Natural sites in the Espoo archipelago

The Diksand beach in Pentala is the finest sandy beach existing in the Espoo archipelago in its natural state, while Rövaren has several stunning geologically valuable sites. There are also great natural sites in Gåsgrund and Stora Herrö, which are served by archipelago boats in the summer.

Explore other excursion destinations in Espoo on the Explore nature page and Natural sites in Espoo page.

Pentala

The island of Pentala is located on the south-west side of Suvisaaristo, near the border of Kirkkonummi. With a surface of 130 hectares, it is one of the largest islands in Espoo, and its speciality is Espoo’s southernmost lake with a small island. There are plenty of holiday homes on the shores, but most of the interior is a nature reserve. Small trails run from north-east to south. Located on the north-east shore of the island, the Pentala Archipelago Museum of the Espoo City Museum consists of a well-preserved, nationally significant fisherman’s estate and villa milieu. The museum was opened in 2018, when the archipelago boat also started operating to the island. In the summer, there is a restaurant in Pentala.

The finest sandy beach existing in the Espoo archipelago in its natural state, the Diksand beach on the south-eastern shore of Pentala is part of the Pentala nature reserve. In recent decades, natural beaches as well as low-growth seaside meadows have diminished considerably due to the eutrophication of the Baltic Sea and building along the shores, among other reasons. The Pentala nature trail starting from the museum area is about two kilometres long.Photo: Jussi Helimäki

Stora Herrö

Located in the Suvisaaristo archipelago, Stora Herrö is a recreation island of approximately 44 hectares, the south-western part of which belongs to the municipality of Kirkkonummi. The shores are mostly rocky, but there are also shallow, sandy bays with coastal meadows on the eastern side. In the south-western corner of Espoo’s side, there is a nature reserve. There are plenty of holiday homes on the shores, but the north-eastern cape is a recreational area open to everyone. The recreational area has camping facilities, a cooking shelter with firewood and a toilet and a rental sauna for associations and businesses. On the hill in the north-eastern part of the island, there is an observation tower with great views. In summer, there is a boat connection to the island.

The Stora Herrö forest area nature reserve is located in the south-western part of the island between Herröviken and Söderviken. At more than eight hectares, the nature reserve features untouched old forest in an exceptionally natural state with bilberry spots. In the central parts of the area, there is undamaged and varied rock terrain with gnarled pines typical to the archipelago. Spruce trees also grow in the shore areas.Photo: Jussi Helimäki

Rövaren

Rövaren is an outdoor recreational area with a boat connection in the summer. There are no public piers on the island. The cliffs have some mooring loops for boats.

Gåsgrund

Gåsgrund is an outdoor recreational area with a boat connection in the summer. On the north-eastern shore of the island, there is a harbour with public places for boats.

Lehtisaari islands

There is no boat connection to Iso Lehtisaari, and there are no public piers. In the interior of the island, there are old forests including both lush forests dominated by wood sorrel and bilberry and rugged rock forests. In some areas, there are also large boulders.