Nature & outdoors

An outdoor lover’s wonderland

The amazing lakes, ponds and rivers of the Finnish Lakeland, Päijänne National Park and countless nature reserves and hiking trails let you answer the call of the wild. Explore the best of Salpausselkä UNESCO Global Geopark!

Päijänne National Park

The shores and ridges of Finland’s second-largest lake offer hiking trails and interesting opportunities for day trips. The Päijänne National Park, located on the southern part of Lake Päijänne, celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2023.

The gem of the national park, Kelvenne Island, is especially suitable for kayakers and boaters. On the Pulkkilanharju Nature Trail and in Päijätsalo, you can also enjoy the national park’s scenery without taking to the waters.

Remember to bring your swimwear and take a dip whenever possible!

 

Nature trails in Päijänne National Park

Nordic skiing is fun!

The outdoor recreational area of Salpausselkä has several maintained exercise trails and an extensive network of ski tracks. Ski tracks of city of Lahti and municipality of Hollola are connected on Salpausselkä Ski route network.

Welcome to enjoy nordic (cross-country) or downhill skiing in the unique area of Salpausselkä UNESCO Global Geopark – Landscape created by water. Equipment rental, ski schools and other services available in Lahti Sport Centre area, in Messilä Ski Centre and in Vierumäki Resort.

Skiing season is here!

Live slope cameras from Messilä Ski Centre

From Messilä slope camera you can view the weather and snow conditions. Messilä is the biggest ski centre in southern Finland with 10 different slopes.

More about Messilä

Go cycling

The Salpausselkä UNESCO Global Geopark and its surroundings are an exceptional cycling destination thanks to their varied, versatile terrain and various bodies of water. Climb up ridges and descend to the shores of the lake, cycle along winding forest trails and roll countryside roads.

Check out our best cycling routes for gravel and bike-backing, road cycling and mountain biking!

Explore Lahti Region by bike

Explore the sites

Enjoy the scenic views

Sceneries by the water

Explore urban nature

Outdoor trails in forests

Salpausselkä UNESCO Global Geopark – A Landscape Created by Water

The forest-covered Salpausselkä ridges and winding eskers form a unique entity of landforms, shaped by ancient glacial meltwater streams. Together with rocky hills and hundreds of lakes they offer stunningly beautiful views and excellent opportunities for recreation.

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