Things to do in natural, modern Espoo: 20 tips
From culture to hiking and shopping to the tranquillity of the archipelago, find the best things to do in Espoo - this city has something for everyone.
City articles
29.11.2024
Espoo, Finland's second largest city, offers a wide range of opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Its location in the capital region combined with its proximity to nature makes Espoo a unique destination.
Espoo has plenty to do for different interests and age groups. You can enjoy culture, play sports, relax in nature or experience exciting experiences. The city offers options for both leisure and activity.
Discover with us the best places in Espoo!
Nuuksio National Park is a magnificent natural destination in Espoo. It offers a variety of opportunities for outdoor activities and hiking. You can enjoy lake scenery, forests, valleys and cliffs. The area offers excellent routes for day trips or longer hikes.
The national park has several camping areas and lodges for overnight stays. You can also rent wilderness cabins, such as Tikankolo or Oravankolo. There are many places in Nuuksio where you can barbecue and make a fire, but always remember to check the forest fire warnings in force.
The area is ideal for both short day trips and longer weekend excursions. Nuuksio offers the perfect environment for enjoying nature.
The Oittaa outdoor recreation area is located in northern Espoo, at the southern end of Lake Bodom. It offers a wide range of activities all year round. In summer you can enjoy the popular beach with showers, changing rooms and a beach volleyball court. There is also a frisbee golf course and trail running tracks.
In winter, Oittaa is a popular skiing destination. You can also exercise on the outdoor fitness equipment or play various games on the pitches. Oittaa is well connected to the Nuuksio National Park. You can explore the nature with a fixed ropeway or walk along the Oittaa nature trail.
The area is easily accessible from the capital region, and on busy days, Oitata can be crowded with visitors.
Marketanpuisto is Finland's largest exhibition park for garden and park construction. It is located in Espoo along Ring Road III and is open all year round. The park offers a wide range of garden and yard solutions. You can see examples of different plants, surface materials, furniture and equipment.
Marketanpuisto is a bank of ideas for home builders and garden enthusiasts. You can get inspiration for designing and implementing your own garden. There are numerous company stands and demonstration gardens where you can see the products and services on display in practice. The park is also a pleasant destination for excursions, where you can enjoy a walk in beautiful surroundings.
Haltia is located in Nuuksio, Espoo, and offers a unique opportunity to explore Finland's different habitats from the archipelago to the fells through interactive exhibitions. Haltia is open all year round, but opening hours vary depending on the season.
Haltia's exhibitions present Finland's national parks and nature in an experiential way. You can explore the landscapes and fauna of the different areas using modern technologies such as virtual reality. There are several outdoor trails around the nature centre, suitable for all ages and levels of walkers.
In Haltias you will find a rental shop, a camping equipment and gift shop, and restaurant services where you can enjoy locally sourced delicacies in a stunning setting.
Leppävaara Swimming Pool is one of the most popular sports facilities in Espoo. It is located in Leppävaara and offers a variety of swimming opportunities all year round. The swimming pool has an 8-lane 25-metre pool, a teaching pool and a multi-purpose pool section with a therapy pool, jacuzzis, a cold water pool and a wading pool.
In the diving pool section, you can try your skills on 3 and 5 metre diving boards and 1 and 3 metre springboards. There are also saunas and steam baths to relax in. Next to the hall is the Leppävaara ground swimming pool, which is open during the summer.
The Bodomjärvi shore path offers a great opportunity to enjoy Espoo's nature. The easy-to-follow path runs along the shoreline of Lake Bodomjärvi, offering beautiful views of the lake and the surrounding forest landscape. The trail is ideal for walking, jogging and nature observation.
There are rest stops along the route for picnic breaks. In summer you can take a dip in the clear waters of Lake Bodom. The trail is particularly beautiful in the autumn when it is brown.
Suvisaaristo offers beautiful archipelago nature in Espoo. You can explore the area by sea or by land. Pentala Archipelago Museum is one of the gems of the area, accessible by water bus from Suomenoja. The trip offers great views of the archipelago landscape.
The Bergö nature trail and bird tower are also located in the area, which are excellent places to observe nature. In the Suvisaarti you can admire the coastal meadows and the diverse fauna, including gliding squirrels.
