My stay in the Lahti region of Finland

This year, 2017, was marked by my trip to Finland (I have already written 3 articles on the subject) last February, as part of the Finland 100 Centenary, which is coming to an end in just a few days. It’s the perfect opportunity for me to look back at the first part of this trip that I hadn’t told you about yet, and which, for me, represents the soul of this all-white country, with landscapes covered in snow and fir trees. The Lahti region is located in the heart of the lake district (the largest of its kind in Europe), which features vast forests in the center of Finland.

Temperatures at the end of February were around 0°C. So it is cold, and it is better to equip yourself accordingly if you wish to visit these regions in winter. What’s impressive is that the Finns are quite accustomed to driving on snow and master it to perfection. The beauty of nature in this region is striking with its vast white spaces, frozen lakes… We stayed for our part around the great Lake Päijänne, a true refuge for nature lovers.

Happy woman by the frozen lake near Lahti in Finland.

Frozen lake shore in winter near Lahti, with tree roots and trunk in the foreground.

Snowy pine forest by the frozen Lake Päijänne in Finland.

Gentle slope snowy pine forest near a frozen lake in Finland.

Yellow facade of a Finnish building with snow on a stone wall.

Table of Contents

Lehmonkärki Resort

It is a Finnish tradition to rent a cottage in the lake region to find yourself surrounded by nature and in total peace. This is the case of the Lehmonkärki Resort, which offers a whole area around Lake Päijänne with numerous cabins and villas, all well isolated from one another. The Resort is located around Lake Päijänne, the second-largest lake in Finland, in the Päijänne National Park. It is an ideal place for walks and recharging your batteries.

Snowy frozen lake shore near Lahti with a lamppost and winter jetty.

Yellow van near a building facing a frozen lake in winter.

Snowy path in the Finnish forest towards a cottage near Lahti.

Snowy gray wooden cottage surrounded by pine trees in winter.

Snowy staircase at Lehmonkärki Resort in Finland, with people at the bottom.

Snowy outdoor gazebo near a white bridge in a winter forest landscape.

Our Villa “Aurum”

Villa Aurum has seven bedrooms, each for 2 people, and a large space for common areas. Like all the villas and cottages in the Resort, it has its own sauna.

Gray wooden cottage with snow and fir trees in the background, Finland.

Gray wooden villa in the snowy forest of Lahti, Finland, seen through the trees.

Double bedroom in white wood at Lehmonkärki Resort, Finland.

Cozy interior of a Finnish wooden sauna with bucket and ladle.

Dining room with crystal chandelier and large white table in a wooden villa, Finland.

Cup of tea and colorful tulips on a white table, Lahti stay.

Breakfast

You can have breakfast together in a buffet style in the main lodge of the complex and discover all the local specialties.

Snowy wooden building decorated with international flags and a luminous tree.

Typical Finnish breakfast with eggs, bacon, fruit yogurt, bread, coffee, and juice.

White stone fireplace lit with firewood near Villa Aurum in Finland.

Breakfast buffet with fruit juice and guests at Lehmonkärki Resort, Finland.

Assortment of Finnish breads and fresh vegetables for breakfast.

Man presenting a box of Puhtikaura Kaurajauhe during breakfast at Lehmonkärki Resort.

Traditional Finnish bread rolls and croissants in baskets for breakfast.

Breakfast buffet with blueberries, raspberries, jam, and yogurt in Lahti.

Discovering the Finnish sauna ritual

A trip to Finland is a unique opportunity to discover the Finnish sauna culture, an essential aspect for understanding the Finns, as their sauna ritual is a true art of living, very deeply rooted in the habits of the inhabitants of this beautiful country.

At the Resort, you can book an evening to discover the world of the sauna by Lake Päijänne in the Isohaapa villa with Travellamo. At our disposal were several different saunas: the panoramic sauna with a view of the lake, the traditional century-old smoke sauna, and the regular electric sauna. Another important moment of the sauna ritual consists of being whipped (very gently, mind you, it’s not a sado-maso rite for twisted minds) with birch branches. To end the ritual, the bravest will go for a dip in the frozen waters of the lake… Personally, I did not try the experience…

Decorative luminous tree on a snowy lake shore in Finland on a winter night.

