Tampere

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Tampere

Often referred to as the "Manchester of Finland", Tampere is a captivating blend of industrial heritage, charming wooden houses, delectable homemade cuisine, and cultural landmarks that echo its not-so-distant past. Immerse yourself in the local culture and unwind in the city's abundant saunas — the largest number in all of Finland.

The City

The history of Tampere started with the establishment of a small market town until industrial activities in the 19th century led to a rapid increase both in size and population. This was largely triggered by the establishment of the cotton mill by Scottish engineer James Finlayson, setting off an industrial revolution not only in Tampere but the entire Finland. The city also bears great historical significance. Tampere was an important red stronghold during the era of the Grand Duchy, prior to the country's independence in 1918. The Battle of Tampere in the same year was one of the most important events in Finland's fight for freedom. Today, Tampere is a popular laid-back hangout place with plenty to offer for nature lovers and foodies alike. The largest inland city in the Nordic countries is nestled in the never-ending Finnish greenery between the lakes of Näsijärvi and Pyhäjärvi, peacefully demonstrating that industry and nature can after all get along very well.

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Do & See

Take a stroll along Tampere's main artery, the 1,300-metre long Hämeenpuisto park, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural and industrial heritage of the city, adorned by colourful patches of trees and lakes.

Finlayson Area

Scotsman James Finlayson's industrial district, one of the biggest in the Nordic countries, is a diverse cultural centre today, housing several cafés, restaurants, and other places of interest such as the children's cathedral, the Sky Museum, and Westras, the free Labour Museum. Don't miss the Finlayson outlet to get some design inspiration.

Lenin Museum

The former Workers' House, which hosted Lenin and Stalin in their first meeting, provides an evocative setting to tell you about Finnish-Soviet relations and the life of one of the most significant communist leaders. The place is also unique in that it is the only museum dedicated to Lenin outside Russia in the whole world.

Tampere Market Hall

Opened in 1901, Tampere Market Hall is the largest indoor market in the Nordic countries, therefore, the perfect place to soak up some Finnish culture and mingle with the locals doing their grocery shopping. It's also the perfect place to try the local black sausage (mustamakkara), among other delicacies.

Näsinpuisto Park

Näsinpuisto Park is the green oasis of Tampere with plenty to do and see: browse the craft shops of Tallipiha Stable Yards or hunt the mini sculptures of the Fairy Tale Park. The Baroque Näsilinna palace, once the home of Peter von Nottbeck, an owner of the Finlayson cotton mill, is also found here, housing…

Särkänniemi Adventure Park

This adventure park is an unmissable experience for the whole family, featuring among many others the Doghill Fairytale Farm, Aquarium, Planetarium, and Näsinneula, the 168-metre tall observation tower, providing the most spectacular view of the entire city, with and revolving restaurant on site.

Sara Hildén Art Museum

This museum showcases contemporary art from all over the world in a peaceful green lakeside setting. Browse the ample collection of international and Finnish artworks, from pictures to sculptures and various installations.

Tammerkoski Rapids

Tammerkoski is a channel of rapids in Tampere. The city is nestled between Näsijärvi and Pyhäjärvi, two lakes with 18 metres of difference in level, which gave rise to the installation of several dams and power stations in the 19th century. An exhibition on the city's industrial past is also on at the Vapriikki Museum…

Vapriikki Museum Centre

The historic Tampella factory hall has found new life as a cultural hub, housing a diverse array of attractions. Within its storied walls, visitors can explore the wonders of the Natural History Museum, delve into the world of postal history at the Postal Museum, and marvel at the beauty of minerals in the Mineral Museum.…

Moomin Museum

Muumimuseo is a whimsical experiential art museum dedicated to Tove Jansson and her world-famous comic strip heroes, the Moomins. This enchanting place boasts a wide selection of models and computer displays, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the captivating world of these beloved characters. Don't forget to explore the delightful gift shop, where you can…

Tampere Cathedral

Tampere Cathedral celebrated as the most beautiful church in Finland, is a masterpiece of the National Romantic style, meticulously designed by Lars Sonck and constructed between 1902 and 1907. Within its sacred walls, visitors are captivated by famous frescoes, including the evocative "Garden of Death" by Finnish artist Hugo Simberg.

Kaleva Church

The church of the Kaleva parish, inaugurated in 1966, stands as a testament to modern architectural brilliance. Its innovative design, marked by an extensive use of space and light, sets it apart as one of the most exceptional religious landmarks not only in Finland but also on an international level.

