Lakeaharju | Exploring Finland
Lakeaharju is a hill in the forests of Vimpeli Municipality in the Southern Ostrobothnia Region of Western Finland. The hill’s peaks reach a height of 175 meters and it is home to a skiing center that was opened in 1976. The ski slopes and the hill offer a view of the lake Lappajärvi, a quite large lake that was originally a crater created by a meteorite impact. The altitude difference towards the lake is about 106 meters. Made even more dramatic by the high observation tower at the top of the hill.
Things to Do and See
Lakeaharju is home to two sports centers focused on outdoor activities. During the winter it is the alpine skiing at the side of the hill as well as the biathlon center that are attracting visitors. Summer times mean a change in activities. There is an 18-hole Frisbee golf course here and there is also a possibility to climb the high observation tower to enjoy a great view.
How to Get to Lakeaharju
- Flights: The closest larger airports are Kokkola-Pietarsaari Airport (KOK) to the north and Vaasa Airport (VAA) to the west.
- Car: Lakeaharju is located along Road 68, right between Hoisko and Vimpeli.
The driving distance from 5 major Finnish cities, according to Google Maps:
- Helsinki – 396 kilometers (4 h 30 min)
- Turku – 363 kilometers (4 h 30 min)
- Vaasa – 137 kilometers (1 h 40 min)
- Oulu – 272 kilometers (3 h 30 min)
- Joensuu – 375 kilometers (4 h 40 min)
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