Nuuksio National Park provides a retreat into the peace and quiet of the wild just 30 minutes from Helsinki city centre. Located in Espoo, Kirkkonummi, and Vihti, Nuuksio is a unique national treasure, and the third most popular national park in Finland. Nuuksio is celebrating its 30-year anniversary in 2024, with a range of events being held throughout the year.
For visitors seeking a break from the city’s hustle and bustle, somewhere they can let their thoughts run free, Nuuksio National Park provides the perfect space. Its wilderness of lakes, forests, marshes, and hills provide an ideal setting for outdoor excursions and adventures. Whether for a day trip or an overnight stay, Nuuksio allows you to discover and explore its delightful natural treasures, with a range of services to match.
One of the major attractions in Nuuksio National Park is The Finnish Nature Centre, Haltia, where you can learn about the vast diversity of Finnish nature from the south to the arctic north. Visitors can also stop by Finland’s most southerly reindeer park, spend a night a lodge glamping tent, in an eco-hotel, or even a Tentsile tent suspended from trees.
Nuuksio Lake Highlands
Nuuksio Lake Highlands are much more than just Nuuksio National Park. Stretching around the areas of Nuuksio National Park, it covers a vast wilderness area. The Highlands boast diverse terrain, dozens of lakes, and several popular outdoor recreation areas. Visitors to Nuuksio Lake Highlands can enjoy numerous high-quality and sustainable services. The area offers a comprehensive range of guided tours, rental services, and various enjoyable activities.
Haltia Gate in Nuuksio
The area known as Haltia Gate hosts several services for hikers and travellers within relatively short distances from one another, with The Finnish Nature Centre Haltia serving as the gateway to this vast wilderness. For example, you can hike from Haltia’s grounds through the forest via a connecting trail directly to the national park at Haukkalampi. The Haltia Gate also marks the starting point for several marked trails.
Holiday and Stay in Responsible Accommodations
Nuuksio also offers a range of diverse accommodations to choose from for those looking to spend more than a day there. From glamping tents and traditional lean-to shelters, to eco-friendly hotels and lakeside cabins, Nuuksio has something for everyone. Most of Espoo’s accommodation options are located amidst pristine nature, by the sea or lakeside, or in the midst of forests, all easily accessed by public transport. There are environmentally certified accommodation options ranging from hotels to cottage rentals, and from wilderness cabins to treehouse tents, and even cottages that produce no carbon dioxide emissions at all.
Responsible Espoo
Espoo’s tourism businesses have been pioneers in eco-friendly tourism for a long time. Visitors can also act responsibly and environmentally consciously. Everyman’s Rights are familiar to all Finns, but let’s also remember every person’s responsibilities. Stick to marked trails, only make open fires in designated areas, respect fellow travellers, and take your litter with you when you leave! See the practical tips for sustainable actions both before and during your trip here.
Nuuksio is easily reached by public transportation. Using public transportation is an eco-friendly way to travel from place to place, and in Espoo, it’s easy to do so. Take a bus to the forest and enjoy nature, perhaps on a fatbike.
Haltia Nature Centre
The Finnish Nature Centre Haltia is a haven for nature enthusiasts and those seeking immersive experiences in Finland’s stunning landscapes. From its diverse exhibitions to the array of outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
There are marked, easy trails leading from Haltia, which provide great opportunities for exploring the surrounding nature, whether for a short stroll or a longer hike. Using the Haltia Gate as the starting point, it’s easy to access these trails and embark on a journey through the Nuuksio wilderness. Haltia also offers rental gear and equipment for all types of outdoor recreation.
The Finnish Nature Centre Haltia hosts changing exhibitions, for example the Finnish Nature main exhibition, which highlights the seasonal differences, with a touch of the Kalevala’s mythology. The Snowy Canyon is the entry point, showcasing life during winter. The highlight is the nature panorama wall, with the Five Seasons virtual wall displaying Finland’s beauty, from the Archipelago to Lapland’s fells and all 41 national parks.
The “Burn to be wild!” exhibition at Haltia, from May 4, 2024, to April 6, 2025, explores forest fires in Finland, emphasizing the Life2Taiga project’s benefits of controlled burns on biodiversity, soil, and habitats.
Haltia’s restaurant serves delicious food with stunning views overlooking Nuuksio National Park, featuring dishes made with locally sourced ingredients bursting with seasonal flavours. Visitors can dine on the sunny terrace, savouring the Nature on the Plate lunch from 11 am to 4 pm every day, or book a table for dinner on Fridays and Saturdays for a culinary experience in Nuuksio’s serene setting.
