Sipoonkorpi National Park

Sipoonkorpi Overview

Sipoonkorpi National Park, or Sipoonkorven kansallispuisto in Finnish, is a protected natural area in southern Finland, located approximately 15 miles (25 kilometers) northeast of Helsinki.

Covering an area of about 7.8 square miles (20 square kilometers), this park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a peaceful retreat into Finnish wilderness close to the capital region. Established in 2011, Sipoonkorpi is one of Finland’s newer national parks, yet it is deeply rooted in the country’s natural and cultural heritage.

The park features a diverse landscape characteristic of southern Finland’s boreal forests, rocky outcrops, wetlands, and rolling hills. Dense woodlands of spruce, pine, and birch dominate the terrain, creating a lush green canopy in the summer and a frosty wonderland in winter.

Rocky cliffs and exposed bedrock formations, sculpted by glacial activity, add to the rugged beauty of the park, while lush bogs and small streams provide habitat for unique flora and fauna. The Byabäcken valley, a particularly picturesque area of the park, is known for its rich meadows and old-growth forests that have remained largely untouched. In autumn, the landscape transforms with golden hues as the leaves of deciduous trees change, offering stunning seasonal scenery.

Sipoonkorpi National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, with several notable mammals and bird species making their home in its forests. Visitors may spot elk (moose), roe deer, and red foxes wandering through the undergrowth, while smaller mammals such as hares and squirrels are common. The park is also an important habitat for several bird species, including the black woodpecker, Eurasian pygmy owl, and various species of tits and thrushes.

Birdwatchers may be lucky enough to hear the haunting call of the Eurasian eagle-owl, a rare but majestic sight. Due to its diverse habitats, Sipoonkorpi provides a refuge for many species that struggle to find space in Finland’s urbanizing southern regions.

One of the most popular aspects of the park is its accessibility for hiking and outdoor recreation. Numerous well-marked trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels allow visitors to explore the park at their own pace. The Kalkinpolttajanpolku Trail, one of the most well-known routes, takes hikers through dense forests and past historical lime-burning sites.

The park also offers great opportunities for foraging, especially during late summer and autumn when mushrooms and berries, including bilberries and lingonberries, are abundant. In winter, the landscape transforms into a snowy wonderland, perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The tranquil atmosphere and proximity to Helsinki make it an excellent destination for those looking to escape into nature without venturing too far from the city.

Conservation efforts within the park focus on preserving the natural forest ecosystems and maintaining biodiversity. While Sipoonkorpi faces challenges from increasing visitor numbers and pressures from nearby urban expansion, efforts are in place to manage sustainable tourism and protect the delicate habitats.

Local conservation organizations and Finnish environmental authorities collaborate to maintain the park’s ecological integrity while ensuring it remains accessible for recreation and nature appreciation. Thanks to these efforts, Sipoonkorpi National Park continues to thrive as an essential green space near Finland’s capital, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural history.

Park Map

Sipoonkorpi National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Sipoonkorpi National Park, located in southern Finland, is a haven for diverse wildlife, featuring dense forests, wetlands, and meadows that provide ideal habitats for various mammals and other species. The park’s rugged terrain and rich biodiversity make it a prime spot for nature lovers looking to encounter Finland’s native fauna.

Eurasian Elk (Alces alces)
Also known as the moose, the Eurasian elk is the largest land mammal in Finland. These massive herbivores roam the forests of Sipoonkorpi, feeding on twigs, leaves, and aquatic plants. They are most often spotted during dawn or dusk near clearings or wetlands.

Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus)
Smaller and more agile than the elk, roe deer are common in the park’s mixed forests. These elegant animals have reddish-brown coats in summer, turning grayish in winter, and are often seen grazing in meadows or darting through the trees.

Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx)
A rare but fascinating predator, the Eurasian lynx is Finland’s only wild feline. With its tufted ears and thick fur, the lynx is well-adapted to the northern climate. Though elusive, it preys on hares, rodents, and even small deer in the park.

