Lakeland Finland starts from Lahti
Lakeland Finland starts here
Here you will find ideas for the Finnish Lakeland, beginning from the Lahti region. Enjoy the soothing lakeside scenery from the beach or on a boat. Sandy beaches, sheltered lagoons, and guest harbors await water lovers and boaters. Explore the deepest lake in Finland, Lake Päijänne, which also provides drinking water for one million Finns.
Dip your feet in true water of Lakeland Finland!
Cruise, 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.
Fishing
The clean waters of Lake Päijänne and Vesijärvi provide amazing opportunities for fishers to make the catches of their dreams. If you need someone to explain the secrets of fishing to you, try a guided fishing tour for example with Salpausselkä Pro Fishing expert guides.
Guest marinas for boaters
Here you will find the contact details for guest harbours in the Lahti region and southern Lake Päijänne.
Experience three unique canals
The canals in the Lahti region are also pleasant places to visit for those travelling by road. Which is your favourite? The over 150-year-old Vääksy Canal and its surrounding idyllic Old Vääksy, Europe’s longest freshwater lock on the Kalkkisten Canal, or the Kimola Canal with its staggering 12-metre lock height?
The canals are open to boaters from May to the end of October.
Read morePopular destinations by water
Padasjoen Laivaranta Marina
At the marina, you can enjoy the treats of the summer restaurant Palas 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.
Ilola Inn in Suopelto, Sysmä
In the Suopelto district of Sysmä, two true gems are located almost next to each other: Ilola Inn, a boutique hotel, lakeside restaurant and guest harbour, and summer restaurant Pinxinmäki, known also for its art exhibitions.
From Heinola harbour to the Kimola canal
Enjoy a delicious meal while enjoying the picturesque scenery of the Kymenvirta rapids at Bistro Tango & Matto. After dining, take a leisurely stroll under the poplar trees in the nearby Rantapuisto park. For a unique experience, board the M/S Pyhäjärvi for a cruise to the Vuolenkoski village or to the Kimola canal.
Kelvenne – an Ice Age miracle
A true gem of Salpausselkä Geopark and Päijänne National Park is the eight kilometres long Kelvenne esker island. 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 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.
Nature attractions by the water
Salpausselkä Geopark – A landscape created by water. Explore geologically outstanding places and enchanting nature paths with beautiful sceneries by the water in this UNESCO designated area.