Sipoonkorpi National Park

Sipoo, Vantaa, Helsinki

A Wilderness on the Edge of Helsinki

The Sipoonkorpi National Park is a treasure trove of nature just a stone’s throw from the bustling heart of Helsinki. Established in 2011, this national park offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the diversity and tranquility of southern Finland’s forest landscape in the heart of the country’s most densely populated area. Join us in exploring this green lung of the capital region, and find your own path embraced by nature.

Sipoonkorpi National Park spans the Helsinki metropolitan area, covering parts of Sipoo, Vantaa, and Helsinki. The area is defined by its wild forests, traditional landscapes, and rugged cliffs. Although lakes are scarce, Bisajärvi, Fiskträsk and Storträsk lakes are absolutely worth a visit. Within Sipoonkorpi National Park, there are several marked trails. The national park is relatively easy to reach by bus as well, but having a car makes it easier to explore the park more extensively.

How to get to Sipoonkorpi

Sipoonkorpi National Park is located just about 20 kilometers from downtown Helsinki. It’s easy to reach the park by:

Car: Several parking areas are available around the park
Public transport: HSL buses run close to park entrances
Bicycle: Cycling routes lead to the edge of the park

By car

Parking Area Name and Address:

Knuters Parking Area: Knutersintie 667, Helsinki
Korvenportti: Knutersintie 256, Sipoo
Byabäcken: Länsitie 237 and Länsitie 217, Sipoo
Källängen: Länsitie 152, Sipoo
Bakunkärr: Knutersintie 421, Sipoo
Flatberget (Tasakallio): Tasakalliontie 1, Vantaa
Kuusijärvi Outdoor Center: Kuusijärventie 3, Vantaa

By public transport

The easiest way to get to Sipoonkorpi

1. Take a train to Tikkurila station.

From Tikkurila station, board HSL bus 736.

Get off at the Kalkkiuunintie stop, from where there is a connection (about 500 m) to the Kalkkiruukki trail.

From Helsinki City Center to Sipoonkorpi

Buses 785, 785K, 787, 787A, 787K, 788, and 788K departing from Helsinki’s Rautatientori (Central Railway Square) take you to the ‘Jokivarrentie’ stop. From there, it’s about a 1.5 km walk along Länsitie to the Källängen information board and approximately 2.5 km to the Byabäcken nature trail.

A Wilderness on the Edge of the Capital

History and Establishment of Sipoonkorpi

The Sipoonkorpi area has been used by people for centuries; activities such as hunting, fishing, and small-scale farming have been practiced here. The establishment of the national park in 2011 was a significant step in protecting the area and preserving its diverse natural environment for future generations.

The motivation behind establishing the national park was a desire to protect this vast, cohesive forest area near the Helsinki metropolitan area from the pressures of urbanization. Sipoonkorpi forms an important ecological corridor that connects coastal and inland natural areas.

Nature and Wildlife of Sipoonkorpi

Sipoonkorpi National Park is renowned for its diverse natural environment. The area features ancient coniferous forests and groves, bogs and wetlands, rocky hills and ravines, as well as small ponds and streams.

The wildlife is abundant and varied. Visitors to the national park may encounter moose and white-tailed deer, foxes and badgers, flying squirrels and bats, as well as numerous bird species, including capercaillies, black woodpeckers, and goshawks.

The vegetation ranges from lush groves to rugged pine forests on rocky terrain. In spring, the groves are filled with colorful wildflowers.

The Seasons in Sipoonkorpi

Each season offers its own unique experience in Sipoonkorpi.

In spring and summer, we recommend exploring the beautiful valley of Byabäcken, where the rural landscape is adorned with an exceptionally vibrant display of flowers. By staying on clearly marked trails, you help prevent wear on the natural environment.

Summer in Sipoonkorpi is an excellent time to head out and pick bilberries and lingonberries straight from the bush. In autumn, the forests offer treats such as funnel chanterelles. Always make sure you can identify what you’re picking, as there are also dangerously poisonous mushrooms and berries growing in Finland’s nature. If you’d like a guide for your trips, contact us in the Finnish Nature Center Haltia, located in the nearby Nuuksio National Park.

In autumn and early winter, the mossy forests of Sipoonkorpi reveal their most radiant colors.

While winters in southern Finland can be mild, it’s not uncommon for Sipoonkorpi to be beautifully snow-covered during the winter months.

What to Do in Sipoonkorpi

Activities and Trails in Sipoonkorpi National Park

Sipoonkorpi National Park offers a variety of opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation in nature. The most popular activities include:

Hiking: The park has several marked trails suitable for different fitness levels. Trails are clearly marked, making them accessible even for beginners.
Cycling: Mountain biking is allowed on designated trails.
Berry and Mushroom Picking: In autumn, the park is an excellent place for foraging forest produce.
Bird Watching: Can you hear the eerie hoot of Sipoonkorpi’s emblematic species, the eagle owl, on dark early spring evenings?
Geocaching: There are several geocaches in the park for eager seekers. Remember to respect and protect nature while geocaching.
Winter Sports: In snowy winters, the area is suitable for skiing and snowshoeing.

