The island of Harakka provides a unique window on archipelago nature, the area´s bird species, rare plants and butterflies. The Nature House of the City of Helsinki Environment Centre is also located on the island. It offers visitors encounters with nature, activities, and information on the Baltic Sea, maritime nature and sustainable living. A nature trail also snakes through Harakka Island in summer and winter.
Nature trail
Harakka Island´s summer and winter nature trails feature nature trail and information boards advising visitors about the island’s nature. On rocks, the trail is marked with white triangles painted on the stone. The nature trail allows visitors to explore the island independently, and they can pick up a map of the island and a bird guide from the Nature Centre headquarters. An exceptionally large number of birds nest on the island, and visitors are advised to move quietly and to stay on the marked paths.
The Environment Centre organises guided tours of the island from 13–14 every Sunday from May to September.
You can also book a guide to take you to see the island’s nature or to give you a presentation on the island’s energy displays, or you can book an island adventure for children. Contact information of guides is available from the Environment Centre. Price of guided tours € 120–200/2 hours, €150–250 on Sundays.
Nature Centre
The Harakka Nature Centre offers activities and education. There are various environmental education services for schools and daycare centres. The summertime programme includes free-of-charge nature excursions, island adventures, public events, exhibitions, information on the utilization of renewable energy and displays of renewable energy forms.