Advertisement with Visit Espoo. Within easy reach of the Finnish capital lies Nuuksio National Park, an area of crystal clear lakes, forests and rugged crags.
Getting there by public transport from Helsinki city centre takes just over an hour with a car journey taking around 40 minutes. We bought Helsinki Day Cards €12 (£10.45) allowing unlimited travel in zones A-C for our visit and headed to Helsinki Central Railway station to start our journey.
The station itself is an architectural masterpiece, designed by Eliel Saarinen. Passengers are greeted outside the art-deco station by two pairs of giant statues holding lanterns on each side of the entrance doors.
Local trains frequently depart to Espoo Centre (journey time 25 minutes) and from there a connecting bus, 245K departs from Platform 32 outside the station taking a further 25 minutes to Nuuksio. It’s a very pleasant bus journey and I recommend sitting on the left hand side if possible as from the bus windows there are some lovely lake and forest views.
Although the bus continues further, I suggest getting off at the Haltia Finnish Nature Centre as this is the gateway to the National Park and the starting point for numerous walking trails. Opened in summer 2013, the nature centre provides a window into wild Finland with its wooden exhibition centre blending beautifully into the natural surroundings. Its free to go inside to pick up leaflets, discuss possibilities for nature walks with the centre staff and to visit the gift shop and excellent restaurant.
If time allows, I would also recommend viewing the three exhibitions in the centre which focus on wildlife, landscapes and natural phenomena. These are not only about Nuuksio but also Finland’s other 40 National parks as the idea is for Haltia to act as an introduction to the rest of the country’s natural beauty. Entrance to the exhibition area is €13 (£11.32).
Reading the information boards we discovered that Nuuksio National Park forms the western part of the so called Nuuksio lake uplands, the most extensive and ecologically important continuous wilderness area in southern Finland. As this part of the country is affected by broken bedrock, the park consists of an intricate mosaic of habitats, where dozens of threatened and near threatened species live.
The centre’s main attraction is a huge panoramic screen, 18m in length which takes visitors on a seasonal journey from the Finnish archipelago in southern Finland up to the fells of Lapland in the north. This multi sensory experience uses the kinds of sights, sounds and feelings that can be enjoyed in the outdoors and is very enjoyable.
Standing in another part of the building is a huge, wooden latticed structure shaped like an egg. This giant egg houses a unique artwork, ‘The Game of Life’ in which two swans play chess surrounded by ever changing images. The role of the centre definitely inspires visitors to go outside and enjoy the countryside by using art, myths, legend and artefacts to promote these wild places. All the exhibits have been very well planned to provide a memorable introduction to the country as a whole.
We then popped our coats on for a look outside. Located between the centre and the Pitkäjärvi lake stands the Haltia event field complete with Finnish tepees (Kota). Children on a school trip were enjoying lunch in one of them during our visit but we managed to take a look in another one which was very atmospheric with its candle lanterns and long wooden benches covered in sheepskin rugs beside a large campfire.
Popular activities are to cook sausages and make pancakes over the open fire and then enjoy them sitting round. The event field is also home to an open-air gallery of art work inspired by the natural surroundings of the National Park.
We were then feeling a little peckish so headed back inside the Nature Centre where we had reserved a table for 12.30 p.m. for lunch in Ravintola Haltia. Located on the upper floor and boasting a covered terrace with beautiful views over Lake Pitkäjärvi this 200 seat restaurant is a delight.
The daily lunch buffet is priced at €19.50 (£16.95) and it was just as well that we were hungry as it was a feast for our senses. The ethos of the restaurant is “nature on a plate” serving locally sourced, seasonal Finnish flavours. The buffet comprised a starter of a delicious thick tomato soup with home baked rye bread, butter and beetroot hummus. We then enjoyed mains of creamy salmon and potato casserole and roast chicken breasts accompanied with vegetables and a selection from the appetising salad buffet.
