Strawberry Continues Expansion in Finland – Sets Sights on Lahti

Strawberry is now taking the next step in its continued expansion in Finland through a partnership with NCC. The parties aim to jointly establish a new hotel in Lahti.

The planned hotel will be an 16-story building featuring approximately 205 rooms, restaurants, a conference floor, a sky bar, and a rooftop terrace. Located in the K42 block currently taking shape in central Lahti, the hotel will be a distinct addition to the city’s skyline, meeting demand that is growing in pace with the city’s development.

This establishment is a key part of Strawberry’s long-term commitment to Finland. Since 2016, the chain has grown rapidly and strategically, notably through the acquisition of Kämp Collection Hotels in 2019 and the purchase and takeover of several hotels in central Helsinki in recent years. Today, Strawberry operates 19 hotels in the country and sees great potential in a market that, despite difficult years, is now showing a stable recovery.

“Finland is a key market for us. Although the Finnish hotel market has faced headwinds in recent years, we see enormous potential, especially when looking at the bigger picture. Lahti is a city of the future with strong growth, international investments, and a clear sustainability profile. We want to be part of and contribute to that development,” says Petter Stordalen, owner and founder of Strawberry.

In recent years, Lahti has strengthened its position as one of Europe’s most progressive smaller cities, demonstrating clear climate leadership and aiming for carbon neutrality by 2028. At the same time, LUT University is expanding rapidly, making the city one of Finland's fastest-growing university hubs. This creates a steady flow of visitors, meetings, and events.

Lahti has also attracted several major investments recently. At the end of 2024, Fazer announced it would move its chocolate production to the city—an initiative costing around four billion SEK and the company’s largest investment to date. Shortly thereafter, the Singaporean company DayOne announced plans to build a data center project worth over ten billion SEK.

Combined with the city’s strong position as a sports and events hub, with recurring international championships such as the FIS World Ski Championships in 2029, this makes Lahti an exciting city for Strawberry’s continued expansion in Finland.

NCC, which is developing and constructing the project, highlights the initiative's importance for the city's continued growth.

“We are proud to develop a new landmark in Lahti together with Strawberry. K42 will be a modern and sustainable hotel that strengthens the city’s appeal and contributes positively to its growth plans,” says Marko Tiitinen, Director of Project Development at NCC.

Construction is scheduled to begin upon completion of the planning phase.

For more information, please contact:
Daniel Stenbäck, Chief Development Officer, Strawberry, +46 70 161 68 06