rovostays·

Nature & wildlife · Helsinki

Top 10 nature & wildlife things to do in Helsinki

Wildlife, forests, gardens, and the green pockets of Helsinki that make it bearable in monsoon and beautiful by November. Day trips and short drives where the landscape is the point.

  1. Traditional Smoke Sauna Experience and National Park Visit, Helsinki1

    1. Traditional Smoke Sauna Experience and National Park Visit

    5.0· 22 reviews

    Our adventure kicks off with a guided 6km hike through the stunning landscapes of Sipoonkorpi national park. Your guide will lead you along well-marked trails, pointing out native flora and fauna along the way. After working up a bit of a sweat, we'll stop for a relaxing campfire break. Here, you'll have the chance to unwind, roast some traditional Finnish snacks over the fire, and sip on refreshing berry juice while taking in the serene surroundings. Next, we'll head to the highlight of the tour - the traditional Finnish smoke sauna. Upon arrival, you'll be struck by the rustic charm of this unique sauna. The soft steam and cozy atmosphere provide the perfect setting for relaxation. Between the sauna sessions, it's time to cool off and take a refreshing dip in lake Kuusijärvi right next to the sauna, just as the Finns have done for centuries.

  2. From Helsinki: Moose & Wildlife Safari with Campfire Dinner, Helsinki2

    2. From Helsinki: Moose & Wildlife Safari with Campfire Dinner

    5.0· 67 reviews· 5 hours

    Get the best chance to encounter moose and other wildlife in their natural habitats. Enjoy a light campfire dinner in a pristine forest, as we guide you through the most promising areas for sightings. Our tour begins with a short drive deep into Finnish nature. Upon arrival, we’ll start with a traditional Finnish campfire experience surrounded by nature’s calm. Enjoy homemade mixed berry juice and authentic Finnish campfire snacks as your knowledgeable guide shares fascinating stories and facts about the animals that call this region home. Afterward - when wildlife is at its most active, we’ll drive through the area’s hidden hotspots, stopping frequently to increase our chances of spotting moose up close. With high-quality binoculars provided, you won’t miss a moment of the action. Please note that while sightings are likely and the area is rich in wildlife, encounters with moose can never be guaranteed, as they roam freely in their natural environment.

  3. Helsinki: Nuuksio National park hiking with campfire lunch, Helsinki3

    3. Helsinki: Nuuksio National park hiking with campfire lunch

    5.0· 191 reviews

    Discover the pristine beauty of Finland's wilderness on a guided hiking tour through the enchanting Nuuksio National Park. This 7.5 km adventure invites you to explore the stunning landscapes of one of Finland’s most cherished natural reserves. The hike will take you through rolling terrains with rewarding ascents and descents, leading to some of the park’s most breathtaking panoramic viewpoints. Pause to capture these awe-inspiring vistas as your knowledgeable guide shares stories and insights about the park's diverse ecosystem. As the hike progresses, the landscape gently transitions towards the park’s tranquil lakeshores. Here, the trail meanders along the water’s edge, offering a serene contrast to the climbs. This soothing part of the journey culminates in a cozy campfire setting, where you'll unwind with a bottle of homemade berry juice and savor traditional Finnish campfire treats. It's the perfect moment to relax, connect with nature, and create lasting memories.

  1. Hiking tour in Nuuksio National Park with meal and snacks, Helsinki4

    4. Hiking tour in Nuuksio National Park with meal and snacks

    4.9· 196 reviews· 4.5 hours

    With Backpacker Helsinki Tour you will enjoy a perfect guiding hike in the National Park of Nuuksio. During the walk, we will cross many different lakes and type of landscapes ! Nuuksio National Park reflect perfectly the spectacular beauty of Finnish forest, the Taïga ! On our trip, I will share with you many informations about Finland and it wildlife and flora. Depending on the season, you will have the opportunity to pick berries or mushrooms ! In the heart of the winter, depending on the snowpack, possibility to practice snowshoes during the hike ! During the break in the Taïga, you will enjoy a delicious "Glögi" served with Finnish biscuits. And on the summer, possible to swim in a pristine lake ! I will propose you the perfect trek corresponding to your level of hiking. We will end by sharing an authentic home made Finnish soup served with a traditional bread and beverage in a Laavu, the Finnish fire camp !

