Lahti Sports Centre

Lahden urheilukeskus

An iconic sports facility featuring distinctive ski jumping hills and winter sports venues that hosted the 2017 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships. The center offers year-round activities and spectacular views of Lahti from the jumping tower.

Things to do

• Ski Jumping Tower Experience — Ascend the jumping tower for panoramic views of Lahti and the surrounding Päijät-Häme landscape from one of the world's most iconic ski jumping hills.
• Cross-Country Skiing — Explore well-maintained cross-country ski trails that wind through the sports center grounds and connect to regional routes during winter months.
• Downhill Skiing at Lähdelampi — Test your skills on the modest but accessible downhill slopes near the sports center, suitable for beginners and intermediate skiers.
• Summer Walking and Hiking — Trek the scenic trails around the sports center during summer months to enjoy forests, views of Lahti, and outdoor sculpture installations.
• Nordic Combined Venue Tour — Visit the Nordic combined jumping and cross-country skiing facilities that hosted the 2017 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships and learn about the sport.
• Biathlon Course Exploration — Walk or bike the biathlon courses used during international competitions to understand the demanding combination of skiing and shooting.

Food to try

• Reindeer Stew (Poronkäristys) — A Sami-influenced dish of sautéed reindeer meat with lingonberry sauce and mashed potatoes, popular at Finnish sports venues and local restaurants.
• Karelian Pasty (Karjalanpiirakka) — A traditional Finnish-Karelian pastry filled with rice or potato filling, often topped with egg butter, reflecting regional culinary heritage.
• Fresh Pike-Perch (Kuha) — Lahti's lakes provide fresh pike-perch, typically prepared simply grilled or pan-fried and served with new potatoes and dill.
• Finnish Cinnamon Roll (Korvapuusti) — A spiral pastry filled with cinnamon and sugar, a ubiquitous Finnish treat found at sports center cafés and local bakeries.
• Mushroom Soup (Sienikeitto) — A creamy soup made with wild mushrooms foraged from Finnish forests, reflecting seasonal dining traditions in the region.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Winter Sports Heritage — Finns take immense pride in their skiing traditions and the 2017 championships legacy; engage respectfully with facilities and staff about these achievements.
• Embrace Sauna Culture Nearby — After winter activities, seek out the traditional saunas in Lahti city center—a quintessential Finnish custom for relaxation and wellness.
• Check Seasonal Accessibility — Winter activities peak from December to March; summer activities operate year-round but some ski facilities close, so plan according to the season.
• Dress Appropriately for Nordic Climate — Finns dress practically for outdoor activities; bring proper winter gear in cold months and layered clothing for variable spring and autumn conditions.