Outdoor destinations
Search for destination, route or locationThe search starts automatically when at least two characters are entered. Navigate to the search results using the up or down arrow keys.
Looking for the best winter hiking destinations in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area? Here are tips from Metsähallitus’ outdoor experts for walking, skiing, snowshoeing and finding suitable campfire sites.
In Nuuksio and Sipoonkorpi National Parks, walking trails are not maintained or ploughed during winter, but many of the routes are so popular that visitors naturally pack down a walkable path. Weather conditions must still be taken into account. When temperatures fluctuate, the trails can become extremely slippery in places, so wearing shoes with studs is recommended. After heavy snowfall, the routes may be difficult to follow.
You can most likely walk these routes throughout the winter:
In the national parks and other nature sites managed by Metsähallitus in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area, Metsähallitus does not maintain ski tracks.
The cities maintain ski track networks in their own nature areas. In Sipoonkorpi, the City of Vantaa maintains ski trails in the western part of the national park.
If the parking area is close to a campfire site, the trail between them is usually packed down by visitors. You can find information about the winter maintenance of parking areas by clicking the parking icon on the map or by checking the “Directions” page of the destination.
Campfire sites that are easy to reach even in winter include:
There are no specifically marked snowshoeing routes in the nature areas of the Helsinki Metropolitan Area. You can snowshoe almost anywhere as long as you respect restricted-access areas. The easiest option is to follow existing trails with snowshoes, as you can then rely on the trail markings and stay in safe terrain. Please note that snowshoeing in deep snow is strenuous, so beginners should choose shorter routes.
When planning a snowshoeing trip, it’s a good idea to start by checking the winter maintenance status of parking areas by clicking the parking icon on the map or by viewing the information on the destination’s “Direction” page.
When hiking in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area during winter, you should be cautious. Although marked trails are usually passable in winter, it is important to consider weather conditions, as the trails are not maintained during the season. In recent winters, rapid temperature changes around freezing point have created dangerously slippery sections on trails throughout the region. Shoes with studs are often the best choice for outdoor activities in winter.
Many of the lakes and ponds in Nuuksio freeze earlier than those in the surrounding areas due to their higher elevation. However, there are places with currents in the lakes that do not freeze well. When moving on the ice, you must always exercise special caution.
Nuuksio National Park
Sipoonkorpi National Park
Meiko nature reserves
