Visiting Nuuksio National Park from Helsinki

Nuuksio National Park

Nuuksio National Park is less than an hour from the centre of Helsinki, within the city of Espoo. Located just outside Helsinki, Nuuksio National Park is quick and easy to reach, making it perfect for a day trip. Overnight camping is also available free of charge.

Finland is home to more than 40 national parks that safeguard diverse landscapes, wildlife, and cultural heritage while offering spaces for people to experience nature. Their mission is to protect biodiversity for future generations and to provide opportunities for recreation and discovery. Nuuksio National Park in Espoo is one of them, welcoming visitors with thick forests, picturesque lakes, and striking rocky scenery.

In this article, we share tips for visiting Nuuksio, highlight the best things to do, and share advice on preparing for a safe trip.

Activities in Nuuksio

Hiking

Hiking is perhaps the most popular activity in Nuuksio. The national park offers marked trails, ranging from 200 metres to 14 kilometres in length. Most trails are easy and suitable for beginners; basic fitness is sufficient.

Multiple trailheads serve as starting points for hikes. Siikaniemi Parking Area, Haltia Parking Area and Kattilantie Parking Area are the most accessible, since you can reach them by public transport. Haukkalampi and Mustalampi are other well-known trailheads, offering peaceful forest walks and lakeside views, though it is easier to come by car.

Luontoon.fi lists all trails, and the HSL Route Planner makes getting to and from the trailheads easy. A single day is enough for a long hike, and we suggest starting at Haltia. Haltia is also a place to learn about Finnish nature.

Trailheads in Nuuksio are equipped with maps, information boards, and sometimes rest areas or campfire sites. Camping is free, and it is easiest to do near designated campfire spots. Hiking in forests carries some risks, so don’t go alone. However, the park’s closeness to the capital means it can be busy on sunny summer days, which adds an extra sense of safety.

HIKING TRAIL

Finnish Nature Centre Haltia

The Finnish Nature Centre Haltia is at the edge of Nuuksio National Park and serves as a gateway to Finland’s wilderness. Haltia showcases Finland’s nature through interactive exhibitions, highlighting forests, lakes, wildlife, and sustainable living. Visitors can learn about local ecosystems, see live displays of native animals, and get detailed information about hiking trails in the park. The exhibition ticket costs about 15 euros.

Haltia houses a café and a small lunch area where you can savour traditional Finnish treats. After a hike, the café is a place to enjoy coffee and a doughnut while unwinding in the natural surroundings. The building is made of wood with an eco-friendly design, featuring large windows that frame views of the forest and the Pitkäjärvi Lake.

You can reach Haltia from Helsinki by public transport: take train lines E, U, or Y to Espoo Station, then continue on bus 245 towards Kattila and get off at the Haltia stop. From there, it’s just a short walk to the centre. The easy accessibility makes Haltia a convenient entry or exit point for exploring Nuuksio National Park without a car.

Barbecuing

In Nuuksio, several barbecue shelters are conveniently reachable by public transport, allowing you to enjoy a day of grilling without a car. Reaching the shelters from the bus stops requires some hiking.

Kolmoislampi and Kolmoislammenranta campfire sites are convenient options, accessible by buses 244 and 247 from Espoo Station or via a combination of commuter train and bus from Helsinki. You’ll need to travel to the Siikaniemi terminus and hike to the campfire. If you have a car or taxi, Haukkalampi is an even easier option.

All shelters provide free firewood. Bring tools to light the fire and cook your food, and remember to handle the fire carefully, as the forest can be dry.

Swimming

Nuuksio National Park is dotted with more than 30 lakes, offering excellent opportunities for a refreshing swim. You can dip into almost any lake while enjoying the peaceful surroundings, but there are also official swimming spots at Kattilajärvi, Myllyjärvi, Odilampi, Sorvalampi, and Haukkalampi. These have small sandy shores and easy access from the trails. Still, Nuuksio is not primarily a swimming destination; it’s a place for hiking, relaxing, and enjoying nature, with swimming as a bonus.

Safety is essential when swimming in the park: never swim alone and stay close to the shore, as some lakes are deep and the water can appear darker than it seems. The water is generally clean but may be cool even in summer, so take care and supervise children carefully.