Pyynikki

Pyynikki, nestled in the western part of Tampere, invites you to immerse yourself in the captivating Nordic nature. This idyllic area is renowned for the expansive Pyynikki Nature Reserve, featuring winding walking trails and breathtaking vistas. Along the shores of Villilänsalmi Lake, a marina and two sandy beaches create a serene backdrop, while the nearby…

Pispala

Take a romantic walk along the well-preserved wooden houses in what previously was the largest workers' district in Tampere, built on a sand ridge shaped by the ice age. The area's famous landmark is the Shot Tower, and Rajaportti Sauna, Finland's oldest public sauna, is also found here.

Rajaportti Sauna

No visit to Finland is complete without a relaxing sauna session. Built in 1906 in Pispala, this public sauna is Finland’s oldest and is the perfect place to relax in the löyly, the steam rising up from hot stones.

Viikinsaari Island

Just a 20-minute boat trip from Tampere and you'll find yourself at Tamperians' favourite summer hangout spot with beautiful parks, an arts theatre, and a fine restaurant, Ravintola.

Tampere City Library

Tampere City Library, a modern architectural marvel designed by Raili and Reima Pietilä, graces the city with its unique combination of styles. Constructed in the 1980s, this library is a three-level wonder, featuring impressive reading rooms, exhibition spaces, and even a cosy café. It's not just a hub for literature; the library also hosts the…

Dining

Tampere awaits you with a memorable culinary experience: make sure you try the city's famous black sausage (mustamakkara) with lingonberries or other Finnish delicacies like the meat pie (Lihapiirakka) or Karelian pasty.

Näsinneula

Located in the Pyynikki observation tower, Näsinneula provides Tampere's most spectacular fine dining experience. Taste their delicious Finlandia menu: this is the highest spot to do so in the entire Nordic region.

Plevna Brewery Pub & Restaurant

Founded in 1994 within the historic Finlayson cotton mills, Plevna is Tampere's exclusive brewery pub, crafting an extensive array of beers right on-site. This spacious, industrial-style microbrewery not only offers a medley of flavorful, locally brewed beers but also serves up a diverse selection of traditional dishes in a friendly and fun atmosphere.

Sauna Restaurant Kuuma

This elegant restaurant in what is also called the gastronomic hub of Tampere delivers genuine Nordic flavours through modern, redefined dishes. Bring your towel with you: try the wood-heated or smoked sauna on the spot, to round off your Finnish experience.

Bodega Salud

Bodega Salud specialises in Spanish cuisine, serving up a delectable array of Spanish dishes, succulent steaks, an assortment of tapas, and of course, refreshing sangria. Immerse yourself in the rich flavors and warm ambiance of this establishment, making it a delightful destination for a taste of Spain in Tampere.

Ohranjyvä

Ohranjyvä is a neighborhood restaurant, which has been serving locals with traditional flavours since 1965. They have an extensive menu featuring beef, goat, and seafood. The Puerto Rico is a signature dish Tampere-wide.

Ravitsemisliike Aisti

Aisti, a rustic-chic country-style restaurant, offers a delightful journey into traditional Scandinavian cuisine. With daily specials that include hearty soups, succulent fish dishes, and perfectly grilled steaks, along with classics like the Pike Wallenberg, Aisti's menu captures the essence of Nordic flavours. Their food philosophy is rooted in the use of locally sourced, seasonal, and…

Pizzeria Napoli

Tampere's oldest pizzeria awaits you with over a hundred types of pizza, with toppings ranging from ostrich and octopus to cactus strips to the famous local black sausage.

Gastropub Tuulensuu

A cosy restaurant along Hämeenpuisto Park with a remarkable variety of courses and craft beers: enjoy your pint with a cheese plate, some deer rillettes, or fried frog legs.

Harald Viking Restaurant

This place takes you on a journey back in time and lets you dine like the old Vikings used to. Enjoy the true Nordic atmosphere, eat from the dragon ship buffet and get some mead in your horn cup. A popular Finnish chain with desserts that would have made Vikings' hearts melt, too.

Stefan's Steakhouse

Winner of the Top Chef in America, Stefan prepares some of the greatest steaks in town, using the best of Scandinavian flavours such as beetroot or chanterelle. Tasting menus are also available.

