Nuuksio National Park: Helsinki's Wilderness Escape

4.7 (5497)

Discover Finland's natural beauty just a short trip from Helsinki: hiking, camping, and pristine wilderness await in Nuuksio National Park.

Home
Finland
Espoo
Nuuksio National Park

Escape the city bustle in Nuuksio National Park, a pristine wilderness just 35 km from Helsinki. Explore lush forests, serene lakes, and rocky hills, perfect for hiking, camping, and experiencing Finnish nature at its finest.

A brief summary to Nuuksio National Park

Nuuksiontie 84, Espoo, 02820, FI
Click to display
Click to display

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Nuuksio National Park.

Check the HSL website for the most up-to-date public transportation schedules, as services can be limited.
Stop by the Finnish Nature Centre Haltia for trail maps, information, and tips before starting your hike.
Pack appropriate clothing and footwear, especially during winter, as the terrain can be hilly and snowy.
Bring your own water and snacks, as there are limited options for purchasing them within the park.
Be mindful of campfire restrictions and only light fires at designated fireplaces.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Getting There

Public Transport

From Helsinki Central Railway Station, take commuter train (lines U, E, L, or Y) to Espoo station. From Espoo station, transfer to bus 245A towards Kattila. Get off at Nuuksionpää, a 2km walk to the Haukkalampi visitor centre. Alternatively, in summer (May-October), stay on bus 245A to the terminus at Kattila. A single train ticket from Helsinki to Espoo costs approximately €3-6. A single bus ticket within Espoo costs approximately €3.30. Consider purchasing a regional day ticket for unlimited travel within the Helsinki region for €12.
Driving

From Helsinki, drive along Highway 1 (Helsinki-Turku) and exit to Road 110/Hista, turning left. After approximately 1 km, turn left onto Brobackantie road. Drive for about 10 km, passing the Finnish Nature Centre Haltia. Turn left onto Haukkalammentie road. Continue for 2 km to reach the public parking area near Hawk Nest. Parking is available at Haukkalampi (Haukkalammentie 30, Espoo). Parking is only allowed in marked parking areas. Limited parking is available, especially on weekends. Parking is free.

Discover more about Nuuksio National Park

Nuuksio National Park, located on the outskirts of Espoo, Kirkkonummi, and Vihti, offers a unique opportunity to experience Finnish nature close to the capital region. Established in 1994, the park's 45 square kilometers feature diverse landscapes, including conifer and birch forests, over forty lakes and ponds, and rocky hills shaped by the last ice age. Nuuksio is ideal for hiking, with over 30 km of marked trails catering to various skill levels. Popular trails include the Punarinnankierros Trail (2 km, easy), Haukankierros Trail (4 km), and Korpinkierros Trail (6-7.2 km). Visitors can also enjoy camping at designated sites, berry picking in late summer, and mushroom foraging in the fall. In winter, the park transforms into a snowy wonderland for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The park's history dates back to the Ice Age, with evidence of human presence over 9,000 years ago. Its location near Helsinki is unusual, owing to terrain unsuitable for farming. Today, Nuuksio is a haven for diverse flora and fauna, including the Siberian flying squirrel, the park's emblem. Key attractions include the Finnish Nature Centre Haltia, which provides information, exhibitions, and services. The Haukkalampi area is another popular gateway, offering trails and campfire facilities.