Helsinki urban nature center
The purpose of the Lapinlahden Lähde City Nature Centre is to increase well-being by strengthening the connection to nature in the city by providing nature contacts, well-being, skills and knowledge about nature.
Our aim is to provide visitors and target groups in Lapinlahti with place-based nature-related activities, information, skills and inspiration. The Lapinlahden Lähde City Nature Centre is part of the Pro Lapinlahti mental health association’s low-threshold well-being activities.
The activities at the Lapinlahden Lähde City Nature Centre within the Lapinlahti Centre for Arts, Culture, Mental Wellbeing and Entrepreneurship promote the well-being of city residents through nature. Rooted in the legacy of mental health work at the former Lapinlahti Hospital, the centre acknowledges the therapeutic effects of nature—a consideration evident since the hospital’s inception. The hospital environment itself is inherently therapeutic. The Urban Nature Centre aims to provide new skills and ways to deepen one’s connection with nature as a source of personal well-being.
We fulfill this mission by organizing open nature-related courses, events, workshops, clubs, lectures, excursions, and guided tours. We promote the adoption of a more natural lifestyle by offering low-threshold, free opportunities to participate. The methods for strengthening the human–nature connection are diverse: art, music, crafts using recycled materials, urban gardening, outdoor exercise, and mindfulness practices, to name a few. Participation is central, and participants have a say in shaping the content of the activities.
We offer our target groups location-based nature activities, information, ideas, and inspiration. Location-based means that the activities are rooted in the Lapinlahti park and community, drawing from the possibilities offered by the park and its people, in line with the idea of “Lapinlahti for Everyone.” The Urban Nature Centre offers diverse nature-based activities. We organize free, open-access workshops, excursions, events, and group activities that support well-being and connection to nature—such as the popular Community Gardening Club.
The Lapinlahden Lähde City Nature Centre at Lapinlahti began its operations in 2018. We operate with project-based funding, and most of our activities are free of charge. Currently, our operations are funded by the City of Helsinki’s project for older adults. This season’s project is “Movement from Lähde (a fountain)!” – encouraging meaningful, movement-based activities for seniors. In the previous season, the focus was on cultural activities; in 2023–2025, more on physical activity.
We warmly welcome everyone to participate in ways that suit their own resources and capacity.
As a visitor, you also have the opportunity to influence the content of our activities.
We are happy to collaborate with educational institutions, organizations, companies, and city officials.
We also offer internship opportunities for students in the nature and environmental fields.
Get in contact!
Our email is [email protected]
Lapinlahteen Kesäpolku
1. Welcome to Lapinlahti!
On this nature trail you can explore Lapinlahti Park and do easy, well-being exercises. Finland’s first psychiatric hospital operated here between 1841 and 2008. The park has been serving former patients and current visitors for over 180 years – let’s take care of it together. Have a nice tour!
2. Thank you to the park
C.L. Engel, who designed the main building, chose Lapinniemi for the hospital because of its peacefulness. Spending time in the beautiful natural surroundings, gardening and sea bathing have helped patients to recover. Today, the park continues to bring joy and peace to plants, animals and people. Horticulture is still part of Lapinlahti through the cultivated plots.
3. Hug a tree
Did you know that some of the current trees were planted by former patients? The main building is accessed by a magnificent park path with the oldest trees dating back to the 1850s. The park is also home to aspen, pine and the rare penstemon. The path along the bank to the Venetian House is lined with 1930s silver willows.
4. Animals and th elements
In Lapinlahti you can see a wide variety of animals, such as squirrels, hares, foxes, birds and insects. The park has an exceptionally rich flora, and is home to endangered species such as the chalk squirrel and the highly endangered and specially protected flea latkes.
5. Summer Bingo
Welcome to the English-style garden courtyard, where you can enjoy historic views. Find a grid of things to do in the park and try to get four straight!
6. Everyone’s rights in the park
The hospital site has been reduced from its original 25 hectares to a third due to urban planning. The magnificent and resilient park has stood the test of time for over 180 years, so let’s protect it together!
7. Bird watching
Lapinlahti has a wide variety of birds! For example, can you spot these birds?
8. Feedback for the park
Thank you for visiting the Summer Trail! Notice how you feel now – how does your body and mind feel? Thank yourself for the time you gave yourself on the path.
Ready to see the city from a new angle?
On this nature trail you can explore Lapinlahti Park and do easy wellbeing exercises. Finland’s first psychiatric hospital operated here between 1841 and 2008. The park has been serving former patients and current visitors for over 180 years – let’s take care of it together. Have a nice tour!
Get involved and make a difference!
As a visitor, you also have the opportunity to influence the content of the activities. We are happy to cooperate with different educational institutions, organisations, companies or city operators. Feel free to contact us!
