Nuuksio National Park

Nuuksio is one of Finland’s smallest National Parks, but its 37 square kilometres are big enough for you to spend a few quiet days. It spans part of Espoo and the communes of Vihti and Kirkkonummi to the west of Helsinki and you can reach it by car in well under an hour. The landscape here is a microcosm of classic Finnish geographical themes, with rugged rocky outcrops fringed with forests and split by gullies, ravines, pools and lakes, evidence of how the Ice Age left its dramatic mark right across the country. Nuuksio is also home to some exotic northern wildlife, including some rare flying squirrels. Before heading for Nuuksio, Metsähallitus customer service telephone, tel. int. +358 205 64 125. You can also ask advice about camping and hiking in the wilds. Day tours and adventure trips to Nuuksio and elsewhere are organised by the Kaikuva company, tel 358 400 707 897, www.kaikuva.fi