Route description
The bike tour is intended as a circular route and takes you from Lahti via Asikkala to back Lahti. You should plan for two days, because the total distance is about 83 km.
1st day: From Lahti to Vääksy/Asikkala
Your tour starts in the city of Lahti and leads you along the lakeshore to the island of Myllysaari. We continue towards the village of Hollola. The village is situated in the bay of Lake Vesijärvi and impresses with its medieval church. If you want to take some time for the surroundings, you can make a detour to Uskila. At the source Kiikunlähde you have the possibility to observe salmon fish.
The last part of the route first leads along the lake, then changes into a rural environment and finally leads to Vääksy. The town is situated in the centre of Akkisala, in the canal between the lakes Päijänne and Vesijärvi.
2nd day: Back to Lahti
The following day begins in Väkksy and leads you first to the east. You're going along the Ylinen Viipurintie. The path has existed since the Middle Ages and takes you straight to Vesivehmaa. The landscape around the village is characterized by a constant alternation between valleys and hills.
On your way back to Lahti you briefly follow the Vesijärvi course again. After passing through some residential areas you come to Mukkula, a small village on the shore of the lake. From there it is only a few kilometres to Lahti.
Where to eat
The starting and finishing point of Lahti offers a wide range of places to stop for refreshments and overnight stays. There are also shopping malls where you can get provisions.
In Vääksy it is possible to stay overnight in the Hotel Tallukka. The hotel has cozy rooms and a restaurant. If the sport during the day is not enough for you, you can train in the hotel's own fitness room.
Interesting facts
- This easy bike trail is perfect for the whole family. What’s even better: You can also bring the family’s best friend on this dog friendly bike trail.
- There are places to buy beverages and food along the track. However it’s always recommended to bring enough water and food along with you.
Highlights of the tour
The two lakes Vesijärvi and Päijänne and the Vääksy-Kanal in the middle are particularly worth seeing during the course of this tour. The landscape around the lakes is pure idyll and ideal for relaxing.
Between the two lakes lies Asikkala, one of Finland's most beautiful villages.
On the first day you pass Hollola. A trademark of the place is the stone church, which has existed since the Middle Ages. It is open for visits.
Videos
Variations
The route can also be covered in reverse order, as it is only a little steeper between Lahti and Asikkala and the route is otherwise flat.
In addition, it is possible to complete the tour in one day.
Getting here
Travelling by plane
The arrival by plane is the fastest way to get to Lahti. The nearest airport is in Lahti-Vesivehmaan, about 21 km from Lahti.
However, Helsinki Airport would be the better choice from abroad. Although it is further away from Lahti, it can be flown to directly from abroad.
Arrival by train
There is a train from Helsinki to Lathi. The journey takes about an hour. You can choose between the local train Z, an InterCity train or the Pendolino trains. The trains vary in travel time, comfort and ticket prices. Another possibility would be the Allegro train, which goes to St. Petersburg but stops in Lahti.
Travelling by bus
A bus leaves almost every hour from Helsinki-Vantaa airport to the bus station in Lahti. The departure is from the platform with the number 13 of the international airport terminal. The travel time is approximately 1h 15 or 1h 30 depending on weather conditions.
Travelling by car
Finland can be reached by car via Sweden and Denmark. You can take the so-called Vogelfluglinie or the country road over the Belt bridge to Copenhagen and then over the Öresund bridge to Malmö. The bridges are subject to tolls. From Stockholm we continue on the Silja-Line to Turku or Helsinki or you take the Viking Line.
Another possibility is to rent a car at the airport.
From Helsinki-Vantaa you leave the airport on road 135. After about 4 km you change to E18/50 in eastern direction. At the second motorway junction, take the number 4 or E75 in a northerly direction. After about 82 km you take junction 16 to Lahti. Continue on the road until you arrive in Lahti.
If you are already in Lahti-Vesivehmaan, take the 313 to the west to leave the airport. After a few kilometres you will see a turn-off on the left to road 3131, which you have to take. At a major intersection, keep left and continue on the Autobahn 24, which will take you straight to Lahti.
Arrival by ship
If you want to take your own vehicle with you, but don't want to drive it yourself, then a journey by ship is recommended. Ferries operate between Rostock and Helsinki and between Travemünde and Helsinki.
From Helsinki you can choose a suitable option above to travel on to Lahti.
