Eurasia Day 3: Nuuskio National Park

After yesterday's visit to the scenic Talinn and its centrepiece Old Town, Eurasia 2014 Day 3 represented a distinct change of pace. Away from the worries of civilisation, our destination was the Nuuksio National Park, a national park just thirty minutes by car out of Helsinki. Filled with dazzling views, pindrop silent forests, and challenging but learly-marked trails, its an essential destination for any traveller to Helsinki.

Attraction details:

Name: Nuuksio National ParkDate visited: 14 September 2014
Admission price: Free (Haltia Nature Centre admission is 7 euros, with buffet lunch for ~10 euros but I did not stop there)
Directions: Take the bus or train to Espoo, then the 85A bus to Nuuksio National Park (there are several stops at different entrance points to the park). The trip takes around 1 hour each way. For directions and a map, head to the Outdoors in Finland website. The regional bus ticket for 5 euros each way will cover your trip to Nuuksio National Park and back. Rating: 5/5 stars

The Nuuksio National Park is a welcome respite from the busy rhythms of city life in Helsinki. Containing few tourists, clearly marked paths for walkers of all skill levels, numerous BBQ spots for a picnic lunch (or marshmallow or two) and enough scenic views to fill a shop of postcards, Nuuksio is a top-notch example of the serenity and awe-inspiring power of Mother Nature. Personally, I took a trip with a friend for around 4 hours visiting a small section of the park with a brief break in between for lunch, but the park is immense and would easily occupy a full day if you're up for some serious trekking.

Just one of the gorgeous views within the Nuuksio National Park

In short: Visit Nuuksio National Park for a diversion away from the city centre, some jaw-dropping views and some quiet time alone with only the company of the odd walker and the thoughts of your own head.