Helsinki: Magical Taiga Forest Hike in Liesjärvi National Park
Leave the city behind and step into the serene beauty of Liesjärvi National Park on a full-day hiking experience into the heart of the Finnish Taiga. Just a short drive from Helsinki, this hidden gem offers pristine forests, peaceful lakes, and winding trails that invite you to slow down, reconnect with nature, and enjoy the simple pleasures of the wilderness. With the guidance of an experienced local guide and a hearty lunch prepared over a campfire, this adventure is perfect for those seeking a relaxed yet immersive outdoor experience.
This guided nature escape begins in central Helsinki, where you’ll meet your group and embark on a scenic drive through the Finnish countryside to Liesjärvi National Park. Unlike the busier national parks, Liesjärvi remains largely undiscovered by tourists, offering a peaceful retreat where the only sounds are the rustle of leaves and birdsong overhead.
Once inside the park, your professional wilderness guide will introduce you to the wonders of the Finnish Taiga ecosystem. You’ll follow forest trails past ancient trees, shimmering lakes, and moss-covered rocks, learning about local plants, wildlife, and seasonal foraging opportunities like wild berries and mushrooms. The pace is gentle and ideal for beginners or those simply looking to unwind.
Midway through the hike, you’ll arrive at a lakeside campsite for a well-deserved lunch break. Here, your guide will prepare a traditional Finnish-style meal over an open fire, made from fresh, seasonal ingredients and served with a sweet dessert. As you eat, take in the peaceful surroundings, explore the lakeshore, or enjoy a few quiet moments immersed in nature.
After lunch, the journey continues along forest trails, offering new views and plenty of opportunities to take photos or simply enjoy the calm of the national park.
This unique experience is available from March to December and offers something special in every season. From icy lakes in early spring to lush green trails in summer, and the vibrant autumn colors of mushrooms and golden leaves, each time of year brings a different flavor to the forest.
Approximately 7 hours
- Explore one of Southern Finland’s most peaceful and uncrowded national parks
- Learn about Finnish flora, fauna, and forest traditions from an expert guide
- Enjoy a Finnish-style meal cooked over an open fire beside a tranquil lake
- Experience nature’s beauty through the seasons: spring blooms, summer berries, and autumn mushrooms
- Gentle hiking suitable for all fitness levels
- Perfect for travelers seeking a relaxing nature retreat
149 EUR per person
- Round-trip transportation from central Helsinki
- Professional English-speaking wilderness guide
- Guided forest hike with educational commentary
- Campfire-cooked Finnish lunch and dessert
- Small group size for a more personal experience
- Meet your guide at 9:00 a.m. in front of Kiasma Museum (Mannerheiminaukio 1H)
- 1.5-hour scenic drive to Liesjärvi National Park, with a short rest stop
- Begin your guided forest hike and learn about the Taiga ecosystem, berries, and mushrooms
- Reach a peaceful lakeside campsite and enjoy a traditional Finnish-style lunch cooked over a fire
- Free time to explore, take photos, or relax before continuing the hike
- Afternoon walk through the forest, enjoying the ever-changing landscape
- Return to Helsinki, arriving around 4:00 p.m.
- Basic level of fitness required
- Group size: Up to 8 persons
- Please bring comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a water bottle
- Available: March through December
- Language: English
- Meeting point: In front of Kiasma Museum, Mannerheiminaukio 1H
- Cancellation policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure
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We took this tour in late autumn and the vibrant colors were mesmerizing! The contrast of the golden leaves against the dark Taiga pines was stunning. The guide was excellent, sharing insights into the geology and the history of Liesjärvi. The hike was accessible and easy, perfect for beginner hikers. The cozy break by the campfire with warm drinks and lunch was a welcome necessity. If you want a serene, authentic, and informative day in a less-crowded national park near Helsinki, book this one.
Fantastic, well-organized, and incredibly restorative experience. The drive from Helsinki was easy in the comfortable van. The guide, Lauri, was a true wilderness expert, tailoring the walk to our group’s pace. The trail was beautiful, leading us past untouched lakeshores. The traditional Finnish-style lunch (we had sausages and sweet dessert) was hearty and so much better than anything you’d pack yourself. The whole day felt unhurried, giving us plenty of time to unwind and reconnect with nature.
More than just a hike; it was a full immersion into the Finnish spirit! The beauty of the mossy forest and shimmering lakes was breathtaking. The guide created a wonderfully relaxed and intimate atmosphere in our small group. We loved learning about seasonal foraging—we even spotted some beautiful, brightly colored mushrooms! The open-fire lunch was a cozy and cultural experience that perfectly complemented the peaceful surroundings. This is a must-do tour, available year-round, for a genuine taste of the Finnish wilderness.
An absolutely perfect day trip and the ideal escape from the city! Liesjärvi National Park truly lives up to its promise of being a peaceful, undiscovered gem. Our guide, Sini, was phenomenal—so knowledgeable about the Taiga ecosystem and made the gentle hike fascinating, pointing out ancient trees and local plants. The campfire lunch was the highlight; the salmon soup was delicious and felt incredibly authentic. The pace was perfect—relaxed, allowing for many photo opportunities and time to simply breathe the fresh Finnish air. Highly recommend this to anyone seeking true tranquility!