Lahti Region for birdwatchers
Lahti Region for Birdwatchers
Interested in birdwatching? Whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced explorer, the Lahti region offers an easy gateway to diverse birding spots. Forests, wetlands, lakeshores, and protected areas provide plenty to see and hear all year round. Set out to discover the region’s rich birdlife and mark your own favorite places on the map.
These recommendations have been compiled by author and Salpausselkä Geopark guide Ina Ruokolainen. The article also features insights from Tapani Saimovaara of BirdLife Finland.
Lahti and the surrounding Päijät-Häme region sit at the crossroads of several vegetation zones and landscapes, creating a uniquely diverse natural environment. The First and Second Salpausselkä ridges, which cut across the region, shape not only the scenery but also the living conditions for countless bird species.
To the south, wide open fields and wetlands provide ideal resting and feeding grounds for migrating birds. Between the ridges lies Lake Vesijärvi, while to the north Lake Päijänne—the second largest lake in Finland—draws waterfowl and birdwatchers alike to its shores.
On the western side of Päijänne, vast forests stretch as far as the eye can see, while the eastern landscapes already echo the character of Savonia. At the heart of Southern Päijänne, the scenic Pulkkilanharju ridge offers breathtaking views and is one of the best places to experience the spectacle of autumn bird migration.
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Autumn in Päijänne National Park
Päijänne National Park stretches across the municipalities of Padasjoki, Sysmä, and Asikkala, and is especially known for Kelvenne, its long and narrow esker island. On the open waters and shores of Southern Päijänne, gull species thrive—the lesser black-backed gull is even the park’s emblem bird. The osprey nests in the area, and visitors can often spot loons, great crested grebes, mergansers, goldeneyes, swans, and Canada geese.
Some islands have restrictions during the nesting season, but at other times they are perfect for excursions. You can reach them by private boat, canoe, scheduled cruise boat, or water taxi, and in winter, even across the ice.
The Pulkkilanharju esker in Asikkala, also part of Päijänne National Park, is accessible by land: this nine-kilometre chain of islands cutting across Southern Päijänne is connected by three bridges. During autumn migration, large numbers of waders, waterfowl, geese, songbirds, and birds of prey fly over the esker, making it a prime spot for birdwatching.
Every year, on the first Saturday of October, the EuroBirdwatch Day is held near the Vähäsaari lighthouse at the southern end of the esker. The event is open to everyone, with experienced birdwatchers and professionals on hand to share their knowledge about birds.
From Lahti City Centre to Nature Reserves
At Kariniemenmäki Hill in Lahti, visitors can combine nature with culture close to the city centre. In the protected grove, bird songs are easy to hear in late spring. Along the paths of Lanu Park, there are human-shaped sculptures by artist Olavi Lanu. In winter, the Päijät-Häme Ornithological Society (PHLY) maintains a bird feeding site in Kariniemi.
The visit can also include a walk in Pikku-Vesijärvi Park and Lahti Harbour, where black-headed gulls are common. The Salpausselkä Trails, starting near the Sports Centre and city centre, are also suitable for birdwatching. On Radiomäki Hill, known for its radio masts and the Radio and TV Museum Mastola, PHLY maintains another winter feeding site.
By the shore of Lake Vesijärvi, the Kilpiäinen Woodpecker Forest is a valuable grove area. Together with the nearby Ritamäki Nature Reserve, it is one of the few places in Finland where all local woodpecker species can be found. A birdwatching tower provides views over waterfowl and black-headed gulls, which nest on a floating platform built in Kilpiäistenpohja Bay. The area is accessible by bus 1K, and there is a parking area at the Kilpiäistenpohja Nature Reserve.
The Lapakisto Nature Reserve, located east of Lahti, is a popular destination for both hiking and birdwatching. The area is home to bird species typical of old forests, and it is possible to see capercaillie or black grouse during their mating season. On the lakes and ponds, species such as goldeneye, wigeon, and black-throated diver are common. For birdwatching, early morning is recommended before the area gets busy. The parking area of Lapakisto is about 15 km from Lahti city centre.
