Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Keskuspuisto Urban Forest, also called Central Park Helsinki, stretches approximately 10 kilometers from the city center northwards to the region of Helsinki. Covering about 10 square kilometers (roughly 2,500 acres), this urban forest represents one of the largest protected green areas within a European capital city. The forest features mixed stands of native trees such as pine, spruce, and birch, supporting diverse flora and fauna including various bird species, small mammals, and undergrowth typical of the boreal zone. Established as a public recreational area in the early 20th century, Keskuspuisto was designed to provide city dwellers with a natural escape, combining both managed parkland areas and wilderness-like zones. Visitors can explore a range of walking, jogging, and cycling trails, with routes that cross lakes, streams, and open meadows. Wintertime offers opportunities for cross-country skiing, while summer visitors enjoy picnicking and birdwatching. Notable landmarks include the ancient stone bridges, the Malminkartano Hill, which is Helsinki’s highest point, and several well-maintained playgrounds and sports fields integrated into the forest. Keskuspuisto’s accessibility from central Helsinki makes it a popular and peaceful outdoor destination year-round, providing health and wellness benefits to locals and tourists alike while maintaining important urban biodiversity.
