Nuuksio wilderness, located about 30 km from the Finnish capital Helsinki, has been popular since the 1950s when for the first time Naturefriends cycled there to admire primeval forests, cliffs and hundreds of clear lakes and ponds.

In the 1980s, a broad based citizens’ initiative was launched with the aim to establish a national park in Nuuksio. Active members of the Finnish Naturefriends participated in various ways, e.g. by arranging numerous hiking trips and events together with other organisations. The joint efforts and cooperation with decision-makers culminated in March 1994, when Nuuksio got the official status as national park.

Later, Finnish Naturefriends founded the association “Nuuka” for the further development and maintenance of the national park. The traditional farmhouse ”Stenbacka” serves as base camp for Nuuka. The courtyard is kept as natural as possible so that butterflies, bumblebees and other pollinators feel home. The rare flying squirrel and also lynx, fox, deer and elk as well as numerous birds can be observed. Park hosts have also dropped a hint about a bear’s winter den in the area.