Established in 1994, Nuuksio National Park is Southern Finland’s most renowned and popular national park, making it one of the best nature destinations near the Helsinki metropolitan area. Its accessibility via public transport contributes to its popularity.
Nuuksio offers a variety of trails ranging from short, kilometer-long paths to routes stretching over several tens of kilometers. This post focuses on the popular Korpinkierros hiking trail, which spans approximately 6 to 7 kilometers.
Two Starting Points
Korpinkierros can be started from two different points. One starting point is at Haukkalampi, Nuuksio’s most popular spot, which makes the trail about 7 kilometers long. The other starting point, from where we began our hike, is Siikaniemi, where the trail is approximately 6 kilometers. Siikaniemi is closer to bus routes, making it a convenient option, especially during peak times when Haukkalampi’s parking lots fill up quickly. However, the parking area at Siikaniemi is much smaller.
Korpinkierros Trail
The Beginning
From the parking area, itโs a short, few-hundred-meter walk to the actual trail, which can be accessed either via a gravel road or a nearby forest path. We hiked the trail counterclockwise, which is the recommended direction. The trail is clearly marked with yellow signs on tree trunks.
The trail begins with a beautiful, easy-to-walk rocky path adorned with pines and a few dead trees. The sparse tree cover allows the sun to warm you pleasantly on a good day. After the rocky path, the trail descends onto a gravel road and a forested section that leads to the Kolmoislampi reservable camping area. The gravel road meanders through varying forest landscapes, from dense woods to open rocky clearings as you approach Mustalampi.
Midway
Around the midpoint of the trail is Mustalampi, where you can also start the Korpinkierros if you begin at Haukkalampi. There are beautiful views over Mustalampi towards the cliffs on the opposite side if you take a slight detour off the main path.
This is a great spot for a snack break. You can detour to Mustalampi’s cooking shelter or fire pit, or continue to Holma-Saarijรคrvi where there are two more fire pits.
After crossing the bridge at Mustalampi, the trail continues to the left. Shortly after, it turns left onto a smaller path, while the main Haukkalampi trail continues straight. This junction might be missed if you are too engrossed in the scenery, but following the signs will keep you on track. From this junction onward, the trail is a smaller forest path winding through the woods towards Holma-Saarijรคrvi.
Holma-Saarijรคrviโs shore features several charming rocky beaches, perfect for enjoying the sunshine and the tranquility of nature. A small and quaint island can be accessed via a wooden bridge. This island is a popular camping spot and has a hut and a fire pit with a wood shed. A path circles the entire lake.
The Final Stretch
From Holma-Saarijรคrvi, the remainder of the trail is a moderately rooty forest path with small elevation changes, showcasing the beauty of the forest. The trail passes through Kolmoislampi, featuring both rocky forest and marshy terrain. At Kolmoislampi, you cross a small bridge over a stream, a perfect spot to pause and enjoy the serene lake view.
After Kolmoislampi, the path soon rejoins the gravel road leading back to the starting point.
Overall, the Korpinkierros trail in Nuuksio National Park is an excellent day hike, offering some of the best scenery Nuuksio has to offer, including diverse forests, rocky outcrops, boardwalks, and lakes. The trail is easy to navigate, suitable for those with basic fitness levels, and should take about three hours, not including breaks for snacks or taking in the sights.
