Nuuksio National Park (, ) is one of Finland's 40 national parks. Established in 1994, the park spreads over an area of forests and lakes in Espoo, Kirkkonummi and Vihti. North-west from Helsinki, it is the second-closest national park to the capital behind the recently established Sipoonkorpi National Park. The name is derived from the Nuuksio district of Espoo.

thumb|left|One of Nuuksio's lakes, surrounded by forest.

Located less than 30 kilometers from downtown Helsinki, the park can easily be reached by public transportation. Bus 245A leaves from Espoon keskus to Nuuksionpää and Kattila during daytime.

Within the park there are eight marked trails for hiking. These trails vary in length and difficulty, being between 1.5 km and 17 km long. In addition, there are 30 km of biking trails and 22 km of horse riding trails. Designated spots for grilling, camping and skiing are scattered across the park.

The Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans) is the emblem of the national park due to their high population density in the park.

The national park comprises the westernmost part of the so-called Nuuksio lake highlands. Dozens of endangered or near threatened species animals, plants and fungi are known to inhabit the area, for instance the Siberian flying squirrel, the European nightjar and the woodlark.

Area

Nuuksio National Park is the westernmost part of the so-called Nuuksio Lake Upland. Its landforms are dominated by valleys and ravines shaped by the last ice age, as well as rugged, rocky hills covered by lichen and sparse pine forest. In some places, the area also has old-growth forests, bogs, and heritage biotopes, especially meadows. At its highest point, the area reaches an elevation of above sea level. is located next to the park in the district of Nuuksio. The centre offers exhibitions related to Finnish nature and national parks, a shop, a restaurant, and meeting and sauna facilities.

Four marked nature trails of varying lengths (2–7.5 km) start from the nature hut in Haukkalampi. Duckboards or stairways have been built in the most difficult-to-traverse sections to assist hikers and protect the nature from erosion. Recycling points are located at Kattila and Haukkalampi. There is also a water tap on the wall of the Haukkalampi nature cabin.

Nuuksio National Park also has twelve free-of-charge tent camping areas. Nine of these camping areas are equipped with a campfire ring, a woodshed with an axe, and a dry toilet. Free camping areas are located at Mustalampi, Haukanholma, Holma-Saarijärvi, Isoholma, and Saarilampi, for example.

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See also

  • Districts of Espoo
  • List of national parks of Finland
  • Sipoonkorpi National Park
  • Protected areas of Finland

References

  • Nuuksio National Park – Finland, Naturally
  • Nuuksio National Park – Natureparks.fi

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