Visit nature attrac­tions by train

Aulanko Nature Reserve, Opens in a new tab in Hämeenlinna has been a popular tourist destination for over one hundred years. Nowadays, the nature reserve in Aulanko offers tourists much more to see than just the beautiful scenery. The Aulanko parkland with its attractions and the traditional Finnish landscape, best viewed from the observation tower on Aulangonvuori, attract more than 400,000 visitors to the area every year. Aulanko is especially suitable for day trips, and some of the attractions in the area are also suitable for those travelling with an assistant or a pram.

How to get there:

• There is a little over three kilometres to walk from Hämeenlinna railway station, Opens in a new tab to Aulanko. You can also take the local bus number 2, Opens in a new tab to Aulanko from the station.
  
• You can buy both a train ticket and a Hämeenlinna one-time public transport ticket in the VR Matkalla application.
  

In Koli National Park, Opens in a new tab, you will find Finland’s most famous national landscapes. Koli has suitable routes for hikers of all levels. There are about 80 kilometres of marked trails, ranging in length from 1.5 kilometres to 61 kilometres.

On the steep trails of Koli, you can experience the enchantment of dangerous landscapes as part of the centuries-old continuum of visitors to Koli. Countless travellers throughout history, from ordinary wilderness travellers to well-known Karelian artists, have sought strength and inspiration from the wild landscapes of the expansive Pielinen. In addition to the landscapes and unique geological history of Koli, local attractions also include old agricultural meadows and native cattle grazing in Ollila, Lakkala and Seppälä during the summer.

How to get there

• The distance from Joensuu railway station to Koli is about 70 kilometres, and from Vuonislahti railway station it is about 10 kilometres by water.
  
• The most convenient way to travel from Joensuu is by bus, taxi, Opens in a new tab or affordable rental car, and by water from Vuonislahti on board the cruise ship M/S Marival II., Opens in a new tab
  
• You can take advantage of the rental car benefit when you buy a train ticket using the VR Matkalla app (the benefit is visible on the app front page after you have bought the ticket) or the vr.fi website. Top 3 destinations
  

1. On the new Kiehinen tour, you get to practise your hiking skills and enjoy the southern scenery that is not so well known to many hikers.
   
2. The Village trail leads you trough historical times, from the village of Koli to the heart of Koli National Park. During the day of hiking, you can also visit the renewed Koli Nature Centre Ukko.
   
3. Arrive to Koli by the historical water route from Vuonislahti over Pielinen to the port of Koli and hike the trail up to the top. There are also hiking opportunities on the ridge islands of Pielinen!
   

The Kurjenrahka, Opens in a new tab marshes provide an opportunity to get away for a few hours from the hustle and bustle of the culture city of Turku during the day or night. As its name suggests, Kurjenrahka is home to cranes, and you can also experience the spring fever of owls. In snowy winters, the ski track takes the visitor to the heart of the peaceful marshes.

In nature conservation areas, forest rights are not valid as such. Make sure to always check the rules of the destination before your trip. National parks are nature conservation areas with an important task to safeguard biodiversity and enable people to enjoy and relax in nature in line with the terms of nature conservation. Metsähallitus manages all of Finland’s national parks.

Location information:

Kuhankuonontie 67.21930 Pöytyä, Finland , Opens in a new tab

How to get there:

• Some of the services on the Föli lines 21 and 23 run from Turku to Kuhankuono in Kurjenrahka National Park. These services are operated from 29 April to 29 October on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, and from 5 June to 6 August also on weekdays.
  
• All Föli travel cards and other tickets are valid for the trip to the national park. You can also buy a single ticket on board the bus with contactless payment and cash.
  
• On weekends, Föli lines 21 and 23 run to Kuhankuono once an hour. The last return service leaves after 7 p.m. On weekdays, there are six departures in both directions, i.e. approximately every two hours. You can find more information about the schedules on the Föli website., Opens in a new tab
  
• You can also continue your journey from Turku with an affordable rental car, and by showing your train ticket, you can get a Taxidata taxi ride at a reduced price.
  
• Cyclists can cycle to the national park from Turku, the distance from the railway station is 41 km.
  

