Water is a shared treasure of the Lahti region
In Lahti region, the Salpausselkä ridges and eskers formed by the last Ice Age hide in them massive quantities of continuously renewing pure groundwater.
Lahti was the European Green Capital in 2021. Pure water was one of the main themes of the year.
In addition to those who live in the region, more than a million Finns in the Helsinki metropolitan area drink water from the Salpausselkä Geopark area: the tap water in the capital region is sourced from Lake Päijänne, which is clean enough to drink. Water travels to Helsinki along the 120-kilometre long Päijännetunneli tunnel, which starts at the Asikkalanselkä part of the lake, close to the Pulkkilanharju esker.
Groundwater is a shared treasure, and we all should pay special attention to protecting it.
Water is refined into award-winning drinks
Lahti is home to the large-scale Hartwall brewery as well as several microbreweries. Many of the beverages from the Lahti region have won international awards. In Lahti, perhaps the best tap water in the world is turned into world-class whisky, beer and wine. Teerenpeli’s whiskies and Ainoa Winery’s berry wines have won several international awards. In addition, the wines, ciders and beers of Pihamaa Winery, Kanavan Panimo brewery and Teerenpeli have often finished among the top three in competitions. Pure water is the best ingredient for the local artisan roasteries’ coffee.
Fish and crayfish also love pure water
The enormous Lake Päijänne, the deepest and second largest lake in Finland, reaches all the way from Asikkala to Jyväskylä. The clear waters of Päijänne are among the most popular recreational fishing destinations in Finland. And no wonder, since the pure water and wide open lake present challenges, stunning scenery and plenty of fish to catch for fishing enthusiasts. Despite its popularity, there is more than enough space on this large lake. In addition to the fish delicacies of the Päijät-Häme region, crayfish also love the pure waters of the area. These experts in water purity require a sufficient oxygen content in the water. You won’t spot crayfish in water with low oxygen content.