Lakes and running waters

Espoo has several lakes, rivers and streams. Numerous species thrive in these aquatic systems: you might spot an otter, a highly endangered sea trout or a kingfisher, for example.

Of all the municipalities in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area, Espoo has the most large water areas, and its 74 lakes and numerous ponds are rich with different types of freshwater habitats. Parts of the rivers that are in natural state are important for many endangered species. The City of Espoo takes care of the waters located in its area in many different ways and water conservation is a key element of the city’s nature conservation work.

Espoo's diverse lakes

The majority of the lakes in Espoo are located in the lake plateau of Nuuksio and in central Espoo. The area has both clear lakes and murky bog ponds. The largest lake in Espoo is the lake Bodomjärvi, and the southernmost lake is located on the island Pentala.

The lakes in Espoo are also excellent places for leisure and recreation. For example, you can use your own canoe or SUP board to explore any of the lakes in Espoo. There are also several  beaches in Espoo where you can go for a refreshing swim. On some beaches, the water temperature and blue-green algae situation is monitored during the swimming season. This information is available on the outdoor exercise map.(external link, opens in a new window) Espoo’s ten winter swimming places are a way to continue swimming even during the winter.

Lippajärvi has become eutrophic due to human activity. Efforts are being made to improve the ecological state of the lake. This includes measures such as selective fishing and limiting the amount of nutrients flowing from the catchment area of the lake.Photo: Noelle Renberg

Abundant network of running water

Due to its steep terrain and many lakes, Espoo has an unusually rich network of running waters. Many streams are fed directly by springs in the stream bed or bank. An even supply of cool, oxygen-rich water all year round contributes to the favourable conditions for species such as the trout and the freshwater shrimp.

The most valuable running water sites are concentrated in western and northern Espoo, by the rivers Mankinjoki, Gumbölenjoki and in Nuuksio by the stream Myllypuro. The rivers Glimsinjoki and Glomsinjoki with their tributaries are also gems of the running water nature in Espoo.  In addition to the wide range of different species of fish, the running water environments are favoured by species such as the otter and the white-throated dipper. The river Glomsjoki is the habitat of the endangered beetle species Bembidion monticola whose only known locality in Finland is in the shady grove by the river.

The rivers Glimsinjoki and Glomsinjoki and their small tributaries are a nationally valuable network of running waters, as it is largely exceptionally well preserved and, in some places, very natural. The nature trail following the river Glimsinjoki runs from the Träskända Manor to the Glims Farmstead Museum.Photo: Noelle Renberg

The natural state of and change in the running waters in Espoo was last assessed in 2020–2021. In addition to aquatic species, the survey of running waters described the obstacles that hinder the movement of aquatic organisms in urban streams. This information is utilised in the restoration projects of riverine systems.