Explore nature in Helsinki Metropolitan Area – Choose from over 130 free guided excursions

Nature in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area is incredibly diverse. Rich flora and fauna and diverse natural environments open the senses in local environment and also entice you to explore the natural sites of neighbouring cities.

Guided excursions start in April with the observation of migratory birds and end in November with a polar night excursion. There will be family excursions with snack breaks, hikes in national parks and trips to urban nature along the way. You will also have the chance to see nature at night and observe things like bats and the night sky. On themed excursions, you will learn more about polypores, rocks, butterflies and the like.

You will walk away with both wonderful memories and useful nature-related information. New residents of the Helsinki Metropolitan Area can familiarise themselves with their new surroundings through excursions and park walks. You can easily reach both guided and independent trip destinations by public transport.

The excursions calendar also provides tips for enjoying the outdoors responsibly. Many of the excursion destinations are located in nature conservation areas so  remember to observe the areas’ protection orders.

The 2023 calendar also describes what the cities are doing to preserve nature and what you can do in your own garden to promote biodiversity.

• Trips are free of charge.
• Participants pay for any ferry rides.
• The excursions have free admission, apart from a few which require advance registration.
• Most guided excursions are in Finnish but some are also available in Swedish.
• Participation in the excursions does not require tip-top physical condition; normal condition is sufficient.
• On family excursions, children come first.
• Some of the excursions are wheelchair accessible.

Printed nature excursion calendars will be available in Helsinki, Espoo, Kauniainen and Vantaa libraries, customer service points, nature houses and Haltia by April. The calendar has already been published in a PDF form on the city websites.

Cities of the Helsinki Metropolitan Area, Espoo, Helsinki, Kauniainen and Vantaa, have organised free guided nature excursions for the residents for over 30 years.