Punkaharju Nature Reserve, Opens in a new tab has been an internationally renowned tourist destination for over two hundred years thanks to its natural landscapes. It is one of Finland's national landscapes, and the beautiful lake views between the rugged pines are still the main attraction.

Sense the layers of history from the creations of the Ice Age through the old road foundations, the building stock and military-historical structures to the present day. The primeval area of Kokonharju and the Laukansaari research park complete the Punkaharju experience.

How to get there

The train takes you directly to the heart of Punkaharju Nature Reserve, where you get off at Lusto.

Cycling is allowed in the nature reserve, and Punkaharju is the starting point for several long cycling routes, such as Pihlajavesi polkasu, the Suur-Saimaa cycling tour and the Puruvesi tour.

Repovesi National Park, Opens in a new tab is one of the most popular hiking and trekking destinations in Southern Finland. There are around 45 kilometres of marked trails in Repovesi. The trails range from slightly under 4 kilometres to 26 kilometres long. The majestic mountain landscapes of Repovesi have rolling trails that are sure to pose a welcome challenge for experienced hikers. Climb the rugged cliffs, cross Lapinsalmi Bridge or cross Määkijänsalmi on a cable ferry.

How to get there

• The simplest and easiest option is to hop on the bus waiting at the train stop in Hillosensalmi. There is no need to book the bus trip in advance. The bus will also wait at the station if the arriving train is delayed. The Hillosensalmi stopping point is in use from 29 April to 28 October 2023.
  
• Timetables: IC 63 Mon–Sun from Helsinki at 8:19 a.m. (from 19 June 2023 at 8:15 a.m.) – Hillosensalmi at 10:13–10:14 a.m. C 68 Mon–Sun from Kuopio at 2:20 p.m. – Hillosensalmi 4:42–4:43 p.m.
  
• From Hillosensalmi, the bus heads straight to Lapinsalmi, right to the starting point of the hiking trails. When the time has come to head home, you get on the bus from the bus stop located in the parking area of Lapinsalmi. You can find the timetables in the Kouvola journey planner., Opens in a new tab
  
• 29 April–6 May The route between Hillosensalmi and Lapinsalmi is operated by line number 15b, later lines 5 and 15.
  
• If you are looking for a more memorable and tailored service, your choice might be a boat taxi. By ordering in advance, you can get a boat taxi directly to the quay of Hillosensalmi and the journey continues straight to the heart of the national park, such as to the quay of Karhulahti, Kuutinkanava or Lapinsalmi. You can order a return trip to another quay or get on a bus in Lapinsalmi. Boat taxi services are provided by the companies Kuutinkolo and Seikkailuviikari.
  

Rokua National Park, Opens in a new tab is part of Rokua Geopark, Finland's first destination in the UNESCO network of unique geological sites. In addition to the National Park, Rokua Geopark includes the Oulu Lake and Oulu River Valley areas.

In the rugged sand trails of this ancient pine grove, even the family’s smallest can walk along the paths. Dunes covered with silver lichen frame small ponds that tell us about the great power that shaped the ground during the Ice Age. Pookivaara Tower, located in the heart of the National Park, offers views even to the Kainuu Sea.

How to get there

The distance from Vaala railway station to Rokua National Park is about 18 kilometres. You can use a local taxi, Opens in a new tab to make the trip.

In Seitseminen National Park, Opens in a new tab, you will find old forests, ridges, bogs, meadows and pastures. There you can, for example, experience the Multiharju primeval forest, which is accessible via a two-kilometre nature trail. More than half of the area of Seitseminen National Park is marshland, which is full of life during the summer. In the marshlands of Seitseminen, it is possible to see black grouse, cranes, whooper swans or even a willow grouse, a bird that is more commonly seen further north.

How to get there

Seitseminen National Park is located 26 km from Parkano train station. The easiest way to get there is by taxi. A fixed rate has been agreed with the local taxi companies, with which your whole group will travel to the very heart of the national park. Read more about the taxi service, Opens in a new tab.

In addition, if you want to admire the scenery of Näsijärvi more extensively, you can travel to the Seitseminen National Park with a rental car, which you can get from Tampere train station.

Sipoonkorvi National Park, Opens in a new tab is located in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area. The dimness of the woods and the fine mushroom and berry terrain invite people from the cities to relax and enjoy nature. Sipoonkorpi is well suited for a day trip, as there are several short hiking trails that are a few kilometres long.

