This article details 20 Best Attractions to Visit in Espoo & Things to Do.
The Finnish city of Espoo is located in the Uusimaa area. It is situated in the town of Kauniainen on the northern shore of the Gulf of Finland, close to the cities of Helsinki and Vantaa. It was once acknowledged as Finland’s second-most populous city.
Espoo quickly developed into a market town even though the region remained mostly agricultural up until the 20th century. Although detached homes and suburbs make up the majority of the cityscape, there are still significant natural spaces. In addition, Espoo boasts a national park, a long coastline, an archipelago, lush forests, and lakes.
Nearly 60% of Espoo’s land area is covered in forests. 2,300 hectares, or a sizable percentage of them, are protected, including the Nuuksio National Park. 81 woodland areas are part of protected nature reserves.
Espoo is a city with a rich, diverse culture. Espoo is renowned for its top-notch hospitality and leisure offerings to tourists. The city has libraries, museums, cultural centers, and art galleries, and the youth centers offer incredible opportunities.
So let’s see what are the best attractions to visit in Espoo and things to do.
01) Nuuksio National Park in Espoo
One of Finland’s 40 national parks is Nuuksio National Park. The park, which was established in 1994, covers a region of lakes and forests in Espoo, Kirkkonummi, and Vihti.
The park has eight designated hiking paths. These paths are from 1.5 and 17 km long, with varying degrees of difficulty. There are also 22 km of horseback riding trails and 30 km of cycling paths. There are a few designated areas for skiing, camping, and grilling around the park.
The Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans), which has a high population density in the park, serves as its national park’s symbol. The Lake Nuuksio highlands’ western portion is made up of the National Park. Numerous species of threatened or extinct animals, plants, and fungus can be found here. Examples: Siberian flying squirrel, European nightjar and woodpecker.
Visiting Address : Nuuksiontie 84, 02820 Espoo, Finland
02) EMMA – Espoo Museum of Modern Art
Espoo, Finland’s largest art museum, is called EMMA, or Espoo Museum of Modern Art. After the Espoo Art Museum Foundation was established in September 2002, EMMA welcomed guests in 2006. It is the largest museum in all of Finland with a 5000 square meter exhibition space.
EMMA showcases both its own holdings and recurring foreign and Finnish exhibitions of modern and contemporary art. The Saastamoinen Foundation Art Collection and EMMA’s collection of artwork serve as the foundation for all of EMMA’s activities.
Visiting Address : Ahertajantie 5, 02070 Espoo, Finland
03) Exhibition Centre WeeGee
The Weilin+Göös publishing business’s former printing facility, now known as the WeeGee house or The WeeGee Exhibition Centre, is located on Espoo, Finland. Aarno Ruusuvuori, an architect, created the building’s initial two sections, which were finished in 1964 and 1967.
EMMA, the Espoo Modern Art Museum, and KAMU, the Espoo City Museum, are its two museums. Additionally, there is WeeGee Café Zoceria and the EMMA Shop at the museum. The renowned Futuro House, created by architect Matti Suornen, is located in the courtyard and is accessible to the public from May to September. In addition, there are exhibitions at the Suronen Studio.
Visiting Address : Ahertajantie 5, 02100 Espoo, Finland
04) Haltia – The Finnish Nature Centre
Haltia, a brand-new kind of visitor center, allows visitors to experience Finland’s natural beauty up close and personal. With Haltia, you can enjoy nature in Helsinki and around Finland. Visitors at Haltia – Finnish Nature Center have access to numerous top-notch hiking trails as well as breathtaking views of Nuuksio National Park and Lake Nuuksio Pitkäjärvi.
The Rainer Mahlamäki-designed Haltia building’s position is peculiar. At the yearly European Museum Awards in 2015, Haltia Nature Center was given a special award for sustainability.
Every day, Restaurant Haltia offers a delectable buffet lunch including regional dishes against the backdrop of a stunning Finnish lake.
