Helsinki Laakso Park: Nature, Freedom, and a Hint of Cruising

If you ever find yourself in Helsinki and feel like stepping away from the noise of the city, head to Central Park — yes, Helsinki has one, and it’s nothing like New York’s. Stretching over a thousand hectares and running ten kilometres from Laakso to Haltiala, this is a green escape where the city melts into the forest.

Central Park is the kind of place where you can do it all: go for a long walk, cycle under the trees, breathe in the quiet, or just sit with your thoughts. It’s where locals come to find balance, jog after work, or take their dogs for a run. And if you’re looking for something with a little more edge, the park is also known in the local LGBTQ+ community as a popular cruising spot — especially around the Laakso area.

Cruising here is part of the park’s secret life. For some, it’s about thrill and spontaneity — the anonymous connection, the shared glances that say everything without a word. For others, it’s simply a way to explore desire safely and discreetly. Like any cruising spot, it’s about respect: respect for other people’s boundaries, for the space, and for yourself.

Beyond its queer reputation, Central Park offers a mix of landscapes that make it worth visiting even if cruising isn’t your thing. Near the city centre, you’ll find recreational forests perfect for slow strolls or early-morning runs. Further north, Haltiala greets you with primeval forests and open fields that feel like a different world. There are even four nature reserves scattered through the park — Pitkäkoski, Ruutinkoski, Haltiala, and Niskala — giving you a taste of Helsinki’s wilder side.

Whether you’re there for nature, exercise, or a touch of queer adventure, Helsinki Central Park is one of those rare urban places where everyone can find their own rhythm.