Uusimaa: Discover coastal trails, nature and history

Uusimaa invites you to explore a wide variety of places: in Espoo, long paths run along the shore and through the landscape, while Porvoo offers a historic townscape and a coastal landscape on Emäsalo. In Helsinki, Suomenlinna is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; forests, lakes and nature trails inspire other travel ideas in the region.

Uusimaa in six quick facts

• Espoo’s Rantaraitti is a 40-kilometre coastal path for walks and recreation.
• The marked R2 route in Espoo is more than 10 kilometres long and has a trail-like character.
• Varlaxudden on Emäsalo offers views of the archipelago and the sea; spring and autumn are mentioned as good seasons for birdwatching.
• The Blue Route on Suomenlinna runs from the main pier to the King’s Gate and is around 1.5 kilometres long.
• The Byabäcken Nature Trail in Sipoonkorpi National Park is 1.4 kilometres long.
• Fiskars Village was founded in the 17th century.

Coastal trails and nature for different kinds of days

Espoo’s Rantaraitti combines walks with a maritime setting. The coastal path is 40 kilometres long, and almost a hundred attractions lie along the route. They introduce Espoo’s flora and fauna, cultural history and built heritage, and share anecdotes about life on the coast in the past. Here, nature and local history are part of the same route: a walk can be combined with insights into the landscape and the history of coastal life.

If you’re looking for a more trail-oriented route, Espoo’s R2 route is a good option. It is fully marked, more than 10 kilometres long and passes through the landscapes of Oittaa and Pirttimäki. Hiking, trekking, trail running and mountain biking are listed as activities on the route. Its starting points in Oittaa and Pirttimäki can be reached by bus and have car parking. The R2 and the Rantaraitti therefore offer different experiences: a marked, trail-like route with several sports options on the one hand, and a long coastal path with walks and attractions on the other.

Varlaxudden also has a clear seasonal focus. The recreation area lies on the island of Emäsalo in Porvoo and offers views of the archipelago and open sea. Summer is the season mentioned for picnics, while spring and autumn are suitable for birdwatching. These seasons are a useful guide when planning: the coastal landscape remains the main attraction, while the activity changes with the season.

Activities in Sipoonkorpi National Park include skiing, hiking, cycling, climbing and geocaching. The 1.4-kilometre Byabäcken Nature Trail leads through lush forests and golden fields. Another contrast in nature can be found in the Meiko Nature Reserve near Kirkkonummi, which includes Lake Meiko, smaller ponds and forest landscapes. In the Nuuksio Lake Uplands in the Uusimaa region, hiking trails meet an extensive wilderness landscape. The area covers approximately 200 square kilometres; its hiking trails are well maintained and marked.

The route lengths provide a concrete sense of scale for planning a day out without suggesting that the routes are alike: the Blue Route on Suomenlinna is about 1.5 kilometres one way, while the R2 route in Espoo is more than 10 kilometres long. For a shorter walk, the 1.4-kilometre Byabäcken Nature Trail offers a different scale again. You can decide separately which landscape and activity you’d like to prioritise.

Historic sites and cultural discoveries

Colourful wooden houses and winding cobbled streets define the look of Old Porvoo. Red-ochre warehouses also stand by the river. Visitors can stroll through the streets and take a closer look at the different building colours and façades. The Porvoo Museum offers another perspective on the town: founded in 1896, it helps preserve and present the cultural and natural heritage of Porvoo and Eastern Uusimaa.

Suomenlinna is a maritime district of Helsinki and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The marked Blue Route runs from north to south, from the main pier to the King’s Gate; it is around 1.5 kilometres long one way. In Finland, the HSL ferry connects Helsinki’s Market Square with Suomenlinna year-round, and the crossing takes about 15 minutes. The route, endpoints and distance make it easy to navigate the island; the ferry connection adds information about the journey across the water.

Raseborg Castle tells the story of medieval West Uusimaa: at the time, it served as the region’s administrative centre. Another historical thread leads to Fiskars. Fiskars Village was founded in the 17th century and is a former ironworks village. Today, it is regarded as a centre of Finnish design and art; culture, exhibitions, handicrafts, activities and events are offered throughout the year. The Fiskars Museum presents the village’s history through stories and historical objects. At Fiskars, village history, handicrafts and contemporary cultural offerings sit side by side, without prescribing a single focus for your visit.

Flavours of Porvoo

Regional specialities can also play a part in choosing a destination. Runeberg tarts are available in Porvoo all year round. They are named after Finland’s national poet. In the city, the Brunberg confectionery factory has been making chocolate and confectionery since 1871. Both details have a specific connection to Porvoo: a pastry named after a well-known figure and a confectionery business with a long history.

Choose the right base for your trip

Search for hotels in the places whose attractions interest you most. If coastal trails and maritime walks are your priority, Espoo and Porvoo are good search terms: the Rantaraitti is in Espoo, while Varlaxudden and Old Porvoo are in Porvoo. If you want to focus on Suomenlinna, search for accommodation in Helsinki.

The kind of day you have in mind can also help you choose: a marked hiking or trail day, a walk combining coastal scenery with cultural history, or a visit to historic townscapes are all different options. You can shape your search around whether you’d rather focus on the trails in Espoo, the nature in Sipoonkorpi, or the cultural sites in Porvoo, Helsinki and Fiskars. A varied trip doesn’t require combining these interests into a single destination profile; setting a clear priority makes it easier to choose a base.

Discover more destinations: Siuntio, Hyvinkää, Porvoo, Åminnefors, Espoo, Vantaa, Järvenpää, Helsinki, Tuusula, Kirkkonummi, Klaukkala, Lohja, Karjalohja, Hanko, Sammatti, Nummi-Pusula, Pernå, Sipoo, Ruotsinpyhtää, Ingå, Svartå, Vihti, Lapinjärvi, Mäntsälä, Billnäs, Sipoo, Hattom, Kerava, Skuru, Hermala, Rajamäki, Kurkimäki, Savijoki, Raseborg, Nurmijärvi and Mörskom.

Frequently asked questions about Uusimaa

Which trails in Espoo offer different distances?

The Rantaraitti is 40 kilometres long and is geared towards walks and recreation in a maritime setting. The fully marked R2 route is more than 10 kilometres long and has a trail-like character; the Byabäcken Nature Trail is 1.4 kilometres long.

When is Varlaxudden a good place to enjoy nature?

Varlaxudden on Emäsalo offers a setting for summer picnics. Spring and autumn are mentioned as good seasons for birdwatching; from there, you can see the archipelago and open sea.

Where does the Blue Route on Suomenlinna go?

The marked route runs from north to south, from the main pier to the King’s Gate. It is about 1.5 kilometres long one way.

What makes Fiskars Village culturally interesting?

The former ironworks village, founded in the 17th century, is now regarded as a centre of Finnish design and art. Culture, exhibitions, handicrafts, activities and events are offered there throughout the year.