Päijänne Tavastia Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, activities to do, food and drink scene, local culture, and travel tips in Päijänne Tavastia, Southern Finland.


Introduction to Päijänne Tavastia

Päijänne Tavastia is a scenic region in Southern Finland known for its beautiful lakes, striking landscapes, and vibrant culture. This region is perfect for those looking to experience the natural beauty of Finland, take part in outdoor activities, and explore the history of the area.

List of Places to Visit in Päijänne Tavastia

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Lahti Art Museum - This museum features a collection of contemporary Finnish art and also hosts various temporary exhibitions throughout the year.
  • Lahti Historical Museum - Here, you can learn about the history of the region through various exhibitions and artifacts.
  • Loviisa Maritime Museum - Located in the charming coastal town of Loviisa, this museum showcases the maritime history of the area.
  • Heinola Art Museum - Situated in the Heinola City Hall, this museum features works by local artists and temporary exhibitions.

Natural Attractions of Päijänne Tavastia: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Päijänne National Park - This park is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, featuring hiking trails, camping areas, and stunning lakeside views.
  • Messilä Ski Centre - This ski resort offers a variety of slopes and trails for both beginners and experienced skiers.
  • Lahti Harbour - This picturesque harbor is a great spot to take in views of Lake Vesijärvi and the city of Lahti.
  • Päijänne Lake - The second largest lake in Finland, Päijänne boasts crystal-clear waters and is a popular spot for boating and fishing.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Päijänne Tavastia

  • Iso-Palonen Nature Trail - This trail leads through old-growth forests and to the top of Iso-Palonen Hill for stunning views of the area.
  • Lapakisto Hiking Area - This area features a variety of trails through forests, along lakeshores, and over ridges.
  • Päijänne Nature Trail - This 14-kilometer trail takes hikers along the shore of the beautiful Päijänne Lake.

Best Things to Do in Päijänne Tavastia: Activities and Tours

  • Sauna Experiences - Saunas are an important part of Finnish culture, and Päijänne Tavastia offers numerous opportunities to enjoy traditional Finnish saunas.
  • Fishing - Päijänne Lake offers some of the best fishing in Finland, with a variety of fish species including pike, perch, and salmon.
  • Canoeing and Kayaking - The lakes and waterways of Päijänne Tavastia offer great opportunities for canoeing and kayaking.
  • Wine Tasting at Ägräs Distillery - This local distillery offers unique wine tasting experiences featuring Finnish wines made from berries and herbs.

Week-Long Itinerary for Päijänne Tavastia

Day Activity
1 Explore the city of Lahti
2 Visit Päijänne National Park
3 Hike in Lapakisto Hiking Area
4 Take a sauna and enjoy a traditional Finnish meal
5 Go fishing on Päijänne Lake
6 Enjoy a day of skiing at Messilä Ski Centre
7 Visit Loviisa Maritime Museum and Heinola Art Museum

Food and Drink Scene of Päijänne Tavastia

Must-Try Dishes

  • Kalakukko - This traditional Finnish dish consists of rye crust filled with fish and pork.

Local Beverages

  • Lonkero - This refreshing drink is a mix of grapefruit soda and gin.
  • Koskenkorva - A popular Finnish vodka distilled from barley.

Where to Stay in Päijänne Tavastia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Cumulus City Lahti - This hotel is situated near the city center and offers a variety of room styles.
  • Hostel Matkakoti Patria - A cozy and affordable hostel located in the heart of Lahti.
  • Gästhem Kronan Guesthouse - This guesthouse offers clean and comfortable rooms and is situated in the scenic town of Heinola.

What to Buy in Päijänne Tavastia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Moomin Products - These iconic Finnish characters can be found on everything from mugs to stuffed animals.
  • Handmade Crafts - Päijänne Tavastia is known for its skilled craftsmen, and you can find a variety of handmade items such as pottery and textiles.

Local Culture and Customs of Päijänne Tavastia

  • Sauna Culture - Saunas are an important part of Finnish culture and are a great way to relax and socialize with friends and family.
  • Midsummer Celebrations - Midsummer is celebrated throughout Finland, and in Päijänne Tavastia, it is a time to enjoy traditional music, food, and outdoor activities.

Best Time to Visit Päijänne Tavastia

The best time to visit Päijänne Tavastia is during the summer months (June - August) when you can enjoy the warm weather, long days, and outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Päijänne Tavastia

Do:

  • Do try a traditional Finnish sauna experience.
  • Do explore the natural beauty of Päijänne Tavastia by hiking or boating.

Don’t:

  • Don’t be disrespectful towards Finnish culture and customs.
  • Don’t litter or damage the natural environment.

Safety and Health

Safety in Päijänne Tavastia

Päijänne Tavastia is a safe area for travelers, but it is always important to practice common sense and be aware of your surroundings.

Health in Päijänne Tavastia

Finland has an excellent healthcare system, and there are numerous medical facilities throughout Päijänne Tavastia.

Getting to Päijänne Tavastia: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Päijänne Tavastia

The closest airport to Päijänne Tavastia is Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, which is approximately an hour and a half drive away.

Bus Stations Near Päijänne Tavastia

There are numerous bus stations in the region, including in Lahti and Heinola.

Other Options

Renting a car is a good option for exploring the area, and there are also train routes that connect the region to other parts of Finland.

How to Get Around in Päijänne Tavastia

Public transportation in the region is reliable and easy to navigate, and there are also options for renting bicycles and boats for exploring the area.

Where to Go Next from Päijänne Tavastia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Helsinki - The capital city of Finland is only an hour and a half away by car or train.
  • Tampere - This charming city is known for its historic buildings and cultural attractions and is located about an hour and a half away.
  • Kouvola - This town is home to numerous outdoor activities and is approximately a two-hour drive from Päijänne Tavastia.

Conclusion

Päijänne Tavastia offers travelers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities. Whether you are looking to explore the area’s history, enjoy a traditional Finnish sauna, or simply take in the stunning landscapes, this region has something for everyone.

Sunset at Lake Päijänne Sunset at Lake Päijänne Järvelä railway station in the municipality of Kärkölä Järvelä railway station in the municipality of Kärkölä The wooden church of Nastola The wooden church of Nastola


    Heinola
    Iitti
    Nastola
    Sysmä