Take a journey through the gems of Päijät-Häme

Southern Finland is divided into many regions, and one of them is Päijät-Häme. As a region, it is a collection of towns and nature spots, but I want to tell you about the places dear to my heart and the fascinating attractions of Päijät-Häme. Let’s take a journey through its gems.

Ride the most beautiful road of Finland

If you are an outdoor traveler, you probably have heard of Päijänne Lake: the beautiful sealike spot with many attractions. Päijänne is the second largest lake in** Finland,** it surrounds the ridge road and the National Park. The ridge road is called Pulkkilanharju and is an 8 kilometers long ridge running through the** lake of Päijänne.** Pulkkilanharju is a place to slow down your car and take time to wonder about the surroundings and beautiful bridges. Just as a reminder: it is considered to be **the most beautiful road in Finland. **

There is a beacon-like building on one of the** islands, where you can enjoy a meal with a beautiful lake view. There are some lunch options, pizzas, drinks, and blankets to warm up on a windy day. The terrace of Reimari smells like flowers and offers a beautiful view of the lake. **

Päijänne National Park is spread over the collection of **islands, **and the best way to discover it is by boat. The park offers are **boat taxis **and boats for rent. The best way to discover the park for a budget traveller is to stop in **Pulkkilanharju **and make a small **hiking trail **along the ridge. This part of the ridge also belongs to the **national park. **

Take time to discover the hidden places

There is a village to visit on the way to Pulkkilanharju. It is small and relatively unknown for tourists, but it is a charming place worth a stop. The village is called Vääksy,** and the thing to see there is Vääksy Canal. The canal connects two lakes: **Vääksy **and Päijänne. The difference between their water surface levels is 3 meters, and it is fascinating to watch **boats **stuck in a canal waiting for the *water level *to change. 

The** canal *is surrounded by a sunny park and cozy cafes. Kanavan Helmi is a nice summer cafe right next to the canal. Majakkapaviljonki is another place to grab lunch or a drink, *it is not as complicated as its name. Situated at the end of the **canal, Majakkapaviljonki offers lake views **from the terrace and a sauna *on the lakeshore. That one is for sure an **authentic Finnish experience. **

**Vääksy **is situated just 14 kilometers from Lahti, which is an interesting city to visit. West from Lahti is the municipality of Hollola. Among flowery fields and farming villages, here is a **hidden gem **that attracts locals from every part of Finland. The gem is called Kiikunlähde.  Kiikunlähde is a natural spring with bright *turquoise water, *which is a very unusual sight for **Finland. **Local waters are mostly dark, but this one sparkles in the middle of the **woods *and feels like a miracle. *

The water temperature in the sources of the **pond **is always five degrees Celcius, that is why even in the snowy winter, this **spring **does not freeze. I can only wonder how magical it looks during the *winter days. *

That is the end of a journey through the gems of Päijät-Häme, a beautiful** lake region full of natural treasures. For outdoor lovers, it is a must-visit place. It invites you to visit Päijänne Lake and the national park, the most beautiful road of Finland** to drive and to discover peculiar things in **Vääksy **and **Hollola. **