Heinola, granted city status in 1839, is today a small, yet developed and attractive example of a modern Finnish province. A lot of attractions, options for outdoor activities, luxury fishing right in the center of the city, the clearest forests and water bodies for tens of kilometers around, a mild climate allow Heinola municipality to take the leading places in the number of tourist services in the region of Lahti.

The distance from Tampere to Heinola is 166 km. You can get to Heinola both by car and by public transport via Lahti (regular bus service to Tampere). From there, 35 km by highway number 5, buses leave from the same station or take a train from the central station. In summer, you can get to Heinola from Lahti pier by cruise ship or streetcar, which takes about 4,5 hours, but the scenery from the water is worth the time.

Heinola is a remarkably well maintained and comfortable town. History and provincial slowness here intertwines with all sorts of benefits of civilization, and the majestic nature of Finland is inextricably linked to urban life.

In the city operates a tourist office, which provides visitors with necessary information and materials.

Heinola sights

• Heinola Ornithological Garden, home to over 400 species of tropical and “native” birds. There are changing exhibitions in the exhibit hall. The garden is open year round.
• Fishing Paradise on the river of 200 hectares in the heart of the city, in the middle of which is the Yuryangonkoski rapids. It is allowed to catch lake salmon, taimen, whitefish, grayling, rainbow trout. On the territory there is a restaurant, a traditional black sauna, tourist services and sales of fishing trips.
• Heinola Art Museum. In the framework of the permanent exhibition you can see the library in empire style of the art foundation of Minister P. Hünninen and one of the largest collections of silverware of the Baltic peoples in Europe. In addition, exhibitions of local and national masters of various applied genres are constantly changing.
• Heinola City Museum will show visitors the history of the region in the eighteenth and twentieth centuries, the interiors of 19th century houses, samples of coins and medals. The Heinola Municipal Museum is well known for its thematic exhibitions dedicated to the comprehensive recreation of everyday life and style of different eras.
• The policeman’s house of Ashan recreates the authentic environment of an eighteenth-century town house. Even the courtyard seems to take visitors back 200 years. The furniture, decorations and household items of the past centuries allow you to plunge into the atmosphere of that time. The house is open to visitors on 15.05-15.09, as well as on the 50th and 51st week (in December). Christmas celebrations are held here, recreating the traditions of the eighteenth century.
• Saksala Adventure Center, Highlight Action Camp Saksala, is an activity base that offers its guests adventure opportunities all year round. Kayaking trips, cable car rides, snowmobile safaris – adrenaline and positive emotions are guaranteed.