Kaunianen - A short guide to unique little city
Welcome to Kauniainen
Welcome to the unique little enclave city of Kauniainen. Let me tell you about some of the weird and wonderful treasures of this place that you might not even notice unless someone pointed them out.
Before we get started, if you have an emergency please call 112. For less urgent matters try the Kauniainen Healthcare center which is 500 m from the apartment.
Terveysasema
19 AsematieBefore we get started, if you have an emergency please call 112. For less urgent matters try the Kauniainen Healthcare center which is 500 m from the apartment.
What is the story with Kauniainen anyway?
Kauniainen or Grankulla as it is known is Swedish is the smallest (6 km²) and most affluent city in Finland. It attracts the rich and famous due to its low municipality tax rate (17%), peaceful neighborhoods and high quality services.
The city is enclaved by the city of Espoo and has population of 10,407. Of those, 38% identify as Swedish speaking which is well up on the national average of 5.2%.
Kauniainen today started out as the land holdings of a single company AB Grankulla that was in the business of selling villa's to those who wanted to escape Helsinki in the early 1900's. Espoo municipality had no interest in providing roads or infrastructure for the settlement so the company put all in at its own expense. In 1972 the area was finally recognised as its own municipality and has been slowly growing since.
The center of Kauniainen is the Railway station which provides fast access to Helsinki. Enjoy free parking and trains that run every 15 -30 minutes during the day. The train into Helsinki takes 20 minutes (6 stops).
Kauniainen
The center of Kauniainen is the Railway station which provides fast access to Helsinki. Enjoy free parking and trains that run every 15 -30 minutes during the day. The train into Helsinki takes 20 minutes (6 stops).
What makes Kauniainen unique?
When you get a bunch of wealthy people together to build a small community, you end up with a tiny city that has just about everything within a 1.5 km radius.
Movie theatre, Swimming pool, Downhill Ski slope, Ice skating center, Athletics track, Football fields, Nuclear bunker, Rock climbing room, Gymnastics hall, Handball/ Floorball courts, 3 Tennis centers, Cross country ski tracks, Frozen lake skating track, Open ice Swimming hole, Row boats, Children play parks, Skate park, Shopping center, 3 Supermarkets, Alko (alcohol shop), 2 Gyms, Outdoor Fitness equipment, Nature trails, Disc golf course, 2 churches, Adult Education center, Music academy, Art academy, Library, 2 Railway stations, 6 schools, 8 daycare centers, a Medical center, Hospital, Aged Care facility, a Cemetery and even a Dog park. I am pretty sure I forgot some stuff.
As well as the abundance of facilities, the city puts a lot of effort into creating and maintaining a nice environment. For example, the city plants a lot of flowers during the summer at the central roundabout.
There is also a great sense of community amongst the residents with a lot of events and gatherings similar to what you might experience in a smaller town.
Kauniainen City Hall
10 KauniaistentieThe modest City hall is the administrative heart of Kauniainen.
Recreation and Sports
These are some things that you can do within Kaunianen.
The Kauniainen Nuclear bunker which has been converted into an underground sports facility is definitely worth a visit. The back entrance is only 300 meters from the apartment. Just walk down to the road and turn right. The back door is usually open during the day. You can walk right through the facility and come out near the swimming pool. Inside you will find a large Handball court, Gymnastics hall, Gym and Rock climbing room. All the equipment is privately owned by clubs so please do not play on it but enjoy the architectural wonder of this unique structure. On the way out don't forget to admire the big heavy blast proof doors.
Kauniaisten Palloiluhalli
11 OppilaskodintieThe Kauniainen Nuclear bunker which has been converted into an underground sports facility is definitely worth a visit. The back entrance is only 300 meters from the apartment. Just walk down to the road and turn right. The back door is usually open during the day. You can walk right through the facility and come out near the swimming pool. Inside you will find a large Handball court, Gymnastics hall, Gym and Rock climbing room. All the equipment is privately owned by clubs so please do not play on it but enjoy the architectural wonder of this unique structure. On the way out don't forget to admire the big heavy blast proof doors.
Gallträsk lake is a great place to enjoy a walk. There is a 2.8 km path around its perimeter which is suitable for prams or bicycles. Around the lake you will see lovely large pines and spruce trees and carved sculptures created by a local artist. At the far end there is some outdoor exercise equipment and a children's play park. On the northside there is a place to go swimming. (In the winter this is where the hole is to go ice swimming aka. Avanto). There is a nature boardwalk just in front of the apartment that leads to the lake. In the winter you can walk on the lake but exercise caution especially around the edges. Best to ask a local person if it is safe before venturing out. During the winter there is also a skating track on the lake. On the south side of the lake there is a small boat club where local school children learn to sail.
