Nuuksio National Park

If you feel like getting the experience of Finnish wilderness, but have limited options in terms of traveling around and in Finland, Nuuksio national park is a great option for you. You will encounter beautiful landscapes, breathtaking lakes and forget you are only about thirty km of Helsinki.

Founded in 1994, the Nuuksio national park is about ​​45 square km and covers the municipalities of Espoo, Kirkkonummi and Vihti. It is the closest national park to the capital and its name is derived from the district of Nuuksio in Espoo.

The national park is located in the most western part of the Nuuksio lake district. About a dozen of endangered or soon to be animal and plant species inhabit the lakes and forests of the region. The most famous of them, is the Siberian flying squirrel who is also the park’s emblem.

Bears, wolves, lynx and elk also inhabit the area, but your chances of getting up close and personal with one of these friendly beasts are virtually nil.

There are three marked trails for hiking as well as areas for barbecue, camping, and smoke sauna. All of these are located on lakes’ banks.

=> Good to know:  you can also enjoy cross-country skiing, picking berries and mushrooms.

In addition to the four camping spaces, it is also possible to rent cabins and cottages near the main entrance.

=> To reach the park from Helsinki, the quickest solution is to take the train from Helsinki railway station to Espoo center and then take 85A bus.

Make sure you check out Finland’s “every man’s right”, about the dos and don’ts in Finnish wilderness: http://www.nationalparks.fi/hikinginfinland/rightsandregulations

For more information:

Finnish Nature Centre Haltia

Haukkalampi Nature Information Hut

Nuuksio Customer Service number +35840 163 6200

Arkadia International Bookshop

Trying to put Arkadia International bookshop in a box, is impossible.

Of course, as its name indicates, it sells a multitude of second hand books, in excellent shape. But that is just the tip of the iceberg.

It what other bookstore, can you sip delicious Russian tea, play pool, isolate yourself in a Chapel made of books, find a whole entire section on the Vietnam war, or play the piano?

Arkadia is truly Ali Baba’s cavern. And what’s pleasurable is that it remains uncluttered and clean, which adds extra depth to its soothing atmosphere.  The owner, Ian, who is British and French, has a special way of storing books, in boxes, according the author’s name, and invites readers to open the boxes and “be curious”. 

If you are afraid of reptiles, don’t be taken aback by the presence of a friendly snake, which was given to the bookstore by two scientists after a conference they had given in Helsinki. 

=> Good to know: Arkadia hosts weekly events - from art performances, to lectures and poetry readings. Its' rich programming is always original and well organized and is a perfect way to meet fellow Helsinkiers. 

We were so enchanted by the bookstore that we decided to make a small video, the first in a new video series that will be incorporated here and there on Inside Out Helsinki, on Arkadia, and share a special little story behind the bookshop. Watch, and maybe you will meet your match here, who knows?  

Come Discover Arkadia …

Further information: 

Address : Nervanderinkatu 1100, Helsinki, Finland

Telephone:
Ian Bourgeot: +358 59 325 1829
Liisa Bourgeot: +358 50 532 7296

Opening hours: 
Tues-Fri : 12 to 7 pm
Sat : 10 to 6 pm
Closed on Mondays and Sundays