Hollola combines culture, history and natural peace. The medieval grey stone church and the Hollola Museum Route tell the story of the area's rich history, while the Messilä slopes and Tiirismaa hiking trails offer activities all year round.
In summer, the forest trails of Tiirismaa invite nature lovers, while in winter, the Messilä ski resort offers experiences in the snow. The Kiikunlähde, a local natural wonder, attracts visitors all year round with its clear waters. The municipality also offers tastes and experiences ranging from local delicacies to artisan events.
Hollola is a place where you can relax and enjoy a variety of experiences on a short visit or a longer holiday. Its historical sites, nature trails and recreational opportunities make it ideal for tourists interested in both culture and outdoor activities.
Discover with us the best places in Hollola!
The Devil's Nest is an impressive natural feature in the Tiirismaa area of Hollola. This gorge formation is one of the best-known geological sites in southern Finland, and its towering vertical rock walls, up to 20 metres high, make it a special place to visit. The site is surrounded by the Tiirismaa forest area, which offers a peaceful environment for outdoor activities and hiking.
The Devil's Lair is said to have taken its name from old stories and folklore, where the place was considered mysterious and scary. Today, the gorge attracts tourists interested in nature and geology, as well as local hikers. There are well-marked paths through the area, where you can stop to admire the sheer rock walls and the surrounding nature.
The Devil's Lair is an excellent year-round destination, but it is particularly spectacular in spring and autumn, when the colours of the forest accentuate the drama of the cliffs. You should wear sturdy shoes as the terrain is uneven in places. There are no services in the area, so it is advisable to bring your own lunch and a water bottle.
A visit to the Devil's Lair can easily be combined with other nature sites in Tiirismaa, such as the Tiirismaa hiking trails and the nearby lakescapes. It is one of Hollola's natural gems, offering peace and beautiful views for nature lovers.
Kiikunlähde is one of Hollola's most spectacular natural sites, located in Uskila. It is known for its incredibly clear, turquoise water, which makes it a visually stunning place. The spring is remarkable in size, 400 metres long and up to 100 metres wide, and is part of the largest underground aquifer in southern Finland.
Water gushes from the bottom of the spring from 14 different spring loops, and the flow is abundant, at around 7 000 cubic metres per day. The Kiikunoja, which starts at the spring, carries the water to Lake Vesuvius, creating beautiful watercourse connections in the area. The Kiikun Spring is a magnificent destination all year round, as it hardly freezes even in winter, allowing its beauty to be admired even in the colder seasons.
There is a signboard where you can learn more about the history and characteristics of the spring. A visit to the Kiikun Spring is an excellent way to enjoy the natural beauty and tranquillity of Hollola. It is important to respect nature during your visit: do not litter or disturb the environment to preserve this beautiful natural site for future generations.
The Tiirismaa Nature Reserve offers a great opportunity to discover Hollola's unique nature. The area is home to the highest point in Southern Finland, rising 223 metres above sea level. In Tiirismaa you can enjoy the fresh air and admire the old trees with luppo and naava growing on their branches. These lichens are a sign of the region's clean air and environment.
The Tiirismaa loop is a hiking trail of about five kilometres over varied terrain. Along the way, you will discover many interesting natural sites, such as the Devil's Nest, an impressive gorge formation with vertical walls rising up to 20 metres. This natural formation has been a well-known attraction since the 19th century.
In the western part of the route, you can admire the Big Lake Tiilijärvi from the viewpoint known as the Tilki Peek. From here, you can enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding countryside. The Tiirismaa nature reserve is part of the Natura 2000 network, which guarantees the preservation of its biodiversity. In the area you can experience authentic Finnish forest nature and enjoy its peace and quiet.
The Heinsuo Sports Centre is a versatile sports facility in Hollola, located at Tiilijärventie 9. The centre offers a wide range of sports facilities all year round. There are facilities for both indoor and outdoor sports, which allows you to enjoy exercise regardless of the weather.
The centre has tennis courts, which can be used with a standard fee. The courts are otherwise free of charge, and information on reserved courts can be found on the notice board near the courts. In winter, the sports centre offers ice rinks and ski trails, while in summer it provides opportunities for a wide range of outdoor sports.
The sports centre is part of Hollola's diverse range of sports facilities, and is suitable for beginners and more experienced enthusiasts alike. You can check the Sports Centre's opening hours and contact details online to make sure you can enjoy exercise when it suits you.
