Things To Do
in Nurmijarvi

Nurmijärvi lies just north of Helsinki in the Uusimaa region, blending rural charm with easy access to the Finnish capital. The landscape is rich with lakes and forests, offering a tranquil escape and ample outdoor recreation. The area has a proud heritage, including connections to notable Finnish writers and stately manors, and a growing network of cafes and markets.

Visitors can enjoy family-friendly attractions, seasonal events, and scenic countryside within a short drive of Helsinki.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Adventure in Nature
morning
:

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café, where traditional Finnish pastries await. Afterward, venture into the lush forests surrounding Nurmijärvi, enjoying a guided hiking tour to discover local flora and fauna. Breathe in the fresh air and take in the tranquil sounds of nature as you explore the beauty that Finland offers.

afternoon
:

Grab a picnic lunch from a nearby deli and head to one of Nurmijärvi's scenic lakes for an afternoon of relaxation. You can take a refreshing swim, try your hand at fishing, or simply bask in the sun while enjoying the picturesque views. If you're feeling adventurous, consider renting a kayak to paddle across the calm waters.

evening
:

As the sun sets, treat yourself to a delicious dinner at a local restaurant featuring traditional Finnish cuisine. After your meal, take a leisurely stroll through the charming town, soaking in the serene atmosphere. End the evening by gathering around a campfire with locals to share stories and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

day 2
Cultural Exploration
morning
:

Begin your day with a visit to the historic Nurmijärvi Church, where you can appreciate its beautiful architecture and serene ambiance. Following your visit, make your way to the local museum to learn about the rich history and heritage of the region. This journey into the past will deepen your appreciation for the culture surrounding you.

afternoon
:

Indulge in a traditional Finnish lunch at a quaint bistro before exploring the picturesque streets of Nurmijärvi. Spend the afternoon perusing local artisan shops, where you can find handmade crafts and unique souvenirs. Engage with local artisans to understand the craft and stories behind their work.

evening
:

Dine at a cozy restaurant that specializes in seasonal ingredients sourced from the surrounding areas. After dinner, attend a local cultural event or concert to immerse yourself in the artistic scene of Nurmijärvi. This will be a perfect way to connect with the community and enjoy the vibrant energy of the town.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee or beverage$3-5
🥗Lunch or light meal$10-15
🏨Hotel room per night$80-150
🚆Public transport fare$3-5 per ride

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Close proximity to Helsinki and easy access to nature
  • Safe, clean, family-friendly
  • Beautiful lakes and forests for outdoor lovers
  • Good outdoor activities and cultural sites
  • Limited nightlife compared to Helsinki
  • Rural transport options can be infrequent
  • Cold winters and short daylight in winter
  • "Hei" - Hello
  • "Kiitos" - Thank you
  • "Ole hyvä" - You're welcome / Please
  • "Puhutko englantia?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Missä on lähin WC?" - Where is the nearest bathroom?
  • "Kuinka paljon tämä maksaa?" - How much does this cost?
  • "Autan mielelläni" - I’m happy to help

Places to Visit in Nurmijarvi

Visit one of these nice places.

Kirkonkylä village square

Historic wooden houses around a small square; best captured at sunrise when the light is soft.

Lakeside Klaukkala shoreline

Calm lake reflections and long piers—great for golden-hour photography.

Forest trails near Rajamäki

Mossy pines and quiet streams; ideal for nature portraits and moisture-rich forest light.

Culinary Guide

Food in Nurmijarvi

Finnish cuisine emphasizes seasonal ingredients, local berries and mushrooms, fish from lakes, and hearty rye breads. In Nurmijärvi you’ll find cozy cafés and markets that showcase regional produce and traditional flavors.

Nurmijarvi Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Lohikeitto (Creamy Salmon Soup)

A Finnish staple—creamy, warming, and typically served with rye bread.

Must-Try!

Karjalanpiirakka (Karelian Pastry)

Thin rye crust stuffed with rice or potato, usually served with egg butter.

Ruisleipä with local cheese

Dark rye bread paired with seasonal cheeses or preserves.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Klaukkala Market

Seasonal farmers market offering berries, bread, dairy, and local honey.

Rajamäki Market

Small village market with prepared foods, coffee, and pastries.

