Sysmä Travel Guide

Discover all about Sysmä, Southern Finland's stunning destination with this ultimate travel guide. We'll provide you the list of places and activities to visit, where to stay, best times to go, and safety and health tips, among others.


Introduction to Sysmä

Sysmä, a municipality in Päijänne Tavastia, Southern Finland, is a hidden gem that offers both cultural and natural attractions for travelers of all ages. The town is located in the heart of Finland, surrounded by beautiful lakes and lush forests, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Sysmä is also perfect for those who want to explore the traditional Finnish way of life, as it has preserved its customs, culture, and history from generation to generation while embracing modernization.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you on a journey through Sysmä’s top attractions, hiking, and biking routes, food and drinks scene, and many more.

List of Places to Visit in Sysmä

Find below the list of top places to visit in Sysmä, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and have an unforgettable experience.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Sysmä has several historical places and museums that explain the history and culture of the people living here. Here are the top attractions to visit:

  • Sysmä Church: A beautiful wooden church, built-in 1649 in honor of St. Olaf, the patron saint of Finland.

  • Sysmä Museum: A local museum that dates back to the 18th century and showcases the town’s cultural heritage, including old tools and artifacts.

  • Pätiälä Manor: A neoclassical-style manor house, built-in 1844, with lovely garden and parkland.

Natural Attractions of Sysmä: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Sysmä’s natural beauty is something that one shouldn’t miss, here are the top outdoor attractions:

  • Natura Viva: An enchanting nature reserve located on the shore of Lake Päijänne, with amenities for fishing, hiking, camping, and boating.

  • Päijänne National Park: A vast wilderness that includes a variety of landscapes, from rugged forests to crystal clear lakes.

  • Laivarannan reitti: A popular lakeside walking trail that connects Sysmä with the neighboring town of Hartola.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Sysmä

Sysmä’s beautiful scenery is particularly famous for its hiking and biking routes. Here are some popular options for visitors:

  • Karhunkaatajanpolku Nature Trail: A hiking trail that starts from the Pätiälä Manor and passes through beautiful forests and stunning lake views.

  • Sysmä biking trail: A 21-kilometer trail that takes you through the town’s stunning countryside, with plenty of rest stops and scenic vistas.

  • Kammiovuori Trail: A 7-kilometer circular trail that offers beautiful views of the Sysmä Bay area, while displaying the local birdlife and wildlife.

Best Things to Do in Sysmä: Activities and Tours

Sysmä offers an array of activities to try out; here are the top ones:

  • Take a kayak tour with Natura Viva and get to know the Finnish nature with the help of a seasoned guide.

  • Visit a local vineyard, the Anttilan tila, and sample one of their exquisite wines.

  • Attend Sysmä Summerfest, an annual music event celebrated in Sysmä; dance along with locals and tourists, meet new people, and make unforgettable memories.

Week-Long Itinerary for Sysmä

Day 1: Visit Pätiälä Manor and its beautiful gardens; take a guided tour or have a picnic lunch in the park.

Day 2: Go hiking or biking at Laivarannan reitti and dive into Sysmäs’s natural beauty and countryside.

Day 3: Visit Sysmä Museum, and learn more about the town’s cultural heritage.

Day 4: Explore Päijänne National Park, enjoy the pristine wilderness, and relax at the shore of the Lake Päijänne.

Day 5: Take a kayaking tour to discover the hidden treasures of Lake Päijänne

Day 6: Go wine-tasting at Anttilan tila and relax in its scenic surroundings.

Day 7: Attend Sysmä Summerfest and enjoy a day full of music, cultural events, and magic.

Food and Drink Scene of Sysmä

Finnish cuisine is all about simple, hearty meals with high-quality ingredients, here are the must-try dishes and local beverages while visiting Sysmä

Must-Try Dishes

  • Kalakukko: Fish pie made with butter, rye flour, fish fillet, and other ingredients, served hot.

  • Salmiakki: Finnish salty licorice either in chewy format or powder.

  • Karjalanpiirakka: A pastry dish filled with rice pudding or potatoes.

Local Beverages

  • Lonkero: A refreshing alcoholic beverage made of gin and grapefruit soda.

  • Finnish beer: Try some of the locally made craft beers, such as Panimo Hiisi’s or Pyynikin Brewing Company.

  • Finnish vodka: The most famous Finnish vodka brands are Koskenkorva and Sauna Viina; try them with berry juice or cranberry syrup.

Where to Stay in Sysmä: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

You can find several options for accommodation in Sysmä, here are some recommendations:

  • Sysmän kukkaisviha: A beautiful, traditional guesthouse with scenic countryside views.

