A fifth of the Päijät-Häme region’s 6,295 km² is covered by lakes. The third largest lake of Finland, Lake Päijänne, dominates the region with its natural beauty. Apart from its significance for the touristic development of Päijät-Häme, it is also an important drinking water reservoir for the whole Southern Finland.
The region’s main education hubs include the new Lahti campus of LAB University of Applied Sciences, and Saimaa University of Applied Sciences, Salpaus Vocational School and the Lahti University Campus The landscape in the region is dominated by green forests and unspoiled pure lakes enriched by undulating forms of the Salpausselkä ridge. The Päijät-Häme area is known for such nature attractions as Päijänne National park, Pirunpesä and the Pulkkilankarju ridge.
Tourist attractions within Lahti include the Lahti Ski Jump Hills, Sibelius Hall, the Radio and TV Museum, Motorcycle Museum of Finland and the Musical Fountain.
The total population of the Päijät-Häme region is 201 228 as of 2017. The majority language within the region is Finnish with 96% of the population speaking Finnish as their native language. Today the region of Päijät-Häme offers a balanced mixture of original Finnish traditions and a modern way of life.
Economic Competiveness and Advantages of Päijät-Häme
- Internationally renowned forerunner in industrial design
- One of Finland’s most important hubs for cleantech business and research
- Prime location near the Helsinki Metropolitan Area with 6 million people within a 3-hour radius
- Fast connection to Helsinki Airport (~1 hour) and St. Petersburg (2.5 hours)
- Logistically efficient location
- Cost efficient business premises, industrial sites, and workforce
- Active business networks
- Committed and skilled workforce
Main Business Areas and Clusters
- Mechatronics: 700 companies, over 7000 employees
- Major companies operating in this area include: Kemppi Oy, Raute Corp., Makron Oy, Oilon Oy, Peikko Group Corp
- Construction and Furniture: 2900 companies, 17 000 employees
- Major companies include: Isku Oy
- Wood Processing:
- Versowood Oy, Koskinen, UPM Oy, and Metsä Oy
- Food & Beverage industry: 3500 employees.
- Major companies include: Hartwall Oy, Viking Malt Oy, Fazer Mill and Bakery
- Welfare technologies and services: 2200 companies, 5000 employees
- Major companies include: Merivaara Oy
- Textile and clothing industry
- Major companies include: L-Fashion Group, Eurokangas Oy
Transportation
- Flights: direct flights to European and Asian destinations from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (~1 hour by car from Lahti)
- Maritime: cargo lines to Vuosaari Harbour
- Train: direct train connection to Helsinki (1 hour), to St. Petersburg (2.5 hours) and to Moscow (approx. 12 hours).
- Helsinki-Vantaa Airport can also be reached by train via transfer in Tikkurila.
- Highways: to Helsinki (~1 hour by car) and to Tampere (1.5 hours)