The Kariniemi tree path, with many tree species, consists of the Pikku-Vesijäri arboretum and the hilly Kariniemi forest grove, with lush vegetation formed from a wide variety of plant species. This is an important recreational area between central Lahti and the shore of Lake Vesijärvi.
Pikku-Vesijärvi is an English-style arboretum that was made in the 1950s on Lahti Manor land. The park has many species of trees, and over the years has become Lahti’s most important greenery area. A wide variety of events are held in the park, including the Kariranta summer theatre. The park is also home to the largest water organ in the Nordic countries.
Kariniemi is a hilly wooded area that is mostly open to outdoor activities and recreation. The area has an extensive network of paths, making it easy to get around without harming the surrounding vegetation. The northern slope of Kariniemi hill, and part of the southern slope, have been designated by the local authorities as protected areas. This measure, along with regular upkeep, is intended to preserve this valuable natural environment. Rare plant species also grow elsewhere in the area. Kariniemi is also of cultural interest, since on top of the hill are several giant sculptures by Olavi Lanu, one of Lahti’s most celebrated artists.
Tree species in the Arboretum
1. Malus Baccata, Siberian crabapple
2. Acer platanoides, Norway Maple
3. Pinus Sylvestris, Scots pine
4. Betula pendula, Silver birch
5. Tilia cordata, Small-leaved Lime
6. Betula pubescens, Downy birch
7. Abies sibirica, Siberian fir
8. Pseudotsuga menziesii, Douglas fir
9. Larix sibirica, Siberian larch
10. Prunus padus, Bird cherry
11. Tsuga canadensis, Canadian hemlock
12. Alnus incana, Grey alder
13. Populus tremula, Aspen
14. Sorbus aucuparia, Rowan
15. Picea abies, Common spruce
16. Picea engelmannii, Engelmann spruce
17. Salix caprea, Goat willow
18. Picea omorika, Serbian spruce
19. Juniperus communis, Juniper
20. Salix pentandra, Bay willow
21. Ulmus glabra, Wych elm
22. Quercus robur, Common oak
23. Larix decidua, European larch
24. Salix alba var. ‘Sibirica’, White willow
25. Populus ‘Rasumowskiana’, Poplar ‘Rasumowskiana
26. Aesculus hippocastanum, Horse-chestnut
27. Populus x berolinensis, Berlin poplar
28. Picea pungens, Blue spruce
29. Pinus cembra, Swiss pine
30. Quercus rubra, Red oak
31. Fraxinus pennsylvanica, Red ash
32. Fraxinus excelsior, Ash
33. Populus balsamifera ‘Elongata’, Balsam poplar
34. Tilia x vulgaris, Common limetree
35. Picea pungens ‘Glauca’, Blue spruce
36. Populus trichocarpa, Black cottonwood
37. Populus tremula ‘Erecta’, Aspen ‘Erecta’
38. Betula pendula var. carelica, Curly birch
39. Sorbus intermedia, Swedish whitebeam
40. Abies balsamea, Balsam fir
41. Abies concolor, White fir
42. Populus nigra ’Petrowskiana’, Petrowskiana poplar
43. Betula pubescens f. rubra, Red birch
44. Pinus peuce, Macedonian pine
45. Alnus glutinosa, Black Alder
The tree species to be found in each area are marked on the map with numbers. After this outing, you are sure to remember Lahti as the city of trees!
Follow the park routes marked on the map, and discover the natural beauty close to central Lahti!