#22. From ⛷️Ski Jumping to Saunas♨️, This Lakeland City🇫🇮 is a Winter ❄️Wonderland

Nestled along the southern edge of Lake Vesijärvi in Finland’s picturesque ‘Lakeland’, just 100 kilometers north of the capital Helsinki, Lahti, which translates to ‘Bay’, is a dynamic city that combines historical roots, industrial evolution, environmental leadership, and unique landscape shaped by the Ice Age and post-glacial settlements. 

Now boasting a modern cityscape and rapidly expanding population of over 120,000, this de facto capital of Finland’s Päijät-Häme region remains deeply connected to its humble origins as the oldest confirmed post-glacial settlement in the country, placing it around 9000 years old, and incarnation as a small village on a medieval trade route between southern Finland and Vyborg, Russia (1445). 

Lahti’s economic and population growth only began to take shape after the completion of the Riihimäki–Saint Petersburg railway line in the late 19th century, catapulting it into the spotlight as one of Finland’s busiest railway hubs. This industrial boom, coupled with a devastating fire that nearly razed the entire village, were pivotal moments in Lahti’s shedding of its agricultural past and transition to a ‘modern identity’. Specifically, such destruction proved oddly fruitful, as it spurred local authorities to resume deliberations on establishing Lahti as a town. Not long after, Lahti was granted ‘market town rights’ and underwent rapid grid-style urban development under Emperor Alexander II of Russia. 

The early 20th century saw Lahti officially established as a city under Tsar Nicholas II, with the construction of key municipal buildings and a nearly 40-fold increase in its population occurring as a direct result. Lahti’s exponential growth made for a highly contested site between the independence-driven Finnish Whites (and German troops) and the paramilitary labor movement Finnish Reds in the Finnish Civil War of 1918. Post-World War II, Lahti continued as one of Finland’s fastest-growing cities, ballooning further after 10,000 evacuees of ceded territories to the Soviet Union arrived. While population growth came to an abrupt halt in the mid-1970s, the incorporation of the surrounding municipality of Nastola in 2016 reignited expansion.

Today, Lahti is a celebrated hub for winter (and outdoor) sports, especially ski jumping, thanks to its breathtaking Ice Age-shaped landscape, magnet for cultural events and performances, driven by a world-class orchestra, and pioneer in environmental innovation, having earned the title of European Green Capital in 2021 for its sustainability efforts (i.e. recycling more than 99% of household waste!) - making it the perfect city for visitors seeking a special blend of both tradition and innovation and wanting to truly experience Finland’s past, present, and future in a single place.

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The Lahti Scoop

Must-See Attractions

• Start your exploration of the picturesque Päijät-Häme region by exploring the Lahti Harbor, a popular hub of activity, and the city’s signature wood architecture buildings along the scenic Lake Vesijärvi. 

  • Lined with charming (and bustling) outdoor cafes and bars, this is the perfect spot to grab an ice cream or toss back a coffee/evening drink (like one of the country’s award-winning whiskies) while soaking in the rhythmic humming of boats crisscrossing the harbor and view of the iconic Sibelius Hall - a sophisticated Scandinavian wooden masterpiece of modern architecture (and acoustics) that’s home to the Lahti Symphony Orchestra. 

  • Spend a leisurely summer afternoon out on Lake Vesijärvi with a charming paddle steamer cruise on the tranquil water and get a taste of what Finnish Lakeland is really about! 

• No trip to Lahti is complete without appreciating the wooden congress and concert center that is Sibelius Hall from inside with a night out listening to the internationally acclaimed Lahti Symphony Orchestra. Celebrated for its performances and works by Jean Sibelius, considered Finland’s greatest composer, expect both classic and popular tunes that are sure to leave a lasting impression. 

• Immerse yourself in Lahti’s glacial legacy of Salpausselkä Geopark, a UNESCO-listed site that slices through the city from west to east and forms stunning rugged ridges and cliffs, outcrops of ancient bedrock, hundreds of pristine lakes, and ethereal forests. It’s one of the five geoparks in Finland and offers an endless exploration of geological wonders alongside hiking, skiing, and biking opportunities galore. 

  • For unparalleled outdoor adventure (and breathtaking views year-round), head to the Messilä Ski Resort nearby - considered a world-class destination for winter sports enthusiasts and a prominent home to international ski jumping championships!

• Lahti is home to numerous serene parks, all of which offer their own unique attractions/features. 

  • Laune Family Park, a popular spot to the south of the city where you’ll find an arboretum with 500 different plants, several ponds, a water park, and mini golf. Don’t forget to snag one of the free bicycles or scooters to make your way around the area!

  • Don’t miss the soothing Vesiurut (Musical Fountain) in Kariniemi Park, which performs a captivating 15-minute musical display daily from June to October (1 PM and 6 PM).

  • For sun and sand, visit Ankkuri Beach (near Lahti Harbor). Not only is Ankkuri Beach a great spot for swimming but it’s also a popular spot to kick back with a drink and small cake before a walk along the water! 

Cultural Experiences

• Continue your stroll from the harbor across the city, marveling at the architectural diversity that makes up Lahti’s downtown and surrounding areas. 

