Our best tips for Nuuksio activities in late summer
Even though Hawkhill is surrounded by the peace and silence of Nuuksio’s nature, those looking for interesting Nuuksio activities, authentic local experiences or places to eat won’t have to go far. There is a large variety of things to do in the vicinity of Hawkhill. We have compiled our best tips for the ongoing season into this blog post.
Hidden gem: home gallery and earth art garden
Our absolute top tip for children and adults alike is to visit the home gallery and earth art garden of local visual artist Maaria Melin. Her art reflects her unique, slightly mystical relationship to nature, illustrating ancient stories and myths through a variety of creative methods.
Maaria has created her earth art garden purely from materials of the Earth, such as soil, rocks, sand, hay and twigs. The mythical Finnish gnome on Hawkhill’s art trail is also a creation of hers. Maaria’s earth art garden is suitable for people of all ages.
The home gallery and earth art garden are located in Tervalampi, Vihti. You can visit by calling or texting Maaria at +358 40 1447997.
Tea time for adults at an authentic farm
Tiluksilla is a small, homely farm located in Vihti. Tiluksilla was founded in 2016 as a result of an urban family moving to the countryside and beginning to live their dream. You can follow the life of the farm and its many animals via social media or the farm’s blog, and the website offers a range of interesting products from natural cosmetics to wall calendars. Tiluksilla also sells delicious fudge that is also used by Hawkhill, and we sell the fun, delightful Tiluksilla books in our summer shop.
Our actual tip to check out is the Tiluksilla evening tea concept. Aimed at adults, this unique concept allows guests to spend an evening in the countryside just the way they like, whether it be to get to know the farm animals, enjoy the countryside, chat with the hostess, spend fun time with your group or have a moment to yourself.
Ethical food and strawberry picking experiences
Located in Ojakkala, Vihti, Illilän tila is a local favourite and a great place to visit for anyone interested in clean, ethical and locally produced food. The farm cultivates and sells a variety of vegetables and berries; however, it is particularly known for its delicious strawberries. You can buy them from the shop or go and pick them yourself – the latter is not just the more affordable option but also a worthwhile, authentic experience particularly suited for families.
Illilän tila is also a home for sheep and lambs who lead happy lives, grazing outside as much as possible every year. You can buy sheep and lamb meat from the farm, as well as cheese, sheepskin, and wool yarn. At Hawkhill, many cabins have chairs cushioned with soft and warm sheepskin from Illilä.
It is important to note that it depends on the season and harvest what you can buy from Illilän tila on any given week. Before you visit, it is recommended you check out the opening hours and what’s on sale from e.g. Illilän tila Facebook page. Once you know what is available, you can start planning on how to best utilise the season’s delicious offerings.
Unique opportunity to deep dive into the Finnish nature
Our top tip for people interested in nature and those seeking forest adventures further away would be to visit Haltia – Finnish Nature Centre. Located in Nuuksio on Espoo’s side, a 40-minute drive away from Hawkhill, Haltia treats guests with a staggeringly wide offering. You can visit exhibits that allow you to immerse yourself in Finnish nature, you can utilise Haltia’s many hiking routes to explore the natural park, and there is equipment available to rent every season – in the summer, you can rent e.g. tents and fatbikes. Haltia has its own shop and restaurant as well. Alike Hawkhill, Haltia is also part of the Nuuksio Lakeland Nuuksio Lakeland, which gathers together and promotes the organisations in the area and, for example, organises the Lux Nuuksio event that was originally founded by Hawkhill.
Reindeer park brings a touch of Northern magic to Nuuksio
Lapland is an amazing place to visit every season, however, the same rhythm of seasons and feel of nature can also be found here in the south, around the Nuuksio Natural Park. Nuuksio Reindeer Park is a great example of this. It is a 40-minute drive away from Hawkhill and recommended for anyone interested in the life of reindeers and experiencing these fascinating animals in an ethical and sustainable way. Nuuksio Reindeer Park’s wholesome programmes are great for families, but equally worthwhile for adults.
Tips to discover restaurants and cafés
At Hawkhill, our forest restaurant, catering and DIY meal kits offer a variety of options for those accommodating at Hawkhill. Every cabin has a fully equipped kitchen, so you can also go grocery shopping and handle the cooking yourself.
For those who enjoy eating out or discovering cafés, there are many fantastic options:
- Tuusan Tupa – heart-warming café inside a historic building in central Nummela
- Café Il Punto – friendly customer service, lunch and Nummela’s best cinnamon buns
- Café Neilikka – lunch café in Nummela that focuses on soups and salads
- Hiekkahentunen – popular among the locals, this lunch restaurant and café is located in Vihti
- Nummelan AG – fast-food grill in Nummela that is loved by locals of all ages
- Mummola Kahvila – home cooking and cozy nostalgia in Veikkola
- Murju Bistro Bar – feel-good restaurant in the centre of Veikkola
