Nuuksio National Park
Ideal: Ideal for nature, hiking, and a short escape from the city.
Declared in 1994, the 45-square-kilometre park is only 35 kilometres from Helsinki, reachable even by public transport. The area is one of the last habitats of the flying squirrel, one of Finland's emblem species. Thanks to jokamiehenoikeus — everyman's right — you can walk freely in the forest, camp, and pick mushrooms and bilberries; even private land falls under this rule. Marked trails have ready fire pits and firewood for making fires.
Quick facts
- Built
- 1994
- Area
- 5,557 hectares
- Annual visitors
- 298,700
Facts from Wikidata, photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Did you know?
Can you camp freely in the park?
Finland's "everyman's right" allows walking, picking mushrooms and berries and camping under certain conditions. In the national park, fires are only permitted at designated spots.
What rare animal lives in the park?
Nuuksio is a key habitat for the Siberian flying squirrel, found in only a few parts of Europe. Nocturnal and hard to spot, its presence is detected from droppings at the base of trees.
Is the park easy to reach from the city?
About an hour from central Helsinki by public transport. That proximity makes it the most practical option for seeing Finland's lakes and forests in a single day.
Why go?
- For natural forest and lake scenery near Helsinki
- To add a nature break to a city trip
- To experience Finland's calm outdoor culture
Travel tip
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are essential; weather can change quickly even on easy trails.
