Under an administrative reform Helsinki's well-known garden suburb of Tapiola became part of the new town of Espoo. Espoo has a number of sports teams including ice hockey and football. The Helsinki University of Technology, now in Espoo, gives the town an excellent congress center and a thriving science community. In 1972-73the congress center hosted the discussions by 34 European countries, together with Canada and the United States, in preparation for the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe.
The Arctic Amethyst Gem Mine is the only operating amethyst mine in Europe. Visitors will learn how amethyst is formed, legends of the amethyst, and how the mine operates. Digging for a gemstone is the final aspect of the tour.
Address: Arctic Amethyst Limited, Alaportti 1 D, SF-02210 Espoo, Finland
Hours:
January 1 to February 15: 12pm-am
February 16 to April 30: 11am-3pm
June 1 to August 15: 11am-5pm
August 16 to September 30: 11am-4pm
October 1 to October 31: 11am-3pm; Closed: Sun, Mon
December 4 to December 31: 12pm-am; Closed: Sun, Mon, Sun, Mon
The Gallen-Kallela Museum was built in 1911-13. It contains a permanent exhibition of Finland's national painter Gallen-Kallela's own paintings, graphics and tools.
Address: Gallen-Kallela Museum, Gallen-Kallelantie 27, SF-02600 Espoo, Finland
Hours:
May 15 to August 31: 11am-6pm
September 1 to May 14: 11am-4pm; Sun:11am-5pm; Closed: Mon
Serena Ski Center has a wide range of fully groomed and illuminated slopes. The Aqua Serena water park has a huge artificial-wave pool, waterfalls, an adventure canyon and park.
Address: Serena, Tornimäentie 10, SF-02970 Espoo, Finland
Hours:
June 1 to August 9: 11am-8pm
Always closed on: Christmas - Christian (December 25), Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24), Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26)