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, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year!
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 MessiläGo 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 bikeExplore the sites
Enjoy the scenic views
Sceneries by the water
Explore urban nature
Outdoor trails in forests
All trails on a map
Explore Lahti region’s nature sights, trails and routes on a digital map. You’ll find routes for exmple for cycling, hiking and canoeing.
Experience the Finnish Lakeland
Lakeland Finland starts from Lahti. Cruise, SUP, fish and Explore the Finnish Lakeland!
Accessible nature destinations
Explore and enjoy accessible nature destinations in the Lahti region. All of these are tested by a person in a wheelchair.
Lean-to-shelters and campfire sites
Discover campfire sites in the Lahti region, whether you’re exploring a forest, enjoying a lakeside retreat, or traversing an outdoor trail. There’s a perfect spot for every hiker.
Download Bike travel guide for Päijät-Häme region
A varied terrain and splendid lake views make the scenery of Lahti Region an exceptional cycling destination.
Outdoor etiquette
Respecting nature, getting around, camping, lighting fires and litter-free hiking – take note of the summarised tips for excursion etiquette and you are ready to head outdoors. Always check the detailed rules of your excursion destination on the destination page as well.
Bloggers’ top picks
Keep on climbing! A reward awaits you at the top
Climb up steps or a steep rocky hill! Achieving that goal will surely be rewarding in many ways. Check out the tips on places where you can get fit and enjoy stunning scenery at the same time.
Lehmusreitti – an urban nature trail almost in the city centre
The urban park trail in Lahti city centre, Lehmusreitti (“Tilia Trail”), is a diverse mix of different types of forests, lookout spots, lake shores and the most interesting sights in Lahti.