You found it, the hidden gem of Finland!
Tampere is one of the best-kept secrets in Northern Europe. Surrounded by two lakes that give the city its distinctive spacious feel, Tampere is a vibrant regional capital with active cultural life and a versatile event scene. A big city by Finnish standards, Tampere still manages to feel like a small town. In the compact city centre, everything is within a convenient walking distance.
Numerous events, fascinating cultural experiences and soothing lake views to match the relaxed atmosphere makes the city very appealing all year round. Dive into the beat of Tampere.
Tampere is the central city of the sixth-largest urban area in the Nordic countries after Stockholm, Copenhagen, Helsinki, Oslo and Gothenburg; it is the third-largest city in Finland and one of the most rapidly developing regions in the country. Currently there are ca. 250,000 inhabitants in Tampere and half a million inhabitants in the Tampere Region.
Outdoor Activities
Tampere is an ideal destination for anyone who appreciates the nature and the outdoors. One fifth of the city consists of green areas, such as parks and forests. Walking tours and bicycle trips are always a win-win, you'll see interesting sights, get to enjoy the nature and get some exercise on the side. Most hotels offer bicycles for rent. You could also pack your rucksack and set off on a guided tour to the magical forests of Helvetinjärvi and Seitseminen national parks. The more adventurous soul might enjoy abseiling from Pyynikki Observation Tower or a visit to Flowpark, an adventure park located at Varala Sports Institute.
For more information, see www.visittampere.fi/en
Tampere.Finland application
The Tampere.Finland application meets both the locals' and visitors' needs to get information about the services in Tampere easily. The application can be downloaded free of charge from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
More activities
Finlayson and Tampella Areas
From the magnificent national heritage landscape of the Tammerkoski rapids you can find both operational industry and former industrial areas ingeniously converted into shops and restaurants.
Address: Finlaysoninkatu | www.finlaysoninalue.fi/en/
Tampere Cathedral
This architecturally impressive Cathedral is a must see! Designed by Lars Sonck, it boasts impressive interior art including controversial frescoes by symbolist painter Hugo Simberg.
Address: Tuomiokirkonkatu 3b
Museum Centre Vapriikki
Many of Tampere's museums are located at the fantastic Museum Centre Vapriikki, including the Natural History Museum, the Finnish Ice Hockey Museum, Mineral Museum, Media Museum Rupriikki, Postal Museum and the Finnish Museum of Games. Vapriikki hosts about a dozen permanent and temporary exhibitions each year.
Address: Alaverstaanraitti 5 | www.vapriikki.fi/en
Moomin Museum
The world's only Moomin Museum is a place to discover the wit, wisdom, warmth and adventure of the Moomin stories loved by legions of fans all around the world. The museum, showcasing a collection of Tove Jansson's original illustrations, is located at Tampere Hall.
Address: Yliopistonkatu 55 | www.muumimuseo.fi/en/etusivu
Art Museums
Tampere Art Museum presents art-historical themes and phenomena related to Finnish and international contemporary art. The Sara Hildén Art Museum is the permanent home of the collection of modern art, Finnish and foreign, owned by the Sara Hildén Foundation. Both museums are definitely worth a visit.
Tampere Art Museum: Puutarhakatu 34 | www.tampereentaidemuseo.fi/en/index.html
Sara Hildén Art Museum: Laiturikatu 1 | www.tampere.fi/sarahilden/en/index.html
Tampere from Above
Would you like to know what Tampere looks like from above? Näsinneula Observation Tower is Tampere's best-known landmark and the second highest observation tower in the Nordic Countries (168 metres).
Enjoy the most stunning views in Tampere and the surrounding region. Your Instagram followers will like it!
Explore Tampere's best vantage points: www.visittampere.fi/en/articles/tamperes-best-vantage-points/
Sauna & Swim
Since Tampere is the sauna capital of the world, it would be a shame if you did not take part in this quintessentially Finnish tradition. During the summer months, swimming in our beautiful lakes is also a great option. Tampere – The Sauna Capital of the World – welcomes everybody to its cosy warmth!
Check out the public saunas in the region on the Visit Tampere's website: www.visittampere.fi/en/see-do/sauna-capital/
Doughnuts at Pyynikki Observation Tower
The best doughnuts in the universe with a view on the side! Pyynikki Observation Tower sits on top of the world's tallest esker and is open daily.
Address: Näkötornintie 20 | www.visittampere.fi/en/attraction/pyynikki-observation-tower-and-cafe/
Food!
What's for dinner tonight? Wings? Vegetarian? Brewhouse cuisine? How about fine dining at a revolving restaurant? Find your favourites from Tampere's vast range of restaurants at visittampere.fi/en.
Tampere Market Hall
From local, home-made dishes to delicious French cuisine and excellent sushi, there's something for everyone at Tampere Market Hall. While you're there, why not try our local specialty black sausage with lingonberry jam.
Address: Hämeenkatu 19 | www.tampereenkauppahalli.fi
Tallipiha Stable Yards
Tallipiha Stable Yards was built for factory owner Wilhelm von Nottbeck's horses and coachmen. The charming Russian style houses have now been restored to their original 1880's appearance. Nowadays Tallipiha provides a charming shopping experience with its artisan boutiques and handmade chocolates.
Address: Kuninkaankatu 4 | www.visittampere.fi/en/attraction/tallipiha-stable-yards/