  2. EXCLUSIVE Grand Tour: Helsinki and Porvoo Old Town*****, Helsinki5

    5. EXCLUSIVE Grand Tour: Helsinki and Porvoo Old Town*****

    4.8· 110 reviews

    Imagine a day where the schedule dissolves and Finland simply unfolds before you. We’ll start in Helsinki, skipping the tourist traps to find the city’s true pulse—the quiet majesty of the Rock Church, the salty breeze at the South Harbour, and those hidden architectural gems that most people walk right past. It’s not about ticking boxes; it’s about feeling the balance of Nordic design and wild nature that defines this capital. Then, we leave the city behind for the cobblestones of Porvoo. This isn't just a history lesson; it’s a sensory experience. You’ll smell the woodsmoke and roasted coffee as we wander through narrow lanes lined with ochre-red warehouses and medieval houses. We might stop for a handmade chocolate in a tiny boutique or find a quiet corner by the river to talk about how life here has remained so charmingly unchanged for centuries. No scripts, no crowds—just a seamless, private journey through the stories and flavors that make this corner of the world so magnetic.

  3. Private Reindeer Feeding & Kota Fire from Helsinki, Helsinki6

    6. Private Reindeer Feeding & Kota Fire from Helsinki

    4.8· 21 reviews· 2.5 hours

    Meet and feed reindeer in a peaceful forest setting outside Helsinki, then warm up by the fire in a traditional Finnish kota with hot drinks and a sweet bun. This private half-day escape combines animals, nature, local atmosphere, and easy transport from the city. Why travelers love this experience: 1. Private round-trip transport from Helsinki 2. Close-up reindeer feeding and natural photo moments 3. Peaceful forest setting not far from the city 4. Warm drinks and a sweet bun by the kota fire 5. Easy family-friendly experience with no transport stress 6. A calm Finnish countryside escape that fits into a half day

  4. Helsinki and Suomenlinna Sightseeing Tour, Helsinki7

    7. Helsinki and Suomenlinna Sightseeing Tour

    4.7· 275 reviews

    Discover Helsinki and Suomenlinna during this 5-hour tour. With a professional guide, visit Helsinki's most famous sites, including Sibelius Monument and Esplanade Park. Next, take a ferry to the Suomenlinna Island and continue your walking tour through Suomenlinna church, Jetty barracks and Dry dock, etc. Round-trip ferry tickets and pickup from central Helsinki are included. The tour will end at Market Square, you will have time to enjoy the local restaurants/cafe or shop on your own after the tour.

  5. Helsinki Segway Tour, Helsinki8

    8. Helsinki Segway Tour

    4.6· 18 reviews· 1.5 hours

    Join the Segway Tour and experience beautiful parks, monuments and market halls of Helsinki with a local guide. Brief introductions on sites by your guide will make your tour more enjoyable, fruitful and fun. Helsinki is perfect city with well-designed and planned bike and pedestrian paths all over the historical and newly developed neighborhoods. This makes Segway experience much easier, safe and memorable. First-time riders are welcome — it’s easy and fun!

  6. Money Saver: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Sightseeing Boat Tour, Helsinki9

    9. Money Saver: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Sightseeing Boat Tour

    4.4· 49 reviews

    Combination of Hop-On Hop-Off bus with Historical Sightseeing cruise shows city from both perspectives - from the land and from the sea. Join the bus tour at any of CityTour's Hop-On Hop-Off stops. Rock Church, Sibelius monument, Kaivopuisto & Eira areas with stunning architecture and beautiful seaside. Boat tour by Royal Line: Best of Suomenlinna Sea Fortress (incl. the inner bay), Kaivopuisto Park, historical neighbourhoods of Kruununhaka and Katajanokka, churches, ports, icebreakers, summer cottages and saunas.

  7. 4 Hour Helsinki Tour from Cruise Port, Helsinki10

    10. 4 Hour Helsinki Tour from Cruise Port

    4.0· 1 reviews· 4 hours

    Embark on an expertly curated journey to uncover the many facets of Helsinki, designed specifically for cruise passengers eager to explore Finland’s vibrant capital. Explore the Capital of Joy: Discover why Finland is celebrated as the happiest country in the world, and learn about its unique way of life. Immerse in Natural Beauty: Experience the land of lush green forests and over a thousand shimmering lakes, a hallmark of Finnish charm. Marvel at the Rock Church: Visit the architectural masterpiece of Temppeliaukio Church, famed for its stunning copper dome and exceptional acoustics. Savor Local Delicacies: Treat your taste buds to Finnish flavors at Market Square, indulging in specialties like cloudberry desserts and hearty salmon soup. With guaranteed timely return to your ship, you can relax and enjoy every moment of this unique tour. Led by friendly local guides, this journey offers an insider’s view of Helsinki, sharing the pride and passion they have for their city.

Top places to visit in Helsinki

See all 50

More in Helsinki

Other things to do

Nature & wildlife in other destinations

Top nature & wildlife elsewhere

Same category, different cities — hand-picked nature & wildlife experiences across Finland.

See more

Places to see in other destinations

Hand-picked sights, neighbourhoods and landmarks across our destination network.

Visiting Helsinki?

Stay with Rovostays

Hand-picked, verified serviced apartments — concierge always included.