Less than twenty kilometers from Helsinki lies Finland's second largest city, Espoo. It stands on the shores of the Gulf of Finland, surrounded by nature, but nevertheless technologically equipped by man. What interesting things can you learn about this northern town?
General Facts
As already mentioned, in fact Espoo is a suburb of the capital, adjacent to the west. Belongs to the Uusimaa region. Helsinki is about 17 kilometers away. The population of Espoo, according to the latest data, is 256.8 thousand inhabitants.
The city is the center of high technology and industry of the country, therefore it hosts many congresses. The headquarters of the largest Finnish oil companies and international industrial centers are also located here. The number of organizations and firms per capita is maximum, programmers and "techies" come here in search of work and find it. True, housing is quite expensive. But the local residents and workers have a very high quality social security.
Historical digression
The town originates in the 14th century. Then it was more like a fragmenteda settlement inhabited by about 1,500 people. Swedish settlers and Finnish hunters broke into farms and traded in their crafts. When a small cathedral was erected on the territory, the settlement began to be considered a city, the official date of foundation was 1458. Later, in the middle of the 16th century, a royal residence was built, giving Espoo a higher status.
Since the Swedes were the pioneers, they named the city in honor of the aspen - translated aspen. And the double “o” at the end meant the proximity of the Esponjoki River, which was surrounded by trembling trees. Until the beginning of the 20th century, the main population of the largest city in Finland still consisted of Swedes, and there were about 9,000 people in total.
Intensive development of Espoo began in the middle of the 20th century, when local politicians saw all the benefits of the position: the capital is nearby, good conditions for agriculture, oil fields. Progress has not stopped at the status of a we althy suburb, now the city has the largest budget and the we althiest population.
Landscape
Espoo has a very unusual structure. It consists of districts of the administrative center of the same name: Espoon Keskus, Kiltakaglio, Kirkkojärvi, Saarniraivio, Suna, Suvela and Tuomarila. Most of the buildings of various corporations are located in them. The city also includes the adjacent regions of Leppävara, Tapiola, Otaniemi and Keilaniemi, coastal Esponlahti and Mantikylä, and so on. Lots of names, it's easy to get confused, but this is just the tip of the iceberg. All parts are scattered between forests, small rivers and lakes.
The "split" city of Espoo in Finland was built according to the best Scandinavian traditions - low-rise and with a minimum of frills. Box houses, neat offices and parks. Only a few skyscrapers that will seem small to residents of megacities. And yet, the main interest lies precisely in fragmentation, so it’s quite difficult for a guest to navigate.
Untouched value
Between the centers of global technology companies, forests calmly sway and springs rustle. Such a unity with nature is typical for Finns, so the locals protect and carefully use their rich resources: cycling along the equipped paths, fishing, hiking, canoeing. All this is inside the Nuuksio National Park, whose employees ensure the proper treatment of the environment.
Any visitor is amazed at the cleanliness of the forest park areas. Here you can perfectly take care of your body - breathe fresh air, take a walk and run. Go swimming or rowing. There are several he alth centers near the reserve.
Mysterious place
Espoo became famous all over the world for the tragic story that took place in 1960. The most famous mystery for investigators and forensic scientists is the murder on Lake Bodom, located in the city itself. During a hike with an overnight stay in a tent, four schoolchildren were stabbed to death here.
The crime is still unsolved, so the story has generated many chillingsoul of urban legends. The cruelest event became the plot for the horror film, which is called “Lake Bodom”. But no wonder they say that fear attracts. Thousands of tourists flock to that very place hoping to find some clues or just feel the adrenaline rush. And this means that such a bloody stain did not become a reason for the notoriety of the city of Espoo, but, on the contrary, attracted attention.
Cultural and educational rest
Combine the enjoyment of nature with educational activities. To do this, among the attractions of Espoo there are several museums:
- EMMA is a museum of contemporary art, where you can see Scandinavian sculptures that have made a splash all over the world. Who knew that lovers of conceptual minimalism could produce such strange creations? Compositions of stretched threads, large palms made of papier-mâché, sculptures made of various colored garbage… And the paintings presented have plots in the style of "everyone sees and understands in his own way."
- Fragment of real farm life - Talomuseo Glims. Here are stored ancient objects of Finnish life, presented in houses, of which there are about 10 on the territory. The oldest one was built in the 18th century. Goats and sheep walk on the lawns, chickens run around. Barns for grain and milk have been preserved. The exhibits themselves are exhibited in the premises, many of which are functioning - in the museum you can grind coffee and flour with your own hands.
- H altia is a natural exhibition center built according to all the canonsenvironmental friendliness. The exposition demonstrates all the beauty of Finnish flora and fauna, you can learn a lot about the inhabitants of Nuuksio Park. And often environmental conferences and scientific events are held here. Espoo in Finland is also a center of ecology.
Entertainment
Finally, it is worth mentioning the large selection of entertainment centers in the city of Espoo. For example, Serena Water Park is a large open-air water park, slides of all kinds, pools and a cafe with a buffet. Great place to stay with kids.
On the shores of a large lake is the Oittaa Recreation Center, a vast area with a beach, many sports fields and a campsite for hikers. Here you can have a picnic, play team games or soak in the sauna. In winter people go skiing and drink strong Finnish drinks.
Besides, the city is teeming with the pride of Finland – saunas, pools and spa programs. Atypical souvenir shops are located nearby - these are not kiosks with useless plates and magnets, but cozy shops of real Finnish handmade: wooden figurines, fancy leather goods, straw and colored felt dolls.
In Finland, Espoo is considered the center of technology and great opportunities, and for guests it is a great place to merge with nature and immerse yourself in the unique Finnish culture. A town where it's easy to get lost, but definitely worth doing!
