Things to see and do Espoo

Recently opened in a magnificent space (a former printing house), this museum, which is mainly dedicated to contemporary Finnish and Nordic art, is well worth a visit. More accessible than its cousin Kiasma, Emma gives you a diversified picture of Finnish art through 500 works representing different currents of art from the ^20th century to the present day, notably from the November Group. The permanent collection was developed by the Saastamoinen Foundation, which continues its policy of acquiring contemporary art.

After a stopover in the museum's café-restaurant, you can take advantage of your time at WeeGee to visit the other rooms: the interesting collection of the Helinä Rautavaara ethnographic museum, an adventurer who brought back ritual objects, masks, paintings and photos from her many travels around the world...

Also on the first floor are the Clock Museum and the Espoo City Museum, which traces the city's (rapid!) evolution, as well as temporary exhibitions. The yellow Futuro in the adjoining park (a 50 m² habitat designed by Finnish architect Matti Suuronen in the late 1960s in a series of around a hundred units, and which bears a striking resemblance to a flying saucer) has recently been revived, taking visitors back in time to the futuristic architecture and design of the late 1960s. A must-see if you're an enthusiast or in the industry. One of Finland's finest museums, not to be missed!

The archipelago offers pleasant walks, you can practice some activities such as paddle or windsurfing. You can also opt for a day by boat to discover the islands of the Espoo archipelago. Departure from Otaranta to Otaniemi, from Kivenlahti or Suomenoja, for a trip from island to island around Espoo including Iso Vasikkasaari, Stora Herrö, Rövaren and Gåsgrundet. The choice is yours: classic boat, catamaran or speed boat for thrill-seekers. Summer and winter activities are available. A very pleasant nature excursion.

The medieval cathedral (a rare sight in Finland that deserves to be highlighted!) of Saint-Matthieu dates from the end of the 15th century. Note the admirably preserved ancient mural paintings, representing the history of mankind but also scenes from everyday life. Next door, a pleasant walk in the park-cemetery. As a matter of fact, the church was granted the status of a cathedral in 2004, when the diocese of Espoo was separated from the diocese of Helsinki.

Near Nuuksio National Park, this other green space, a stone's throw from the capital, is less well known to tourists but is very popular with locals. It is an ideal place for hiking, with marked trails for all levels and some beaches by the lake for sunny days. The old mansion is now a café, a pleasant place to rest after the walk, and where it is also possible to book the sauna. For amateurs, recreational fishing is allowed on the estate.

The painter's house-workshop, which he designed himself and which dates from 1913, is set in a park plunging towards the sea. An old red pine with tortured branches leans protectively over the roof of the sloping, wood-tiled house, backed by a white turret. A few steps across the road, on this little knoll in the forest, a charming white house with an openwork veranda houses a café and summer restaurant. The only false note is the freeway below, hidden by the forest but audible in the background. Regular temporary exhibitions.

The new Musée du Jouet (formerly located on the Emma premises) is an absolute paradise for children... and for those who want to play! Here, in addition to an impressive collection of toys from all ages and eras, it's all about having fun, manipulating and playing "as if". Many local families come to spend an afternoon at the museum to let their offspring play freely: a very good sign!