Sipoonkorpi National Park and Kuusijärvi

Sipoonkorpi National Park is a forest national park on Helsinki's doorstep, about 25 km north-east of the city centre in Uusimaa, Finland. It has old-growth spruce forest, marked trails and no entrance fee. A common starting point is Vantaa's Kuusijärvi recreation area on Kuusijärventie, where there is a lake beach, a cafe and a smoke sauna. Getting there takes about 45-60 minutes each way by train and bus: take a train to Tikkurila (about 15 minutes from Helsinki), then HSL bus 736 to the Kuusijärvi stop near the cafe, or bus 738 from Kalasatama. An ABC or ABCD ticket costs EUR 4.50-5.00 via the app, and the HSL Journey Planner should be checked before travelling. For the northern Byabäcken trailhead, take a bus from Rautatientori to Jokivarrentie and walk about 2.5 km. The Sudentassu bridge links Kuusijärvi to the national park trails. A good day starts with a morning arrival at Kuusijärvi, a coffee at the cafe and then a walk across the bridge into the forest. Marked trails lead through spruce stands, past mossy hollows and quiet clearings; a loop of two to four hours is typical and suits a moderate level of fitness. Visitors should carry water and a packed lunch, since the park itself has no services. Return to Kuusijärvi in the afternoon for the lake, a swim in warm weather or the smoke sauna, then take the bus back to Tikkurila and Helsinki. May to October is the main season for walking, with autumn colours; in winter the area is used for skiing and lake swimming. Weather can change quickly, so layers and sturdy footwear are advisable. Check the last bus before heading into the forest.