Nuuksio National Park
Uusimaa
Nuuksio National Park, established in 1994, is one of Finland's 40 national parks located in the Uusimaa region, spanning areas in Espoo, Kirkkonummi, and Vihti. It is notable for its proximity to Helsinki, being the second-closest national park to the capital. The park covers approximately 56 square kilometers of varied terrain including forests, rocky hills shaped by the last ice age, valleys, ravines, bogs, and old-growth forests. It contains about thirty lakes, such as Nuuksion Pitkäjärvi and Tervalampi, providing scenic water landscapes. The park is famous for its high population of the Siberian flying squirrel, which serves as its emblem, along with other endangered species like the European nightjar and woodlark. Visitors can explore eight marked hiking trails ranging from 1.5 to 17 kilometers, as well as biking and horse-riding trails. Facilities include campfire and camping sites, grilling shelters, rental cabins, and a smoke sauna. The Finnish Nature Centre Haltia, located adjacent to the park, offers exhibitions on Finnish nature and national parks, as well as visitor services. Nuuksio's diverse natural environment and accessibility make it a unique destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
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Tip: The best time to visit Nuuksio National Park is during late spring to early autumn for hiking and camping. Visitors are encouraged to reserve campfire and camping sites in advance, especially during peak seasons. Public transportation from Espoo to the park is convenient via bus 245A. Be sure to check for forest fire warnings before using grilling shelters. The park offers free tent camping areas equipped with basic facilities, and the nearby Nature Centre Haltia provides additional educational and visitor services.
Interesting facts
- •Nuuksio National Park is home to nearly 200 Siberian flying squirrel habitats, a species emblematic to the park.
- •The park contains about thirty lakes, including Nuuksion Pitkäjärvi and Tervalampi, enhancing its scenic diversity.
- •Nuuksio is the westernmost part of the Nuuksio Lake Upland, shaped by valleys and ravines from the last ice age.
- •The Finnish Nature Centre Haltia, opened in 2013 next to the park, offers exhibitions and visitor services focused on Finnish nature and national parks.
- •The park has 8 marked hiking trails ranging from 1.5 to 17 km, plus 30 km of biking trails and 22 km of horse-riding trails.
History
Nuuksio National Park was established in 1994 by combining the forest area of the Tervalampi manor with outdoor recreation areas acquired by the City of Helsinki in the 1960s.
Historically, the region remained largely uninhabited due to its challenging terrain unsuitable for agriculture.
Over decades, local scout groups held summer camps in the area, which contributed to the initiative to protect the land as a national park.
Without protection, the expanding metropolitan area threatened to convert the land into construction sites.
Since its founding, the park has been managed by Metsähallitus and has become a sanctuary for numerous endangered species, preserving traditional biotopes and old-growth forests.
Place Guide
Hiking Trails
Eight marked trails of varying lengths and difficulty traverse the park, from short 1.5 km routes to challenging 17 km hikes, allowing visitors to experience diverse landscapes including forests, lakes, and rocky hills.
Camping and Grilling Sites
The park offers designated campfire and camping sites, including twelve free tent camping areas with campfire rings, woodsheds, and dry toilets. Covered grilling shelters are available except during forest fire warnings.
Finnish Nature Centre Haltia2013
Located adjacent to Nuuksio National Park, Haltia is a modern nature center opened in 2013 featuring exhibitions on Finnish nature and national parks, a shop, restaurant, and meeting facilities, enhancing visitor experience.
Contact
Phone: 040 1636200
