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Spend your summer days at Aurinkoranta swimming in the sparkling clean waters of Lake Vesijärvi,
fishing, barbequing, taking naps in a hammock, and admiring the lake from your own little row boat.
In winter, when there is snow and ice, you can go cross-country skiing, ice-fishing, for brisk walks
or simply have a good snowball fight out on the yard. After a day outdoors and a nice hot sauna bath,
relax by the fire and do nothing. On a rainy day, curl up with a blanket and a good book.
Create a candlelit dinner for two or enjoy a leisurely meal with friends and family.
Blue heaven: fresh wild blueberries. Feel free to pick as much as you like. Blueberries are ripe for
picking from late July through August. Eat them fresh out of hand, with milk and sugar, or toss a
handful on cereal or oatmeal. And who can resist homemade blueberry pie?
To make the most of your holiday, why not explore the nearby attractions: strolling around the Vääksy
Canal famous for its beauty, hiking on the handsome esker of Aurinkovuori, trying your hand at golf in
Vääksy, or visiting the city of Lahti for shopping & browsing or cultural events.
Start your day by popping into a cosy coffee house on the Vääksy Canal, a famous tourist attraction and
Finland’s busiest leisure canal. Local flora and the natural beauty of the landscape can be experienced
on a nature trail near the canal. The charming Danielson-Kalmari Villa offers visual treats to those
interested in architecture and art.
Near the canal you will also find Asikkala's fishing and cultural centre Päijännetalo 'Päijänne House’
housing exhibitions on the history of fishing and the magnificent Päijänne National Park. Päijännetalo
is open from Tuesdays to Sundays. Guided tours to the picturesque Kelvenne Island are organised on summer
Tuesdays (please check at Päijännetalo). Alternatively, daytime cruises to the pretty town of Heinola are
possible, or evening cruises to Lahti.
Laura’s shop in the centre of Vääksy is simply wonderful. At Laura's you will find anything from fresh
flowers and plants to porcelain and glassware to decor accesories to garden tools, nuts & bolts to wrought
iron hardware. You really have to come and experience the unique atmosphere yourself!
Pellavatupa Joen torppa, located some 4 km from Aurinkoranta, is a farm specialising in the fibre flax
plant. Here you can learn about the history of flax and the many stages involved in processing flax plants
into linen yarn. You can even take part in the process yourself. There are also linen products for sale.
Vesivehmaan Jenkkapirtti some 10 km from the centre of Vääksy is a popular summer dance pavilion featuring
live music by various Finnish artists and full of old-time atmosphere (usually open on summer Saturdays).
Mum’s day off! Send Mum to Lahti for shopping and sightseeing. In the meantime, the rest of the pack can
enjoy swimming and fishing at home. Or if you’d rather explore Lahti together, why not check out the family
park Launeen perhepuisto with plenty of activities for young children (open daily, free of charge). The park
is located a few kilometres from the city centre with frequent bus connections from Lahti market square.
On a lazy summer day, relax and enjoy the bustling Lahti Harbour on Lake Vesijärvi. Its many waterside cafés
and restaurants are great spots to watch boats and people come and go. The internationally renowned Sibelius
Hall with its modern wooden architecture and splendid acoustics houses a wealth of concerts and other events
throughout the year.
Hotel Tallukka in Vääksy offers a number of wellness services including a day spa with pampering treatments
to nurture your body and mind. There is also a late night restaurant featuring live music by Finnish top
performers on weekends.
Hiking enthusiasts will find trails designed for both day and overnight treks. Asikkala Ice Age Route (100 km)
and Aurinko-Ilves trail offer nature lovers splendid scenery and diverse landscapes (further info available at
Päijännetalo).
Hop on a bike and make a day trip to the lovely Pulkkilanharju ridge famous for its natural beauty. As a resting
place for migratory birds, the area is also popular among birdwatchers during autumn and spring.
Those coming in winter can enjoy cross-country skiing on an ice-covered lake (weather conditions permitting) or
on the well-maintained and illuminated ski tracks in Vääksy or Lahti.
Also see brochure (http://www.asikkala.fi/pdf/asikpienien.pdf) on Asikkala introducing local sights, events and service providers.
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