Gallträsk
Gallträsk lake is a great place to enjoy a walk. There is a 2.8 km path around its perimeter which is suitable for prams or bicycles. Around the lake you will see lovely large pines and spruce trees and carved sculptures created by a local artist. At the far end there is some outdoor exercise equipment and a children's play park. On the northside there is a place to go swimming. (In the winter this is where the hole is to go ice swimming aka. Avanto). There is a nature boardwalk just in front of the apartment that leads to the lake. In the winter you can walk on the lake but exercise caution especially around the edges. Best to ask a local person if it is safe before venturing out. During the winter there is also a skating track on the lake. On the south side of the lake there is a small boat club where local school children learn to sail.
This nature trail boardwalk is just in front of the apartment. This little pine forest reserve has some nice seats to relax and read a book. During the summer it is a great place to pick blueberries. The length of the boardwalk is about 400 meters.
Träskmossen nature trail
5-7 OppilaskodintieThis nature trail boardwalk is just in front of the apartment. This little pine forest reserve has some nice seats to relax and read a book. During the summer it is a great place to pick blueberries. The length of the boardwalk is about 400 meters.
This Disc Golf park is in the forest behind the apartment. We have some discs you can borrow if you don't have your own. This is a popular sport in Finland and you can find other great courses with the app Udisk.
Grani DiscGolfPark
This Disc Golf park is in the forest behind the apartment. We have some discs you can borrow if you don't have your own. This is a popular sport in Finland and you can find other great courses with the app Udisk.
Kasavuori park is a Pine and Spruce forest. There are also some nice younger Birch trees at the southeast end. The park has a nice walking loop which is converted to a cross country ski trail in the winter. There is a BBQ hut with firewood and some outdoor exercise equipment scattered around the loop. Out of school hours you can park in the Kasavuori school car park next to the small basketball court. If you feel more adventurous there is a longer walk to Espoo Ikea or walk out to the viewpoint overlooking Highway 1 (cover photo). There are also the Stockmann Ruins at the north end of the park on the side of the cemetery. (Wealthy businessman starts to build his dream Villa but his family is struck by tragedy and he abandons the project)
Kasavuori Outdoor Recreation Area
Kasavuori park is a Pine and Spruce forest. There are also some nice younger Birch trees at the southeast end. The park has a nice walking loop which is converted to a cross country ski trail in the winter. There is a BBQ hut with firewood and some outdoor exercise equipment scattered around the loop. Out of school hours you can park in the Kasavuori school car park next to the small basketball court. If you feel more adventurous there is a longer walk to Espoo Ikea or walk out to the viewpoint overlooking Highway 1 (cover photo). There are also the Stockmann Ruins at the north end of the park on the side of the cemetery. (Wealthy businessman starts to build his dream Villa but his family is struck by tragedy and he abandons the project)
This is our local pool. It is a bit dated but very well maintained. There is a 25 meter pool and small kids pool. the temperature is kept between 26 - 28 degrees. There are very nice saunas in the changing rooms. Note: The indoor pool is closed during the summer for maintenance but there is a small outside pool that is open to the public for free. See the city website for more details. Other nearby pools open in the summer are the Leppavaara pool and Espoon Keskus pool.
Uimahalli
This is our local pool. It is a bit dated but very well maintained. There is a 25 meter pool and small kids pool. the temperature is kept between 26 - 28 degrees. There are very nice saunas in the changing rooms. Note: The indoor pool is closed during the summer for maintenance but there is a small outside pool that is open to the public for free. See the city website for more details. Other nearby pools open in the summer are the Leppavaara pool and Espoon Keskus pool.
This is the local athletics track which is next to the swimming pool. It is open for public use when not being used by local clubs. The rotating gate is open 24 hours a day.
Kauniaisten Keskuskenttä
5 BembölentieThis is the local athletics track which is next to the swimming pool. It is open for public use when not being used by local clubs. The rotating gate is open 24 hours a day.
The Fitness stairs are most famous as the place expecting mothers go to try to induce their labour (worked for us). It is also the site of the Kauniainen Ski slope which is open in the winter when there is sufficient snow. (No ski hire available here)
Kauniainen Fitness Stairs
The Fitness stairs are most famous as the place expecting mothers go to try to induce their labour (worked for us). It is also the site of the Kauniainen Ski slope which is open in the winter when there is sufficient snow. (No ski hire available here)
This is a great little park to take the kids. Apart from the skate park there is also a big playpark and some outdoor exercise equipment. If you are looking for play parks in the winter try Hoplop indoor play parks.
Grani Skateboard Park
This is a great little park to take the kids. Apart from the skate park there is also a big playpark and some outdoor exercise equipment. If you are looking for play parks in the winter try Hoplop indoor play parks.
Targa Arena manages most of the Tennis courts in Kauniainen including the 6 that are close to the apartment. If you need racket hire you can hire them from the Targa arena. They also have Squash, Pedel, and Badminton. Call their number to make reservations.
Targa Arena
21 UllanmäentieTarga Arena manages most of the Tennis courts in Kauniainen including the 6 that are close to the apartment. If you need racket hire you can hire them from the Targa arena. They also have Squash, Pedel, and Badminton. Call their number to make reservations.
Shopping, Restaurants and Library
These places are in Kauniainen and the surrounding neighborhood.
