Lahti’s Most Instagrammable walking tour
Where can you find the statue of Jari Litmanen, Finland’s most successful footballer? How about the most impressive mural in Lahti? An invigorating walking tour includes the most photogenic Lahti destinations and refueling spots along the way.
1. Radiomäki hill
Radiomäki hill is definitely worth the climb: from there, you can snap a stunning shot over the city towards Lake Vesijärvi. Radiomäki hill is also the home of the iconic Lahti radio masts of which you can find great angles in bright daylight as well as in evening lighting.
In addition, Radio and TV Museum Mastola is also located on Radiomäki hill.
2. Mural art and tasty flavours in Malski
Descend from Radiomäki towards the market place. Then walk uphill on Mariankatu and cross the Ristinkirkko church park to Päijänteenkatu. You are now in the region of the recently opened creative hub Malski. Head to Mallaskatu and then take a right to access the Malski courtyard. Here you will find the most stunning mural of the city that decorates the wall of Malski and Malva – the Lahti Museum of visual arts, which will open in 2022. The Block Party mural by Laura Lehtinen and Maikki Rantala is a stylish representation of Lahti’s industrial history.
Do you feel like taking a break after the mural? There are three restaurants in Malski: Malskin Bistro is perfect for lunch, Kahiwa Coffee Roasters responds to your need for snacks and high-quality coffee and the pub of the Ant Brew beer collective will quench your thirst. And when in Malski, don’t just stare at your feet: the walls are adorned with selected poster art from Lahti Poster Museum.
3. Jari Litmanen and Kisapuisto park & ski legends at the Sports Centre
Next, it’s time to spot the statues of Lahti legends. In the middle of Kisapuisto Sports Park, you will find the statue of Jari “Litti” Litmanen, the most successful Finnish footballer, who also hails from Lahti. From Kisapuisto you can continue through Fellmanninpuisto park to the Lahti Sports Centre. There you will find the statue of skier Siiri “Äitee” Rantanen. And then let your feet lead you towards the ski jump landing, where you can easily snap a shot with the most famous sights in Lahti, the ski jumps and the ski jumper statue.
4. “Meat mug” original
The meat mug – Lahti’s culinary gift for the rest of the world. Usually served as a late night snack, the meat mug is a meat lover’s dream that contains strips of kebab meat in a Coca-Cola mug with delicious dressings. Chefs in Lahti have already created their own versions of the classic, including fancy ones, but you can order the one and only original “mug” from the Jonel Thai stand on Vapaudenkatu.
