Uusimaa (Nyland in Swedish) is the southernmost region of Finland, wrapped around the Gulf of Finland and home to the capital, Helsinki. It combines a compact seaside capital, a UNESCO sea fortress, ancient forest national parks, and wooden-house towns such as Porvoo, Hanko, and Ekenäs, all within about two hours of each other by public transport.
Top trails
Routes worth lacing up your boots for.
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1
Korpinkierros Trail, Haukkalampi (Nuuksio National Park)
The longest of the marked Haukkalampi loops, crossing rocky ridges, forest ponds and old-growth pine through Nuuksio National Park, 35 km from central Helsinki. National park entry is free.
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2
Haukankierros Trail, Haukkalampi (Nuuksio National Park)
A 4 km loop over the rocky ridges and past the small lakes around Haukkalampi, a good half-day option between the short and long Nuuksio circuits.
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3
Punarinnankierros Trail, Haukkalampi (Nuuksio National Park)
The shortest and easiest official loop from the Haukkalampi trailhead, suited to families and anyone with only an hour to spare in Nuuksio.
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4
Takala Trail from Kattila, Nuuksio
A short out-and-back walk starting beside the Kattila main building, a practical way to reach lakeside views in Nuuksio by public bus in summer.
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5
Kalkinpolttaja Nature Trail, Sipoonkorpi National Park
A loop through the old limestone-burning and farm landscape of Sipoonkorpi, with a lean-to shelter and campfire site at Kalkkiruukki. Free entry; the park has more than 26 km of marked trails.
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6
Tulliniemi Nature Trail, Hanko
A nature-reserve path along the north shore of the Tulliniemi peninsula to the southernmost tip of mainland Finland, where the Gulf of Finland meets the Archipelago Sea.
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7
Älgö Nature Trail, Ekenäs Archipelago National Park
A short trail from the Rödjan fisherman's cottage to an observation tower over the outer archipelago, past remains of a wartime shelter and Lake Storträsket.
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8
Seven Ponds Trail, Luukki
A pond-to-pond loop through Luukki's forest, passing Hepolampi, Hauklampi, Mustalampi, Väärälampi, Halkolampi and the swimming spot at Kaitalampi, with seven cooking shelters.
Trail difficulty levels
Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.
Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.
Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.
Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.
Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.
Local hazards
What to watch out for on the trail.
Sudden weather changes — always carry rain gear and warm layers.
Wildlife encounters — make noise on the trail and store food properly.
Trail conditions can deteriorate after rain — check recent reports before setting out.