  • Värdshuset Ett Hem: A cozy guesthouse with charming interiors and only a short distance from the bus station.

  • Päijänteen Lomahovi: A modern log-cabin style hotel, located in the heart of Sysmä, with easy access to nearby destinations.

What to Buy in Sysmä: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Bringing back home a few meaningful souvenirs from Sysmä can be an excellent way of having a lasting memory of your trip. Here are some recommendations:

  • Finnish handicrafts, like felted slippers, woolen mittens, or traditional Finnish jewelry.

  • Moomin-themed souvenirs, like cups, plates, or plush toys.

  • Finnish sweets and snacks, like Fazer chocolates or salmiakki candies.

Local Culture and Customs of Sysmä

One of the hallmarks of Sysmä is its local culture, which is deeply rooted in its traditions and customs. Here are some tips on how to behave like a local:

  • Respect the privacy of the locals, and ask for permissions when visiting a private property.

  • Smoking is prohibited in most indoor public spaces, including bars and restaurants.

  • Shoes are often taken off when entering someone’s house, so be prepared to have clean socks on hand.

Best Time to Visit Sysmä

Sysmä’s beauty is something that can be appreciated throughout the year, so there’s no specific time to go to fully enjoy the town. However, the best time to go to Sysmä depends on your interests and preferences.

  • Mid-summer festival: Celebrated in June, is one of the most significant events in Sysmä. If you’re interested in local culture, then this is the best time to visit Sysmä.

  • Winter sports: If you’re a fan of winter sports, then visiting Sysmä from December to February can provide some great opportunities for cross-country skiing and ice fishing.

  • Hiking and biking: Late spring and early autumn provide the perfect temperature for outdoor activities and exploring the town’s beautiful scenery.

Do’s and Don’ts of Sysmä

Do:

  • Greet locals with a friendly “hei” or “moi” instead of “hello” or “hi.”

  • Dress warmly when visiting Sysmä during winter months.

  • Carry insect repellent during summer months.

Don’t:

  • Don’t drink tap water from lakes or rivers unless properly treated.

  • Don’t litter the town’s natural scenery with trash, use the proper bins to dispose of your waste.

  • Don’t light fires in unauthorized areas or in areas with a high risk of forest fire.

Safety and Health

In general, Finland is a safe country that poses low risks for travelers. You should remain vigilant of your belongings and keep an eye out for pickpockets in touristy areas. In terms of health, you should take standard precautions as per your travel needs.

Safety in Sysmä

  • Respect the town’s health and safety regulations, and follow the instructions given by local authorities.

  • Avoid walking alone during nighttime; ask your accommodations to arrange for a taxi or Uber ride.

  • Keep an eye out for moose when walking or driving outside of town – they can sometimes appear on the road suddenly.

Health in Sysmä

  • Consider bringing a mosquito repellent and covering exposed skin to avoid mosquito bites.

  • Pack allergy medicines or any regular medications that you might require.

  • Check with your healthcare provider if you need any vaccinations or consultations before traveling to Finland.

Getting to Sysmä: Transportation Options and Logistics

Traveling to Sysmä is convenient due to its location, as it’s well-connected with the adjacent towns and cities. The following are the most common transportation options for reaching Sysmä.

Airports Near Sysmä

  • Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is the nearest international airport, located around 150 km from Sysmä. You can take a shuttle bus to Lahti, and from there, a local bus to Sysmä.

Bus Stations Near Sysmä

  • The fastest way to reach Sysmä from Helsinki is by taking the express bus from Helsinki to Lahti, and from there, a local bus to Sysmä.

Other Options

  • There’s an efficient train service that connects Helsinki to Lahti, from where you can take a bus to Sysmä.

  • You can also rent a car and drive to Sysmä, an option that offers the benefit of exploring the beautiful surroundings at your leisure.

How to Get Around in Sysmä

Sysmä town center is small and pedestrian-friendly, so exploring it on foot or bicycle is easy. However, if you want to explore the lakes or surrounding countryside, consider renting a car or a bike from one of the rental shops available in town.

Where to Go Next from Sysmä: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Sysmä is surrounded by some of Finland’s most breathtaking destinations, and you can take day trips from here to neighboring towns and regions such as:

  • The medieval town of Porvoo

  • The lakeside town of Lahti

  • The capital city of Helsinki

Conclusion

Sysmä is a perfect destination for those who want to experience traditional Finnish life while enjoying beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. We hope this comprehensive guide has helped you in planning your trip and provides useful information for making your visit to Sysmä unforgettable. Get ready to embrace the charm of Sysmä!

View from Kammiovuori View from Kammiovuori