Highlight • Trail
Cycling
5.0
(21)
Gravel riding
5.0
(1)
The Old Cannon Road, nestled within the Mustavuori-Porvarinlahti Nature Reserve in Helsinki, Finland, offers a unique blend of historical significance and natural beauty. This trail, part of the larger Mustavuori-Porvarinlahti area in the Vuosaari district, is renowned for its well-preserved World War I fortifications and diverse ecosystems. While the specific highlight point sits at an elevation of 8 metres, the surrounding reserve features varied terrain, including elevated rock formations, deep gorges, and extensive forests, making it a fascinating destination for…
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Mustavuori-Porvarinlahti
Tips
September 21, 2021
Cycling
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Old Cannon Road, Mustavuori-Porvarinlahti
3.8
(5)
193
riders
61.4km
03:43
390m
390m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(6)
189
riders
52.4km
03:09
340m
340m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.4
(11)
150
riders
103km
06:11
600m
600m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 10 m
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Sunday 22 March
8°C
1°C
46 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 23.0 km/h
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The Old Cannon Road itself is a historical cobblestone and gravel road, offering a relatively even surface. However, the broader Mustavuori-Porvarinlahti Nature Reserve features varied terrain, including rocky sections, narrow trails, and elevated rock formations. You'll encounter mixed forests, gorges, and areas with extensive piles of rounded stones known as "devil's fields." Sturdy footwear is recommended, especially if you plan to explore beyond the main cannon road.
Absolutely! The area is rich in both historical and natural sights. You can explore well-preserved World War I fortifications, including trenches, bunkers, and excavated caves. Don't miss the 30-meter-long tunnel and the breathtakingly narrow, seven-meter-deep gorge. Naturally, the Mustavuori area is Helsinki's most valuable herb-rich forest, boasting diverse flora, especially vibrant spring blooms, and unique geological formations like the "devil's fields" (post-glacial raised beaches).
The Mustavuori-Porvarinlahti area is easily accessible by public transport. Buses from Itäkeskus serve the vicinity, providing convenient access to the trailheads. It's advisable to check local Helsinki public transport schedules for the most up-to-date routes and stops.
Yes, the area is reachable by car, and parking options are available. However, specific details on parking lot sizes or potential fees are not provided. It's generally a good idea to arrive early, especially on weekends or during peak seasons, to secure a spot.
Yes, the Mustavuori-Porvarinlahti Nature Reserve is a year-round destination. In winter, when conditions allow, the trails transform and can be used for cross-country skiing, offering a serene experience in a snow-covered landscape. Be prepared for potentially icy or snowy conditions on the cobblestone road and other trails, and dress appropriately for cold weather.
While the research doesn't explicitly state dog-friendly policies, most nature reserves in Finland allow dogs on a leash. It's always best practice to keep your dog on a leash to protect the diverse wildlife and flora, especially in a Natura 2000 area like Mustavuori-Porvarinlahti. Please ensure you clean up after your pet.
No specific permit requirements are mentioned for general hiking or visiting the Mustavuori-Porvarinlahti Nature Reserve. As a public nature reserve and ancient monument site, it is generally open for visitors to explore responsibly. However, certain activities like camping or lighting fires might be restricted, so always observe local signage.
The Old Cannon Road itself is part of a larger network of trails. While the exact length of the Old Cannon Road segment isn't specified, the overall area offers various routes. A leisurely exploration of the main cannon road and some nearby fortifications could take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, depending on your pace and how much you stop to explore the historical sites and natural features.
Yes, parts of the official trails within the Mustavuori-Porvarinlahti area are noted as accessible, even for wheelchairs and strollers. This allows a wider range of visitors to enjoy the area. However, be aware that deeper exploration into the fortifications or off the main paths may involve more challenging, rocky, or narrow sections.
The reserve supports a rich variety of wildlife, particularly bird species. Birdwatchers might spot wood warblers, icterine warblers, Eurasian blackcaps, red-breasted flycatchers, hazel grouse, and black grouse. The virgin forests with decaying wood also host rare polypore species, indicating a healthy and diverse ecosystem.
The Mustavuori-Porvarinlahti area is located within the Vuosaari district of Helsinki. While the immediate vicinity of the trail is a nature reserve, you can find various amenities, including cafes, restaurants, and potentially accommodation, within the broader Vuosaari district or by traveling a short distance to other parts of eastern Helsinki.