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
The adaptable red fox thrives in Sipoonkorpi’s forests and open areas. These cunning predators hunt rodents, birds, and even berries. Their bushy tails and reddish coats make them easy to recognize when seen darting through the underbrush.

Brown Hare (Lepus europaeus)
A frequent sight in the park, the brown hare is larger than its Arctic cousin and has long ears and powerful hind legs. It is active mostly at night and can often be seen foraging along trails or meadow edges.

European Badger (Meles meles)
The nocturnal European badger makes its home in Sipoonkorpi’s dense woodlands, digging extensive burrows underground. These stocky animals are omnivores, feeding on insects, small mammals, and roots.

Raccoon Dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides)
An unusual resident of the park, the raccoon dog is a small, nocturnal canid with a striking resemblance to a raccoon. Originally from East Asia, it has established itself in Finland and can be found in forested areas, feeding on a varied diet of fruits, insects, and small animals.

European Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus)
This spiny nocturnal mammal is often found in the park’s meadows and woodland edges. It feeds on insects, worms, and small vertebrates, curling into a ball when threatened.

Eurasian Beaver (Castor fiber)
Once nearly extinct in Finland, the Eurasian beaver has made a strong comeback. These industrious rodents shape Sipoonkorpi’s wetland ecosystems by building dams and lodges along streams and rivers.

Western Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus)
Though primarily a bird, the capercaillie deserves a mention as it is one of the most iconic species of Finland’s forests. These large, ground-dwelling birds are known for their dramatic courtship displays in the spring.

Birds

Sipoonkorpi National Park is home to a remarkable variety of bird species, from majestic birds of prey to small songbirds that thrive in the park’s forests, wetlands, and open landscapes. Birdwatchers will find numerous opportunities to observe both resident and migratory species.

Ural Owl (Strix uralensis)
One of Finland’s most powerful owls, the Ural owl is a silent hunter of the night. With its pale face and piercing dark eyes, it preys on small mammals in the park’s dense woodlands.

Eurasian Eagle-Owl (Bubo bubo)
As one of the largest owls in the world, the Eurasian eagle-owl is a top predator in the park. It has striking orange eyes and powerful talons, making it a formidable hunter of hares, rodents, and even other birds.

Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius)
The largest woodpecker in Europe, this striking black bird with a red crown can be found hammering into tree trunks in search of insects. Its loud drumming can be heard throughout the forest.

European Crested Tit (Lophophanes cristatus)
This small, energetic songbird is easily recognizable by its spiky crest and curious nature. It flits through the coniferous forests of Sipoonkorpi, feeding on insects and seeds.

Eurasian Three-toed Woodpecker (Picoides tridactylus)
A specialist of old-growth forests, this woodpecker has a distinctive black-and-white pattern and thrives in deadwood areas where it finds its primary food source—wood-boring beetles.

Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo)
A medium-sized raptor often seen soaring above the park’s open areas, the common buzzard feeds on small mammals and birds. It can be identified by its broad wings and variable plumage.

Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)
A skilled predator of the forest, the Northern goshawk is a fast and powerful bird of prey. It hunts other birds and small mammals with incredible speed and precision.

Western Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus)
This large forest grouse is famous for its elaborate mating displays, where males puff up their feathers, make clicking sounds, and compete for female attention. It thrives in the old-growth pine forests of Sipoonkorpi.

Great Grey Owl (Strix nebulosa)
Known for its haunting stare and large facial disk, the great grey owl is a rare but impressive sight in the park. It hunts voles and other small mammals in open meadows and forest clearings.

White-throated Dipper (Cinclus cinclus)
This unique bird is often found near streams and rivers, where it dives underwater to catch aquatic insects. With its characteristic bobbing motion, the dipper is a fascinating species to observe in Sipoonkorpi’s waterways.

Sipoonkorpi National Park offers an outstanding chance to experience Finland’s diverse wildlife and birdlife, making it a prime destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife watchers.