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Nuuksio Forest

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Forest

Weather…

Nuuksio National Park, located just a short drive from Helsinki, is a green wilderness oasis in the middle of Finland's most densely populated region. Established in 1994, it spans an area of 53 square kilometers across the municipalities of Espoo, Kirkkonummi, and Vihti. The landscape is defined by rugged rock formations, deep valleys, and over 40 crystal-clear lakes and ponds. Nuuksio is particularly famous as a habitat for the rare Siberian flying squirrel, which serves as the park's official symbol. The vegetation consists predominantly of old-growth coniferous forests and mires, providing shelter for numerous endangered species. An extensive network of over 30 kilometers of marked hiking trails, along with special routes for cyclists and horseback riders, makes the park a popular destination for outdoor activities. The Haltia Finnish Nature Centre provides visitors interactive exhibitions on Finnish nature and sustainable architecture. Despite its proximity to the capital, Nuuksio preserves an atmosphere of complete silence and pristine beauty. The park serves as a vital ecosystem for regional conservation and features city dwellers a precious space for recreation and connection with nature.

Location: Finland
Top sights: Nuuksio national park · Nuuksio Reindeer Park · Lakeasuon metsä
Nearby: Klaukkala (14 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-6	-6	-3	4	10	14	17	16	11	5	0	-4
Rain mm	57	46	44	46	53	76	74	72	61	77	70	68

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

This expansive natural recreation area is very conveniently located near the capital and is easily accessible by car as well as public transport like commuter trains and buses. Several well-marked main entrances serve as well-suited starting points for varied tours.

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Best season

The park is highly attractive year-round, with the warm summer months being absolutely excellent for picnics and hikes through the lush greenery. In early autumn, the mushroom and berry foraging season, along with fall colors, attract many enthusiastic weekenders.

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Terrain & paths

The landscape features a highly varied mix of dense fir forests, numerous small serene lakes, and rocky craggy cliffs. The main paths are very well-trodden and easy, though there are also much more demanding, heavily rooted trails meant for experienced hikers.

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What to bring

Weatherproof outdoor clothing and highly robust hiking boots are generally recommended to safely master the uneven forest trails. In the wetter months, waterproof shoes are essential, and in the summer, applying an effective mosquito repellent is absolutely advisable.

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Parking

There are clearly designated parking lots at the various main entrances to the park, which can fill up extremely quickly on beautiful summer weekends. It is highly worthwhile to use public transportation to ensure a completely stress-free arrival and departure.

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Safety

The park is widely considered extremely safe, and the trails are well marked with clear color codes on trees. Nevertheless, visitors should start heading back well before nightfall and be very careful not to slip on the wet wooden boardwalks around the lakes.

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Time needed

Many casual visitors spend a half day here to comfortably combine a medium-length circular hike with a cozy rest at one of the public fire pits. For more ambitious treks that lead deeper into the woods, one can easily and pleasantly fill a full day.

Geography

Coordinates

60.30000, 24.55000

Facts

Established in 1994 to protect the southern Finnish forest landscape.
The total area covers approximately 53 square kilometers.
Habitat of the rare Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans).
Contains more than 40 lakes and ponds within the park boundaries.
Features a network of approximately 30 km of marked hiking trails.
The Haltia Finnish Nature Centre is located on the edge of the park.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Nuuksio1 km · NExplore →

Nuuksio National Park3 km · WExplore →

Espoo12 km · SEExplore →

Kauniainen14 km · SEExplore →

Klaukkala14 km · NEExplore →

Sundsberg16 km · SExplore →

Vantaa Logistics Hub16 km · EExplore →

Sarvvik17 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Nuuksio Forest (6)

Nuuksio national park🌿 nature

A large national park with lakes and forests in Finland.

Nuuksio Reindeer Park 🎡 recreation

A wildlife park where visitors can see and feed reindeer.

🌐 nuuksioreindeerpark.fi🕒 Sa,Su 12:00-15:00; May-Sep Sa,Su 13:00-16:00

Lakeasuon metsä🌿 nature

A protected forest area within the Nuuksio region.

Janssoninnotko🌿 nature

A nature reserve for the conservation of the local forest ecosystem.

Solvallan urheiluopiston uimaranta 🎡 recreation

A public lakeside beach located in the Nuuksio Forest.

Hynkänlammen uintipaikka 🎡 recreation

A quiet swimming spot at Lake Hynkänlampi in the heart of nature.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is Nuuksio National Park located?

It is located in Espoo, only about 30 kilometers northwest of Helsinki center.

How do you get there by public transport?

From Helsinki center, take the train to Espoo and from there bus 245.

Which animal is the park's symbol?

The European flying squirrel is the official emblem of Nuuksio.

Are there marked hiking trails?

Yes, there are numerous hiking trails with varying difficulty levels (marked blue, red, yellow).

Are there campfire sites there?

Yes, there are designated campfire sites with free firewood for visitors.

Nuuksio Forest: where is it located?

Nuuksio Forest is located in Finland.

Nuuksio Forest: what is there to see?

Highlights include Nuuksio national park, Nuuksio Reindeer Park, Lakeasuon metsä.

Nuuksio Forest: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Nuuksio Forest: why is it worth visiting?

Nuuksio National Park, located just a short drive from Helsinki, is a green wilderness oasis in the middle of Finland's most densely populated region.

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Nuuksio Forest

Best time to visit & climate