Nukarinkoski is a natural and historical site located in the village of Nukari, part of the town of Nurmijärvi in southern Finland. It’s between the cities of Hyrylä and Hyvinkää, approximately 48 kilometres north of the centre of Helsinki.
There is no entrance fee, and free parking areas are available in three different locations.
Here is the Google Maps location but it’s very easy to find. Take road 45 to Hyvinkää and you will see the sign on the left side going to Nukari village.
Where to park?
There are 3 parking lots along the river. And they are free to access.
One parking is near the bridge on Nukarintie road. There is also a small picnic area right near this parking and bridge.
The second parking can be accessed from road 1321, Raalantie, and it will bring you straight to the small fall at the wooden bridge.
And the third parking is a bit further and very small, on Vantalantie road, a dirt road with only a very small parking lot on the side of the road.
From the road, you can see a wooden bridge with benches where you can sit and relax. The forest path is relatively short, making it more of a spot for fishermen.
Nature lovers
Nukarinkoski is renowned for its picturesque rapids on the Nukari River, a tributary of the larger Vantaa River. This delightful destination is perfect for nature enthusiasts and hikers, offering a serene escape into lush greenery where visitors can listen to melodious birdsongs and enjoy various outdoor activities.
The landscape is adorned with a plethora of wildflowers, creating a picturesque setting that appeals to both nature lovers and photographers. The small rapids and the historic old fall, once used for milling, are particularly captivating, offering excellent subjects for photography and peaceful spots for contemplation, relaxation, and meditation.
Along the paths and the river, there is a multitude of wildflowers, and if you are patient and look closely, you will see a small wildlife world. It’s a playground for nature photographers. In summer, winter, or even after the rain, you will always find something to photograph.
The area also holds historical significance due to its association with old milling activities. The rapids once powered mills, contributing to the local economy and community life. Ruins of these old mills can still be seen today.
Nukarinkoski is well-equipped with two picnic spots. One is located near the parking area and road bridge, while the other, featuring a shelter and a campfire, is nestled in the middle of the forest. This sheltered spot offers protection from the elements, making it a cosy place to spend the night or take a break from the weather. Here, visitors can enjoy making a bonfire and grilling food, adding a rustic charm to their adventure.
(Picnic area near the bring and parking)
(Picnic area with a shelter and campfire inside the forest, the only designated spot where fires are allowed)
There is a path along the river with small hills, making it a nice place for hikers. Families and kids will also enjoy running around and exploring the area. There is a small swampy section that will be dry in the summer but wet and muddy during the wet seasons. This area has a wooden path to keep your feet dry. Near the wooden bridges, there are some stairs to make the climb easier.
A few years ago, I captured a young Thai Buddhist monk meditating on a rock in the middle of the river. It was a magical moment, and seeing him still like a statue surrounded by water was both captivating and intriguing.
There is a large Thai Buddhist temple located about 5 km away, where Thai monks reside. It is open to visitors and is an interesting and relaxing place to visit.
Nukarinkoski boasts a network of paths that wind through the area, inviting visitors to explore its natural beauty at their own pace. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike, you’ll find a trail that suits your preference, making Nukarinkoski a perfect getaway for outdoor enthusiasts.
Fishing
For those interested in fishing, Nukarinkoski provides ample opportunities, in the condition you have the necessary license.
In this river, there are trouts, rainbow trouts, graylings, and even salmons, making it an ideal spot for fly fishers. However, be aware that there are specific rules and regulations you must follow, and you need to have a license. All necessary information is explained on the information boards with explanatory pictures, and I recommend reading them thoroughly to avoid any trouble.
The local fishing license can be purchased at “TAUKO.Nukari, Hämeentie 139, 05450 Nukari” on road 45, or from www.eraverkko.fi or www.kalakortti.com.
Overall, Nukarinkoski represents a blend of natural beauty and historical heritage, making it a noteworthy destination in the Nurmijärvi region.
Behind the scene:
I enjoy capturing waterfalls, rivers, and rapids using long exposures. This technique adds motion and softness to the images. However, shooting long exposures on a sunny, bright day without a neutral density (ND) filter will result in overexposed photos, due to excessive light.
I also wanted to capture the lush vegetation surrounding the scene with a longer shutter speed, and the ND filter was also useful for this purpose.
I was lucky to find some shaded spots, allowing me to use my ND8 filter with an ISO of 100 and an aperture of 𝑓/16. With a shutter speed of about one second, I achieved the desired effect. For a few shots taken almost directly facing the sunlight, I used an aperture of 𝑓/22 to get a wider depth of field and capture the whole landscape, while maintaining ISO 100 to handle the brighter areas.
Here are more pictures from Nukarinkoski. I hope I have helped you discover this beautiful, natural place and that it will inspire you to visit.
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