What can you experience on Vuosaari Hill?
Located next to Vuosaari Harbour, Vuosaari Hill features a distinctive blend of human activity and nature. Established on a former landfill site, the area has grown from a harsh environment into a diverse nature and recreation site. The high hilltop provides a view over the sea, the local forest and the city.
Development of the area
The development of the landscape and nature of Vuosaari Hill was particularly influenced by nature gardener Jukka Toivonen and soil expert Pirjo Laulumaa from the City of Helsinki. The aim was to create a varied nature site suitable for people and animals alike. During construction, various types of soil were brought to the site, including clay, silt and coarser sand materials. These created suitable conditions for diverse habitats.
Plants and animals
The meadows, juniper plantings and lush and sheltered groves of Vuosaari Hill make the area biodiverse and distinctive. Numerous types of stone enliven the landscape, and tree stumps serve as insect hotels and provide food for decomposer fungi. In addition to plants, Vuosaari Hill is home to insects, birds and reptiles, among others.
Vuosaari Hill is a good destination for lovers of physical activity and nature. The seasonally changing landscape and the plants and animals in the area also make the site a good photography location.
You can explore the special nature of the site on two nature trails with information signs. Read more about the Pirjo’s Path and Jukka’s Trail routes in the ‘Routes, benches, accessibility’ section.
Events in the park
Events held in the City’s parks can be found in the event calendar, where you can search for them.
There are tables and benches in the parking area of Vuosaari Hill, where you can enjoy your own food. There is also a public toilet in the area.
Vuosaari Hill covers an area of 95 hectares and reaches a height of 60 metres at its highest point. The area has both wide maintenance roads and rocky trails. There are tables and benches in the parking area.
Two of the nature trails have flatter and steeper sections. There is no lighting or winter maintenance on the routes.
Pirjo’s Path
Pirjo’s Path is a circular route of 1.1 km. Along the route, you can enjoy a majestic gorge and flowering meadows. The route is fairly flat and easy to walk on, with natural and stone ash surfaces. There are narrow parts along the route. Read more about Pirjo’s Path on the ‘Sports and recreation’ website.(Link leads to external service)
Pirjo’s Path on the Service Map(Link leads to external service)
Jukka’s Trail
The route is 1.3 kilometres long and runs from the highest point of the peak down into the shade of the groves. There are significant differences in altitude, and the paths are steep and rocky in places. There are also stairs along the route. Read more about Jukka’s Trail on the ‘Sports and recreation’ website.(Link leads to external service)
Jukka’s Trail on the Service Map(Link leads to external service)
The plants of the area thrive when they are allowed to grow in peace. Please do not cut any branches or trample on any plantings.
- You can walk and run on the marked trails, but please do not cycle on the nature trails.
- Please stay on the designated routes to minimise wear on the vegetation and prevent disturbing the local animals.
- The routes are steep and slippery in places and can have loose stones on them. Please exercise caution when using the trails.
- Please remember to collect your rubbish and place it in the bins of the area after your visit.
Read about park rules and park etiquette on the following page: Visit parks responsibly | City of Helsinki.
Location of Vuosaari Hill on the Service Map
Photos of the park
