Explore nature

The Tammisto nature reserve has retained some of the oak forests that by now are now almost completely gone from Finland. The trail also passes through a grove of nut bushes. 

The trail can be accessed through Tilkuntie 12 as well as Tammistontie 1 and 15. The nearest bus stop is less than 100 metres away. 

Learn more about the Tammisto nature reserve

The Pitkäkoski nature reserve is located in Vantaa’s Ylästö. The nature trail that follows the winding of Vantaanjoki has an information board at each end. 

The nature trail can be accessed from the end of Jokitie and next to the Pitkäkoski bridge. The nearest bus stop is roughly a kilometre away, at the intersection of Ollaksentie and Isonmännyntie.

Learn more about the Pitkäkoski nature reserve

Kuninkaala’s Kalkkikallio is named after the limestone found in its bedrock. Kalkkikallio’s peak rises to nearly 65 metres above sea level. The nature trail at the reserve leads to a scenic lookout at the top of the cliff. 

The nature trail can be accessed from several points from the light traffic road that runs alongside Ring III, from the end of Tuomirinne, and between the lots at Kalkkivuorentie 41 and 43 from the Helsinki side. The nearest public transport stops are roughly a kilometre away. 

Learn more about the Kalkkikallio nature reserve

During Vantaa’s local forest year, the Soltorp nature reserve in Hämeenkylä had a children’s activity path built, which leads to an adventure amid the hidden life of the forest. Many of the activities found along this trail can also be done in any other nature destination. A map of the Soltorp nature trail will lead the way on this activity path. 

The trail can be accessed from Kesantotie. The nearest bus stop is less than half a kilometre away at the intersection of Sahrantie and Ainontie.

Soltorp children's nature trail

The Soltorp nature reserve

The environment of the Vantaankoski area can be explored on the Vantaankoski nature trail. The trail is a roughly kilometre-long path of natural footing and wooden walkways. 

The nature trail is located near the old file factory at Kuninkaantie 28. The trail starts at the other side of the river and can be reached via bridge on foot from the factory. The nearest bus stop is located right next to the nature trail. 

The Mätäoja nature reserve is circled by light traffic roads. In the conservation area, Mätäoja has five light traffic bridges crossing over it. The reserve is only a few hundred metres away from the Myyrmäki train station. 

Learn more about the Mätäoja nature reserve

The Kakolanmäki nature trail runs up through steep cliffs, pine barrens, and groves to the top of some nationally representative cliffs. Small patches of fir trees grow alongside the trail. The trail involves some occasional difficult terrain. 

The Kakolanmäki nature reserve is located in the corner of Vihdintie and Ring III. Both the Vihdintie and Ring III sides have bus stops near the reserve. 

The Kakolanmäki nature reserve

You can find information about Kalkinpolttaja trail, which runs through the scenic rocky landscapes of Högberget, as well as the other trails of the Sipoonkorpi national park on the Finnish Forest Administration’s Luontoon.fi page. 

Learn more about the trails in Sipoonkorpi

Learn more about Sipoonkorpi and the Kuusijärvi recreational area

In nature you may

• move freely on foot, by ski, or on a bicycle
• spend time in or temporarily camp in areas where moving is also permitted, for example setting up a tent far enough away from any residences
• pick naturally growing berries, mushrooms, and plants that are not protected
• boat, swim, and cross ice
• go float fishing or ice fishing, not counting rapids and brooks.

In nature you may not

• walk through yards, allotments, or sown fields
• cause disturbance or harm to other people or the environment
• cut down or damage trees
• take branches or pinecones from trees
• collect moss, lichen, wood, or earth such as gravel or stones
• make a fire without the landowner’s permission
• disturb nesting birds or animals in general
• litter
• disturb anyone’s privacy by for example camping too close to a residence
• allow pets to roam free
• drive off-road in a motor vehicle without permission
• fish or hunt without the necessary permits
• allow your dog onto a public beach, children’s play area, a maintained ski track, or sports field
• keep a dog off leash 1.3.-19.8. even on your own property

You may collect naturally growing berries, mushrooms, and plants that are not protected from forests. Additionally, you may collect any fallen:

• twigs
• pinecones
• needles
• acorns
• bark
• birch bark
• leaves.

You may collect a few stones, but moss and lichens are to be left alone.

Vantaa’s nature reserves are also recreational areas. You may move through them while being respectful of nature. Reserves are intended for the protection of plants and animals and their habitats, and your actions should not interfere with that goal. Therefore, some restrictions are applied to everyone's rights.

• During nesting season (1.4. -15.7.) you should not stray from any paths.
• Biking is prohibited except on paths specifically intended for it.
• Lighting a fire, setting up tents, or otherwise camping is prohibited.
• Do not engage in any activity that would be harmful to nature, the landscape, or the preservation of living things.

Enjoying the beauty of nature by for example picking berries or mushrooms remains everyone’s right, however.

Under everyone's rights, float fishing or ice fishing is allowed in Vantaanjoki and Keravanjoki, excluding rapids. 

You may likewise go float fishing or ice fishing in lakes under everyone's rights, as well as lure fishing. People aged 18 to 64 require a permit for anything other than float or ice fishing. 

Fishing in rapids always requires a fishing permit. Fishing in brooks is prohibited.

More information on fishing and permits in Vantaa

Fishing

People aged 18 to 64 require a fishing permit for anything other than float or ice fishing. 

Lighting a fire

Lighting an open fire always requires permission from the landowner. When a forest fire warning is in effect, lighting fires of any kind is prohibited.

Driving motor vehicles

Occasional off-road driving requires permission from the landowner. Regular off-roading requires a permit from the Environmental Administration.

All driving is prohibited in the Petikko and Koivukylä off-road prohibition areas, see the map.