Putting green goals into action
The city’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its ambition to become carbon neutral by 2025, supported by circular economy initiatives such as the Kujala Waste Centre. This centre is a beacon of resource efficiency, with a third of local waste recycled into new products and the rest used for energy production. Lahti’s strategic plans include the creation of a fully circular economy by 2050, integrating environmental goals with economic vitality. The city’s green credentials are strengthened by its 74% green area coverage and the UNESCO Global Geopark designation of the nearby Salpausselkä ridge.
Smart and accessible mobility
Lahti excels in accessibility, offering a seamless blend of innovative technologies and sustainable solutions. Once in the city, visitors and residents can explore more than 560 km of walking and cycling paths, supported by the digital Route Map that helps users find optimal routes. The city’s 500 Mankeli e-bikes, electric scooter rental service, and smart CitiCAP bicycle path demonstrate Lahti’s forward-thinking approach to sustainable mobility.
The destination's attractions and services are designed to be accessible to all. Nature lovers will appreciate the wheelchair-accessible trails in the Likolampi Nature Trail and the Lapakisto Nature Reserve, while 21 public beaches, winter swimming sites, and ski trails offer inclusive recreational opportunities. Lahti’s commitment to inclusivity extends to its participation in the We Speak Gay network, ensuring LGBTQIA+ friendly services throughout the city.
Embracing digitalisation
Lahti demonstrates its smart tourism credentials through the innovative use of digital tools. The city’s tourism platform, Visit Lahti - Lakeland Finland, offers multilingual information, with integration into Finland’s national DataHub system ensuring extensive visibility on major international portals. Digital solutions such as 3D modelling and mobile apps for public transport, e-bikes, and car-sharing services enhance the visitor experience while promoting sustainability.
The city's focus on data-driven tourism is reflected in its knowledge management platform, which tracks the success of its marketing efforts and provides valuable insights into tourism performance. Collaboration with local businesses has further boosted the city’s status as a smart destination, contributing to a thriving local economy.
Heritage and nature conservation
Lahti’s history of environmental stewardship dates back to the 1970s, and the transformation of Lake Vesijärvi from a polluted body of water into a thriving recreational hub highlights the city’s dedication to preserving its natural heritage. Visitors can enjoy a variety of water-based activities such as canoeing, sailing, and fishing, while the nearby Salpausselkä Geopark offers year-round outdoor adventures.
The city’s industrial heritage has also been revitalised, with former industrial sites repurposed into cultural venues such as the Sibelius Hall, a world-class concert hall, that combines the port’s industrial past with modern design. Lahti’s port showcases sustainable construction with wooden architecture parks, while events such as Desucon attract diverse cultural groups to the city.