Päijänne Tavastia

Päijänne Tavastia (Päijät-Häme) is a region in Southern Finland.

Other destinations

 * — a national park on islands and peninsulas of the lake Päijänne, known for its rugged landscape and rocky shores.

Understand
Päijänne Tavastia is known for its beautiful nature, with forest and numerous lakes. The namesake lake can be experienced by boat or canoe, perhaps best in the national park, by a cruise, such as between Lahti and Jyväskylä, or from its shores.

The province is also home to several cultural and historical sites, such as the medieval church of Hollola, the medieval castle of Hämeenlinna, and the Lahti Art Museum. Additionally, Päijänne Tavastia is known for its vibrant music scene, with several music festivals taking place in the region every year, including the famous Lahti Symphony Orchestra's Sibelius Festival.

Get in
The region doesn't have any passenger airports, but there are good connections from the Helsinki region by bus; some places like Lahti and Kärkölä are connected by train too. Tampere and Lappeenranta  airports have some international flights.

By bus
Several coach companies serve the region, see Matkahuolto for options. Some routes:

V. Alamäki:
 * Helsinki–Lahti–Heinola–Joutsa–Jyväskylä–Rovaniemi

Soisalon liikenne:
 * Helsinki–Lahti–Heinola–Mikkeli–Kuopio

S. Kosonen
 * K14 Helsinki–Lahti–Heinola–Mikkeli–Savonlinna

Väinö Paunu
 * Tampere–Hämeenlinna–Hollola–Lahti

Pekolan Liikenne
 * Tampere–Hämeenlinna–Hollola–Lahti

OnniBus (cheap tickets if bought early enough; little legroom, restrictions on children, no pets or bikes):
 * M4 (Helsinki—Lahti—Jyväskylä—Oulu—Rovaniemi)
 * M5 (Helsinki—Mikkeli—Kuopio)
 * M12 (Tampere—Lahti—Kouvola—Kotka)
 * M14 (Helsinki—Lahti—Mikkeli—Savonlinna)
 * F24 (Helsinki—Lahti—Jämsä—Jyväskylä)

Get around
Train of VR can be used between the few stations were they stop.

See Matkahuolto for coaches and LSL for local and regional buses. Matkahuolto Reittiopas can also find some indirect routes. opas.matka.fi may list some additional services.

By taxi

 * Lahden Aluetaksi
 * Uber
 * Smartphone apps: Valopilkku, 02 Taksi, Menevä, Cabo, Lahen Taksi
 * Smartphone apps: Valopilkku, 02 Taksi, Menevä, Cabo, Lahen Taksi

See

 * The radio hill and its long wave masts in Lahti.
 * The medieval greystone church of Hollola.
 * The ski jumping hills in Lahti, and if you're visiting in the winter there might be a ski jumping event going on there.
 * Vääksy canal in Asikkala.
 * Birds at Heinola Bird Park

Do

 * Boating or canoeing, see Boating in Finland
 * Enjoy a classical music concert in Lahti's Sibelius hall.
 * Hit the slopes at Messilä ski center in Hollola.
 * Go shopping at one of Lahti's many factory outlets.
 * Hike along the Pulkkilanharju trail in Asikkala.
 * Drive, bike or walk along the road from Sysmä to Asikkala across several islands of Lake Päijänne.

Stay safe
Päijänne Tavastia region is a safe place.

Go next

 * Tavastia Proper, a neighbouring region