FOREST
Paloheinä
Forest Trails
- Distance
- 5.9 km
- Time
- 30–40 min
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Terrain
- Undulating
- Surface
- Trail & forest road
Spruce forest, soft paths and a trail loop at the northern end of Central Park.
Paloheinä is where Helsinki runners go when they want the forest without leaving the city. The outdoor centre at the northern end of Central Park is the hub for marked trails, a lit track in winter and one of the city's ski areas.
This loop uses the wide forest roads and narrower paths around Paloheinä and the edge of the Haltiala forest. Expect roots, a few short climbs and a real sense of being in the Finnish woods.
In winter the lit track is reserved for skiers, but the surrounding forest roads are often packed down by walkers and make for magical snowy runs.
Highlights
- Spruce and pine forest
- Paloheinä outdoor centre café
- Access to the wider Central Park trail network
Practical notes
- Do not run on groomed ski tracks in winter.
- Some paths are muddy after rain; trail shoes help.
- Download the GPX: junctions are not all signposted.
Getting to the start
Bus from central Helsinki towards Paloheinä (about 30 minutes; check HSL). Parking at the outdoor centre.