Discover Hollola: Landscapes, Trails and History

Hollola brings together geological landscapes, church architecture and trails with seasonal winter sports in Messilä. The distances and character of the routes vary considerably, from the trail past the Pirunpesä Gorge and a circuit around three lakes with the same name to a 27-kilometre cycling route. The cultural history sites also offer contrasting perspectives, from a medieval church to a historic building on the shores of Lake Vesijärvi.

Geopark, Tiirismaa and Pirunpesä

Hollola is part of the Salpausselkä Geopark complex, which was included in UNESCO’s Global Geoparks Network in 2022. At 223 metres, Tiirismaa is the highest point in southern Finland. The Tiirismaa cliff area is recognised nationally for its nature conservation and landscape value.

The Pirunpesä Gorge in Hollola is a crevice in the quartzite rock of Tiirismaa and has been a popular excursion destination since the 19th century. A marked hiking trail passes by it over a distance of 4.5 kilometres. Check trail conditions before your visit.

Hiking trails and cycling route

Kapatuosia Hill has marked hiking trails and a viewing tower at its summit. Use the trails on foot and only on the marked routes, as the ground on the slopes can easily give way. The hill and its surroundings were already inhabited in the Stone Age, about 8,000 years ago.

The lake circuit in Hollola goes around three lakes, all called Tiilijärvi. At 7.5 kilometres, it is three kilometres longer than the trail past Pirunpesä; along the way, it passes over roads, forest paths and wooden boardwalks. Trail conditions can vary by season.

For a cycling trip, the Hollola–Messilä–Hollola route is 27 kilometres long. It starts in the centre of Hollola and runs through the church village, via Salpakangas and Hälvälä, to Messilä and back. The cycling route therefore differs from the hiking trails described in both distance and mode of transport.

Churches and historic buildings

The Church of St Mary in Hollola was built between 1495 and 1510. It is known for its richly decorated western gable and a well-preserved wooden sculpture inside. Hollolan Pappila is a historic building erected in 1813 on the shore of Lake Vesijärvi, next to Hollola’s medieval stone church.

Hollolan Vanha Kunnantupa is also part of the area’s architectural history: together with the medieval church tower, the building forms a nationally significant architectural and landscape ensemble. Hollola thus brings together diverse historic landmarks, from the church’s period of construction and artistic details to the connection between a historic building and the church tower.

Messilä in winter and by the water

Messilä Ski Resort in Hollola has 10 ski slopes and 9 ski lifts. As the configuration may change, check the latest slope and lift information before planning your winter visit. Messilä also offers skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobile safaris. These activities are seasonal, and availability varies depending on the operating season.

Messilä Guest Harbour has a guest pier, guest berths, facilities for disposing of household and waste oil, and drinking water. So, alongside its winter activities, Messilä also has a harbour with specific facilities for visitors.

For the wider travel overview: Päijät-Häme.