The Liipola outdoor swimming pool offers a refreshing alternative to summer days in Hollola. This outdoor pool is located in the Liipola area, about five kilometres from the centre of Hollola. The ground pool has several pools for different swimming abilities, including a large swimming pool, a children's pool and a diving platform.
There are also sunbathing lawns and changing rooms to make your stay comfortable and relaxing. During the summer season, usually from the beginning of June to the end of August, the ground pool is open, and you should check the Hollola municipal website for opening times before visiting.
You can buy a ticket on the spot or buy a season ticket if you plan to visit the pool more often. The country pool also organises swimming lessons and water aerobics in the summer, offering a variety of activities for visitors.
Bring a swimsuit, towel and sunscreen. There is a kiosk in the grounds of the country house where you can buy refreshments and snacks for your comfort during your stay.
The lakeside trail offers a great opportunity to enjoy Hollola's beautiful lake scenery. This scenic walkway runs along the shores of Lake Vesijärvi, providing a peaceful setting for outdoor activities and relaxation. The lakeside path allows you to admire the lake's calm surface and the surrounding nature, making it an ideal place for morning walks or evening strolls.
The route is well maintained and accessible, making it suitable for all visitors. Along the way you can stop to rest on benches and enjoy the scenery. In the summer, the lakeside trail is particularly attractive, when you can watch boaters and birds on the lake.
The lakeside path is also a great place for photography, especially at sunset, when the light creates great angles. There are several picnic spots along the route where you can enjoy a picnic in the lap of nature. Be sure to bring your own snacks and drinks, as there are no services along the route.
The Rantaraite is part of a wider outdoor trail, so you can continue your journey further into Hollola's nature if you wish. It connects seamlessly with other outdoor routes in the area, offering even more opportunities to enjoy the peace and beauty of nature.
The Voistio nature trail offers an excellent opportunity to explore Hollola's diverse nature. This three-kilometre trail is located near the village of Voistio, about ten kilometres from the centre of Hollola. The trail follows a varied terrain, including both forest and more open areas, offering a variety of views and natural phenomena.
Along the route there are several signposts with information about the nature, history and local wildlife of the area. These boards also make the hike an educational experience, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of the surrounding nature. The trail is well marked and suitable for most walkers, although the terrain can be uneven in places. It is advisable to bring good footwear, a water bottle and a snack for the walk.
The Voistio nature trail is an excellent destination for nature lovers. It offers a chance to relax in the midst of nature and enjoy the clean air. For the best experience, it's a good idea to set aside enough time to stop and admire the scenery and observe the nature around you.
The Lake Route is a scenic route in Hollola, which runs around three lakes. This approximately seven and a half kilometre long loop takes you through the landscapes of Lakes Vähä, Mittel and Iso Tilijärvi. Along the route you will encounter a variety of terrain, including flat roads, forest paths and trails along longitudinal trees. Your journey will also take you through peat bogs and protected hazel groves, adding to the visual diversity of the route.
The Tiirismaa slope adds a little challenge to the route, as its hills offer a chance to test your fitness and enjoy the beautiful views. The lake trail is a great way to explore Hollola's nature, as you can admire the clear lake waters and enjoy the fresh forest air. The trail is ideal for a day trip or a leisurely outdoor walk, while offering the opportunity to experience the biodiversity of the area.
Be sure to bring good shoes and enough to drink, as there are also opportunities to take breaks and enjoy a snack in the middle of nature along the way. This route offers varied landscapes and pleasant stopping places, which make the hike pleasant and enjoyable.
Hollola offers excellent opportunities for cycling. The municipality has several routes suitable for beginners and more experienced cyclists alike. One of the most popular routes is the Seven Villages Tour, a five to nine kilometre route through beautiful countryside along sandy roads. Along the way you will see rolling fields and valuable cultural sites, making the route both visually pleasing and challenging.
If you're looking for a longer excursion, check out the Lakes Tour, which takes you to Hollola's beautiful waterways. Cycling is a great way to explore the cultural landscape of Hollola's church village. You can stop along the way to admire the sights and enjoy the nature.
Be sure to bring a water bottle and a packed lunch, as Hollola's countryside offers many beautiful picnic spots. There are cycling routes for different seasons; in summer you can enjoy the lush green scenery, while in autumn the colours of the autumnal bush create a stunning backdrop for your bike ride.
