Laajalahti Nature Reserve
Laajalahti Nature Reserve is the best birding area located in southern Finland. The area protects the shallow sea bay and is important for the abundant breeding birds and thousands of birds resting during their migrations. Besides that, the Laajalahti Nature Reserve is a great recreation area with nature trails, viewpoints, and educational guided tours (bird and bat watching) and Nature House Villa Elfvik.
Several nature trails are located along the Villa Elfvik. You can choose from 700m and 1,3km trails or head to a 2,9km long trail connecting Laajalahti with the Otaniemi district. If you are looking for a longer hike, you can start at the Gallen-Kallela Museum and continue along the sea following the 40km long Espoo Waterfront Walkway. The shortest 700m trail is also accessible with wheelchairs (challenging) and prams, as well as entering the Nature House Villa Elfvik.
Explore the Nature Sanctuary nature trail (700m) with an online map
How to arrive there?
You can reach the area by public busses (212, 213N, 555, and 550), City Bikes, or by car (CityBike parking and car parking is located near the Villa Elfvik).
Services in the area
- Nature House Villa Elfvik
- Bird-watching guided tours
- Bat-watching guided tours
- Bird-Watching Towers
- Nature School by Villa Elfvik
- Nature trails
- Small Café located at Nature House Villa Elfvik (open Saturdays-Sundays)
- Toilets are located at Nature House Villa Elfvik
Hero Image: Visit Espoo / Joni Viitanen