Things To Do
in Hollola

Hollola is a tranquil municipality in southern Finland, just west of Lahti. It blends countryside charm with a historic church village and nearby forests and lakes. The Hollola Church and the Sääksmäki area offer a glimpse of traditional Finnish heritage, surrounded by scenic nature trails.

Year-round, Hollola serves as a peaceful base for outdoor activities and easy day trips to Lahti and Helsinki.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Hollola
morning
:

Arrive in Hollola and settle into your accommodation, enjoying the serene surroundings. Take a leisurely hike around the picturesque landscapes to start your journey invigorated. Breathe in the crisp Finnish air as you familiarize yourself with the local area.

afternoon
:

Visit the Hollola Museum to immerse yourself in the local history and culture. Explore the charming exhibits that chronicle life in Hollola from days gone by. Afterward, grab a light lunch at a nearby café, indulging in some traditional Finnish pastries.

evening
:

As the sun begins to set, stroll around the scenic shores of Lake Päijänne. Enjoy the tranquility of the water and possibly catch a glimpse of the local wildlife. Dine at a local restaurant, savoring freshly-caught fish dishes and regional specialties.

day 2
Exploring Lahden kaupungin
morning
:

Take a short trip to the nearby city of Lahti and explore the beautiful Sibelius Hall. Enjoy a guided tour that showcases the stunning architecture and acoustics of this renowned concert venue. Then, visit the nearby Lahti Historical Museum to broaden your cultural horizons.

afternoon
:

Stroll through the bustling market square, filled with local produce and handmade crafts. Sample local delicacies, including pastries famous to the region, as you chat with the friendly vendors. Spend your afternoon soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of this Finnish city.

evening
:

Return to Hollola for a quiet evening by indulging in a sauna experience at your accommodation. Reflect on your day over a cozy dinner in a traditional setting. End your night with a peaceful walk under the starry sky.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
🍽️Three-course dinner for two$40-70
🚌Public transport ticket (one-way)$3-6
🛏️One night in mid-range hotel$100-180
🛒Groceries for a week$60-120

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Tranquil setting near Lahti with easy access to nature
  • Historic sites such as Hollola Church and Sääksmäki area
  • Limited nightlife within Hollola itself
  • Smaller town scale may mean traveling to Lahti for certain services
  • "Hei" - Hello
  • "Kiitos" - Thank you
  • "Anteeksi" - Excuse me / Sorry
  • "Missä on…?" - Where is…?
  • "Kuinka paljon tämä maksaa?" - How much is this?
  • "Voitteko suositella hyvää ravintolaa?" - Could you recommend a good restaurant?

Places to Visit in Hollola

Visit one of these nice places.

Hollola Church and church village

Historic wooden and stone structures framed by pine and birch trees; especially photogenic at sunset.

Sääksmäki Church area

19th-century church with surrounding open fields and rustic Finnish scenery.

Salpausselkä ridge viewpoints

Glacial ridge with long views over forests and lakes; ideal at dawn or golden hour.

Lakeside spots along Vesijärvi or nearby lakes

Promenades and piers offering reflections of water and pines.

Culinary Guide

Food in Hollola

In the Häme region, local cuisine emphasizes fresh forest berries, fish from the lakes, rye bread, and simple, hearty dishes made with seasonal ingredients.

Hollola Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Lohikeitto

Creamy salmon soup with potatoes and dill, commonly found in local restaurants and cottage kitchens along the lakes.

Must-Try!

Karjalanpiirakka

Traditional Karelian rye pastry filled with rice, potatoes, or carrots; widely available in bakeries and cafés.

Ruisleipä

Dense Finnish rye bread served with butter; a staple on Finnish tables and found in most bakeries.

Hernekeitto

Pea soup often served with a side pancake; popular in cafés and eateries, especially in autumn and winter.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Lahti Market Square

A short trip away in Lahti, where seasonal produce, fish, berries, and traditional snacks are available.

Climate Guide

Weather

Finland’s climate in Hollola is temperate with distinct seasons: cold winters with snow (often -5 to -15°C, colder during Arctic spells), warm summers around 15-25°C, with spring and autumn being mild and variable.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Punctuality

Be on time for appointments and reservations; punctuality is valued.

Greetings

A firm handshake is common; greetings are polite but not overly casual in formal settings.

Quiet behavior in public

Finns generally value personal space and quiet conversations in public places.

Safety Guide

Safety

Hollola is generally safe; take usual precautions against weather and nature (moose on roads in winter, forest safety); emergency number 112 for medical or safety emergencies.

Tipping in Hollola

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Not mandatory in Finland; rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for exceptional service is appreciated.

PaymentMethods

Credit and debit cards widely accepted; cash is less common; mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are convenient.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Long days, light evenings, and mosquitoes; keep sunscreen and insect repellent handy; water-based activities are popular.

Autumn

Mild to cool days; autumn colors in forests; harvest season brings berries and mushrooms.

Winter

Cold temperatures and snow; great for cross-country skiing and cozy indoor venues; daylight hours are shorter.

Spring

Melting snow and budding trees; good for hiking with fewer crowds and seasonal wildlife.

Nightlife Guide

Hollola at Night

Hollola has a quiet, small-town nightlife with cozy cafés and local bars; in nearby Lahti you can find live music venues and student-friendly pubs; seasonal events and summer terraces are common.

Hiking in Hollola

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Salpausselkä ridge hikes

Prominent glacial ridge with scenic forest trails and viewpoints; easy to moderate grade.

Forest loops around Sääksmäki

Gentle to moderate trails through Finnish forests with lakeside sections.

Airports

How to reach Hollola by plane.

Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL)

Finland’s largest international hub; about 100-120 km from Hollola; frequent connections to Europe and beyond.

Tampere-Pirkkala Airport (TMP)

Smaller regional airport serving domestic and some international flights; about 150-180 km away.

Lappeenranta Airport (LPP)

Regional airport with some international routes; farther away but an option for certain itineraries.

Getting Around

Walkability

Hollola town center is fairly walkable, with compact streets and shops within walking distance; further areas and lakes require a car or local bus to reach; picturesque nature is best accessed by foot on trails or bikes.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Many families live in Hollola with good schools and nature access.

Students and commuters

Some residents commute to Lahti or beyond for work or study; good regional services.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Ice hockey

Popular spectator sport and activity in winter; local teams and rinks available nearby.

Cross-country skiing

Widely available on groomed trails in winter around Hollola and Lahti.

Football (soccer)

Common among local clubs and school teams.

Transportation

Traffic

Roads are generally calm in Hollola; Lahti area has more traffic, especially on peak hours; public transport includes buses to Lahti; parking is common in town centers; driving in winter requires caution on icy roads.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Hollola.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are widely available; look for mushroom dishes, berry salads, dairy-based meals, and plant-based soups; most places can accommodate with advance notice.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is provided by municipal services; local health centers in Hollola and nearby Lahti; for emergencies call 112; general care may require a visit to Lahti or other larger towns; private clinics exist but public system is common.

Discover Finland

Read more in our Finland 2025 Travel Guide.

Finland Travel Guide