Adventures in Finland’s second-largest city: day trip to Espoo
Helsinki’s neighbouring city might still be unfamiliar to many, but that gap in general knowledge is easy to bridge thanks to the shared public transport system.
How does this sound: delicious campfire crêpes while listening to birdsong in a national park? Or a wintertime kayaking trip? Not to mention a wealth of cultural experiences, of course.
There’s no need to travel all the way to Lapland to see reindeer either – just take a day trip to Espoo!
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Connecting with nature and safeguarding our future
For those seeking a connection with nature, Nuuksio National Park offers more than a chance to meet reindeer. There are hiking trails of varying lengths, equipment rentals for outdoor adventures, and overnight options ranging from glamping to tentsile tree tents. The Finnish Nature Centre Haltia, with its surrounding destinations and range of services, is open year-round.
The Haukkalampi area focuses on the warmer season from spring to autumn, featuring the summer café Haukka and the Natura Viva rental shop. Nuuksio is accessible from several directions, but the easiest route from central Helsinki is by local train to Espoon keskus, followed by bus number 245 to Nuuksio.
Located in the heart of Nuuksio National Park, Haltia Lake Lodge is a great accommodation choice for anyone looking to support environmental values and responsible tourism. Guests can even participate in hands-on efforts to protect biodiversity and safeguard our shared future.
In Espoo, you can also participate in the Nuuksio Lupin Battle, a local initiative to curb the spread of this invasive plant species. While you’re at it, do your bit for the Baltic Sea by taking part in the Itämeri Plogging clean-up project at the Laguuni Watersports Centre. This free initiative combines kayaking with collecting litter from the sea and shoreline, all while soaking in breathtaking archipelago scenery.
From 95 lakes to angry birds and sauna
In Espoo, it’s not just the sea views that nourish the soul – the city’s 95 lakes offer their own kind of harmony. The most famous, Lake Bodom, features skiing trails, cycling paths, minigolf, an Angry Birds playground, a restaurant and sauna, and for those wanting to get out on the water, SUP boards and kayaks for hire. In summer, its sandy beach draws both locals and visitors from further afield. See: Oittaa Recreational Area in Espoo.
Embrace the archipelago by boat
Espoo is also easily reached by sea from Helsinki. Ferries travel via the islands of Suomenlinna, Vasikkasaari, and Vallisaari to the ports of Nokkala (Matinkylä) and Haukilahti in Espoo.
In Matinkylä, the cafés Nokkalan Majakka and Café Merenneito are open throughout the summer season. The container sauna Löylykontti Matinkylä welcomes visitors year-round – a hole is cut in the ice for winter dips. In Haukilahti, popular dining options include Strindberg Haukilahti, Skiffer Haukilahti, and Café Mellsten.
Espoo’s archipelago spans a total of 165 islands, five of which are accessible by ferry in summer. The islands reachable from Espoo ports are Pentala, Iso Vasikkasaari, Gåsgrund, Stora Herrö, and Rövaren. Pentala also has a direct ferry connection from Helsinki’s Market Square, operated by JT-Line.
The Waterfront Walkway – and bring your bike on board!
If you enjoy peaceful seascapes while walking or cycling, the Espoo Waterfront Walkway is the perfect route. This 40-kilometre stretch along the Baltic Sea offers scenic views, inviting eateries, beaches, saunas, and viewing points. It’s a picturesque path that promises memorable experiences – far beyond anything you’ll scroll past on Instagram.
Espoo boasts nearly 600 kilometres of cycling paths, and its city bike system is integrated with Helsinki’s, making it easy to cross city borders. A popular route circles the Laajalahti bay. During the summer, you can also bring your bike aboard the Aava Lines ferry along the archipelago cycling route, with stops in Otaniemi, Nokkala, and Kivenlahti. For the return journey, why not cycle the Espoo Waterfront Walkway with the wind in your hair?
A student perspective and some Aalto architecture
Engineering students have long lived and studied in Otaniemi, and the area has evolved into a vibrant Aalto University community encompassing business and arts students too. The former Polytechnic Museum has become the Museum of Student Life. On Sundays (check opening hours in advance!), volunteer guides introduce visitors to Aalto’s student culture through art, music, events, publications, clothing, sports, and student housing – all underscoring one clear message: there’s more to student life than just partying. Local microbreweries Fat Lizard and Masis Brewery are conveniently nearby. Fans of Alvar Aalto’s architecture will also find plenty of interest, including guided tours.
Quirky culture for all ages
The Exhibition Centre WeeGee and EMMA – Espoo Museum of Modern Art offer a diverse range of exhibitions, while Espoo City Museum KAMU brings to life thousands of local stories. Highlights in 2025 include the Futuro House for fans of late-1960s space-age design, and the Finnish Museum of Horology and Jewellery Kruunu, which explores the past and present of timepieces and jewellery.
Near the Tapiola metro station, & – Espoo Theatre (yes, that is the theatre’s name) and Espoo Cultural Centre offer performing arts and international encounters both on and off stage.
Younger family members may enjoy the Mauri Kunnas exhibition at WeeGee, where the beloved children’s author’s characters come to life in an interactive experience. Next door, the Museum Leikki hosts exhibitions and hands-on workshops – from crafts using recycled materials to imaginative LEGO building sessions.
Get dancing and slip into sportswear
What about festivals or sporting events? Oh, yes! There are plenty of those. Music lovers can enjoy Espoo’s April Jazz, the Piano Espoo Festival, the Organ Night & Aria Festival, Visio Festival celebrating Finland’s club culture…and perhaps the coolest of them all: electronic dance music festival Weekend (bit like Helsinki’s Flow). Film buffs can go to the Espoo Ciné film festival (a sister to our Love & Anarchy international film festival in September!).
For sports fans, events like the Bodom Trail, Nuuksio Classic Trail Marathon, Kaleva Games (Finnish Athletics Championships), and the Finnish Championship Week (SM-viikko) bring Espoo’s forests and stadiums alive with energy and joy.
Espoo Day is a city-wide celebration for all Espoo residents on the last Saturday of August. On Espoo Day, Espoo residents celebrate their hometown by organising free events and activities around the city.