This is the bigger shopping center. There are two Supermarkets (S-market and K-market) Pharmacy, as well as a bunch of restaurants and services.
Shopping Center Grani
7 KauniaistentieThis is the bigger shopping center. There are two Supermarkets (S-market and K-market) Pharmacy, as well as a bunch of restaurants and services.
This is the closest shop to the apartment. It has all the basics you need. It is open until 23:00 during the week or 21:00 on the weekend. There is also a 24 hour Alepa in Viherlaakso, a short drive away.
Sale Grani
1 AsematieThis is the closest shop to the apartment. It has all the basics you need. It is open until 23:00 during the week or 21:00 on the weekend. There is also a 24 hour Alepa in Viherlaakso, a short drive away.
Open 24 hours. Surprisingly good hot pizza ready in 3 minutes. Try the BBQ Chicken one. This place is 750 meters walk from the apartment.
Fizza Kauniainen
26 AsematieOpen 24 hours. Surprisingly good hot pizza ready in 3 minutes. Try the BBQ Chicken one. This place is 750 meters walk from the apartment.
A decent sushi buffet not far away. If you prefer fast food there is a Taco Bell and Burger King in the same building. McDonalds is 400 meters away.
Itsudemo Nihtibridge
4 NihtisiltaA decent sushi buffet not far away. If you prefer fast food there is a Taco Bell and Burger King in the same building. McDonalds is 400 meters away.
The Kauniainen library is a great place to read and relax. They have a dedicated room for periodicals and they also have basic printing services if you need it. If you want a bigger library jump on a train and visit the Sello library or Oodi library in the city.
Kauniainen Library
6 ThurmaninaukioThe Kauniainen library is a great place to read and relax. They have a dedicated room for periodicals and they also have basic printing services if you need it. If you want a bigger library jump on a train and visit the Sello library or Oodi library in the city.
Excursions within 30 minutes drive
These excursions can all quickly be reached by car or a bit longer on public transport or by bicycle.
Oitta is a great recreational center for the whole family almost all of the facilities are free to use. There is a swimming beach, volleyball courts, an Angrybirds playpark, Disc Golf, and BBQ areas with free firewood. In winter the place transforms into a very well maintained Cross Country ski center (no ski hire there, if you need ski hire visit Paloheinä or Serena.
17 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Oittaan ulkoilukeskus
33 KunnarlantieOitta is a great recreational center for the whole family almost all of the facilities are free to use. There is a swimming beach, volleyball courts, an Angrybirds playpark, Disc Golf, and BBQ areas with free firewood. In winter the place transforms into a very well maintained Cross Country ski center (no ski hire there, if you need ski hire visit Paloheinä or Serena.
This recreational area is part of Nuuksio national park. There are some nice BBQ areas, play parks and great walking trails. Search for the government national park website for more info on the trails. (Please note that during the winter many of the trails become ski tracks and hiking is not permitted on them)
Pirttimäki Outdoor Recreation Area
110 KunnarlantieThis recreational area is part of Nuuksio national park. There are some nice BBQ areas, play parks and great walking trails. Search for the government national park website for more info on the trails. (Please note that during the winter many of the trails become ski tracks and hiking is not permitted on them)
You will find an indoor waterpark and ski center here. Not the cheapest place but fun nonetheless.
18 現地メンバーのおすすめ
セレナウォーターパーク
10 TornimäentieYou will find an indoor waterpark and ski center here. Not the cheapest place but fun nonetheless.
This is a great place to do cross country skiing. They have very well maintained tracks and ski hire. Double check the opening times if you want to rent skis. They also do multi day rental and ski waxing.
Paloheinä cross-country skiing tracks
124 PakilantieThis is a great place to do cross country skiing. They have very well maintained tracks and ski hire. Double check the opening times if you want to rent skis. They also do multi day rental and ski waxing.
This is a nearby ski resort. The hill is not that high but the facilities are good and they have ski hire there. (Unfortunately if you want better ski resorts you need to go up to northern Finland)
7 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Peuramaa Ski Oy
114 PeuramaantieThis is a nearby ski resort. The hill is not that high but the facilities are good and they have ski hire there. (Unfortunately if you want better ski resorts you need to go up to northern Finland)
This is a treetop adventure climbing center. It is only 10 minutes drive away. They have a good setup. Close by is also a free outdoor Angrybirds play park and the Leppavaara swimming center which is one of the best around.
8 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Seikkailupuisto Huippu
15 Vanha maantieThis is a treetop adventure climbing center. It is only 10 minutes drive away. They have a good setup. Close by is also a free outdoor Angrybirds play park and the Leppavaara swimming center which is one of the best around.
I have created separate guides for things to see in Helsinki. It is always better to park the car at the Kauniainen train station for free and take the train in. (Parking in the city is hard to find and expensive. The exception to this is Sunday when parking is free)
50 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Helsinki
I have created separate guides for things to see in Helsinki. It is always better to park the car at the Kauniainen train station for free and take the train in. (Parking in the city is hard to find and expensive. The exception to this is Sunday when parking is free)