At Haltia, every first Saturday of the month marks Outdoor Saturdays, presenting inspiration and guidance for year-round hiking adventures, each month with a unique theme. Explore the upcoming events and guided tours here.
Getting to Haltia is convenient. It’s easily accessible by public transportation, bicycle, private or rental car – or even by hiking.
Sea & Mountain Adventures
Situated within the serene beauty of Finland’s southernmost reindeer park in Nuuksio, Sea & Mountain Adventures invites travellers to immerse themselves in a world of natural wonder and authentic experiences. Offering a range of programs and accommodations tailored to every adventurer’s desire, including the cosy log cabin known as Karhunpesä – Bear’s Nest, this retreat provides magnificent views of Nuuksio National Park, with direct access to marked forest trails from the yard.
At the heart of Sea & Mountain Adventures lies the enchanting Nuuksio Reindeer Park, where visitors can encounter the gentle majesty of these iconic Arctic animals. With an entrance fee that includes the chance to feed the reindeer and cosy up by a campfire in the atmospheric Lappish Teepee, guests are invited to delve into the rich traditions and folklore surrounding these beloved animals.
For those seeking a more intimate experience, the Reindeer Park offers tailored programs by reservation. From small group visits for families and friends to the unique opportunity to dig and find your own lucky stone from the mining shelter. Lucky Stones have been ecologically excavated from the Finnish Lapland and brought to the reindeer park for rediscovery. And are accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. Spend a night in the park’s eco-friendly Igluhut for two people, where you can watch, photograph, and feed reindeer lichen from the hut window. Your stay includes a guided park visit upon arrival.
Experience the tranquillity of nature with Reindeer Yoga, where you can connect with the outdoors alongside these majestic creatures. Afterward, unwind by the campfire with hot coffee and baked treats while learning about the significance of reindeer in local culture. Or Indulge your adventurous spirit by joining a hiking expedition with reindeer through the breathtaking landscapes of Nuuksio National Park. Or embark on a thrilling hike with reindeer through the stunning scenery of Nuuksio National Park.
Dining experiences at the White Reindeer Teepee Restaurant offer visitors a culinary adventure amidst the tranquil beauty of nature. Surrounded by the gentle presence of the reindeer, guests can savour the flavours of Finland while creating cherished memories around the flickering campfire.
Sea & Mountain Adventures invites travellers to embrace the magic of Finland’s southernmost reindeer park, where nature’s wonders and authentic experiences await at every turn.
Haltia Lake Lodge
Nestled amidst the serene beauty of Nuuksio National Park in Finland, Haltia Lake Lodge is ideal for those seeking solace and rejuvenation in the embrace of nature. Situated near The Finnish Nature Centre Haltia, the lodge offers a gateway to immerse oneself in the wonders of the great outdoors of Nuuksio. Step into the cosy retreat and find oneself surrounded by the tranquil beauty of Nuuksio Pitkäjärvi lake and the lush forests of Nuuksio. Here, guests can indulge in a high-quality lodging experience tailored to ensure the utmost comfort and relaxation.
The rooms are meticulously designed with guests’ well-being in mind, offering a peaceful sanctuary where they can recharge their spirits after a day of exploration. The Lodge’s Glamping tents provide a luxurious yet authentic camping experience amidst the sights and sounds of nature. Offering a harmonious blend of authenticity and contemporary amenities, the Lodge’s Glamping tents are a sanctuary for all senses.
Embark on your Nuuksio adventure now! Haltia Lake Lodge offers a myriad of activities open to both overnight guests and day visitors. Immerse yourself in the natural wonders of Finland as you hike, mountain bike, kayak, or partake in yoga amidst the breathtaking landscapes. Summer activities are available for online booking from June 6th to August 26th. For those seeking a slower pace, the Forest Lounge & Bar offers a space of wilderness elegance where they can unwind with a glass of quality wine or local craft beer, sharing stories of their adventures or simply basking in the tranquillity of their surroundings.
As guests embark on their journey with Haltia Lake Lodge, let the spirit of the Earth Guardian, or haltia, guide them towards a deeper appreciation of life’s wonders. Whether you opt for a culinary adventure with locally sourced ingredients or simply revel in the beauty of nature, Haltia Lake Lodge invites you to reconnect with the essence of your being amidst the splendour of Nuuksio National Park.
