Päijät-Häme has one of the deepest and clearest lakes in the country that provides water for the entire capital region. The landscape is defined by the massive Päijänne lake and the long ridges that rise from the water as natural wonders. These narrow eskers act like natural bridges for the roads as they skip across the blue bays and provide stunning views from both sides. You find yourself in a land of high viewpoints and clean spring water that is famous for its purity and taste.
The city of Lahti is a hub for sports and design with its famous ski jumps that dominate the skyline. You can drive the scenic route across Pulkkilanharju for a view that feels like you are flying over the water as the road follows a narrow strip of land. The region is home to many nature parks like Päijänne National Park with easy trails and quiet campsites. You find many spots to refill your water bottle directly from the natural springs that bubble up from the ground. The ridge roads offer some of the most unique driving experiences in the south.
Päijät-Häme offers a mix of urban energy and pure nature that is easy to reach from the main highways. The roads are a joy to drive as they follow the high ground between the lakes and provide constant vistas. You can find quiet harbors for a picnic or explore the local boutiques and galleries in the small villages like Vääksy. The lake itself is a massive playground for boating and swimming during the warm months and offers many hidden islands to explore. It is a region of heights and depths.
Päijät-Häme highlights
- Pulkkilanharju Ridge Drive across a narrow strip of land that cuts right through the middle of a massive lake for several miles. The views of the blue water on both sides of the car are some of the best in the south.
- Sibelius Hall Visit this massive wooden concert hall in Lahti that is famous for its world class acoustics and modern design. It sits right in the harbor and offers a great look at the local wood skill.
- Lahti Ski Jumps Stand at the bottom of the massive towers that dominate the city skyline and take the lift to the top. The view from the jump platform gives you a terrifying and amazing look at the city below.
- Vääksy Canal Watch the boats move between two massive lakes at this busy canal surrounded by historic wooden villas. The local cafes and small shops make it a very popular stop for a summer afternoon.
- Päijänne National Park Take a boat to the sandy islands or hike the trails along the high ridges that overlook the deep water. The park is known for its clear water and the sense of peace found in the archipelago.
- Heinola Bird Sanctuary Visit a park dedicated to helping injured birds where you can see swans and peacocks in a garden setting. It is an easy and free stop that is very popular with families and animal lovers.
- Kammiovuori Hill Hike to the second highest point in the south for a view that reaches across the massive Päijänne lake. The trail features giant boulders and a small cave that adds a bit of adventure to the walk.
- Radio and TV Museum Explore the history of northern broadcasting in a museum located at the base of two massive radio masts. The interactive exhibits and the old gear are a fun look at the tech of the past.
- Kiuasniemi Marina Park at this modern harbor for a meal with a view of the water or to rent a boat for a few hours. It is a gateway to the southern part of the lake district and a very scenic spot.
- Sysmä Church Village Drive to this quiet village to see a beautiful stone church and explore the local manor house history. The area is known for its high quality local food and the relaxed pace of lake life.
The local Four
History of Päijät-Häme
This region is a story written by the glaciers and the deep, clear water. The defining feature of the province is the Salpausselkä ridge, a massive wall of gravel and sand left behind by the melting ice age sheets. These ridges didn’t just shape the land; they provided the natural roads and filtration systems for some of the purest water on earth. The early history of the region is one of people following these high paths through the wilderness, settling along the shores of the massive Lake Päijänne.
The city of Lahti grew from a small village into a hub of industry and sports, driven by its location as a gateway between the south and the lake district. In the late 1800s, it became a center for the furniture and timber industries, using the wood from the surrounding forests and the water power of the rapids. The massive ski jumps that now dominate the skyline are a modern symbol of a culture that has always embraced the rugged terrain and the snowy winters. It is a place where human skill has always worked in tandem with the hills.
Today, your road trip takes you along the high ridges of Pulkkilanharju, where the road feels like a bridge over the water. The history of Päijät-Häme is one of heights and depths, where the high ground provided safety and the deep lakes provided life. As you visit the old villages like Sysmä or the modern harbor of Lahti, you see a province that has balanced its industrial strength with a deep love for its natural wonders. It is a land where the water is so clean you can drink it, and the views from the ridges are timeless.