  • Don’t miss the stately Lahti City Hall, an imposing red granite structure and prime example of Finnish National Romanticism, Church of the Cross, considered a masterpiece of modernist and minimalist architecture with 52 windows symbolizing the weeks of the year, Nastola Church, an early 19th-century wooden church and example of traditional Finnish ecclesiastical architecture, City Library, for a glimpse into the city’s sleek big window, high ceiling modernist hub of knowledge, and City Theater, a concrete building packed with state-of-art facilities that happens to be one of the largest repertory theaters in the country. 

• Spend the day at one of Lahti’s numerous museums, which all speak to varying aspects of its history and culture.

  • Dive into the thrilling (and chilling?) world of winter sports at the Lahti Ski Museum. Situated in the city’s primary sports complex, a stone’s throw from the Salpausselkä ski-jumping venue, it explores the history of skiing (including the annual Lahti Ski Games which have run since 1923), ski equipment and its evolution, women in skiing, and even boasts interactive displays and simulations where you can test your skills biathlon shooting or even ski jumping!

  • Set in a beautifully repurposed brewery building, the Lahti Museum of Visual Arts Malva is the city’s epicenter for art, design, and posters. Sporting over 9,000 art pieces and 70,000 posters, it offers a sensory journey through Finnish creativity. Frequently rotating exhibitions and installations mean something always new is in store, keeping things fresh for seasoned gallery visitors and tourists alike!

  • Housed in the picturesque and historic Lahti Manor, a rose-colored house built in 1898 for an aristocratic Finnish family, the Historical Museum of Lahti offers a glimpse into the city and surrounding region’s past - from post-Ice Age life to the modern era. Explore Lahti’s cultural history through 45,000-plus artifacts, many related to the furniture and textile industries, along with old photographs and interviews with the city’s elderly population. Make sure to swing by its armory which showcases historical weapons of the region!

• Make sure to experience an integral part of Finnish life by relaxing at one of the country’s 3.3 million traditional saunas. For goodness sake, the word ‘sauna’ is of Finnish origin! These beloved refuges offer a space not just for relaxation but for socialization and even quiet introspection. Numerous saunas line the city, with popular public saunas situated by Lake Vesijärvi. For a more rustic feel, head out to the countryside or surrounding lakeside cottages for an afternoon sweating it out. And remember, when the heat begins to feel ‘too much’, it’s tradition to jump in the nearby lake or roll around in the snow to cool off!

Local Cuisine & Beer/Alcohol Scene 

Finnish Lakeland cuisine embraces and prioritizes the use of ingredients found in its clear lakes and lush forests, with a heavy emphasis on sustainability. Local dishes typically feature fresh fish, foraged berries, and hearty game meats. 

• Several must-try dishes in the Finnish Lakeland include:

  • Muikku (Vendace) - popular in both summer and winter, Muikku (fried white fish) is a fried comfort food typically served with mashed potatoes or rye bread. 

  • Karjalanpiirakka (Karelian Pies) - thin rye pastries packed with creamy rice porridge that is typically topped with egg butter. These are a popular regional favorite and a popular ‘pick me up’ snack to get you through the day!

  • Kalakukko: a traditional fish pie that’s baked inside a loaf of bread. Filling typically consists of fish, pork, and bacon (all liberally seasoned). 

  • Mojakka: a staple in all Finnish households, this flavorful fish and vegetable soup incorporates either whitefish or baltic herring, butter, salt, thickened flour, and onions.

• For a dessert and/or coffee break, try Korvapuusti, Finland’s answer to the cinnamon roll but with a cardamom twist. These fragrant, aromatic, buttery pastries are a must when paired with a strong Finnish coffee! And everyone loves a tart, blueberry pie, so don’t skip on a slice of Mustikkapiirakka, often made with fresh wild blueberries and served with a dollop of cream or vanilla sauce. 

• When in Lahti and looking for a booze fix, not many do it better than Teerenpeli Brewery & Distillery, who serve up local craft beers and whiskeys. Take a tour for an introduction to one of the country’s oldest distilleries! For an authentic Finnish drinking experience, make sure to slug some Sahti, a beloved farmhouse ale made with malted and unmalted grains and flavored with juniper berries. Finally, a true Finnish classic that can be found in most restaurants (and every bar) is Koskenkorva - a traditional clear spirit that clocks in at just under 40% alcohol (consumed straight or mixed with cola!). 

• For a quintessential Lahti street food (especially after drinking), consider grabbing yourself a ‘lihamuki’ which translates to “meat mug” - a soft drink cup filled with the lowest grade kebab meat topped with various sauces.

Lahti Insider 

Best Time to Visit 

Classified as a ‘humid continental climate’, Lahti boasts four distinct seasons, each offering its unique allure (and advantages). 

• Winter (December-March) is the ideal time to visit for snow and winter sports enthusiasts as the city comes alive with events like the annual Lahti Ski Games and Finlandia-hiihto cross-country skiing contest, while the Salpausselkä Ridges and Messilä Ski Resort promise world-class skiing and snowboarding powder. The sub-zero temperatures also make cozying up in a traditional sauna even more inviting (and make the mandatory lake and/or snow dip even more refreshing!). 