Dessert of the day was strawberry panacotta which neither of us could resist and after relaxing with cups of coffee it was just as well that we would be spending the afternoon hiking in the surrounding area. It is worth noting that exhibition centre tickets are not required for dining in the restaurant. As it’s such a popular lunch spot for both visitors to the area and those living in the greater Helsinki area, I would suggest booking a table in advance to avoid disappointment.
Returning downstairs, we met Karolina, one of the centre’s guides who had arranged to spend the afternoon with us exploring Nuuksio. From the visitor centre, a choice of five circular routes and many more longer trails can be taken. These are all clearly signposted and would be easy to follow on your own. Just remember to come prepared with walking shoes, waterproofs and drinking water.
Before starting our hike Karolina took us across the road to view the recently opened Haltia Lake Lodge, which overlooks the lake. The building was previously used by the nearby Sports Institute and has been completely renovated to comprise 23 stylish guest rooms and a cosy lounge bar serving snacks.
Located slightly further up the hillside and each with uninterrupted lakeside balcony views are several wood and canvas glamping cabins also operated by the lodge. Unlike a teepee or yurt glamping experience, these cabins are more substantial and as they have heaters can be used year round. We weren’t able to go inside one of them but from their idyllic forest location alone, I knew instantly that I’d like to stay in one on a return visit to the Helsinki/ Espoo area.
Back on track, we hiked through several kilometres of Nuuksio, our guide pointing out special features along the way. We paused several times to pick blueberries and Karolina pointed out low growing clumps of juniper so we sampled one of these berries too. Being a gin lover I’m well acquainted with juniper flavourings but it was the first time I’d tried a berry which tasted of pine and was slightly sour.
The paths through the rugged scenery were quite easy with just a couple of steep sections to navigate. We stopped at a delightful lookout terrace with seating which overlooked the 8 km fjord like long lake of Pitkäjärvi. We rested awhile there taking in the stunning views and relaxed by sharing a bar of chocolate and sipping our water bottles. Karolina explained to us that with its numerous marked trails, cooking shelters, hotel and camping sites Nuuksio is ideal for short hiking trips lasting for one or two days.
On our return to Haltia we passed the Swinghill Ski Area which offers downhill skiing during the winter months. The resort has three slopes with a lift serving each so if you find yourself in Helsinki in mid-winter and fancy some downhill skiing then you can be transformed from the urban city centre to a winter wonderland in less than an hour.
Our day out at Nuuksio had been lovely and we’d enjoyed the fresh air and natural beauty of its crystal clear lakes and pine forests. Being easily accessible from the centre of Helsinki, I’d definitely recommend adding a visit to your itinerary.
If you have enjoyed reading this post you may also like:
Helsinki – A guide to the perfect weekend break
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We were guests of Visit Espoo and as always, all views and opinions are entirely my own.
Love Travelling Blog 
Woah it’s just so beautiful. Everything is just so we’ll organized in other to spend some good times in nature
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Spending the day in Nuuksio is lovely and so easy to get to from Helsinki
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That view from the lookout terrace is beautiful Marion.
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Thanks Sue, it looked so lovely in the autumn sunshine.
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The nature center looks awesome, and that is pretty neat that you can take hikes from there too.
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Thanks Allie the nature centre is very I formative, serves a great lunch buffet and is a good starting point for walks through the National Park.
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Excellent shots
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Thank you.
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As someone who loves trains so much, I feel like that’s what gets me started on exploring other aspects including nature, travel, and recognizing the world’s beauty. I loved reading about your trip to Helsinki. Looking forward to reading more posts!
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Thank you for your interest in this post on my visit to Nuuksio National Park. It was a lovely day out utilising public transport.
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so many trees, so much space! and so glorious in the summer. I visited Helsinki once a long time ago but never left the boundaries of the city. thanks for showing a bit more of what’s out there in Finland!
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It’s my pleasure Andy, I hope one day you have a chance to explore more of Finland.
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What a lovely park to visit
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Nuuksio is beautiful. Thanks for your interest.
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Sounds like a neat national park with a wide range of activities. I’d say wanting to stay in one of the cabins is a great excuse to return to the park! I love the views of the pristine lakes and lush forests. Sounds like a wonderful day trip to reconnect with nature.
