Fortifications were built in Espoo to defend Helsinki
Since Espoo is located near Helsinki, Espoo has been fortified many times in order to protect the capital.
The oldest surviving fortifications in Espoo are the rifle and artillery emplacements in Karhusaari from the mid-19th century when the Crimean War was fought. The same defence measures include the underwater barrier between the islands Karhusaari and Hanasaari which was intended to prevent the enemy from attacking Helsinki from behind.
The largest fortifications were built during the First World War when a circular chain of fortifications, Helsinki's land and coastal fortifications, was built around the capital. Most of the fortifications are located on the Espoo land. In the districts of Leppävaara, Laajalahti, Pohjois-Tapiola, Tapiola, Otaniemi, Westend and Haukilahti there are still fortifications that have survived to modern day. The fortifications include trenches, firing positions and storage caves dug in the ground or rock, as well as concrete shelters.
There is significantly fewer remaining defence measures from the Second World War, and they are largely related to the anti-aircraft defence of Helsinki. There have been anti-aircraft defence or listening stations in the city districts of Tapiola, Haukilahti, Leppävaara and Olari, at least. Observation posts have been placed around Espoo.
