village in the parish of Hollola, on the mediaeval trade route of Ylinen Viipurintie which linked the towns of Hämeenlinna and Vyborg.
Tourist Attractions in Lahti
There’s plenty to see and do in Lahti. The redesigned Vesijärvi Harbour has become a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to relax in; The Church of the Cross, designed by internationally recognised architect Alvar Aalto, is one the most photographed buildings in the city; Eliel Saarinen’s Lahti Town Hall is impressive, and the Musical Fountains on the shore of Lake Pikku-Vesijärvi provides a remarkable mix of symphonic music and dancing fountains illuminated in colour.
Culture and Events in Lahti
The Lahti region is also famous for its many international cultural events like the Lahti Sibelius Festival, the Lahti Organ Festival, concerts by the award-winning, internationally renowned Lahti Symphony Orchestra, and numerous other events in the region. It is home to the Sibelius Hall, a modern wooden structure, a congress and concert hall that was Finland’s largest wooden construction for 100 years when built, and within its grounds you’ll find a park filled with wooden architecture and sculpture.
Museum lovers are well catered for in Lahti. The Lahti Museum family consists of the Lahti Historical Museum, the Ski Museum, Radio and TV Museum Mastola and the Lahti Museum of Visual Arts Malva. The new Lahti Museum of Visual Arts Malva in an old brewery Malski in the city centre is full of art, design, posters and culture. The Finnish Military Music Museum shines a light on 450 years of military music, and there is a Museum of Military Medicine at Hennala in a barracks originally built by Russia.
Sports and Activities in Lahti
In winter, people flock to the region to enjoy downhill skiing, cross country skiing, ski jumping, and snowboarding. The longest downhill ski runs are in the Messilä Ski Resort, with 10 runs ranging from beginner to advanced. Lahti is also home to the Ski Museum, located next to the world famous three ski jumps by the Salpausselkä Ridges. In the summer it is possible to get to the top of these jumps, to get an idea of what the jumpers see as they take off, and to enjoy panoramic views of the region.
Nature attractions in Lahti Region
Salpausselkä UNESCO Global Geopark tells the story of the best-known geological entity of Finland. The First and Second Salpausselkä formations were laid down by ancient meltwater streams at the end of the Ice Age. Salpausselkä Geopark’s most famous attractions include the Pulkkilanharju esker, one of the most beautiful scenic routes in Finland, Kelvenne Ridge Island, Heinola National Urban Park, hiking and skiing trails in Salpausselkä, Kammiovuori mountain in Sysmä and picturesque Lake Päijänne.
