Activities in Nuuksio National Park

Nuuksio's appeal lies in its close proximity to the capital and the wide range of activities on offer for people of all ages.

Walk on marked trails

The park's many marked trails are the best way to explore the area's diverse flora and fauna. There are more than 30 kilometres of marked trails around Haukkalampi pond, the Kattila area and Lake Siikajärvi. The circular routes (2–7 km) leading off from Haukkalampi Nature Information Hut are a great way to get an overview of the park. There are trails suited for both beginners and experienced hikers. 

Learn in nature

Finnish Nature Centre Haltia and the park's diverse flora and fauna make Nuuksio a great destination for educational and inspiring school excursions. Nuuksio is an excellent place to bring children to learn basic survival skills and environmental responsibility. The Junior Ranger programme introduces children to the exciting work of the park's staff.

Visit a Nature Centre

Finnish Nature Centre Haltia showcases some of the jewels of Finnish nature and hosts exhibitions about the flora and fauna of Nuuksio and the capital region. Its exhibitions bring visitors within touching distance of the natural world, and the glorious scenery of Nuuksio National Park and Lake Pitkäjärvi are just around the corner.

Finnish Nature Centre Haltia is the first public building in Finland built entirely of wood; it is a combination of stunning architectural design and ultramodern ecological solutions. The building's heating and cooling systems are powered by solar panels and geothermal pumps. Read more (haltia.com).

Other activities

  • Geocaching: There are numerous geocaches in Nuuksio that provide a fun way to explore the area. Read more.

Hiker with phone in hand walks in an autumnal forest. In the background is a large stone covered with moss.

 

  • Skiing: Skiing is the best way to access every corner of the park in the winter. The nearest maintained ski trails are located just outside the park in recreational areas managed by the cities of Helsinki and Espoo.
  • Fishing: Excluding protected water areas, ice fishing, hook and line fishing and lure fishing with a single rod are permitted in the national park. Persons aged 18-69 years must pay the fisheries management fee (eraluvat.fi). Fishing permits are available from Metsähallitus' online shop (eraluvat.fi). Please note that fishing in Myllypuro brook and other fluvial waters is prohibited. Fishers need to check the restrictions on fishing sites at kalastusrajoitus.fi (kalastusrajoitus.fi, in Finnish).
  • Climbing: Rock climbing and descending with a rope are allowed only at Pitkäjärvi and the easternmost Kolmoislammi. Ice climbing is allowed throughout the national park.
  • Birdwatching: Several species of birds nest in the park's woods, meadows and rocky terrain. There is also a birdwatching tower by Lake Matalajärvi.
  • Letterboxing: There are 10 letterboxes hidden in the park which are sure to challenge even regular visitors. Read more, in Finnish.
  • Nature trails: The park has two nature trails where you can learn about habitat restoration techniques and the area's woodland and wetland ecosystems. Nahkiaispolku Nature Trail (2 km) runs in challenging terrain, while Kaarniaispolku Nature Trail (2.7 km) is suitable for beginners and even children.
  • Pick berries and mushrooms: There are no restrictions on berry and mushroom picking in the park. Treat yourself to Nuuksio's tasty bilberries (Vaccinium
    myrtillus    ), lingonberries (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) and yellowfoot chanterelles (Cantharellus cibarius)!
  • Canoeing: Nuuksio can also be explored by canoeing on Lake Haukkalampi or Lake Nuuksion Pitkäjärvi.
  • Sights and scenery: The park offers beautiful scenery and a varied landscape: There are lakes, woodland, valleys, rocky hills and wetland. Haukankierros Trail is especially scenic.
  • Cycling: There are around 30 kilometres of cycling routes in the park. See Map (pdf 0.1 Mb, julkaisut.metsa.fi. in Finnish).
  • Horse riding: Another way to explore Nuuksio is on horseback. There are approximately 22 kilometres of bridle paths (pdf 0.3 Mb, julkaisut.metsa.fi) in the park.
  • Tour skating: Tour skating is an excellent way to enjoy the tranquillity of wintry nature and the thrill of speed.
  • Guided group tours: There are numerous entrepreneurs offering guided tours in the park. Read more.
  • Swimming: There are no restrictions on swimming in the park but there is no official beach. You'll swim in the lakes and ponds of the national park at your own risk.
  • Hiking: Weekend hiking excursions can be built around the park's marked routes. Alternatively, you can just head into the wilderness! There are camping sites and lean-to shelters for overnight stays in the park, as well as two cabins that can be hired for private use: Oravankolo and Tikankolo. Please bear in mind, that only a valid reservation of either Oravankolo or Tikankolo entitles you to roam at the cabin yard.
  • Voluntary work: You can contribute to the maintenance of Nuuksio National Park by participating in volunteer events that combine a stunning setting and valuable work.