Woman with a beanie in a Finnish sauna with foot baths.

Dark wooden terrace with outdoor jacuzzi and nighttime relaxation by the lake in Finland.

Dark interior of a Finnish sauna with wooden benches and fireplace elements.

Dark interior of a Finnish sauna with wood stove and hot stones.

Snowy path and illuminated jetty at night near a frozen lake in Finland.

Woman in a towel by a lake at night after sauna, Finland.

A quick explanation: wool beanies are actually part of the oldest sauna tradition and are there to protect the head from the heat… Yes, I know, it seems weird, but that’s how it is!

Snowmobiling on the frozen Lake Päijänne

Snowmobiling is an experience I loved, an absolute must-try! However, for driving, it is recommended to have a driver’s license, otherwise, you can do as I did and ride behind a driver (mine was Scott from Intrepid Escape). The thrills are very nice too, and since I love speed, I was delighted. The ride, which is obviously done with an instructor, ends with the consumption of a hot beverage by the fire, in a sort of teepee, and it feels absolutely amazing!

Snowmobiles on a frozen lake near the houseboat “Marjeena”, Lahti, Finland.

Ski-Doo snowmobile on a frozen lake, Lahti, Finland.

Snowmobiles on a frozen lake near the forest, excursion in Lapland.

Snowmobile tour in Lapland, Finland, with group and equipment.

Campfire in a tent with a man in the background and wooden cup.

Lynx snowmobile on a frozen lake in Finland near Lahti.

Price: €110 per snowmobile tour

Dining in the Hunting Lodge

This small cottage adorned with hunting trophies can be the ideal place for a rather intimate dinner with local products in a very rustic setting.

Log cabin illuminated at night near a snowy forest, Finland.

Rustic log interior, dim lighting, table set for dinner in Finland.

Artichoke salad with creamy green sauce, dish served in Lahti.

Plate of Finnish breakfast with salads, cheese, fish eggs, and flatbread.

Cucumber, olive, and sun-dried tomato salad in a white dish with tongs.

Unto Porter Kanavan Panimo beer bottle with woody label near a basket.

Lehmonkärki Resort

Lehmonkärjentie 180, 17320 Asikkala, Finland

Villa Takila, Padasjoki

This villa with modern architecture and a very Finnish wooden design is also located on the edge of Lake Päijänne. You can rent it to treat yourself to a moment of calm and tranquility in the heart of the national park. In addition, the villa has (in a very Finnish spirit) its own traditional sauna. For our part, we spent a convivial evening there with a typical Finnish meal prepared by the owner of the house and a presentation of designer jewelry from the Päivi Keski-Pomppu brand.

Round table and abstract painting in a living room interior in Finland.

Comfortable villa bedroom with double bed, beige cushions, and linens near Lahti.

Black living room with sofa, graphic cushions, and circular wall hanging.

Woman talking indoors, holding a small glass object near the window.

Interior of a light wood Finnish sauna with bucket and ladle for the ritual.

Table set with glasses and lit candles, dinner atmosphere in Finland.

Finnish fish soup with potatoes and dill cream.

Slice of meat, creamy sauce, cranberry jam, and roasted potatoes.

Geometric silver jewelry in a craft workshop near Lahti.

Table set with wine glasses, Iittala decorations, and appetizers.

Villa Takila

Kiuasniementie 5, 17500 Padasjoki

Weekly rental price: between €1590 and €2490 depending on the season
Nightly rental price: between €350 and €550 depending on the season

Visiting the city of Lahti in Finland

This city is very similar to our mountain towns dedicated to winter sports, with a very gray, somewhat concrete look. However, while walking around the city, you can find some nice little coffee shops and design boutiques.

The city of Lahti is not the most attractive place in the region, but there are some nice addresses (which I already talked to you about during my Finnish Food Tour) and it is an opportunity to buy or test local products, including the local beer from the Teerenpeli distillery. The city of Lahti also hosted the Nordic Ski World Championships this year, from February 21 to March 5, 2017, for the 7th time in its history. And that was precisely during my time in Finland.

