Finn here as well, happy to help if I can. This seems really odd to me. Nothing available on those dates even though Lahti should have the capacity, as they host lots of big events there. The prices for the days surrounding that weekend are insane (on a Lahti standard). The weekend before is around 100e/night, while Wednesday-Friday (that should be cheaper) is 270e/night. How many have even qualified yet for this event? I wonder if some of the popularity is caused by spectators. Not racing tris anymore, but I was still considering driving there just to watch.
Very sorry for everyone who's planning on racing. I hope this gets sorted out.
Feel free to ask if there are any questions about traveling here for the race.
EDIT: About staying in Helsinki. I think it is a perfectly good option. The drive from Helsinki takes a bit over an hour. The train is about the same, and you can bring a bike if you book ahead. I am partial as I live in Helsinki (but visit Lahti frequently), but it's a nice city, and if you plan on staying longer I think Helsinki has a lot more to offer as a destination. For race prep Lahti is, however, much better. The area around Helsinki is sub-optimal for road biking, especially with a tri bike, but you can find nice roads about 15km outside the Helsinki city center. Both cities have indoor pools, and at least Helsinki has two outdoor 50m pools (but expect to share a lane with at least 10 other swimmers). No personal experience swimming in Lahti. For running both cities are great. In Helsinki you'll find good paths all around the city center, and there is a huge forest (Helsingin keskuspuisto) right by the city center if you prefer trail running.
Very sorry for everyone who's planning on racing. I hope this gets sorted out.
Feel free to ask if there are any questions about traveling here for the race.
EDIT: About staying in Helsinki. I think it is a perfectly good option. The drive from Helsinki takes a bit over an hour. The train is about the same, and you can bring a bike if you book ahead. I am partial as I live in Helsinki (but visit Lahti frequently), but it's a nice city, and if you plan on staying longer I think Helsinki has a lot more to offer as a destination. For race prep Lahti is, however, much better. The area around Helsinki is sub-optimal for road biking, especially with a tri bike, but you can find nice roads about 15km outside the Helsinki city center. Both cities have indoor pools, and at least Helsinki has two outdoor 50m pools (but expect to share a lane with at least 10 other swimmers). No personal experience swimming in Lahti. For running both cities are great. In Helsinki you'll find good paths all around the city center, and there is a huge forest (Helsingin keskuspuisto) right by the city center if you prefer trail running.