You don't need to leave the city to meet and greet animal friends or visit some of the local farms. In this article, we share plenty of locations in Espoo and the neighborhood municipality of Kirkkonummi to meet, from farm animals and fascinating birds to southernmost-located reindeers.
Sheep and Chickens at Glims Farmstead Museum
An old farm and living museum where you can participate in work or join performances, workshops, guided tours, and events celebrating seasons of rural life. During summer, you can meet chickens, sheep, and traditional farm plants – including hops, which are used by the local brewery. The museum is located right next to Espoo Center (Espoo Keskus), and there is a cozy little Glims Café.
Bird and Bat-watching in Villa Elfvik
In nature house Villa Elfvik, you are welcome to learn about Espoo's rich nature and biodiversity. The villa itself is located in the middle of Laajalahti Nature Reserve, which is an important wetland for many bird species. You can join bird-watching and bat-watching guided tours as well as explore outdoor and indoor exhibitions explaining more about Espoo's nature. An interactive program for small children is available, as well as a small Café (open on weekends).
Sheep at Archipelago Museum Pentala
A museum located on Pentala Island is a great summer day trip destination for families and groups. Besides the island's rich history of being home to a fisherman family until 1986, you can learn more about year-round fishing and enjoy the island scenery. Children (as well as adults) can participate in petting sheep that are brought to the island each spring to care for the local landscape. The island also offers a short hiking trail to the Diksand beach or lake located in the middle of the island.
Meet Reindeers in Nuuksio Reindeer Park
In Espoo, you can experience a touch of northern magic in the southernmost location, Nuuksio Reindeer Park. You can come neither during the public open times on weekends when you can participate in greeting and feeding reindeer as well as ban cooking in a typical teepee, or book a private tour – walk with a reindeer, private visit to the park, or a night in on-site Igluhuts.
Extra tip: Kirkkonummi’s Maatilapuoti Farm Shop
A farm shop, café, and bakery are located in the red wooden house in the neighborhood municipality of Kirkkonummi. Here, you can enjoy the taste of locally sourced produce in combination with the farm’s history. Maatilapuoti is also known for its summer events and Christmas markets.
Hero Image: Inka Jäntti