Experience Finland – European Figure Skating Championships 2023

Happiness – it’s in our nature

Enjoy sustainable events, services and culture around the year in Espoo. The city’s beautiful nature invites you to enjoy activities also on winter time.

While coming to Finland why not see more than just the ice rink. The Helsinki region includes the capital city and its metropolitan area, as well as some further-flung towns and cities. It’s the perfect combination of urban and outdoors, lively and laid-back.

Experience maritime culture and an easy-going island lifestyle that’s easy to fall in love with. From lively coastal cities to secluded lighthouses, historic manors and national parks, Finland’s coast has it all. With more than 50,000 beautiful islands scattered across the sea, this is the world’s largest archipelago, and there are plenty of hidden gems to be discovered.

A time for celebration: 50 years of the City of Espoo

The year 2022 will be a big year for Espoo, marking 50 years since Espoo was declared a city. Espoo has a long and fascinating history. The first written mention of a place called Espoo dates back to the 15th century, and later in the same century Espoo became an independent civil and church parish. Espoo was officially declared a city in 1972. The remarkable history of Espoo was celebrated in 2008. We will celebrate Espoo as a young city throughout 2022. Find events that interest you in the annual calendar.

Espoo – A city of innovations and adventurous experiences

Espoo is the second largest city of Finland and Northern Europe’s largest high-tech and innovation hub where science, business and culture meet the wilderness of Nuuksio National Park and stunning seaside environment. Helsinki Airport is just a half an hour drive from Espoo. The capital region has an extensive and affordable public transportation network and the west metro will take you to Helsinki in 10 minutes.

In Espoo you are in the midst of great outdoors, but never far from the bustle of the capital. There are 58 km of coastline, 95 lakes, 165 islands, 600km of cycling tracks, 200km of cross country skiing tracks and the scenic Waterfront Walkway. Fascinating sights, sounds and events invite you to come and enjoy yourself in Espoo!

The Otaniemi-Keilaniemi area is a hub for business, innovation, research and science, where the worlds of startups, investors and international business come together at and around the lively Aalto University campus.

Looking for accommodation?

If you need accommodation, please see Visit Espoo.

Things to do:

Enjoy sustainable events and culture around the year in concerts and exhibitions. WeeGee Exhibition Centre consists of four museums: EMMA – Espoo Museum of Modern Art and KAMU – Espoo City Museum. The newly openeded Museum Leikki and Finnish Museum of Horology and Jewellery are located just in the neighbourhood of the Exhibition Centre. Located in Tapiola, Espoo, the exhibition centre offers experiences to visitors of all ages. In addition to exhibitions, the museums offer guided tours, workshops and various themed events.

Fall in love with the seaside in winter

Espoo’s 40-kilometre long Rantaraitti Waterfront walkway meanders by the sea, all the way from Laajalahti to Kivenlahti. In the wintertime, you can just relax without cares in a delightful scenery and pop by to a café or restaurant by the sea. Beautiful nature awaits you!

Nuuksio National Park – experience the wilderness

The peace and tranquillity of a wilderness, right by the city. Pack a lunch and a sense of adventure and head onto the marked trails. Visit the Finnish Nature Centre Haltia which showcases the natural wonders of whole Finland and gives you advice for outdoors activities.

Shopping and restaurants

Ainoa Shopping Centre in Tapiola is just a short walk from Original Sokos Hotel Tapiola Garden and from Espoo Metro Areena.

Sello Shopping Centre in Leppävaara within good public transportation to Tapiola.

Iso Omena Shopping Centre in Matinkylä, a bus drive from Espoo Metro Areena.

Restaurant Plats is a place where you can enjoy spectacular Nordic cuisine while adoring the coastal archipelago. A place where Nordic art and design meet world class gastronomy.

Lucy in the Sky – a rooftop restaurant & Bar Lucy in the Sky serves Scandinasian food in Keilaniemi with spectacular rooftop views.

Restaurant Villa Lilla offers delicious treats – food and great wines – in a beautiful setting in an old Villa in Leppävaara.

Restaurant GOAT offers delicious and relaxed food at the AINOA Shopping Centre with the contribution of three different popular and trendy restaurants.

Local breweries and their taprooms in Otaniemi, Espoo and in Kera (old logistic halls area), Espoo. Look from Instagram and Facebook: @fatlizardbeer @olarinpanimo @tireduncletaproom @masisbrewery @8bitbrewing

More restaurants.

Welcome to Espoo!