Sipoonkorpi Trails:

Byabäcken Nature Trail (1.6-2.3 km): An easy trail showcasing the area’s diverse nature, from lush forest to pastures.
Burner’s Trail (4.8 km): A moderately challenging route that passes by an old limestone quarry.
Storträsk Loop (1 km one way): A challenging, accessible route leading to a scenic campfire spot by the beautiful Storträsk Lake.
Knuters Loop (4 km): A trail offering spruce forests, rocky terrain, and elevation changes.
Fiskträsk Loop (4.4 km): A route leading to a resting spot by the shore of Lake Fiskträsk.
Bakunkärr Loop (2 km): A trail introducing a hazel grove.

Top Attractions in the National Park

Storträsk: A beautiful forest pond with a campfire spot and cooking shelter by the shore. A 1-kilometer accessible trail leads to the area, making it suitable for children and those with walkers.
Högberget Viewpoint: The rocky, flat summit of Högberget rises high and offers views over the forests all the way to Vuosaari. This spot is located along the Burner’s Trail (4.8 km), which also passes an old limestone quarry.
Byabäcken Riverside Grove: A beautiful deciduous forest that is at its best in late spring. In summer, you may see cows grazing the traditional landscape along the Byabäcken Nature Trail.
Fiskträsk Bog and Lakeshore: The Fiskträsk Loop takes you through bog and forest landscapes. From the cooking shelter and lean-to, there’s a scenic view over Lake Fiskträsk.

Need equipment? We’ll rent it to you!

We provide a comprehensive range of rental gear and equipment for various outdoor activities in Nuuksio. The right gear ensures comfort in any weather conditions, and using high-quality equipment is essential for safety.

Opting to rent is an eco-friendly choice, avoiding the need to buy and store seldom-used gear. This also guarantees that you always have access to well-maintained, fitting equipment. Our team is on hand to offer guidance on using the gear effectively and assist in selecting the ideal equipment for your specific needs.

You can pick up the rental equipment from the Finnish Nature Centre Haltia, which is open all year during designated hours.

Rental equipment

Our equipment rental shop is located at the Finnish Nature Center Haltia in Nuuksio. To reach Haltia by public transport, take a train or bus from Helsinki city center to Espoo Center, and then continue from Espoo Center on HSL bus 245(A) towards Nuuksio. The bus stop is named Haltia, and the address is Nuuksiontie 84, Espoo. There is a spacious parking area in front of the building. At Haltia, we also provide excellent hiking tips for Sipoonkorpi, Nuuksio, and other destinations in Finland. In addition, Haltia offers a sauna, a shop, exhibitions, and a restaurant. Read more.

Good to know

Practical Tips for Visitors to Sipoonkorpi

Bring snacks and a water bottle. There is a traditional pump well in the yard of Bergström’s cottage. If you plan to cook over a campfire, check on the morning of your trip to ensure there’s no forest fire warning. If a warning is in effect, bring ready-to-eat snacks, use a spark-free camping stove (not a twig stove), or pack a warm meal in a food thermos at home.
Follow the principles of leave-no-trace hiking. Carry a bag to pack out your trash for recycling. You can also pack your snacks in reusable containers at home to avoid creating waste during your trip.
Review the rules of Sipoonkorpi National Park before your visit.
Download a map of the area to your phone or bring a paper map. Remember to charge your phone.
Wear suitable footwear for rough terrain, as some trails may be wet or rocky.

Accommodation and Dining in Sipoonkorpi

Sipoonkorpi National Park does not have official accommodation services, but there are designated camping areas within the park.

Camping is allowed near the campfire sites at Ängesböle, Bisajärvi, Fiskträsk, and Bakunkärr, as well as by the lean-to shelter at Kalkkiruukki.

Lean-to Shelters are located at Ängesböle (Byabäcken Trail) and along the Burner’s Trail.

Cooking Shelters can be found at Storträsk, Bisajärvi, Bakunkärr, and Fiskträsk.

RESTAURANTS IN SIPOONKORPI

Restaurant Tila, in the village of Hindsby
Café Kuusijärvi, at Kuusijärvi

Sustainable Tourism and Nature Conservation

Sipoonkorpi National Park is an important nature conservation area, and visitors are encouraged to follow sustainable tourism principles:

Stay on marked trails to protect the sensitive environment.
Do not leave any litter in nature.
Respect the tranquility of nature and other visitors.
Campfires are only permitted at designated fire pits.
Pets must always be kept on a leash.

Our stories

Haltia Shop is a Versatile Store in Nuuksio

In the Finnish Nature Center Haltia’s shop, a captivating array of products is available for you, featuring a variety of items and culinary delights crafted by the region’s talented artisans.

Our range includes:

Maps, books, postcards, and posters
National park fabric patches, pins, and magnets
Hiking equipment such as water bottles and gas canisters
Cosmetics, ceramics, and games

Haltia Shop