South Päijänne is the best the Finnish Lakeland can offer
The beautiful esker and lake scenery, Pulkkilanharju, the Vääksy channel, pure Päijänne water which is clean enough to drink, the Päijänne national park - part of the lakeland's fabulous group of islands, these make the perfect setting for a recuperative holiday or to hold a rewarding meeting.
Hotels, romantic guest houses, high-quality villas and cabins are nestled amongst the lovely scenery. In summer you can hike, cycle, row, golf, ride, fish, hunt, pick mushrooms and berries or participate in one of the many choices of cruise! In winter you can ski, sledge, ice fish or downhill ski in one of the nearby skiing centres! Pampering spa treatments and the heat of the sauna are the perfect way to end an exercise-filled day!
The unique lakeside environment of Lake Päijänne, clean water, esker scenery, rich flora and abundance of leisure accommodation link Asikkala, Padasjoki and Sysmä.
Asikkala
Asikkala offers activities and entertainment throughout the year. A popular place to visit in the summer is the Vääksy canal region, where the canal and buildings constructed in the 19th century stand in harmony near modern buildings and services. The esker and lakeside scenery and environs with wide-ranging services built on nature's terms create a superb setting for holidays. Asikkala’s shops continue throughout the year the market tradition that began in the 18th century. In the summer, you can visit exhibitions at Päijänne House or see the water mill on the river Vääskyjoki.
Padasjoki
Padasjoki enchants visitors with the scenery of Päijänne National Park, which can be admired, for example, on local ferries. The lake’s scenery also tempts you to explore along numerous canoeing routes.
In addition to its natural beauty, the municipality is also renowned for its Sahti (home-brewed beer) Market and Lake Päijänne Sailing Race in July. For those hungry for culture, there are concerts, art exhibitions, museums and a nationally award-winning open-air theatre.
Sysmä
Sysmä is renowned as a popular and growing municipality for leisure residency and for numerous cultural events. Sysmä is also a valuable lake and wetland area, which forms a Natura 2000 site known as the Sysmä bird wetlands.
There are large manor houses in this old municipality in eastern Häme. You can learn more about their history on guided tours around them. Other interesting places to visit are the Old Rectory, the Theatre Building and St Olaf’s Church.