Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Nuuksio National Park's gateway is Haltia, an atmospheric modern visitor centre in the
shape of a nesting duck. Inside, the exhibitions bring you the sights and sounds of the Fin-
nish landscape and are backed up by interactive information screens. At its heart is an off-
beat installation of two swans playing DNA chess. There's an upstairs restaurant and
pricey bike hire.
Nuuksio National Park
HIKING
(
www.outdoors.fi
)
Close enough to Helsinki for a half-day trip, this gives a good introduction to Finnish
nature. Beyond the gateway centre, Haltia, are two trailheads, Haukkalampi and Kattila
(3km apart), offering easy walking or cross-country ski trails through wooded Ice-Age-
chiselled valleys, a habitat for elk and nocturnal flying squirrels. There are campsites, cot-
tages and huts available.
Bus 85 from Espoo Central goes via Haltia to a stop 2km from Haukkalampi. In sum-
mer from early Jun to mid-August, when there's also a direct bus from Helsinki's Kiasma
museum (one way €6), it continues to Kattila.
Serena
WATERPARK
(
www.serena.fi
;Tornimäentie 10;admission €24.50; 11am-8pm Jun-mid-Aug, plus noon-8pm most
weekends mid-Oct-May)
Lots of fun, this waterpark is the largest in the Nordic countries, with a cavalcade of pools,
Jacuzzis and waterslides. There's also a ski centre here in winter that makes for a good
day's skiing, close to Helsinki. There are buses from Kamppi or Espoo Central, or turn-off
at the 1324 road at the Hotel Korpilampi sign.
Festivals & Events
April Jazz Festival
MUSIC
(
www.apriljazz.fi
)
Draws big crowds with international artists.
Getting There & Away
