The 2026 nature excursion calendar for the Helsinki Metropolitan Area is out

Printed calendars are available at nature centres, libraries and customer service points from the turn of March and April. A PDF version of the calendar is available on the cities’ and Haltia’s websites.

The capital region has a surprisingly diverse nature. During the nature excursion season, we get to follow the lives of animals and plants, from migratory birds returning in the spring to the atmospheric forests in the autumn. The excursions take you to local nature, by the sea, forests, nature reserves and also urban environments.

Enjoy a wide range of outings, including birdwatching excursions, family excursions, wellness-themed nature excursions, and evening and overnight trips. The excursions also provide opportunities for residents to get to know new or less well-known nature destinations in their own and neighbouring municipalities, led by competent guides. Park and nomenclature walks in Helsinki take visitors through the built environment.

This year, we once again collect feedback on the excursions to develop our operations. For example, you can respond to the feedback survey using the QR code in the excursion calendar. All respondents who provide their email address will be entered into a draw to win one of five guidebooks to the Helsinki region and five season tickets to the Finnish Nature Centre Haltia.

This year’s nature excursion calendar has a particular focus on taking action for nature: concrete actions that allow all of us to contribute to biodiversity, particularly at the local level. These actions may include combating invasive alien species, picking litter, restoring habitats or documenting nature observations. Together, even small actions can create a big impact on nature. The everyday choices made during hikes and following outdoor etiquette are also important actions.

• The excursions are free of charge.
• If the excursion includes a ferry or shuttle boat transfer, participants pay for their own tickets.
• Most excursions do not require registration, but there is some special excursions require advance registration.
• Guided tours are mainly provided in Finnish, but some of the excursions are also available in Swedish.
• You do not have to be in top shape to participate in an excursion – a basic level of fitness is enough.
• Family excursions are paced to suit children.
• Some of the excursions are accessible. 

Luontoretket
Nature House Villa Elfvik, villaelfvik@espoo.fi, tel. +358 43 8269208