Winter street in Lahti, Finland, with pedestrians and international flags.

Shop window of SHWRM announcing Lahti Design Week 2017, Finland.

Snowy public square in Lahti with red structure and bike station in front of buildings.

Winter boats moored near a lighthouse and a frozen dock in Lahti.

Lahti ski jumping hill with 2017 World Championship poster.

Snowy ski jumps in Lahti, Finland, with stands.

Blue and white Finnish hats with poster “Take part in a draw ! #Finland100”.

Person in front of a row of cross-country skis displayed in the snow in Lahti.

Ice dragon sculpture in Lahti, Finland, surrounded by snow and spectators.

People with Finland flag near ski jump in Lahti.

Winter outdoor barbecue in Finland with grilled food and people around logs.

Decorative lanterns and orange ribbons attached to the bare branches of a tree in winter.

Visiting the Sibeliustalo Congress Palace

The Sibelius Hall has beautiful architecture, and the venue also houses a very beautiful concert hall.

Interior of the Sibeliustalo concert hall in Lahti with an organ and a piano on stage.

Interior of a large space with a lake view, reminiscent of Sibeliustalo Lahti.

Sibeliustalo Lahti interior, wooden staircase and architectural structure.

Visiting the graphics workshop

This artists’ association (42 members today) has existed since 1981. They mainly do printing of original patterns on T-shirts or tote bags. They also organize graphics workshops to show their work and techniques, but only by appointment.

Black and blue Route Lahti T-shirts on hangers in front of drawers.

Screen printing screen with logos, in a printing workshop in Lahti.

Antique printing press and engraving in progress at the Lahti graphics workshop.

Man doing screen printing on fabric in a workshop in Lahti.

Drying Route Lahti screen-printed T-shirts under printing workshop rack.

Myrkky Lahti Painovoima T-shirts displayed in a store in Finland.

Graphic Artsist Association

Vuorikatu 13, 15110 Lahti

Mukkula Kartano Manor House

A very nice place to stay and eat just on the outskirts of the city of Lahti.

My Room

I was very surprised during my trip to Finland to only see single beds in the accommodations where I stayed and never a double bed…

Double bedroom with single beds, view of window and white curtains.

Person approaching large yellow villa in winter landscape near Lahti, Finland.

Bed linen with red pillows and folded white towels, hotel room.

Accessible bathroom with shower, toilet, and white towel.

The Local Vellamo Menu

The establishment also has a very high-quality restaurant for a gourmet stopover.

Rare meat with striped beet, squash, and green sprouts on a white plate.

Grilled fish fillet with puree, creamy sauce, and crayfish.

Ice Fishing on Lake Vesijärvi

It is possible while staying at the Manor to practice Ice Fishing (understand fishing on ice) on the lake that is just behind the establishment. Of course, you go accompanied by a guide (it is not natural to know how to fish on ice…) to learn the steps of this local technique. You have to be very lucky, however, to succeed in catching a fish (which was not my case or that of my companions)… But in any case, it’s a fun activity to test!

Participants with Fenix Adventures flag by a frozen lake in Finland.

Snowy shore with trees and frozen lake near Lahti, Finland.

Fisher drilling the ice on a frozen lake near Lahti, Finland.

Woman with an ice auger on a frozen lake in Finland.

Woman ice fishing on a frozen lake near Lahti.

Mukkula Kartano Manor House

Niemenkatu 30, FI 15240 Lahti

Thanks to Visit Finland for this beautiful invitation.

Blue cushion with inscription “I wish I was in Finland” on a woody background.

And you, have you ever been to Finland? If you also have your recommendations and tips for this destination, feel free to share them in the comments!

Travel items for Finland: beanie, passport, Lumix camera, gloves, notebook.

Find below all my articles on my trip to Finland in 2017:
⇒ All my articles on Finland

MY STOPS IN FINLAND
⇒ Practical Information on Finland
⇒ Stay in the Lahti region
⇒ Finnish Food Tour
⇒ Helsinki

Photo credits: Melle Bon Plan (with the Lumix GX80K)
Photos not royalty-free, photographer's authorization required before any use

Finland travel