National urban parks protect the nature and landscape values of urban areas

In Finland there are ten national urban parks. The aim of national urban parks is to preserve urban nature and the built cultural environment as extensive and integrated entities – the living room of city residents.

A national urban park means quite a large and varied area specified in the Land Use and Building Act, composed of valuable cultural and natural landscapes and recreation areas within an urban environment. 

National urban parks are a part of sustainable urban planning and construction. A city that wishes to make the commitment to preserve and manage an area as a national urban park applies for this. The matter is decided by the Ministry of the Environment.

Several cities are currently exploring the opportunities to designate an area as a national urban park. 

Further information