Location: Espoo, Kirkkonummi and Vihti Regions Map
Area: 45 km2 (17 mi2)
Tel. +358 205 644 790
Official site
Nuuksio National Park is one of Finland's 40 national parks, established in 1994 and managed by Metsähallitus, the Finnish state enterprise responsible for national parks and wildlife. It spans approximately 53 square kilometers (20 square miles) across the municipalities of Espoo, Kirkkonummi, and Vihti in the Uusimaa region, about 30-35 kilometers northwest of Helsinki, making it the second-closest national park to the capital after Sipoonkorpi National Park. The park's name derives from the Nuuksio district in Espoo, and it serves as a vital green oasis in the densely populated Helsinki metropolitan area, attracting over 312,600 visitors in 2024. Its proximity to urban life—reachable in under an hour by public transport, such as bus 245A from Espoon keskus to entrances like Nuuksionpää or Kattila—makes it an accessible escape into nature for city dwellers and tourists alike.
The park's formation involved combining several pre-existing areas: the forest of the Tervalampi manor (a former state-owned hiking area), the Nuuksionpää outdoor recreation area, and the southern parts of the Salmi outdoor recreation area, which were acquired by the City of Helsinki in the 1960s. Northern sections of Salmi remain outside the park and are still owned by Helsinki. This consolidation in 1994 aimed to preserve the region's largest remaining forest tracts amid urban expansion. The adjacent Finnish Nature Centre Haltia, opened in 2013, further enhances the park's educational and cultural role by showcasing exhibits on all of Finland's national parks and natural heritage.
Nuuksio is part of the Nuuksio Lake Upland, a rugged terrain shaped by the last Ice Age, featuring dramatic valleys, steep ravines, rocky hillsides, cliffs, and over 80 small lakes and ponds scattered throughout. The landscape includes lichen-covered rocky outcrops, sparse pine forests on hilltops, lush meadows, mires (bogs), and heritage biotopes like old meadows. Elevations reach up to 110 meters above sea level, with the terrain varying from dense forests to open wetlands. Notable lakes include Nuuksion Pitkäjärvi (the largest), Tervalampi, Kurjolampi, Saarilampi, Ruuhilampi, Pikku-Parikas, Saarijärvi, Suolikas, Velskolan Pitkäjärvi, Kattilajärvi, and Matalajärvi, an important bird wetland for observing migratory species in spring and autumn. The park is not contiguous, consisting of a main core area and smaller disconnected sections, emphasizing its role as a fragmented yet preserved wilderness amid surrounding development.
The park's biodiversity is rich, hosting dozens of endangered or near-threatened species of animals, plants, and fungi across its old-growth forests, meadows, mires, and lakes. Flora includes ancient coniferous forests dominated by pines and spruces, with undergrowth of bilberry, lingonberry, and various mosses and lichens on rocky surfaces. Fauna highlights include the Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans), the park's emblematic species with one of the densest populations in Finland, as well as birds like the European nightjar, woodlark, and various migratory waterfowl at sites like Matalajärvi. Other wildlife encompasses common forest mammals such as elk, foxes, and hares, alongside a variety of insects and amphibians thriving in the wetlands. The park also features the southernmost reindeer enclosure in Finland, adding a unique Arctic touch to its ecosystems. Its mixed habitats—dense forests, rocky hills, lakes, and wetlands—support a wide range of bird species, making it a prime spot for birdwatching.
Nuuksio offers extensive recreational opportunities, with hiking as the primary activity on dozens of kilometers of marked trails, best suited for exploring its diverse landscapes. There are eight marked hiking trails ranging from 1.5 km to 17 km, including four nature trails (2–7.5 km) starting from the Haukkalampi nature hut, equipped with duckboards and stairways in challenging sections to aid navigation and prevent erosion. Popular routes wind through quiet forested hillsides, valleys, and around lakes, with options for day hikes or multi-day treks. Biking is permitted on 30 km of connecting trails (with restrictions for conservation), and there are 22 km of horse-riding paths. Other activities include canoeing on lakes, birdwatching (especially at Matalajärvi), skiing in winter, and guided adventures like wilderness safaris or sauna experiences. The Finnish Nature Centre Haltia provides indoor exhibits, a restaurant, shop, and sauna facilities for a more structured experience.
Services include the Haukkalampi nature hut (with a water tap), covered grilling shelters, reservable campfire sites, a smoke sauna, and meeting facilities. Camping is available at 12 free tent sites, nine of which have campfire rings, woodsheds with axes, and dry toilets, located at spots like Mustalampi, Haukanholma, Holma-Saarijärvi, Isoholma, and Saarilampi. Two rental cabins and the Kattila lean-to shelter offer more sheltered options. Recycling points are at Kattila and Haukkalampi. For broader planning, the Nuuksio Lakeland pages detail additional services for day trips or overnight stays in the surrounding area.
The park features accessible trails and structures for a range of visitors, though specific details vary by section. As a nature reserve, Everyman's Rights are restricted: camping and campfires are only allowed at designated sites, and during wildfire warnings, fires are limited to cooking shelters with chimneys. Pets must be leashed, and visitors should pack out trash (or use recycling points), avoid littering, and not wash in water bodies. Stick to marked routes to minimize erosion and respect nature. Always check current rules and fire warnings before visiting.
For beginners, start at popular entrances like Haukkalampi, which can get crowded, especially on weekends. Public transport is convenient, but driving offers flexibility for exploring remote areas. Dress for variable weather, bring insect repellent in summer, and pack water and snacks, as facilities are limited. Visitor reviews often highlight the park's clean air, serene lakes, and green forests as a refreshing contrast to Helsinki's urban vibe, with experiences like hiking, canoeing, and sauna sessions praised for immersing in Finnish wilderness. It's ideal for short visits from the city or longer nature retreats.