Espoo's outdoor islands: Stora Herrö

Welcome to Stora Herrö in Espoo. This diverse outdoor island offers cliffs, forests, beaches, and, as the cherry on top, an observation tower with views over the archipelago. And since you can get here by archipelago boats, it's worth visiting.

But let's start the journey from the northwest side of the island, on the sheltered side. There's also an archipelago boat dock there.

North shore.

Right behind the archipelago boat dock, there's a small cove where you can safely store a kayak.

Directly uphill, there's a grilling spot in a pretty spectacular location, one could say. 

Then the path led inland. With an island over 44 hectares in size, there's plenty to explore. There are also cottages on the island, but it is mostly owned by Espoo.

There's a well on the island. The instruction is that the well water should be boiled. According to some, even that might not be enough, so it's best to check the latest situation elsewhere, not on these pages.

The island has fairly difficult trails, not very many routes. It's not that easy to get lost here, as there aren't too many trails, but you don't always know where each one leads.

In the middle of the island, you'll find the observation tower.

The views from the tower are breathtaking. The tower is on top of a rock, offering views in almost every direction. This is one of my favorite places in Espoo.

To the southeast are Rövaren and Kaparen, which have similar photo series.

Then back to the ground level. On the eastern edge of the island, there are impressive cliffs. 

The same Rövaren and Kaparen, viewed from a different angle. It's fascinating how, in just a few years - thanks to a friend and a kayak - I've become so familiar with Espoo's outdoor islands that I can recognize them from pictures like these.

Basic services are available.

It's safe to camp on the island; there's space in the forest, but not much lawn. There might be pinecones under your back.

Stora Herrö also has two beaches. Their descriptions can be found elsewhere on this site, so I won't go into detail here.

There are also boat docks on the island.

The southeast and south shores. "On the windward side."