• Spring (April-May) sees Lahti wake up from its frosty slumber, yielding vibrant greenery and lush landscapes, meaning it’s the perfect time to enjoy local parks (like Laune Family Park) or days hiking and exploring the scenic Salpausselkä UNESCO Global Geopark.

  • Motorheads will rejoice in May when the Classic Motor Show rolls into town, with an abundance of American cars from the 1950s and 1960s, along with various automotive presentations, competitions, and a motorcade. 

• Summer (June-August) is emphatically the most popular season to visit Lahti. With increasingly warm temperatures and extended daylight hours, paddle steamer cruises along Lake Vesijärvi, sunbathing at Ankkuri Beach, or simply strolling along the bustling harbor are all ripe for the picking! 

  • Summer is also a great time for cultural festivals and performances like the international orchestral and symphonic Sibelius Festival and the jazz-focused Lahti Organ Festival!

• As summer cools off and the leaves turn during Autumn (September-November), Lahti’s parks and ridges are blanketed in stunning hues of orange, gold, and green, offering a tranquil landscape that even gives my home state of New Hampshire a run for its money! This is also the ideal season for those interested in the region’s geological wonders or want to experience the crisp, cool air of the city without the overwhelming summer crowds.

Hidden Gems/Local Secrets

• Lahti’s reputation for progressive and sophisticated wood architecture shines through its participation in the prestigious Spirit of Wood Architectural Award. While exploring the city, keep an eye out for small wooden structures designed by award-winning international artists (ex. Japan and Australia), blending both sustainability and artistry. 

  • Specifically, the Wood Architecture Park (currently under construction) just near Sibelius Hall is worth swinging by for a unique look into Lahti’s modern architectural landscape!

• Make sure to catch an ice hockey game at Isku Arena, home to the Lahti Pelicans, one of Finland’s premier hockey teams (in the top league). The Pelicans aren’t just any old team, as they are co-owned by local legends: former NHL goalie Pasi Nurminen and Formula One racing driver Valtteri Bottas. Sporting a roster that has launched the careers of countless NHL stars, this is a must-see for hockey fans.

• Finland is a gearhead/motorhead lover’s dream. Head over to the only motorcycle-focused museum in all of Finland (Finnish Motorcycle Museum) for a look at a motor treasure trove of over 100 motorcycles, including iconic national race bikes and mopeds. The collection highlights Finland’s storied motorcycling history in a fun, quirky way. 

• Visually (and auditorily) dive into broadcasting tradition and history at the Radio and TV Museum Mastola - aka the two towering longwave masts that are visible from across the city. Highlights include receiving and transmission equipment from the 1920s onward, radio amateur and DX listening equipment, radio and TV sets, household audio recording devices, and almost anything you can name related to audiovisual history! 

• Relive the golden age of Lahti’s past and rail travel aboard a 1947 steam locomotive to Heinola, which takes you through a nostalgic journey along a picturesque 40 km track (one that isn’t used for regular passenger trains), stopping at historic stations along the way!

Travel Tips

• On top of a walkable and relatively compact city center, Lahti boasts an efficient and well-connected public transport system, making it a breeze to explore. To maximize your time (especially if traveling throughout Finland), consider purchasing a Waltti travel card online before your trip. 

  • The Waltti travel card is part of a nationwide ticketing system that is accepted across 20 Finnish cities and urban areas, enabling seamless contactless payments. Simply pre-load the amount you need, and you’re good to go. 

• For an eco-friendly alternative, keep an eye out for the many electric kick scooters scattered across the city center!

• Lahti is a great city to mix into your Finland itinerary thanks to being just 85 km north of Helsinki and easily accessible by commuter rail, with trains running up to two times per hour and taking just 1 hour (or less). It’s also well-served by countless short-distance and long-distance bus routes, making it an excellent hub for exploring other Finnish cities and towns. 

• The Bank of Finland estimates that the country will be entirely cashless by 2030, with both card payments and mobile wallets dominating the bulk of transactions - so make sure your credit or debit card is enabled for international transactions (let your bank know before, if necessary). Don’t forget to carry some cash for smaller purchases, mom-and-pop shops, and when visiting rural areas!

• For mobile data, make sure to pick up a prepaid Finnish SIM card/package from major providers like Telia, Elisa, or DNA at the Helsinki Airport. You can purchase ‘top-ups’ from R-Kioski stores all over the country, as well as from Otto ATMs and post offices.

See You Laht-a Lahti 

While Lahti is often overlooked in favor of Finland’s capital just 85 km to the south, it contains everything that a visitor could want or need to walk away with a truly authentic Finnish experience.

This is a call to action to get outside of the typical cities and areas that dominate itineraries when traveling (everywhere in the world). 

Step into the actual beating heart of a country. I know you won’t be disappointed - so much so that it’ll hurt when it's time to say ‘See you Laht-a to Lahti’.

If there are any specific destinations you’d like to see in an upcoming Destination Spotlight, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected]. 

Travel well everyone,

Big Body