Experience real nature in the middle of the city

Nature is always close by in Helsinki.

Cows are let out for summer grazing at Viikki in Helsinki.

Hiking trails at Nuuksio National Park

Big forests in Helsinki are perfect for mushroom picking.

The Haltiala farm is like a piece of the Finnish countryside. The farm gives visitors an opportunity to acquaint themselves with domestic farm animals. In summer and autumn the animals are outside and can be seen from early morning until late in the evening, at other times they are inside. The sheds are then open mainly Mon-Fri 18-20, Sat-Sun 11-18 (please check opening hours in advance though). In addition to traditional grains, the Haltiala farm cultivates peas and flowers on some fields, and city residents are welcome to pick them for free in July-August. Events during Easter and Christmas. Restaurant-cafe Wanha Pehtoori is situated next to the farm.

The Haltiala farm is like a piece of the Finnish countryside. The farm gives visitors an opportunity to acquaint themselves with domestic farm animals. In summer and autumn the animals are outside and can be seen from early morning until late in the evening, at other times they are inside. The sheds are then open mainly Mon-Fri 18-20, Sat-Sun 11-18 (please check opening hours in advance though). In addition to traditional grains, the Haltiala farm cultivates peas and flowers on some fields, and city residents are welcome to pick them for free in July-August. Events during Easter and Christmas. Restaurant-cafe Wanha Pehtoori is situated next to the farm.

Haltiala farm

Covering a thousand hectares, the Central Park runs ten kilometres from south to north, starting near the city centre in Laakso and ending in Haltiala in the northern outskirts of the city. In the city centre, the park consists of mainly recreational forests, while in Haltiala there are primeval forests and agricultural landscapes. There are four nature reserves in the park: the deciduous forests in Pitkäkoski and Ruutinkoski, Haltiala primeval forest and Niskala arboretum.

The Central park is a very popular recreational area with a diverse range of environments.

Covering a thousand hectares, the Central Park runs ten kilometres from south to north, starting near the city centre in Laakso and ending in Haltiala in the northern outskirts of the city. In the city centre, the park consists of mainly recreational forests, while in Haltiala there are primeval forests and agricultural landscapes. There are four nature reserves in the park: the deciduous forests in Pitkäkoski and Ruutinkoski, Haltiala primeval forest and Niskala arboretum.

The Central  park is a very popular recreational area with a diverse range of environments.

Central Park

Uutela is the largest and most naturally diversified recreational area in East Helsinki. It includes rugged glaciated rock formations, coastal scenes bordered by flood meadows and alder trees, forest and marshland, old summer houses, and the historically important features and grazing lands of Skata Farm. The nature trail at Uutela consists of two walking tours of differing length forming a figure 8 pattern. There are two cooking shelters and a toilet for visitors to use.

Uutela is the largest and most naturally diversified recreational area in East Helsinki. It includes rugged glaciated rock formations, coastal scenes bordered by flood meadows and alder trees, forest and marshland, old summer houses, and the historically important features and grazing lands of Skata Farm. The nature trail at Uutela consists of two walking tours of differing length forming a figure 8 pattern. There are two cooking shelters and a toilet for visitors to use.

Uutela Nature Trail

Within easy reach of the Finnish capital Helsinki lies Nuuksio National Park – a large unspoiled nature preserve with numerous trails winding through quiet forested hillsides and valleys with several lakes, ponds, and marshlands rich in flora and fauna.
The park has more than 30 kilometres of marked trails for exploring the beautiful scenery and its diverse flora and fauna. There are trails suitable for all ages and abilities including a 2 kilometres long accessible circle trail Maahisenkierros with starting point near Haltia. There are also paths for horseback riding in the park and around 30 kilometres of cycling routes.
Nuuksio is a fantastic daytrip destination for all kinds of activities: shorter and longer hikes, canoeing, mountain biking, guided nature/activity tours, berry picking, family picnic or a campout. 
There are canoes and fat bikes for rent in several locations and you can even rent some camping equipment should you need some additional gear. 
Service offering in Nuuksio is outstanding even for a longer stay. There are few hotels and cabins to rent, a restaurant and a café and a variety of guided tours and other activities to take part in. 
Nuuksio and its companies are forerunners in sustainable services and if you are up for it, your whole visit to this wonderful nature oasis can be done very responsibly.
Before venturing out to the national park itself, visiting the Finnish Nature Centre Haltia is highly recommended. This stunning architectural marvel made entirely of wood is a showcase of Finnish nature with enlightening exhibitions on the flora and fauna of Nuuksio. Local busses to Nuuksio National Park stop outside its door, and nearby trails lead off into the park proper. In addition to Haltia´s exhibitions they also host a popular restaurant that serves lunches. More information for Haltia: haltia.com
Find information about the accommodation, activity, meeting and recreation day services on the website of Nuuksio Lakeland: www.nuuksiolakeland.fi

Within easy reach of the Finnish capital you can escape into wild natural settings and enjoy typically Finnish scenery at the Nuuksio National Park.

Nuuksio National Park

Haltia - The Finnish Nature Centre is a nature and outdoor center, where you get a real experience of the Finnish nature. Haltias' nature exhibitions introduce you to the magnificent scenery of Finlands National Parks, as well as nature sites in the nature capital area. 
The building itself is a "must see": a combination of Finnish design, wood, sustainable elements and Kalevala, the Finnish national epic. 
The sustainable Haltia is the gate to Nuuksio National Park. You are surrounded by hiking trails and the view of Nuuksio Pitkäjärvi Lake.
Information of hiking in Nuuksio and other National Parks in Finland is also available. Additionally there is a restaurant-cafe and a nature shop with eg. National Park products.

Haltia - The Finnish Nature Centre is a nature and outdoor center, where you  get a real experience of the Finnish nature. Haltias' nature exhibitions introduce you to the magnificent scenery of Finlands National Parks, as well as nature sites in the nature capital area. 

The building itself is a "must see": a combination of Finnish design, wood, sustainable elements and Kalevala, the Finnish national epic. 

The sustainable Haltia is the gate to Nuuksio National Park. You are surrounded by hiking trails and the view of Nuuksio Pitkäjärvi Lake.

Information of hiking in Nuuksio and other National Parks in Finland is also available. Additionally there is a restaurant-cafe and a nature shop with eg. National Park products.

Haltia the Finnish Nature Centre

Lovely walking and hiking routes in Helsinki

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Helsinki is one of the few capital cities in the world where the real nature is so close to its inhabitants. A half hour away from the city centre you will already find thick forests....