Helsinki: Nuuksio Hiking & Campfire Lunch with Pickup

Summary

Nuuksio forest hike campfire lunch & lakeside moments near Helsinki

You’ll wander through Nuuksio’s quiet forests with a small group, guided by a local who knows every twist in the trail. Expect muddy boots, warm berry juice by a crackling campfire, stories about Finnish nature you probably won’t find online—and maybe even new friends by the time you’re dropped back in Helsinki.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that went sideways was my shoelace — untied before we’d even left the van in Nuuksio. Our guide, Timo, grinned and said it was a good omen (not sure if he meant it). The forest here feels different than any I’ve known: damp moss underfoot, air sharp with pine, and the sort of quiet that makes you realize how loud cities are. We set off at an easy pace, but I kept stopping to touch the lichen on the rocks — it’s softer than it looks, almost like felt. Timo didn’t rush us; he pointed out cloudberries and some bird whose name I instantly forgot.

I didn’t expect the hills to be so… real. Not hard exactly, just enough to get your breath up and cheeks warm. At one point we reached this viewpoint — not marked or anything, just a spot where the trees opened up and suddenly there was this blue lake below us, glassy and still. Someone joked about swimming (it was maybe 9°C), but honestly I thought about it for a second. The trail curved down toward the water after that, crunching over twigs and last year’s leaves. There was this moment when the wind shifted and you could smell smoke ahead — our campfire waiting.

Sitting by that fire with everyone’s boots steaming a little, Timo handed around mugs of berry juice he’d made himself (tart, sweet, a bit wild-tasting). He roasted these Finnish bread twists on sticks — I burned mine slightly but ate it anyway. There was laughter when someone tried to pronounce “karjalanpiirakka” and failed spectacularly; Timo just shook his head. It felt less like a tour and more like being let into something local for an afternoon. On the way back to Helsinki I watched the trees blur past through the window and realized I hadn’t checked my phone once all day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hiking and campfire in Nuuksio Park

• Meet guide in Helsinki
• Hike 7.5 km through forest trails
• Climb to scenic viewpoints
• Walk along lakeshores
• Enjoy campfire lunch with berry juice
• Have professional photos taken

Top questions

How long is the hike in Nuuksio?

The hike covers about 7 kilometers and takes around 2 to 2.5 hours at a comfortable pace.

Is pickup from Helsinki included?

Yes, round trip transportation from Helsinki city center is included in this tour.

What food or drinks are provided on this tour?

You’ll get traditional Finnish campfire snacks and homemade berry juice during your break by the fire.

Is this hike suitable for beginners?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels but not recommended for those with recent surgeries or mobility impairments.

Are service animals allowed on this hike?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

Will there be a guide during the hike?

Yes, you’ll be guided through Nuuksio by a knowledgeable local guide who shares stories along the way.

How far is Nuuksio from Helsinki?

The park is close enough for a comfortable day trip from central Helsinki with transportation included.

What’s included

Your day includes round trip transportation from Helsinki city center into Nuuksio’s forests, guiding throughout the hike with plenty of stories along the way, plus homemade berry juice and Finnish campfire snacks shared around an open fire before heading back to town together.