Journey

Family-friendly adventures by the South coast

Credits: Julia Kivelä

Starting Point: Helsinki

1-4 days

Journey: Family-friendly adventures by the South coast

This journey begins in the capital city Helsinki and ends in the city of Turku. On your way you'll visit two beautiful national parks and a charming ironworks village. This journey can be made all year round and is suitable for families, as the activities have been selected with the little-ones in mind. The easiest way to make the journey is by car.

Helsinki

Foxtrail City Adventure

What better way to explore Helsinki with the family than a fun adventure tour that takes you around the city. Foxtrail City Adventure is an urban activity in Helsinki for groups of all kinds in which the city becomes your playing field. Using the Foxtrail instructions as your guide, you set out to follow the trail and on their way discover the best highlights and coolest hidden spots of Helsinki.

3 hours

Travel tip:

The journey continues west to Nuuksio national park, which is a 30-minute-drive away from Helsinki. On the way, you'll notice how close pristine nature is to the cities.

The Finnish Nature Centre Haltia is the gateway to the Nuuksio National Park. The exhibitions at Haltia take you to the incredible sceneries of Finnish national parks and nature destinations in the world’s nature capital. Hiking advice and rent equipments are offered at the center. Haltia's nearby nature trails are suitable for everyone and they have a connection to Nuuksio National Park.

Two reindeers lying down in Nuuksio Reindeer Park.

Espoo

Nuuksio Reindeer Park – a touch of northern magic

Experience a touch of northern magic in Finland's southernmost reindeer park in Nuuksio. Santa Claus visits the Reindeer Park during weekends in December. Warm glögi (Finnish mulled wine) and gingerbreads are served.

3 hours

Espoo

Private Nuuksio Forest Lake Walk

Experience Nuuksio’s forest and lake country by foot, formed by Ice Age. During the 3 hour tour, you'll hear more about this natural treasure next to urban habitation. The brave ones can even take a plunge in the forest lake.

3 hours

Travel tip:

Your next destinations are Mathildedal village and Teijo national park which are situated close to each other. The charming ironworks village of Mathildedal is around 1,5 hour drive away from Nuuksio.

Salo

Mathildedal Ironworks village

Mathildedal Ironworks village is an idyllic village by seashore, next to Teijo National Park and close to the city of Salo. The village represents an idyllic village at its best: old wooden houses painted in traditional red paint, old buildings of the ironworks since 1850, fascinating stories from the history, culture, nature and of course the special ''slow village lifestyle”.

Maastopyöräilyä (Antti Mäkelä) Teijon luontotalon edessä Teijon kansallispuistossa. Kuva Jari Kostet

Salo

Teijo National Park

Teijo national park attractions include peaceful lakes and forests, as well as historic ironworks villages where traditional crafts still thrive. From these picturesque settlements you can head straight out to explore the lakes, seashores, marshes and forests of the national park - and go hiking, canoeing or fishing.

Travel tip:

The journey continues towards the city of Turku, which is a bit over an hour drive from Mathildedal and Teijo national park. In the historical city of Turku, you'll get to visit different family-friendly museums to learn more about the city.