Visiting Address : Nuuksiontie 84, 02820 Espoo, Finland
05) Kaitalampi Lake
Finland’s capital city’s bustle can be left behind in Kaithalampi, a woodland area and lake in Espoo. Lake Kaitalampi in the Lukki recreation area is around 35 minutes from Helsinki and offers some fantastic paths and cookhouses for a day out.
One of the best swimming locations in Espoo, the lake boasts deep, clean water, and you can walk around it. There are public BBQ places for grilling, hiking, and running in addition to the routes for strolling.
Visiting Address : Kaitalampi Lake, 02980 Espoo, Finland
06) Gallen-Kallela Museum
The Gallen-Kallela Museum’s picturesque surroundings and distinctive architecture make for an ideal backdrop for a museum visit. The castle-like Tarvaspää studio and apartment, designed and built by the artist Akseli Gallen-Kallela (1865–1931), was made public in 1961 as the Gallen–Kallela Museum.
The temporary exhibits at the museum feature modern artwork from today as well as the art and lives of Gallen-Kallela and his contemporaries. The museum offers a wide range of activities and events in addition to acting as a hub for Akseli Gallen-Kallela information.
07) Espoon vanha kirkko (Espoo Cathedral)
The Espoo Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland is housed in the medieval stone Espoo Cathedral in Espoo, Finland. The cathedral is situated next to the Esponjoki River in the Espon Keskus neighborhood.
The church is the oldest remaining structure in the city and its first components were finished in the 1480s. A 1995-completed chapel, a temple, and a cemetery are located on the cathedral grounds. The “Organ Night and Aria” concert series is one among the many concerts held there. It also acts as Espoo’s cathedral church.
Visiting Address : Kirkkopuisto 5, 02770 Espoo, Finland
08) Serena Water Park
Serena Waterpark is a water park that was established in 1989 and is situated next to Vihdintie Road in the Lahnus neighborhood of Espoo, Finland.
The largest water park in Scandinavia is called Serena. All ages of visitors take advantage of Serena’s tropical warmth and myriad exciting activities, even for the entire day.
Visiting Address : Tornimäentie 10, 02970 Espoo, Finland
09) Sello Shopping Center
A shopping center called Sello is located in Leppävaara, Espoo, Finland. More than 170 stores and services, along with a concert venue and a library, are housed within the mall. You may find practically anything you might need at Sello.
There are numerous huge supermarkets, retail stores, restaurants, decorators, shops for children’s clothes and toys, etc. A movie theater and library are also present. You can quickly arrive and depart as it is also close to a train and bus station.
Visiting Address : Leppävaarankatu 3-9, 02600 Espoo, Finland
10) Talomuseo Glims (Glims Farmstead Museum)
A division of the Espoo City Museum, the Glims Farmstead Museum is a museum with a location in Espoo, Finland. Glims provides information about farming practices and rural life in earlier ages. The Glims farm has been a museum since 1958, while it was still a working farm at the turn of the 20th century.
Visiting Address : Glimsintie 1, 02740 Espoo, Finland
11) Leppävaara Swimming Pool
Espoo’s Leppavara pools offer excellent options for swimming and a variety of other water sports that summertime enthusiasts enjoy. There are several well equipped indoor cow ponds in the Leppavara complex, in addition to roomy, deep outdoor ponds. Here come those seeking tranquility and comfort during one of the most lovely summer vacations: relaxation lovers.
Visiting Address : Veräjäpellonkatu 15, 02650 Espoo, Finland
12) Tapiola Garden City
Within the Espoo Municipality of Greater Helsinki is the 1950-founded Tapiola District. This region exhibits a lovely fusion of urban and rural settings. Beautiful greenery and excellent architecture and design go together beautifully.
The Central Tower, which was intended to be a shining beacon in the city’s heart, as well as the nearby Tapiola Church and Church Center, Heikintori Shopping Mall, Espoo Cultural Center, and other significant landmarks, are all located close by.
13) Iso Omena
On September 24, 2001, Iso Omena Shopping Center was officially opened in Matinkila, Espoo, Finland. One of the fastest growing regions in Finland and has a very high level of household income.
