The Hanikka nature trail takes trekkers to the coastal scenery in
the Soukka area. Nature varies from barren rocks to lush grass
in sea coves. Barrows – bronze-age burial mounds on top of
the Sundsberget – are a reminder of the area’s cultural history.

The nature trail is five kilometres in length. A walk can start from
the parking area at the Suinonsalmi archipelago boat pier or
from the north end of the Soukansalmentie road. The shore at Kaitalahti bay
provides a good opportunity to watch the bird life from an observation tower.

The Laajalahti nature reserve was established in 1989. The purpose
of this almost 200-hectare nature reserve is to protect a shallow sea bay
and to open up the area for nature enthusiasts.

Laajalahti is one of the best bird waters in southern Finland, much valued
even on an international scale. It is important both to the abundance of nesting
birds and to the thousands of migratory birds that stop for a rest.

The bay’s nature is easily explored on nature trails. The trail that starts
from Villa Elfvik has been designed to be accessible for wheelchairs and prams.
Villa Elfvik’s bird watching tower is also accessible by wheelchair. Another
bird watching tower is located on the Otaniemi side, by the trail that starts
from the Konemiehentie road.

The Nature House Villa Elfvik is situated on the northern edge of the Laajalahti nature reserve. This historically valuable building represents the Art Nouveau style with an English influence. Villa Elfvik hosts the exhibition “Long live Espoo”, which portrays the most valuable characteristics of  nature in Espoo – herb rich forests, the archipelago, bird waters and the Nuuksio lake upland. Changing exhibitions present a variety of environmental and nature-related topics every month.

The Laajalahti nature reserve is one of the best bird waters in southern Finland, much valued even on an international scale. A 700-metre-long nature trail, also open to wheelchairs and prams, starts from Villa Elfvik. A bird watching tower, too, is accessible by wheelchair. Free admission.

Opening hours:	October - March	Mon-Fri 9-15, Sat closed, Sun 11-16
	April - September	Mon-Fri 9-16, Sat-Sun 10-16

www.espoo.fi/villaelfvik

Tremanskär is an unusually fine marsh in its original state in the
metropolitan area. The rocks and forest valleys around the marsh
and the scenery of Kurkijärvi offer plenty to see and experience.

The Tremanskärr nature trail meanders through rocky forests to
the Tremanskär marsh and the Kurkijärvi forest pond. The nature trail’s
total length is 3.7 kilometres, starting from the east side of the Vihdintie road
where a smaller road connects to the trail.

The Träskanda nature reserve, One of Finland’s most significant
historic parks, the Träskanda manor park became protected as
a nature reserve in 1961. The park is associated with many memories
from bygone times. During the time of Aurora Karamzin (in the mid 19th century),
a real high society lifestyle was led in the manor. Today the manor is
the Aurorakoti old people’s home.

Meandering through the park, a nature trail leads visitors back into
the atmosphere of an old manor park. On a guided tour it is also possible
to familiarize oneself with traditional garden culture and lush grove nature.
Guided walks in the Träskanda manor park are arranged in summer by
the City of Espoo Environmental Protection Department (guidance only in Finnish).