Nuuksio: Guided Forest Hike with Soup & Lakeside Break

Summary

Helsinki forest trails, lakes, Finnish soup & wild berries in Nuuksio

You’ll wander deep into Nuuksio’s forests with a local guide, tasting homemade Finnish soup by a lakeside fire and sipping glögi or berry syrup depending on the season. Try your hand at foraging or just breathe in the pine-scented air—there’s space here to slow down and actually feel Finland beneath your boots.

What’s the experience like?

"In Finland, we say the forest is our second living room," our guide Mika grinned as he handed me a mug of steaming glögi. I could see his breath in the crisp air—early spring, still a bit icy around the edges. The van from Helsinki had been quiet at first, but by the time we reached Nuuksio, I was already swapping stories with two other travelers (one of them tried to pronounce ‘taiga’ and Mika just laughed). The park felt endless—just trees and water and mossy rocks everywhere you looked.

We followed Mika along winding trails that sometimes disappeared under old leaves. He’d stop to point out animal tracks or some tiny plant I’d never notice on my own. There was this moment when we crossed a wooden bridge over a lake so still it looked fake—like someone pressed pause on the world. I kept sniffing the air because it smelled like pine needles and damp earth, not city fumes for once. At one point, Mika let us try picking early berries (I was terrible at it) and told us how Finns grow up knowing which mushrooms are safe. He had this way of making you feel like you belonged there—even if you’re just passing through.

The best part? We stopped at this little laavu shelter by the water where Mika started a fire. He poured out more glögi (or blackcurrant syrup if you’re here in summer) and passed around biscuits that tasted faintly of cardamom. Lunch was homemade salmon soup with dense rye bread—simple but somehow perfect after all that walking. My hands were cold but my face felt warm from laughing at someone’s attempt to sit on a log bench without sliding off (it’s harder than it looks). If you want a day trip to Nuuksio from Helsinki that feels real—not rushed or touristy—this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hiking and meal in Nuuksio Park

• Hike in Nuuksio National Park
• Cross lakes and varied landscapes
• Learn about Finnish wildlife and flora
• Pick berries or mushrooms (seasonal)
• Practice snowshoeing (winter only)
• Enjoy Glögi and Finnish biscuits break
• Swim in lake (summer only)
• Share homemade Finnish soup and bread

Top questions

How long does the Nuuksio hiking tour take?

The duration isn’t specified, but expect a full day trip from Helsinki including hiking, breaks, lunch, and return transport.

Is hotel pickup included for this Nuuksio hike?

Private transportation from Helsinki is included; check with your provider about exact pickup details.

What food is served during the hike?

You’ll get Finnish biscuits and candies during breaks plus homemade Finnish soup with traditional bread for lunch.

Can I join if I have limited mobility?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health; moderate fitness is needed.

Are there vegetarian options for lunch?

The main inclusion is traditional Finnish soup; ask ahead if you need dietary accommodations.

Is swimming possible during the tour?

In summer, there’s an option to swim in one of Nuuksio’s pristine lakes during your break.

Do we get to pick berries or mushrooms?

Depending on season, you may have the chance to forage for berries or mushrooms with guidance from your local host.

Is snowshoeing available in winter?

If snow conditions allow in wintertime, snowshoes can be used during parts of the hike.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation from Helsinki to Nuuksio and back, plenty of snacks like Finnish biscuits and candies along the trail, seasonal drinks such as glögi or blackcurrant syrup, plus a hearty homemade Finnish soup served with traditional bread—all shared around a lakeside fire before heading home again.