The Laajalahti bird tower offers an excellent opportunity for birdwatching in Espoo. The tower is located in the Laajalahti nature reserve, one of the best birding sites in southern Finland. The bird tower is easily accessible via the Villa Elfvik nature trail. The trail is about 700 metres long and is accessible to wheelchair users and people with pushchairs.
The first level of the tower is accessible, and there is a picnic table next to it where you can enjoy a snack while birdwatching. In spring, Laajalahti is particularly busy when migratory birds come to rest. You can see many different species of birds here all year round. In addition to the bird tower, there are other paths and trails in the area, so you can spend the whole day enjoying nature.
The North Espoo Nature Trail is a great way to explore the diverse nature of the area. The trail runs through varied terrain, where you can admire different types of forest and natural formations. The trail is clearly marked, making it easy to follow. You can enjoy the fresh air and the peace of nature as you walk along the trail.
Bring good walking shoes, as the terrain can be uneven in places. Also bring a water bottle and a packed lunch so you can take a break in the lap of nature. The nature trail is suitable for nature lovers of all ages and offers a great opportunity to learn more about the local flora and fauna. Remember to respect nature and respect public rights of way during your visit.
Kaitalampi is a beautiful lake in Espoo's Luuki outdoor recreation area. It is only about 35 minutes' drive from Helsinki, making it a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the Helsinki metropolitan area. The lake is surrounded by stunning rocky shores and forested trails. You can enjoy nature by walking the trails in the area or swimming in the clear water. Kaitalampi is a popular open water swimming spot.
There are three cooking decks on the eastern shore of the lake, where you can barbecue or enjoy a picnic in the stunning scenery. The cooking huts offer shelter and the opportunity to spend the whole day outdoors. The area around the Kaitalampi pond is of geological interest; the rocks on the eastern shore are glacially carved and composed of granodiorite. The lake is deep and clear, and is a natural habitat for pike and perch.
Villa Elfvik is a charming nature house on Espoo's Laajalahti beach. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the diverse nature of the area. The nature house has a permanent exhibition showcasing Espoo's biodiversity. You can explore the grove, archipelago, nearby forest and bird sanctuary interactively using all your senses.
Around Villa Elfvik there is a beautiful nature trail that runs through varied landscapes. The trail leads you through the forest to the beach and grassland. The nature house also organises environmental education and events where you can learn more about nature and sustainability. The Art Nouveau building is worth seeing in its own right, and serves as an environmental education centre for the City of Espoo.
The Gallen-Kallela Museum, located on Espoo's Laajalahti beach, is dedicated to the life and work of the Finnish artist Akseli Gallen-Kallela. The museum is housed in a studio designed by the artist and built between 1911 and 1913, which was also his home at one time. This building, known as Tarvaspa, is an architecturally fascinating site that seamlessly combines art and nature.
The museum has both a permanent collection and temporary exhibitions presenting Gallen-Kallela's diverse oeuvre and Finnish cultural heritage. The museum's surroundings also offer the opportunity to enjoy nature and stunning landscapes. The visit is crowned by a coffee break in the museum's own Cafe Zoceria, located in an idyllic courtyard. Art bags and birdwatching equipment can also be borrowed from the museum, making your visit a unique experience in the heart of nature.
The Tapiola Cultural Centre is a diverse centre of cultural life in Espoo. It is centrally located in the centre of Tapiola, close to the AINOA shopping centre. At the Cultural Centre you can enjoy high-quality performances and events. It has two well-equipped halls for different types of performances.
The programme is varied and offers something for everyone. You can experience music, theatre, dance and other performing arts. The cultural centre is easy to get to, with good transport links. You can easily combine a cultural experience with a shopping trip or other visit to Tapiola.
EMMA - Espoo Museum of Modern Art is the largest art museum in Finland by area. It is located in Tapiola, in the WeeGee Exhibition Centre. In the museum you can enjoy changing exhibitions of contemporary art, modern art, design and experimental art. EMMA also has a permanent collection exhibition, Collection Kakkonen, which sheds light on the history and present day of Finnish ceramics and glass art.
