Discovering Nature in and Around Helsinki: Top Spots for Outdoor Adventures
Helsinki may be known for its modern architecture and seaside charm, but just beyond the urban landscape lies a wealth of natural treasures. From tranquil forests to dramatic coastlines, the capital and its nearby areas offer a wide range of nature destinations perfect for day trips or longer outdoor adventures. Here are some of the most popular and accessible spots — and how to reach them using public transportation.
Nuuksio National Park – Espoo
Nuuksio is one of Finland’s most beloved national parks, located just about 30 km from central Helsinki. This park features lush forests, sparkling lakes, and peaceful trails that suit hikers of all levels. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, berry picking, and even spot the rare flying squirrel, which is a symbol of the park.
Services:
- Marked hiking trails
- Campfire sites and shelters
- Camping areas
- Finnish Nature Centre Haltia (exhibitions, café, rental gear)
How to get there:
Take a train (E-line) from Helsinki Central Railway Station to Espoon keskus, then bus 245A towards Nuuksio. The final stop is near Haukkalampi, one of the park’s main entrances.
Sipoonkorpi National Park – Helsinki, Vantaa & Sipoo
Located northeast of Helsinki, Sipoonkorpi offers a rugged escape into nature. The park is known for its deep forests, steep valleys, and old-growth spruce trees. It’s a quieter and wilder alternative to Nuuksio, ideal for hikers seeking solitude.
Services:
- Several marked trails (2–8 km)
- Campfire sites
- Nature observation spots
- Nearby cafés and farm shops in the Sipoo region
How to get there:
Take metro line M1 to Mellunmäki, then bus 739 or 739A towards Söderkulla. Get off at Kalkkiruukki or Kuusijärvi, depending on your planned route.
Read about the smoke saunas in Kuusijärvi here.
Lammassaari & Vanhankaupunginlahti Nature Reserve – Helsinki
Right within the city limits, Lammassaari and the surrounding wetlands are a birdwatcher’s paradise. The area has wooden boardwalks through reeds and meadows, offering peaceful walks and great views of both wildlife and the city skyline in the distance. Lammassaari translates to sheep island in English. Sheep can indeed be found on the neighboring Kuusiluoto island during the summer.
Services:
- Birdwatching towers
- Wooden boardwalks (wheelchair accessible in parts)
- Informational signs
- Café at nearby Lammassaari summer cottage area (seasonal)
How to get there:
Take tram 6 or 8 to Arabia or bus 71 to Pornaistenniemi. The entrance to the reserve and boardwalks is a short walk from the stop.
Seurasaari Island – Helsinki
Seurasaari is a charming island and open-air museum just a few kilometers from downtown. It’s ideal for leisurely walks along wooded paths and sandy shores. The open-air museum displays traditional Finnish buildings and rural architecture, and the surrounding parkland is open year-round.
Services:
- Café and restaurant (seasonal)
- Public swimming area
- Open-air museum (entrance fee during summer)
- Picnic areas
How to get there:
Take bus 24 from Helsinki city center to the final stop, right at the footbridge leading to Seurasaari.
Central Park (Keskuspuisto) – Helsinki
Keskuspuisto is a vast green corridor stretching from Töölö in central Helsinki all the way north to the city limits. It’s a popular place for jogging, cycling, and skiing in winter. While it feels wild in some areas, it’s easily accessible and crisscrossed with trails.
Services:
- Extensive trail network
- Horse riding centers
- Outdoor gyms
- Nearby cafés at park edges
How to get there:
Multiple entrances exist. You can take the metro to Kamppi or the train to Pasila or Huopalahti, and from there walk or take a local bus to a nearby entrance.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a peaceful nature walk, Helsinki and its surrounding areas have something for everyone. Best of all, most destinations are easily reached by public transportation — making it easier than ever to swap city noise for birdsong.