Lahti is located in Päijät-Häme county, on the southern shore of Lake Vesijärvi, and despite gaining city status only in 1905 the city has established a firm foothold in the fields of design and sport. There are plenty of activities on offer in Lahti, both in the city itself and in the Päijänne lake district. Discover what Lahti can offer in outdoor pursuits, music and sport, as well as design and architecture. Although studies have shown that the Lahti area was populated as far back as 9,000 years ago, it only began to develop into a city as a result of the construction of the Riihimäki–St. Petersburg railway in the late 1860s. Lahti originally established itself as an industrial city, but is now best known as an innovative, energetic, environment-friendly city of culture.
Lahti is a real architectural treasure trove, with classic creations by some of Finland’s most famous architects, as well as modern, world-class examples of the art of wood architecture. Lahti’s perhaps best known work of architecture, the Sibelius Hall (2000) designed by Hannu Tikka and Kimmo Lintula, is a concert and conference centre that combines an old brick-built industrial building with modern parts in wood. Lahti’s modern wood architecture is primarily concentrated in the area around the Passenger Harbour and the Sibelius Hall. The area is also home to Lahti’s Wood Architecture Park, which includes beautiful buildings designed by the renowned architects Richard Leplastrier, Gert Wingårdh and Herman Kaufmann. Other significant architectural works include Lahti City Hall (1912), designed by Eliel Saarinen and similar in form language to Helsinki Railway Station, and Alvar Aalto’s Ristinkirkko Church (1978).
The Lahti area also has several delightful historical sites. Visitors come to the scenic Vanha Vääksy canal area to enjoy the canal park and the idyllic scenery around the Vääksynjoki river. Hollola Medieval Stone Church, which was completed in 1510, and Hollola village are also located in the vicinity of Lahti.
Other examples of the cultural heritage of the Lahti area are the empire-style Pyhäniemen Kartano manor house, which is important from a Finnish cultural history perspective Mukkulan Kartano manor house, now a designer hotel, and Messilän Kartano manor house, situated near Messilä sports centre.
The vibrant Picturesque City project uses the works of local artists to brighten up the cityscape and tempt visitors to the city’s museums, such as the Lahti Museum of Art and the Ski Museum. In summer, visitors can also enjoy the magnificent Päijänne landscape from the top of the Large Hill Ski Jump observatory tower. Lahti Sports Centre offers opportunities for outdoor pursuits in the form of an outdoor swimming pool and jogging trails right by the city centre.
Lahti can be reached from Helsinki in less than an hour, making the city an excellent destination for a weekend city break. Tampere, Hämeenlinna and Kouvola are also all within easy reach of Lahti. Lahti city centre and the immediate vicinity have everything from top-class hotels to budget hostels and atmospheric manor houses.
Lahti’s central location, pleasantly compact size, extensive cultural scene and wide range of activities make the city an excellent destination for both short and longer visits. Lahti and the Päijänne area offer a pleasant city break destination for lovers of culture, architecture and outdoor pursuits.
