Nastola, former municipality of Finland, now part of Lahti
Nastola is a former district of Lahti, Finland, that merged with the city in 2016. The area consists of quiet villages, lakes, and forests with gentle hills shaped by glaciers, connected by small roads and surrounded by rocky outcrops and clay soil.
People have lived in this area since the Stone Age, particularly around the largest lakes. During the Iron Age, four main farming villages emerged, and the first known church was built around 1640, with a replacement finished in 1804.
The name Nastola may come from a Karelian word for a man's name. Today, local culture centers on outdoor activities, seasonal rhythms, and traditional ways that residents continue to practice in their daily lives.
Nastola is easily reached from Lahti and features small roads and paths perfect for walking or cycling through quiet rural areas. You will find restaurants and shops in the villages serving local foods and traditional crafts, with plenty of parking in unpaved areas.
Unique ancient stone caves with cup-shaped holes exist in Leikkola, among the few known examples of this type in southern Finland. These archaeological sites can be visited along the Ruuhijärvi cultural trail.
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