Haltia
4
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Haltia - The Finnish Nature Centre, is a sustainable nature and outdoor center and the gate to Nuuksio National Park in Espoo. In Haltia you can get a real experience of the Finnish nature. Haltias’ nature exhibitions introduce you to the magnificent scenery of Finlands national parks, as well as nature sites in the nature capital area. We want to offer our visitors touching experiences, inspire them to hike in the wild and help them forge a deeper relationship with nature. Come and let the nature touch you!
Duration: 2-3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.0
217 reviews
Excellent
90
Very good
87
Average
25
Poor
13
Terrible
2
Birgit A
2 contributions
Apr 2022 • Friends
At 4 they take the food away from your face. Exhibition is small and neat but if full with a bunch of screaming kids running around the concept is ruined. The open air tundra photo exhibition is small, of average artistic quality and strange - supposedly funny - explanations. For us: very disappointing.
Written April 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hanazono100
London, UK12 contributions
Jun 2013 • Family
Haltia is brand new and billed as 'Finland's Nature Centre' so it seemed to be a "must visit" during our trip to the beautiful Nuuksio National Park. But - we were SO disappointed. The entrance fee is quite substantial (Euros 15 for a family of 4) and there is almost nothing to see once you are inside... and what there is largely consists of pretty pictures of Finnish nature projected onto walls, various screens etc. We kept thinking that there must be more (perhaps we'd missed the main room??) and that there must be some actual CONTENT or INFORMATION somewhere, but no - we saw everything, and that everything didn't amount to much at all.
The exhibition starts well enough with a short corridor portraying Finnish nature in mid-winter - nicely done, but very small and unlabelled - the only explanation is on a single computer screen nearby. There is indeed lots of fascinating stuff accessible via this computer, but if I wanted to read in-depth information on a screen I can do that from home!
Then there is a 'sounds of nature at night' room installation which is quite fun and very relaxing (there are comfy beanbags to sit on), but there seemed to be more human noises included that genuine animal ones, and the recording is on a fairly short loop.
The 'centre piece' of it all is an egg-shaped enclosure (inspired by the Kalevala folklore) with a strange art modern art installation - a chessboard, mirrors, several stuffed swans…
Fine in an art museum perhaps, but as the centrepiece of a nature museum?? Inexplicable!
My boys were excited by the idea of being able to go down a fox hole and see a hibernating bear in his lair... both are there, but are so simply done that there's not anything to them. Yes you can crawl down a tunnel and there is the bear... but that's it. The smallest children are scared and older children are disappointed and bored. There is no inspiration, no information. It is all such a wasted opportunity :-(
Some of the pictures projected onto the walls are indeed beautiful, but please - for 15 Euros??
Even the ‘expensive architect-designed’ building itself is a disappointment – yes, it’s wood-clad and ‘eco-friendly’, but otherwise it doesn’t represent anything new or inspired. Other than the woeful exhibition, it contains an overpriced restaurant (of course), an under stocked shop (although there are some beautiful soft toys), and naturally lots of 'conference and meeting spaces' to rent. There are, however, nice clean toilets (and you don't need to pay to use them). The pleasant building-wide gallery looks down onto a piece of waste ground - although hopefully this is going to be landscaped? - and there is little sense of connection with the nature all around. In fact the centre is completely cut off from the lake below.
The 'viewing tower' is climbed by means of a clanking echoing metal spiral staircase and the tiny platform at the top looks across the flat roof and air-conditioning paraphernalia of the building. What WERE the architects thinking?
The two short marked trails above the centre are pleasant enough. One leads to a beautiful viewpoint, and another is wheelchair and buggy accessible. But they are short and fairly busy...
If you have any time at all, try to head into Nuuksio National Park proper - it's absolutely beautiful. And don't bother with Haltia at all unless you want to buy a lovely soft toy or are in need of a proper toilet!
A total and utter disappointment. Finland's stunning natural environment deserves something a thousand times better.