Iso Omena was created with the goal of concentrating as much as possible on the needs of the Espoo neighborhood. As a result, Iso Omena is furnished with a variety of services, including a central town square, access to public transportation, a wide range of restaurants, grocery stores, and specialty businesses for fashion, home décor, and recreational activities, as well as both private and governmental services.
14) Oittaa Recreation Area
At the southernmost point of Lake Bodom is the recreation area of Oittaa. With the whole family, Oittaa Recreation Area is a terrific spot to have a good time all year long. Outdoor activities are abundantly available.
You can swim in the cool lake and play beach volley in the summer. On the lake, you can go boating, kayaking, and other water sports. Wintertime activities include submerging oneself in the chilly water and warming up in the lovely sauna housed in the historic stone byre. The Oittaa Angry Birds Themed Playground is a well-liked destination for young kids.
Visiting Address : Kunnarlantie 33, 02740 Espoo, Finland
15) Laajalahti Nature Reserve
The unique natural elements of the Laajalahti region are displayed in the nature reserve. In spring, Lajalahti is at its richest, when tens of thousands of migratory birds use the bay as a resting place. The length of the nature trail is 2.9 km. It stretches from Villa Elfvik to the Otaniemi observation tower.
The more challenging parts of the nature walk are covered with duckboards so that heavy hiking gear is not required. Wheelchairs and strollers are also accessible on the shortest 700m path. Wheelchair users can also access the bird watching tower at Villa Elfwick. Laajalahti Nature Reserve also connects to the 40 km Espoo Waterfront Walkway.
Visiting Address : 02150 Espoo, Finland
16) Espoo Automobile Museum
There is a museum in Pakankylä, outside of Espoo, with more than a hundred automobiles and several two-wheelers. Among the colorful collection of sports vehicles, American cars, well-known Eastern European cars, as well as diverse mopeds, motorcycles, and bicycles, all guests will undoubtedly find their favorites.
The museum offers entertaining unusual automobiles for both kids and adults, ranging from little cars to the 1934 Plymouth that served as the inspiration for Donald Duck’s car. Posters for cars, publications, tools, and home appliances like tube receivers all contribute to the vintage ambience. The Car Museum hosts a variety of activities, including flea markets and meet-and-greet rides, as well as transient exhibitions.
Visiting Address : Bodomintie 35, 02740 Espoo, Finland
17) Pentala Archipelago Museum
The ideal place to spend a warm day is the Pentala Archipelago Museum. Espoo, a beach city, exhibits its best attributes on Pentala Island. A trip to the Archipelago Museum combines sea travel, a museum tour, and the distinctive features of Pentala Island into one comprehensive experience.
Visiting Address : Pentala, 02380 Espoo, Finland
18) Stora Herro Island
Over 40 acres in area, Stora Herrö is a sizable recreational island. During the summer, boats can be used to travel to the Espoo Archipelago.
The east shore of the island also contains low, sandy bays with water meadows. Stora Hero’s beaches are largely rocky. In many of Stora Hero’s woodlands, pine trees are rooted to rocks. However, there are also spruce trees in the valleys along the coast and between the cliffs. Additionally offered are mushrooms and blueberries.
The island’s highest point is reached by nature trails, and there is an observation tower there from which to take in the stunning archipelago.
19) Myllyjarvi Lakeside Beach
One of the numerous inland beaches near one of Finland’s numerous rivers and lakes, Myllyjärvi Beach is a picture of serene Nordic natural beauty. The nature reserve that offers picturesque views of both lush green trees and deep blue lakes is bordered by this lakeside beach in the Espoo region.
The north and south sides of this excellent beach area are worth exploring. The water is exceptionally clean and crisp, making it ideal for an afternoon dip, which is why it is a popular swimming spot among locals.
20) The Finnish Museum of Horology
One of the museums housed in the Ji Wei Art Center is the Finnish Museum of Watchmaking Art, which is devoted to the study of timepieces. This museum, the only one of its kind in Europe, is home to numerous priceless artifacts, including regular and wall clocks, regular and wall clockmaking methods, historical texts, pictures, and many others. Visit there with loved ones or friends and take in the history of horology and clocks.
You may like to read : Best 15 Attractions in Helsinki City
