Area
326 ha
Address
Jokisuuntie, 00560 Helsinki
Services
information boards, parking area, dry toilets, unobstructed trail
The location in the middle of the capital, the easy public transport connections and the diversity of nature and particularly the abundance of bird species make Vanhankaupunginlahti a gem among the urban nature sites.
Area maintainer homepage: City of Helsinki
Making a fire is not permitted.
Camping in nature reserves is prohibited.
Dogs and other pets must be kept on a leash.
Area maintainer homepage: City of Helsinki
The location in the middle of the capital, the easy public transport connections and the diversity of nature and particularly the abundance of bird species make Vanhankaupunginlahti a gem among the urban nature sites.
Destination information
The bird wetlands of Vanhankaupunginlahti were a notable destination already in the early 19th century, when, for example, the bird painter Magnus von Wright made journeys there. The area has kept its appeal, and nowadays it offers good services as well, such as the accessible duckboard route to Lammassaari.
Viikki-Vanhankaupunginlahti is Helsinki’s biggest nature reserve. Vanhankaupunginlahti’s bird-rich wetlands are part of the Natura 2000 network.
The area of Vanhankaupunginlahti contains a variety of habitats: lush, herb-rich common alder forests, coastal meadows and reed beds. They are all easy to access, because the area boasts excellent routes and a variety of bird watching platforms, hides and towers.
When the ground is not frozen, visitors must keep to the paths in the reed bed areas.
Up-to-date information on the area is available on the website of the party responsible for its maintenance.
Routes
Heart of Nature path, accessible
The length of the route is 1 km. There are 10 control point tasks along the route of which eight are accessible.
Duckboard path to Lammassaari, accessible
The length of the route is 2.4 km. An accessible duckboard route leads to an accessible bird watching platform with a bird watching tower next to it.
Accessibility
The area features accessible nature trails and an accessible bird watching platform. Some of the other routes in the area are also easy.
Additional information
Restaurant Koskenranta serves visitors in the area.
The Museum of Technology is located here.
Vanhankaupunginlahti is connected to the Viikki Arboretum.