Lake Routes on Lake Päijänne

Päijänne-Risteilyt Hilden Oy has long traditions of operating ships across the length and breadth of the majestic Lake Päijänne waterway. Founded already in 1963, the shipping company is a family business with affairs currently in the hands of the second generation. In the 1960s Hannu Hildén started by running a water bus service in the immediate Jyväskylä area, ferrying people to their summer houses on various islands and across the lake in Jyväskylä to the Ainola dance pavilion.
Little by little the company grew. Major efforts were required, however, in the 1970s and 80s to ensure the shipping business as a whole survived on Lake Päijänne.
At the present time the company operates vessels throughout the Lake Päijänne area – from Lahti, Heinola and Jyväskylä and, with the completion of the Keitele canal, also to Laukaa and Äänekoski and new lake route from Heinola to Kouvola and Kimola Canal.
The company has four vessels, all of which are in excellent shape and well-equipped in terms of kitchens and other facilities.