The WeeGee building, where EMMA is located, is an interesting architectural site in itself. You can explore EMMA's exhibitions on your own or take a guided tour. The museum is easy to get to, as it is only a 10-minute walk from Tapiola metro station.
Espoo Cathedral is a historically significant site in the centre of Espoo.Built in the 1480s, the medieval stone church is one of the oldest buildings in the capital region. The church is known for its magnificent murals and architecture.
You can explore the history and architecture of the church on your own or take a guided tour. The church is surrounded by an idyllic church park for peaceful walks. Please take into account any events and activities when planning your visit.
Korkeakoski Mill is a historical attraction along the Glimsin River, near the centre of Espoo. Built in the 19th century, the mill has been restored as a museum where you can see old milling tools and equipment. The mill's surroundings provide a beautiful setting for a walk, and there are picnic tables for picnics.
The mill is open during the summer, so check opening hours in advance. It is especially suitable for people interested in history and nature.
WeeGee is a versatile cultural centre in Tapiola, Espoo. The building was originally a printing house, but is now home to several museums and exhibitions. You can visit EMMA and KAMU - Espoo City Museum, which tells the history of the area.
In WeeGee's museum shop you can find souvenirs of your visit. SIS is the perfect place to relax. Deli+Café. The WeeGee House is a great destination if you want to combine art, history and architecture in one visit to Espoo.
Pentala Archipelago Museum offers a unique day trip destination in the Espoo archipelago. The museum is easily accessible by a regular boat service. The museum offers a wide range of insights into the different aspects of island life. You can see how the inhabitants of the archipelago lived, worked and spent their leisure time.
Pentala Island offers the opportunity to enjoy Espoo's maritime surroundings at their best. In addition to the museum, you can admire the island's beautiful nature and cultural landscape. A visit to Pentala combines seafaring, history and nature in one unforgettable excursion.
The shopping centre in Leppävaara, Espoo, is one of the largest in the Nordic countries, offering more than 170 shops and a wide range of services. The range includes fashion, interior design and grocery stores, as well as several speciality shops. There is also a comprehensive range of banking, postal and pharmacy services to make everyday life easy.
With almost 40 restaurants and cafés, there are dining options to suit all tastes - from casual lunch spots to quality dinner restaurants and cosy cafés. The centre also houses the Finnkino cinema, offering the latest cinema experiences.
The location with good transport links makes it easy to visit. The Leppävaara train station, bus terminal and tram stop are right next door. Free parking is available for three hours, and there is plenty of space for drivers. The centre's extensive opening hours ensure smooth service on weekdays and weekends.
Iso Omena is a large and popular shopping centre, conveniently located in Matinkylä along Länsimetro. This modern shopping centre offers over 200 shops, restaurants and services. Fashion lovers will find well-known chain stores as well as unique speciality shops. Iso Omena is also known for its wide range of grocery services.
The heart of the mall is its extensive M.E.E.T. (Meet, Eat, Enjoy, Together) world of restaurants, offering flavours from around the world. You can enjoy delicious meals ranging from Asian culinary delights to Italian pizza and traditional Finnish dishes. Iso Omena offers both international and domestic café chains in cosy surroundings.
Big Apple is the perfect combination of shopping and leisure. The Finnkino cinema in the shopping centre attracts entertainment lovers, and there are also public services provided by the City of Espoo, such as a health centre and library. Excellent transport connections thanks to the metro and bus lines make Iso Omena easily accessible for locals and visitors alike.
Espoo is not just a city of big shopping centres, its charming neighbourhoods also offer unique products and services. In the Tapiola area, you can discover local design and lifestyle stores that focus on home-grown design and high-quality handicraft products. Artisan and small business boutiques in particular offer personalised clothing, home decor and gift ideas that you won't find in department stores.
Many of the small boutiques are located in idyllic settings, such as the Old Alberga area or near the Suvisaaristo, making a shopping trip a cultural experience at the same time. These shops offer a sense of place and community and are the perfect counterbalance to the hustle and bustle and mass production of the big shopping centres. Espoo's small boutiques offer unique bargains while supporting local entrepreneurs. They also often offer personalised customer service, which makes the shopping experience particularly enjoyable.
