Väisälä Space Park

Väisälä Space Park (‘Avaruuspuisto Väisälä’ in Finnish) is a centre for experiences and learning. The attractions include a Planetarium, the largest telescope in Finland and a vast selection of exhibits illustrating the history of science. The Space Park also provides services and facilities for meetings and conferences.

The Planetarium shows enable you to virtually travel to the outer space or visit terrestrial places of interest. Live stargazing sessions are arranged jointly with Turun Ursa, the association of amateur astronomers in Turku. The guided observatory tour presents the exciting history of the Tuorla Observatory as well as Opteon Laboratory, a high-tech company engaged in polishing the most accurate telescope mirrors for, among others, the European Space Agency. The bedrock tunnel originally excavated to facilitate undisturbed scientific measurements is part of the tour.

With activities tailored specifically for each group, the Väisälä Space Park is an excellent destination for visitors of all ages from preschool children to senior citizens. Learning is an adventurous experience!

Tuorla Observatory was established by Professor Yrjö Väisälä, one of the most renowned scientists in Finland who made a long career in the fields of astronomy and optics. For example, he created the foundation for the GPS system – thus making it easier for today’s visitors to reach the Space Park!

In the neighbourhood, you will the historical Tuorla Manor in the middle of idyllic countryside. The restaurant and hostel Tuorlan Majatalo offers abundant country-style meals on a daily basis and also has small shop with local and organic products. Livia is an educational institution for rural studies that operates in Tuorla so you may even see cows grazing in the fields in summer. You are welcome to enjoy the unique combination of state-of-the-art science and rural landscape at Tuorla!