The exhibition starts well enough with a short corridor portraying Finnish nature in mid-winter - nicely done, but very small and unlabelled - the only explanation is on a single computer screen nearby. There is indeed lots of fascinating stuff accessible via this computer, but if I wanted to read in-depth information on a screen I can do that from home!
Then there is a 'sounds of nature at night' room installation which is quite fun and very relaxing (there are comfy beanbags to sit on), but there seemed to be more human noises included that genuine animal ones, and the recording is on a fairly short loop.
The 'centre piece' of it all is an egg-shaped enclosure (inspired by the Kalevala folklore) with a strange art modern art installation - a chessboard, mirrors, several stuffed swans…
Fine in an art museum perhaps, but as the centrepiece of a nature museum?? Inexplicable!
My boys were excited by the idea of being able to go down a fox hole and see a hibernating bear in his lair... both are there, but are so simply done that there's not anything to them. Yes you can crawl down a tunnel and there is the bear... but that's it. The smallest children are scared and older children are disappointed and bored. There is no inspiration, no information. It is all such a wasted opportunity :-(
Some of the pictures projected onto the walls are indeed beautiful, but please - for 15 Euros??
Even the ‘expensive architect-designed’ building itself is a disappointment – yes, it’s wood-clad and ‘eco-friendly’, but otherwise it doesn’t represent anything new or inspired. Other than the woeful exhibition, it contains an overpriced restaurant (of course), an under stocked shop (although there are some beautiful soft toys), and naturally lots of 'conference and meeting spaces' to rent. There are, however, nice clean toilets (and you don't need to pay to use them). The pleasant building-wide gallery looks down onto a piece of waste ground - although hopefully this is going to be landscaped? - and there is little sense of connection with the nature all around. In fact the centre is completely cut off from the lake below.
The 'viewing tower' is climbed by means of a clanking echoing metal spiral staircase and the tiny platform at the top looks across the flat roof and air-conditioning paraphernalia of the building. What WERE the architects thinking?
The two short marked trails above the centre are pleasant enough. One leads to a beautiful viewpoint, and another is wheelchair and buggy accessible. But they are short and fairly busy...
If you have any time at all, try to head into Nuuksio National Park proper - it's absolutely beautiful. And don't bother with Haltia at all unless you want to buy a lovely soft toy or are in need of a proper toilet!
A total and utter disappointment. Finland's stunning natural environment deserves something a thousand times better.
Written July 6, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
George M
Worthing, UK65 contributions
Dec 2019
Easy to get to by bus from Kontala metro station and once there the countryside opens up ! Superb trails through moss, lichen covered boulders, forests, streams and marshes. sublime walking and so quiet.
Written December 24, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
You can explore the 2nd best nature in Haltia - The Finnish Nature Centre by Nuuksio National Park in Espoo.
You reach us from Helsinki centre by train to Espoo and from there bus 245 to Nuuksionpää. Welcome!
Written January 2, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Someday dot Bike
Espoo, Finland51 contributions
Oct 2017
Nature centre with several very good exhibitions and an affordable restaurant with a buffet table. Greta place to start or to finish your nature hike in Nuuksio National Park.
Written September 17, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
amira25
Manchester, UK41 contributions
Dec 2017
This was an interesting place and the staff very helpful.We had a snack in the restaurant which was very good.Would recommend to visit
Written January 9, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tina W
Espoo, Finland21 contributions
May 2016 • Family
I've visited this center a couple of times. It gives a good glimpse of the Finnish nature during different seasons. Some of the information is interactive. Children like it too! They have a nice cafe upstairs with a marvellous view. Do go outside for a quick hike afterwards. The forest is so calming:)
Written August 23, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your visit to Haltia!
We also have a restaurant (the same place as the cafe), where you can enjoy Finnish buffet lunch everyday at 11-14.
