The Finnish Nature Center Haltia serves as an excellent launchpad for both leisurely local trails and the more rugged expanses of Nuuksio National Park. The areas around Lake Urja and Lake Orajärvi are particularly enchanting, though adventurers should note that these sections lack marked trails; map-reading skills and a patient mindset are essential, or one might consider hiring a Wilderness guide. On a misty Wednesday morning, I set out from Haltia towards the Solvalla Rundan loop, soon making our way along a narrow forest path that led us to the serene shores of Lake Orajärvi.
- Starting point (Haltia) marked on the map
- Unmarked loop in the terrain, approximately 9 km
- Campfire site: Public hut at Haltia Events Field; no campfire sites along the loop
- Accessibility: Well
- Arriving by car: Spacious parking available at the Finnish Nature Center Haltia, Address: Nuuksiontie 84, Espoo
- Public transport: Bus 245 from Espoo Centre, stop Haltia/Solva
The November morning was unseasonably mild and shrouded in gray. As we drove to Haltia, thick fog enveloped the car, periodically blurring the line between mist and rain. Accompanied by my husband, I was eager to reunite with my friend and colleague from Finland, Naturally Experiences, Soil Frost, before venturing into the captivating wilderness of Nuuksio.
The Haltia car park offered ample space for vehicles, and just as we secured our spot, a bus pulled in from the Espoo Center. Students from a local school tumbled out, along with a few familiar faces from work, including Kirsi and Laura, our colleague in charge of international clients. Laura took a moment to assure us that Orajärvi was well worth the trek—provided we kept our maps close, since this tranquil area was devoid of signposts and waymarks. After a brief pause to gather ourselves, we set off into the embrace of the forest.
Our journey began with a steep ascent up the hill opposite Haltia, leading us to the grounds of the Solvalla Sports Institute. There, near the edge of the yard, we encountered the starting point for various routes, complete with illuminating information boards. I had taken screenshots of a topographic map on my phone, just in case the mobile network faltered, but to our relief, our location was accurately displayed throughout much of the hike. While the mobile service may be spotty throughout Nuuksio, mastering map-reading is crucial if one wishes to explore beyond the marked trails.
In the winter, the Solvalla loop is reserved for skiers, but in the snow-free season, it transforms into a wide, solid path bearing the tracks of previous adventurers. Although we followed only a portion of it, we found ourselves tackling numerous hills, combining gentle climbs with exhilarating descents. We relished the solitude, occasionally pausing to admire the vibrant calls of nearby coal tits.
Quick Tips for Visiting Nuuksio National Park
- Inquire at Haltia’s customer service for route advice before setting off.
- If you’re unsure about reading a map, book a guided tour from Haltia or opt for one of Nuuksio’s marked trails.
- Wear waterproof footwear and appropriate clothing for the weather.
- Bring plenty of drinking water—the terrain can be hilly.
- Rent any necessary hiking gear directly from Haltia.
As we departed from Solvalla Rundan and turned towards Lake Orajärvi, we were greeted by a wide, occasionally muddy forest path. At times, the ground was bare rock, and our waterproof footwear proved invaluable. Careful not to slip on the water-slicked tree roots, we navigated our way through the woods, our anticipation building as we neared Orajärvi.
Opting to walk the perimeter of the lake clockwise, we aimed to create a circular route that would prevent us from retracing our steps. The surrounding forests were awash with moisture; moss clung to rocks and cliffs, pulsing with vibrant greens and reds that seemed to drink in the fog and rain. The path alongside the lake remained largely dry, emphasizing the profound silence—save for the occasional sight of a swimming goldeneye.
Strolling around this undeveloped forest lake felt profoundly refreshing. It sparked a thought: what would the entire Helsinki area look like if untouched by human hands? Perhaps this corner of Nuuksio offers a glimpse.
Along the lakeshore, we discovered rocky spots perfect for a dip. Other areas featured soft tufts of moss and Labrador tea. A quaint bay blooming with water lilies caught my attention—a spot I envisioned returning to for snorkeling in summer. The lake’s clarity along with the water lilies offered an enchanting backdrop, frequently revealing flashes of fish beneath the surface.
Knowing there were no campfire spots along our route, we had opted for easy snacks and protein drinks. However, as our hike progressed, thoughts of the tantalizing Restaurant Haltia’s buffet began to surface. I resolved that, regardless of the experience, I would feast there after our hike.
As we ventured further around the lake, it was time to leave the open waters behind and delve deeper into the forest. From the southern side of Lake Orajärvi, a maze of paths branched off, and deciphering them from the topographic map proved a bit of a challenge. None of the paths seemed to align with the map, leading us to wonder if we might need our Wilderness guide colleague Joel to navigate these twists and turns, as guiding others through Nuuksio is part of his daily routine.
After some deliberation, we picked a path that turned out to be a fortunate choice. We entered a mossy spruce forest that felt straight out of a fairy tale, where towering cliffs and fallen trees reigned supreme. The serene waters of Karjakaivo Pond and the adjoining bay, Lehmänämäri, seemed to hush our conversation, but our eyes were drawn to a grand rock wall nearby.
It’s intriguing how Finnish translations can sound amusing; Karjakaivo literally means “cattle well,” while the smaller pond is humorously referred to as “cow’s bucket.”
The route from Karjakaivo led us towards Meerlampi Pond and back to Solvalla Rundan. After navigating through the muddy sections and navigating around fallen trees, the walking felt almost celebratory. Upon returning to the wide path, I realized just how much more forgiving the narrower trails had felt compared to the relentless ascents and descents awaiting us on the broader track.
Finally back at Haltia, we quickly changed into dry clothes and rushed to the buffet. Nothing could have capped off our beautiful, tranquil, and, admittedly, quite wet adventure in Nuuksio better than a hearty meal.
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