Nature at your doorstep
In Helsinki, nature is easily accessible to everyone
Every resident can simply walk out their front door and within minutes find themselves in a calming forest or a near a majestic shoreline. This closeness to nature is a defining characteristic of life in Finland’s capital.
Accessibility and the right to roam
Helsinki has numerous wilderness areas where nature is allowed to flourish, and so nature is literally at your doorstep. In addition to this, the city boasts a great network of parks and nature paths that are great for hiking, walking and just spending time in the fresh air. Almost half of the land area in Helsinki is some kind of green space.
The Nordic principle of every person’s rights means that everyone is free to roam everywhere, if they leave nature undisturbed. Add to this the fact that a growing number of Helsinki’s best indoor and outdoor attractions have been made more accessible to everyone in the last few years. Start your new adventure in Helsinki and experience nature at your doorstep today!
If you are looking for some nature getaway ideas to get you started, the Uuvi.fi website shines a spotlight on awe-inspiring wilderness destinations close to the city. The website MyHelsinki features an entire section on Enjoying nature in Helsinki, and the Explore Helsinki nature website also has great suggestions. This website’s Free-time activities section also outlines a few options.
The dos and don’ts section of the Uuvi website has important info about using Finland’s nature areas and parks, so give it a read before you set out into the wilderness.
Examples of easy nature activities in Helsinki
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Take a walking tour of the city
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Explore the islands in Helsinki’s archipelago
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Enjoy a boat ride on the Baltic Sea
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Go fishing in the city’s rivers and bays
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Jog around the magnificent shoreline
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Pitch a tent at Rastila Camping
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Pedal on Helsinki’s many cycling routes
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Spend a morning birdwatching
200 nature destinations in 12 districts of the city
The book ‘Helsinki’s Green Treasures’ from the City of Helsinki’s Environmental Protection unit will without a doubt inspire you to explore.
A pioneer in environmental conservation
Helsinki is committed to doing its part to mitigate climate change. Among other things, the city has pledged to be carbon neutral by the year 2030. The City of Helsinki also spearheads many environmental protection programmes. These include initiatives to protect the climate, clean its air and waterways, reduce noise, and buy and use materials sustainably. In addition, Helsinki was the first city in Europe to take the initiative in reporting its progress towards the UN’s Agenda 2030 targets for sustainable development.
Heading outside? Be prepared for Helsinki’s weather year-round:
In the winter, Finns layer up with thermal clothing, wool socks, and sturdy footwear. November and December tend to be rainy and cold, while January and February are often snowy. Choose shoes with a good grip for walking on the icy pavements.
In the spring, Helsinki begins to thaw, drawing more people outside to worship the much-missed sunshine. You will likely still need a warm coat and hat, however, as winter often makes several comebacks before spring has officially arrived.
Summer in Helsinki is pleasant, fresh and warm. Pretty darn perfect, really! The city’s residents make the most of the sunshine-filled days with swimming, picnicking and visits to their rustic cottages with saunas on the sea or a lake. Don’t forget to use sunscreen!
Autumn brings less daylight with each passing day. It is a good time to attach plastic reflectors to your coat, so you can be more visible to cars and cyclists when you move about. Remember that nature is at your doorstep, so get out and camp and trek while the weather is still nice! Many Finns take vitamin D supplements during these darker months.
And don’t forget that if you are in need of new clothes or supplies, Helsinki has a great supply of well-stocked second-hand stores with affordable and trendy items.
