Arboretum Mustila

Elimäki, Finland, Finland

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Arboretum Mustila is Finland's oldest and largest arboretum, located near the church village of Elimäki in southern Finland just off Route 6. Founded in 1902 by Governor A.F. Tigerstedt as a testing ground for foreign conifer species, the 120-hectare forest garden now cultivates nearly 100 species of conifers and over 200 species of broad-leaved trees, along with hundreds of other plants. The arboretum is particularly famous for its exotic conifer forests and its notable collection of rhododendrons and azaleas, with hundreds of alpine roses and azaleas blooming beautifully in June. Visitors can explore idyllic forest trails and well-marked walkways while enjoying educational information about the plants, and the site also attracts rare birds like the spotted nutcracker and two-barred crossbill. The arboretum offers a cozy café for refreshments, a garden center with local delicacies, ample space for picnics, and is open daily from 9 AM to 9 PM with an entrance fee, making it a serene haven perfect for nature lovers, gardeners, photography enthusiasts, and families seeking a peaceful retreat in diverse exotic flora.