Cycling in Sipoonkorpi National Park is allowed on all clearly marked paths and routes.

How to get there

The distance from Tikkurila railway station to Sipoonkorvi National Park is about half an hour. The shortest connection to Sipoonkorvi National Park is from Tikkurila Railway Station by HSL bus 736, Opens in a new tab to the Kalkkiuunintie stop, which connects to the Kalkkiruukki trail. You can buy both a train ticket and an HSL voucher using the VR Matkalla application.

In Teijo National Park, Opens in a new tab, the peace of nature meets modern life and artisanal traditions of the historic villages. From the villages, you can go hiking, canoeing and fishing in the varied sea landscapes, lakes and marshes of the national park. Teijo is suitable for day hikers, but you can also stay there under the starry sky of the national park or in the charming accommodation found in the village.

How to get there

The distance from Salo railway station to Teijo National Park is about 20 kilometres. The local transport bus number 3, Opens in a new tab from Salo city centre goes to the parking area of the national park.

Teijo National Park is part of a coastal cycling route, Opens in a new tab. The cycling route from the station to the national park is around 20 kilometres. The National Park has a six-kilometre mountain bike route around Tapani and a five-kilometre tour of Jeturkasti.

Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, Opens in a new tab offers sightseeing and experiences in the heart of clean and magnificent nature. There are also plenty of activities to suit every taste throughout the year. This third largest national park in Finland is one of the most popular excursion destinations. Thanks to its large area, you will find both peaceful spots and the relaxed atmosphere of resting places.

How to get there

• Kolari is the closest railway station to Pallas-Yllästunturi. You can see the train timetables in the trip search or here on the timetables page.
  
• You can take the bus from Kolari railway station to Ylläs and back. The distance from Kolari railway station to Ylläs is 35 kilometres.
  
• On the nationalparks.fi website, Opens in a new tab, you can find more detailed directions.
  

Pyhä-Luosto, Opens in a new tab is one of the most popular national parks in Finland, and no wonder. The ancient forests, fells and the sacred sites of the Forest Sámi people offer you magical moments in the nature. Pyhä-Luosto National Park is a perfect destination for the whole family, with a wide range of day-trip routes.

Salla National Park, Opens in a new tab is the perfect place for hikers to relax: the hum of old-growth forests, complete peace, gorges, ridges and magnificent scenery. From the top of Iso Pyhätunturi fell, you can admire the vast landscapes extending all the way to the fells on the Russian side of the border. Salla National Park offers both easy day trips for the whole family and longer hikes for experienced hikers.

How to get there

• From the railway station, it is easy to continue your journey to both destinations by bus. The night train arrives in Kemijärvi at 8:45 a.m. and the buses to both destinations depart around 9:15 a.m. However, we recommend checking the timetable on Matkahuolto's website, Opens in a new tab in case of exceptions.
  
• The bus ride to Pyhä Tourist Centre takes about 55 min and to Salla Ski Resort 1h 35 min. The national parks are just a few steps from the bus stop.
  

The Vallisaari island, Opens in a new tab is the most versatile natural attraction in the capital region and full of exciting history. Vallisaari and the adjacent Kuninkaansaari have been military sites, visitors have the opportunity to get a glimpse of military history. And where else can you encounter up to 1,000 different species of butterflies! Vallisaari has also been home to many people and you can still sense the unhurried atmosphere of the past on the village lanes.

Vallisaari is the venue for the international, high-quality art event Helsinki Biennial from 12 June to 17 September. Read more about the event here, Opens in a new tab

How to get there

• Water bus traffic from the Market Square’s Lyypekinlaituri and Kalasatama to Vallisaari will start in spring 2023. Visitors to Vallisaari can get off the water bus at the Luotsipiha pier in the northern part of the island.
  
• Water buses from Vallisaari back to the Market Square leave from the Torpedolahti pier. The water buses also go to Suomenlinna and Lonna. This makes it possible for you and your family and friends to make an unforgettable excursion and island hopping, Opens in a new tab in the Helsinki archipelago!
  
• Please note! HSL tickets are not valid on the water buses.