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It was already a while ago when one of the biggest winter sports events FIS Nordic Ski World Championships took place in my hometown, in the city of Lahti, I felt inspired to write about home. This inspiration was strengthened by me moving abroad. 

I’ve always had a contradictory relationship with the place I was brought up. There’s nothing better, warmer than going home but then there’s nothing more agonising than being at home. But as the years go by and the further I’ve gone in my life as in the world, I have learnt to appreciate Lahti’s bittersweet qualities and to see more potential than down sides in it. 

Ten years ago I couldn’t get out of the city fast enough but in these days I’m actually proud of my hometown, its rusty reputation and hard cover - knowing that it takes a lot to see what the city holds inside. As nostalgic my occasional visits are I do remember why I left and haven’t returned to live there. But for a SMALL TOWN lovers I wanted to point out a few things why I am proud to come from Lahti: 

Hidden history

Lahti is cool in a way that you need to know shit to see the real thing underneath the hard cover. Yes Lahti is an ugly city but it used to be traditional wooden small town that burnt down 1870′s and within the unappreciation of the recent decades-  it is what it is. There’s a story behind every statue and park no matter how ridiculous it looks outside.. Okay sometimes the story can make you laugh also. But the point is, there are marks all over the town to tell the story of the city which you need to know how to read. Lahti is definitely at its best during the warm and hopefully sunny spring-summer-fall months but also in February during the annual Skiing sport events when the atmosphere gets an international add in the form of the athletes, media and tourists. 

Lake Vesijärvi

Having always lived within a walking distance from the lake I cannot imagine myself living in a city without any sort of water system. Lahti literally means a “bay” in Finnish so the lake view defines a lot of its character. Besides that the lake offers a waterway to other towns near by (Vesijärvi is connected to Päijänne, the second largest lake in the country) it is a fabulous refreshing site all year round.

Harbour

Today it’s called the living room because everybody always heads to spent their free time there whether it’s for sports, cultural events or drinking/dining out. 100 years ago it was an important industrial area being connected by water and rail. The dominant Sibelius Hall, the lake, charming restaurant boats and wooden details make it one of the favorite spots of the city.

Architecture

Lahti is known to be the promised land of boxes of houses without a hint of character or the era they were built in. But there are some pearls among them: 

Sibelius Hall

The concert and congress center, named after the famous Finnish composer (even though Sibelius didn’t have any real connection to Lahti) was built in 2000. It consists of the old factory and the new wooden part which the latter was at the time it the biggest public wooden building for 100 years. Today it’s been recognized as one of the top ten concert halls in Europe and in the world. The location, the open space and attention to details make together a harmony which I particularly enjoy every time when I step in. 

City Hall

Not the most special buildings in Finland since you can find this same design in Helsinki Railway Station and in the City Hall of Joensuu. And yes the architect was the very same Eliel Saarinen. But it is one of the oldest buildings of the city, standing on top of the hill since 1912 and within its park and several statues it’s one of my favorite areas in Lahti. The interior is also worth seeing for. 

Other sights

Ski jumps

They are impressive when you stand down there, staring up in the sky or on top, looking over the city. Apparently it’s the 7th most popular tourist attraction in Finland and I can understand why. For almost two weeks in February 2017 the world of winter sport lovers headed to this place, it was pretty cool! 

Statues and monuments

Lahti is seriously filled with statues. Over 50 statues and monuments over the town include some important ones as others... not so much. And some which you wouldn’t even think of as an statue or a monument at all. 

(There are two radio towers but only one could fit into this pic)

The most important ones (even though I think they’re not officially monuments but anyhow) being the radio towers of course, the symbols of the city. On top of the hill there’s a lovely graveyard and great park for jogging with awesome views over the city. 

Lanu Park is located next to the harbour on a hill hiding 12 human characters made by Olavi Lanu. Some of his work with the same theme can be found in front of the church in the center and the theater.

Design city

Originally known as a city with a strong sport traditions, design and culture has been rising within Sibelius Hall, highly valued Institute of Design and Fine Arts (which they’ve been trying to put down for years!), the re-use of older buildings such as functionalism buildings bus station and old gas station near the city hall.

(Hello! Diner opened in 2016 in the old gas station- not my pic!)

Rising restaurant and cultural scene

During the passed years there has been some serious rising number of restaurants, cafés and live music venues. Even the old restaurants have taken the live music and shows as part of their business plans to attract customers. I’m super-happy about the live music scene cause I can still remember the time when there were barely places for artists and bands to perform.

(Restaurant Popot (shoes in Finnish) opened in the old shoe store - not my pic!)

They say that the region of Häme, which Lahti is a part of, is slow. Being away so much I see it changed every time I come back. Evolving. Growing. Finding its own way. Still not there yet. Lahti is stil not as attractive as Tampere or Porvoo for example but we’re getting there. Slowly but surely. On FB it’s lovely to see people moving from other parts of the country and telling what a great place it is to live and how much does it offer. How friendly people are. Of course crime and negativity do take place but overall it’s nicely positive. Thanks to the pretty heavy selection of events and fairs all year round - the city is being discovered by thousands of tourists every year and along with city folks they develop this city too. Looking forward to my next visit. 

“Home is where your story begins..”