Written October 10, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LiraFamily
San Antonio, TX27 contributions
Jul 2015 • Family
This National Park in Finland was easily accessed from our cruise port and a welcomed adventure. An alternative to the history learned in many Baltic Seaports, the nature interactive centre was a hands-on location for families with children of all ages. The guided hikes that leave from the nature centre vary in distance and intensity. Rain jackets and boots are available for use for a nominal fee if you happen to arrive on a" wet" afternoon. The paths are clearly marked and wild strawberries - blueberries were all along our route!! It was a delightful experience.
Written July 26, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your visit and for your feedback! It's great that blueberries and forest strawberries also fit in your cruise programme. We hope to see you soon again!
Written August 17, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jukka
Espoo, Finland144 contributions
May 2014 • Solo
I likes the fancy wooden building outlook. Inside there's virtual view to Finnish nature and changingexhibitions. Nice restaurant on second floor with big terrace with view to lake. And hiking paths just start from the house to Finnish wilderness, forest, hills, lakes...
Written May 29, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NickS4
Espoo, Finland27 contributions
Aug 2017 • Couples
Timed to coincide with restaurant day, This place is perfect for lunch after a long hike. Amazing view from the restaurant and if you want to try some real Finnish delicacies this is the place to be. The buffet isn't cheap though but worth the money.
Written January 11, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lmsk2014
Helsinki, Finland853 contributions
Apr 2017 • Family
Haltia brings you the whole of Finnish nature from the lake district to marshlands, from winter in Lapland to summer in the archipelago. You can experience the nature through video and sound installations in an architecturally really interesting building. You can complete the experience in the upstairs restaurant with a view over a lake and tasty treats from Finnish nature on your plate.
There is also plenty of information on the Finnish natural parks – and some cool experiences for kids. There are also temporary photography exhibitions.
You can also go hiking – and even rent hiking great from Haltia! The exhibition is not that big, so make it a full day trip: combine exhibition, great good – and hiking.
The POSITIVE
- A really cool building: don’t forget to climb the tower (access from outside)
- Well-made visual experiences
- A wonderful restaurant with really fresh&delicious food from Finnish ingredients
- Access to nature trails, long or short, right from the building (and a possibility to hire hiking gear on the spot!)
- A tent/teepee in the yard where you can barbeque your own sausages etc.
The NEGATIVE
- The basic exhibition is not that large, though interesting
- The temporary exhibitions vary, also in how interesting they are
There is also plenty of information on the Finnish natural parks – and some cool experiences for kids. There are also temporary photography exhibitions.
You can also go hiking – and even rent hiking great from Haltia! The exhibition is not that big, so make it a full day trip: combine exhibition, great good – and hiking.
The POSITIVE
- A really cool building: don’t forget to climb the tower (access from outside)
- Well-made visual experiences
- A wonderful restaurant with really fresh&delicious food from Finnish ingredients
- Access to nature trails, long or short, right from the building (and a possibility to hire hiking gear on the spot!)
- A tent/teepee in the yard where you can barbeque your own sausages etc.
The NEGATIVE
- The basic exhibition is not that large, though interesting
- The temporary exhibitions vary, also in how interesting they are
Written May 2, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the positive and negative feedback! We like to get both, so we know what we do right and wrong.
Haltia's main purpose is to tell about the Finnish Nature and then we want to "kick out" the visitors to the fresh nature!
Written July 6, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Est ce que je peux y aller du port de helsinki
Written March 22, 2018
Bonjour,
Oui, c'est possible en prenant le train jusqu'a Ville d'Espoo et depuis Espoo le bus 245: itineraire exemplaire ici (du terminal Olympia): reittiopas.fi/reitti/Helsinki%20port%20(Olympia%20terminal)%2C%20Olympiaranta%201%2C%20Helsinki%3A%3A60.160688%2C24.958584/Nuuksiontie%2084%2C%20Espoo%3A%3A60.293637%2C24.557321/0?time=1522138192
Written March 22, 2018
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