Messilä Ski Centre offers a wide range of opportunities for winter sports enthusiasts in Hollola. The centre is located only about 10 kilometres from Lahti, surrounded by stunning scenery, making it an easily accessible destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
Messilä has ten ski slopes of different levels, suitable for beginners and more experienced skiers alike. The centre also offers a cross-country and hill course for those looking for an extra thrill.
Equipment can be conveniently rented on site at the SkiMac rental shop, which also offers a service for the maintenance of your own equipment. There are several restaurants and cafés in Messila where you can enjoy a snack and rest your feet while skiing. All services are within walking distance of each other, making your trip hassle-free.
If you are interested in skiing, Messilä also has a 70-kilometre network of cross-country trails offering winter scenery on varied routes. Messilä is an excellent destination for a variety of winter sports near Lahti, offering the opportunity to spend an active day or enjoy winter activities for a longer period of time.
Hollola's medieval grey-stone church is one of the most important sights in Päijät-Häme. This church, dedicated to St Mary, was built between 1495 and 1510. The church represents the pinnacle of Finnish medieval church architecture, with massive stone walls and beautiful vaulting that will impress any visitor.
The church is open all year round. In June and July it is open daily, while in winter you can visit it on Sundays during the services. The church's surroundings are also an attraction, with a charming church village inviting you to spend time enjoying art, shopping and lunch restaurants.
Accessibility has been taken into account in the church. An induction loop is provided to assist those with hearing aids, and toilet facilities are located near the church. The historic Hollolo Church is an excellent day trip destination, offering the opportunity to explore Finland's medieval architectural heritage and experience the atmosphere of the past.
The Hollola Museum Route offers an interesting overview of the history and cultural heritage of the area. On this trail you can visit several museums and historical sites that offer an in-depth view of Hollola's past. One of the main attractions is the Hollola Local History Museum, located at Rälssintie 6. The museum presents local life and traditions, offering visitors a comprehensive overview of the history of the region.
The museum route also includes Hollola Church and the belfry, which are important historical sites. They offer a fascinating insight into the religious and architectural history of the region. Pyhäniemi Manor, another interesting site on the Museum Route, is located at Rantatie 708 and gives an insight into the manorial culture of the area. The manor is an important part of Hollola's cultural heritage and offers its visitors an insight into traditional rural life.
Museums have made extensive inventories over the years, helping to preserve and document valuable cultural heritage for future generations.
The Hollola Local History Museum offers a fascinating insight into the history and cultural heritage of the area. The museum consists of two separate areas: a house museum area and an artefact museum. The farm museum area is located at Rälssintie 6, where you can learn about traditional buildings and lifestyle. The Museum of Art can be found at Parinpellontie 11.
In the summer of 2024, both parts of the museum will be open from 5 June to 8 August from Wednesday to Sunday from 12 noon to 6 pm, providing an excellent opportunity to visit both sites on the same day. The prehistoric museum displays interesting finds such as medieval coins and jewellery from treasure troves found in Hollola.
During your visit to the museum, you can pick up some Hollola-related books and souvenirs. The selection includes works on the history of Hollola and local jewellery. The Hollola Local History Museum is a great place to visit if you want to learn more about the region's past. It offers an interesting insight into the life and traditions of Hollola's mother town.
Hollola has several shopping facilities offering a wide range of products. One of the most popular destinations is the Finnmar Candle Factory shop, where you can find beautiful candles and decorative products. Kinnari Tila's farm shop is another place worth a visit, where you can buy local food and handicraft products and enjoy the delicacies in the café.
Hollola has small shops and boutiques where you can make bargains. These often offer unique and local products that make a shopping trip special. If you're looking for a wider selection, nearby Lahti offers larger shopping centres where you can find stores from well-known chains and a wider range of products.
The Pulla-Poikie bakery-café is a good stop on a shopping trip. Here you can buy freshly baked goods and enjoy a coffee while you shop. Remember that many smaller shops may be closed on Sundays or have limited opening hours. Check opening times in advance to ensure a successful shopping trip.
In Kinnarin Tila's farm shop you can combine shopping and a coffee break. It offers local delicacies and handicraft products. In the café you can taste savoury and sweet pastries baked on the farm to complement your shopping experience.
There are several more traditional restaurants in the centre of Hollola, offering Finnish home cooking and local specialities. In these restaurants you can enjoy authentic taste experiences and experience the best of local cuisine.
In summer, take advantage of Hollola's beautiful scenery and organise a picnic. You can buy your picnic from local shops and enjoy your meal in the lap of nature, offering a peaceful way to spend time outdoors.