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Thank you Linda. Visiting Nuuksio and hiking the trails in the autumn sunshine was lovely.
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A lovely place to escape the city – the cabins look really nice 🙂
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Thanks Hannah, I’d love to stay in one of those cabins sometime!
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Great informative and useful post. Looks like a great day out from Helsinki.
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Thanks for your kind words. Visiting Nuuksio National Park is a lovely way to spend a day whilst visiting Helsinki.
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What a stunning landscape. That lunch sounds delicious too!! Nature on a plate- how lovely.
*Jessie*
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Spending the day in Nuuksio NP was so lovely and enjoying lunch in the restaurant so nice too. Definitely recommend it as a day outing from Helsinki.
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Thanks for another interesting tour. In the masthead picture those electric poles are on a lean. I wonder if they attended to that? Seems like a potential danger to someone.
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Perhaps it was just my camera. Hopefully everything is all right.
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This looks like a no-brainer for a half or full day trip when in Helsinki. Lovely, peaceful nature and I’m very much digging the buffet with the view.
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We enjoyed a splendid day out in Nuukisio Leighton and the hiking trails amongst the autumn foliage were so beautiful.
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What a peaceful looking place. So many wonderful trails to explore. I agree that those huts look like the perfect place to stay and spend some time in!
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Thank you Linda for taking an interest in this post on Nuukisio National Park. We enjoyed a lovely day there enjoying the autumnal foliage.
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Never heard of Nuuksio National Park, but what a wonderful place! For it to be close enough to Helsinki and Espoo makes for a doable day trip…I can imagine it being a tranquil time, and the air to be so fresh and clean! Looks to be a great time, Marion. 🙂
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Had a lovely time there and the air was so fresh and the autumnal colours gorgeous
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We absolutely love national parks, and this one looks spectacular. The big difference in Finland’s national parks (well, this one) and ours, is that we don’t find fabulous food in our national parks. Another great post, Marion, and another wonderful inspiration for our wanderlust.
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Thank you so much for your kind words Kellye. Spending the day in Nuuksio seeing the autumn foliage was a delight.
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What a beautiful national park to explore! It’s nice that they offer so many amenities to enjoy your time there 🙂
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Thanks Meg. It was such a pleasant experience spending the day in the national park.
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Looks so beautiful! It’s always enjoyable to spend some time out of the city and indulge in some nature 🙂
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Thanks Lyssy, I just love everything about Finland!
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A great day in the out of doors is worth the one hour journey. That buffet looks amazing Marion. The forest landscape is very reminiscent of Northern Canada. Thanks for sharing. Allan
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Thanks for your kind words Allan. Hopefully I’ll get to see more of Canada too in the coming years.
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Looks gorgeous Marion
Your posts are so interesting with destinations I’ve never heard of
I’m thinking of trying some of these places next year
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Thank you so much for your kind words and interest in these posts on Southern Finland Alison. I’m certain you would enjoy visiting Helsinki and the surrounding area. Have a good weekend, M.
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Thanks Marion you too 🙂
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Wow, what a lovely park to visit and stay the night or two under starry skies. It’s a blessing to have such a spectacular wilderness area so close to Helsinki offering people an opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. I am glad to see you had a great time, Marion. Thanks for sharing and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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With Nuuksio National Park being so close to Helsinki, it makes for an excellent day out and we were so lucky on our visit to have such good weather to enjoy the autumn foliage. Thanks for taking the time to comment Aiva, it’s much appreciated.
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I like that panoramic screen – this must be a great experience. I also find the outdoor activity of cooking sausages and making pancakes over an open fire a great idea to get tourists involved. Oh, and how cute are those glamping cabins! You’re right Marion, Nuuksio looks like a great place to explore with all the amenities available … and with such lovely views from the hiking trails, it looks like a great getaway from the city!
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Thanks Corna for your lovely comments on my day in Nuuksio. It’s a beautiful National Park and the Haltia Visitor Centre was a great place to start to learn more about the area. After a tasty lunch our hiking trip was just what we needed and with the autumn tints very colourful.
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