Summer street food stalls

Food trucks and stalls near lakeside parks during summer months.

Climate Guide

Weather

Nurmijärvi has a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Winters are cold and snowy, with temperatures often below freezing from December through February. Summers are mild to warm, with long days and comfortable outdoor conditions. Spring and autumn are transition periods with variable weather, including rain and occasional frost.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Punctuality

Finns value timeliness; arriving late can be seen as disrespectful.

Greetings

A firm handshake and simple greeting like Hei or Terve; address people formally at first.

Shoes off at home

It’s common to remove shoes when visiting private homes.

Quiet conversation

Public spaces are usually calm; loud talking on public transport is discouraged.

Safety Guide

Safety

Finland is generally safe with low crime rates. Standard safety practices apply: keep valuables secure, watch for weather changes, and follow local guidance in forests and lakes. In case of emergencies dial 112.

Tipping in Nurmijarvi

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping in Finland is optional; most service charges are included; rounding up or leaving 5-10% for excellent service is appreciated.

Payment methods

Card payments (Visa, Mastercard) and contactless methods; many places accept Apple Pay/Google Pay; cash is accepted but less common.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Long days with pleasant temperatures; outdoor dining and lakeside activities; mosquitoes are common in damp areas.

Autumn

Leaf color peak brings warm tones; harvest markets and scenic trails are popular.

Winter

Cold, snowy landscapes; ideal for snowshoeing and cozy cabin experiences; daylight is shorter.

Spring

Milder days, budding trees; rain showers bring fresh greenery and wildlife activity.

Nightlife Guide

Nurmijarvi at Night

Nurmijärvi’s nightlife is low-key compared to Helsinki. In Klaukkala and Rajamäki you’ll find cozy pubs and cafes that often feature live music on weekends. For a broader nightlife scene, you’ll head to Helsinki or larger nearby towns where clubs, bars, and concerts are plentiful.

Hiking in Nurmijarvi

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Nuuksio National Park trails

Extensive networks of forest trails and lakes just a short drive away.

Klaukkala forest trails

Local forest loops and nature paths around the Klaukkala area.

Rajamäki forestry trails

Scenic routes through pine and spruce forests with lakes and streams nearby.

Airports

How to reach Nurmijarvi by plane.

Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL)

Finland’s main international gateway, about 30-40 minutes from Nurmijärvi by car or train, with frequent domestic and international flights.

Tampere-Pirkkala Airport (TMP)

A regional airport in Pirkkala, offering domestic and some international flights; about 1.5-2 hours by road.

Turku Airport (TKU)

Southwestern Finland gateway with connections to several European destinations; farther than the Helsinki area.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town centers of Klaukkala and Rajamäki are reasonably walkable with compact layouts, but many attractions and rural areas require a car or bus connections. The area is great for walking in nature but not all trails are stroller-friendly.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families with children

Many local households with schools, parks, and family-friendly services.

Commuters

Residents who work in Helsinki or other nearby cities.

Retirees

A significant number of older residents who appreciate the quiet countryside.

Students and young professionals

People who study in Helsinki or nearby towns and live in Nurmijärvi.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Ice hockey

Popular winter sport in Finland with local clubs and rinks.

Cross-country skiing

Widely used on forest trails and designated tracks in winter.

Football (soccer)

Common in schools and local clubs; community leagues.

Floorball

Popular indoor sport among youths and adults.

Transportation

Traffic

Public transport includes bus connections within Nurmijärvi and rail connections to Helsinki and Riihimäki; traffic is generally light in rural areas but Helsinki region can be busy during peak hours. Cars are common for day trips; roads are well maintained, and summer roadwork can occasionally affect routes.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Nurmijarvi.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most places offer vegetarian options; look for mushroom, berry, and cheese dishes; ask for veggie soups and salads.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Finland provides universal healthcare through municipal health centers and hospitals. In Nurmijärvi, residents access primary care through local health centers and referral to hospitals in nearby Riihimäki, Helsinki, or Tampere depending on need. For emergencies, dial 112. Citizens can use Kela for health insurance and benefits.

Discover Finland

Read more in our Finland 2025 Travel Guide.

Finland Travel Guide