From Vääksy Canal to Kalkkistenkoski Rapids
The area around Vääksy Canal and the Vääksy River in the centre of Asikkala is an easily accessible birdwatching site where all Finnish woodpecker species can be found. On the nature trail at the northern end of the river, greenish warblers and golden orioles can be heard in early summer. Even in winter, it is possible to spot grey herons, white-throated dippers, or even kingfishers. The river’s fish attract common mergansers and otters. Fishing is only allowed for children with simple rods in the designated Enskala area at the Päijänne end of the river. Vääksy is served by bus connections from Lahti, Padasjoki, and Sysmä.
Kalkkistenkoski Rapids, located between Lake Päijänne and the Kymenvirta waterway, is one of Asikkala’s top birding sites year-round. In winter, the open rapids can host more than a hundred goldeneyes, and white-throated dippers are regular wintering birds. The surrounding forests are home to white-backed woodpeckers and long-tailed tits. Otters also fish in the rapids. The site cannot be reached directly by car; from the Kalkkinen Canal parking area, visitors need to walk about one kilometre along small roads leading to cottages.
Kutajärvi in Hollola
Kutajärvi, located southeast of Hollola Church Village, is a protected nature reserve that has been known among birdwatchers since the 1960s. In spring, the lake is a prime resting site in the region for great crested grebes, tufted ducks, and smews. Other regularly observed species include bitterns, cranes, marsh harriers, hobbies, and ospreys.
The site can be reached either from Rantatie Road in Hollola or from the birdwatching tower’s parking area at the northern end of Kutajärvi, near Pyhäniemi Manor and the EnjoyNature Bed & Breakfast, which operates in former care home buildings.
Kutajärvi Nature TrailIn Heinola by the Kymijoki River
The town centre of Heinola is defined by the lakes Ruotsalainen and Konnivesi on its west and east sides. Their shores are habitats for various gulls, common sandpipers, and common terns. A popular outdoor destination is Koskensaari, where visitors can walk a nature trail of just over three kilometres. In addition to birds, grazing sheep can be seen on the island in summer.
Another good site near Heinola town centre is the area around Lakes Rautjärvi and Venejärvi, about five kilometres north of the centre. Favoured by anglers, the area has a wilderness-like character but also offers a nature trail, piers, shelters, and campfire sites.
Koskensaari Nature TrailFrom Kammiovuori Hill to Bird Lakes in Sysmä
Kammiovuori in Sysmä is both an important Salpausselkä Geopark site and a valuable old forest area rich in birdlife. With some luck, visitors may encounter a Ural owl or a three-toed woodpecker, while greenish warblers can be heard in the groves below. Highlights of the nature trail, in addition to the views, include the seven-metre-high erratic boulder known as Sysmän Linta and the cave of Hiskias.
The bird lakes around Sysmä’s church village provide evening bird concerts. In spring, the deep booming call of the bittern is especially distinctive. The best way to experience the area’s many lakes is by canoeing or rowing, but the Birdwatching Guide also offers tips on parking and viewing points near the shores.
Kammiovuori TrailLearn the basics – Do not disturb the birds
Birdwatching is possible at any time, but the time of day and season strongly affect where birds can be seen or heard. Spring and autumn migration are visible in different locations in the region and depend on prevailing weather conditions. For owl trips or searching for night singers, more experienced guidance is useful. During nesting and moulting, many species stay hidden, while fledglings can sometimes be seen even on streets and in parks.
Some birds living close to settlements are accustomed to people, but owls, for example, do not appear in towns for human enjoyment – they are there to find food. Responsible birdwatchers do not disturb nesting birds, hunting raptors, or small birds at feeding sites for the sake of photographs or observations.
“A photo must never become more important than the birds’ need for peace during nesting, feeding, or resting. For a hungry owl, it can be fatal if the one vole or mouse it was about to catch escapes because someone wanted to take their own picture of a species that has already been photographed hundreds of times,” reminds Tapani Saimovaara.