Nuuksio National Park

Nuuksio is the wild edge of the capital, a maze of ancient bedrock, spruce forest and dozens of small dark lakes just west of Helsinki. It is close enough for an afternoon yet feels genuinely remote, and it shelters the rare Siberian flying squirrel among its old trees.

Background

Established in 1994, the park covers 53 km2 of forest and lake in Espoo, Kirkkonummi and Vihti, the westernmost part of the Nuuksio lake highlands. Most of it joined the forest of the Tervalampi manor with the Nuuksionpää area and the south of the Salmi recreation area, purchased during the 1960s by the City of Helsinki. Eight marked hiking trails run from 1.5 km to 17 km, biking trails total 30 km and riding trails 22 km, and twelve tent camping areas are free of charge. Bus 245A runs from Espoon keskus to Nuuksionpää and Kattila. Visits numbered 312,600 in 2024, and the flying squirrel serves as the park's emblem because so many live here.

Source: Wikipedia, "Nuuksio National Park"

The landscape

• The lake-and-rock landscape - forest trails linking small clear lakes over old glacier-scoured rock.
• Haltia nature centre - the wooden visitor centre introducing all of Finland's national parks.
• Marked trails - colour-coded loops from short strolls to a full day, with campfire spots and lean-tos.
• Wildlife - the flying squirrel, plus woodpeckers, elk and the birdsong of the northern forest.

When to go

Late September for autumn colour, summer for swimming and camping, winter for skiing and snowshoeing. Weekday visits avoid the Helsinki weekend crowds on the easy loops.

Before you go

The nearest trails from the main car parks get busy on fine weekends, so walk further in for solitude. The terrain is rocky and root-laced rather than flat, so wear proper footwear. It is wilderness-lite compared with Lapland, but genuine and close.

Nearby

The Haltia centre and Espoo are at the gateway; central Helsinki is a short train ride back.

Key facts