Kayaking and Other Watersports

Nuuksio’s many lakes also make it an excellent destination for kayaking, canoeing, and other non-motorised watersports. The calm waters and scenic surroundings create a peaceful environment for paddling, suitable for both beginners and experienced kayakers.

Popular spots for launching a kayak include Haukkalampi, Pitkäjärvi (Haltia), and Siikajärvi, some of which are accessible by public transport.

Visitors can bring their boats or rent kayaks from local operators. Safety is essential: always wear a life jacket, avoid paddling alone, and be cautious near shallow or rocky areas. Even on sunny days, the water can be cool, so proper clothing and preparation are necessary for a safe and enjoyable experience.

How to Reach Nuuksio from Helsinki

There is no direct bus from Helsinki to Nuuksio, and the one-way connected trip from the city centre takes about 90 minutes.

To get to Nuuksio from Helsinki, you need to take a commuter train (E, U, or Y) from Helsinki Central Station to Espoo Station, and transfer to a bus. Bus 245 goes to Kattila, passing Haltia, while buses 244 and 247 serve Siikaniemi. Disembark at your chosen stop and walk a short distance to access the trails or barbecue shelters. Use HSL Route Planner to find the best bus routes.

Read more about Public Transport in Helsinki.

Did you know that there is a 3-star Hotel, Nuuksioint Siikaniem?

For a quicker and more direct route, you can take a taxi from Helsinki city centre to any trailhead or visitor centre in Nuuksio, including Haltia. The journey usually takes 40–50 minutes, depending on traffic, and provides flexible timing and easy access to several spots in the park. The fare is approximately 50 euros.

Read more about Taxis in Helsinki.

If you’re driving, take the E18 highway toward Espoo and follow the signs to Nuuksio. Free parking is available at main trailheads, shelters, and the Haltia Nature Centre, making it easy to begin or end your hike. Driving allows you to explore multiple lakes, trails, and shelters in one trip, but avoid parking outside designated areas, as fines are expensive.

Tours

Guided tours and organised activities are available at popular spots like Haltia Nature Centre and around the main trailheads. These tours often include knowledgeable guides who explain the park’s wildlife, forests, and lakes, ensuring you get the most out of your visit. While not the cheapest option, they offer a safer and less stressful experience, especially for those short on time or without much hiking experience.

Book your guided tours in advance. We recommend GetYourGuide, which offers a wide range of tours run by local operators.

They usually include a planned route, transportation, and sometimes meals or equipment, letting you enjoy nature without concerns about navigation, safety, or logistics. Many tours even offer the chance to experience a traditional Finnish sauna. For first-time visitors or those short on time, a guided tour is an efficient way to discover Nuuksio’s highlights while reducing risks and enhancing the experience. They also provide access to places that are difficult to reach by public transport.

Safety Tips

Put safety first when visiting Nuuksio.

Avoid going alone and inform someone of your plans, including your expected return time. It is a good habit to share your phone’s location.

Bring a fully charged phone and a paper map, since GPS and Google Maps may not work reliably in the dense forest. Paper maps are available at some trailheads. We recommend getting familiar with Retkikatta maps.

Be cautious around water: never swim alone and stay near the shore, as lakes can be deep and dark.

Only consume berries, mushrooms, or plants if you are sure they are safe, and bring plenty of drinking water to stay hydrated.

Fires are only allowed in designated barbecue shelters. Do not make open fires elsewhere, and handle flames carefully, especially during dry conditions.

Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the terrain and weather, and be prepared for sudden changes in conditions.

Plan your day well and ensure you can return before dark. There are no streetlights in the forest. If you need help, call the general emergency number: 112.

Along with thorough preparation, we recommend having comprehensive travel insurance that includes coverage for outdoor activities. These precautions ensure a safe and responsible visit to Nuuksio, making your experience more relaxed and enjoyable—any activity in the forest benefits from a bit of planning.

Bottom Line

Nuuksio National Park is a fantastic destination for hiking, swimming, and enjoying nature, primarily in summer, but you can visit the park in winter for snowy landscapes and peaceful trails. With proper planning and safety precautions, your visit can be both relaxing and memorable.

Nuuksio has plenty to offer: explore exhibitions, spot reindeer, or swim in peaceful lakes. Many of the highlights are free, but with a guided tour, you can relax and enjoy even more. One day is enough to experience many things.

Enjoy your trip to Nuuksio!