Lakeland Finland starts here
Have you noticed that when seen from the south, Lahti is the first real lakeside city and Lake Vesijärvi is the most southern body of water in Lakeland Finland? The heart of Lakeland opens up from Vesijärvi through the Vääksy canal: Lake Päijänne, which provides drinking water for one million Finns.
Here, you can dip your feet in true water of Lakeland Finland!
Experience three unique canals
The Kimola canal, opened in the summer 2020, Vääksy with its surrounding lovely sights, restaurants and boutiques of Old Vääksy and Kalkkinen village with its winery and berry farms are all excellent destinations for a cruise and a fun day out.
Read moreCruise, SUP, fish! Explore Lakeland Finland.
Kayaking and SUP boarding
Rent a kayak or an SUP board and head to Päijänne National Park and Kelvenne esker island, for instance. A marked kayaking route is great for beginners, as is a beginners’ SUP course that will teach you the basics of stand-up paddle boarding.
Marina services for boaters
Here you will find the contact details for service marinas in the Lahti region.
Popular destinations by water
Padasjoen Laivaranta Marina
At the marina, you can enjoy the treats of the Kiuasniemi Marina summer restaurant and rent an SUP board or a boat taxi. From the marina, you can hop on a cruise in Päijänne National Park to Kelvenne island’s lagoon sandy beaches. You can also climb the Kullasvuori observation tower, from where you can snap “the most instagrammable” shots of your holiday.
Pinxinmäki and the new Ilola Inn in Suopelto, Sysmä
In the Suopelto district of Sysmä, two true gems are located almost next to each other: summer restaurant Pinxinmäki, which is known for its art exhibitions, and the luxury hotel and new lakeside restaurant Ilola Inn. Both are located within handy walking distance from New Port Sysmä.
From Heinola harbour to the Kimola canal
Enjoy a great meal and the Kymenvirta rapids scenery at RantaCasino. After your meal, it’s nice to stroll underneath the poplar trees in the nearby Rantapuisto park. Aboard M/S Pyhäjärvi, you can cruise to the Vuolenkoski summer market, try the berry wines of Viini-Pihamaa winery in Kalkkinen or continue to the recently opened Kimola canal.
A picnic on Enonsaari island
Enonsaari island is a popular destination and summer restaurant on Lake Vesijärvi in front of Lahti and Camping Messilä. You can access the island onboard m/s Kymppi, from both the Vesijärvi and Messilä harbours in Lahti. Nature trails suitable for the entire family crisscross the island, and don’t forget your swimsuit!
Kelvenne – an Ice Age miracle
A true gem of Salpausselkä Geopark and Päijänne National Park is Kelvenne esker island stretching almost eight kilometres. Its lagoon-like sandy beaches invite you to take a dip in the clear waters of Lake Päijänne. A nature trail runs from one end of the island to the other, and there are several camping and campfire sites along the trail. You can reach the island on a cruise boat from Padasjoki marina or a taxi boat from Padasjoki or Lehmonkärki Resort.
Lietsaari – a paradise island on Lake Päijänne
Lietsaari is a small but unusual island in Päijänne National Park, next to Kelvenne island. The highlight of Lietsaari is its narrow cape with fine sandy beaches. When you dip your feet in the water on the sandbanks of the cape, you are transported to a magical land. You can reach the island on a taxi boat from Padasjoki or Lehmonkärki Resort.