Kasvisravintola Gopal

Kasvisravintola Gopal is a culinary haven for lovers of Indian-flavoured vegetarian cuisine in Tampere. Their commitment to freshness shines through in every dish, as they prepare each meal from scratch using the finest, handpicked ingredients. Alongside their delectable vegetarian offerings, the restaurant also treats patrons to freshly baked rolls, ensuring a delightful dining experience with…

Tillikka

Situated beside the Hämeensilta Bridge, this traditional restaurant is renowned for its rendition of the beloved dish, pyttipannu. A mouthwatering medley of finely chopped meat, potatoes, and onions sizzles to perfection in their kitchen, offering diners an authentic taste of Finnish culinary heritage in a charming riverside setting.

Cafés

Welcome to the country of the heaviest coffee drinkers in the world! Given their strong passion for coffee, Finland has an extremely diverse café scene that will also spoil you with treats, such as their famous pullas (rolls) and piirakkas (pies).

The Waffle Cafe (Vohvelikahvila)

Located in the smallest stone house of Tampere, Vohvelikahvila is rumoured to serve the best waffles in town, made with a secret recipe that makes local mouths water since 1992.

Kaffila

Kaffila is a small amiable café just a stone's throw from the main square, Keskustori, with a coffee selection that includes Johan & Nyström, plus a varied tea selection and delicious pastries.

Pella's Cafe

Pella's Cafe is a café in the heart of the city pulling in visitors with an eye-catching salad bar, pastries, and mouth-watering cakes that are a sin to miss.

Bakery Café Puusti

Whether they're sparkled with berries or coated simply with sugar, this place is widely known for preparing the best korvapuusti (cinnamon rolls) in town. Come try these soft and freshly made Finnish cinnamon rolls and see it for yourself.

Kahvila Runo

An artsy, cosy café with crisp pastries and freshly roasted coffee, as well as art exhibitions and poetry evenings.

3D Crush Café

A pet-friendly café where not only are you welcome to bring your dog, but also to spend some time in the bunny therapy room —with real bunnies. And if there's anything else you want to be real, just ask to use one of the three 3D printers available at the place.

Café Pispala

Exploring the charming wooden houses of Pispala is a delightful detour, and what better way to kick off your journey than with a visit to one of Tampere's beloved brunch spots? Café Pispala awaits, a quaint café offering an array of delectable American breakfasts complete with fruits, pancakes, sausages, bacon, eggs, and more. Pair your…

Café Europa

An elegant European-style café serving Mediterranean salads, and local specialities such as liquorice salad and Finnish blueberry pie, Marjapiiras.

Café Amurin Helmi

A quaint café where you can have breakfast, traditional baked goods, and a light lunch, in a setting just as nostalgic as the exhibitions in the adjacent Amuri Museum of Historic Housing.

Café Linkosuo Kauppahalli

Nestled right in the heart of Tampere's renowned market hall, Café Linkosuo Kauppahalli offers a delightful bakery experience in this historic city centre. With a cosy atmosphere and a rich history, this tiny bakery presents a fresh selection of rolls, buns, coffee cakes, and freshly baked bread, making it the perfect spot to savour some…

Bars & Nightlife

From local breweries to vodka and whiskey bars, Tampere's nightspots will guarantee that you get in high spirits!

Tullikamari

Made up of two venues, Klubi, and Pakkahuone with a capacity of 1,200, Tullikamari is the number-one place for music and other cultural events in Tampere, busy with programmes 365 days a year.

Teerenpeli

Teerenpeli, a renowned name throughout Finland, extends its warm hospitality in Tampere, offering a unique opportunity to savour its famous single malt whiskies and brewery creations. This relaxed restaurant invites patrons to partake in local libations, enveloped in a cosy ambience while enjoying the harmonious rhythms of live music — an ideal spot for those…

Moro Sky Bar

Moro is a fancy cocktail bar where drinks are served in a relaxed atmosphere on the 25th floor of Solo Sokos Hotel Torni, the tallest hotel building in Finland. The place also serves snacks and some really flavourful soups.

Ruby & Fellas

Ruby & Fellas, a traditional Irish pub in Tampere, offers a lively experience that extends beyond its charming interior. Nestled alongside the Tammekoski river in the heart of downtown Tampere, the pub boasts a heated terrace where patrons can enjoy the soothing waterscape. With live music, a delightful selection of special beers, hearty pub grub,…

Bar Alanya

The football match you don't want to miss, a hot salsa evening, or a fun pub quiz? Go to Alanya Bar, and you'll not have to choose.

Telakka

Housed within an old brick warehouse, Telakka is a vibrant cultural haven in Tampere. Renowned for its diverse offerings, including live music performances, an art gallery, concert venue, and theater, making it a dynamic hub where creativity and culture converge, ensuring there's always something exciting to experience within its historic walls.

Gastropub Soho

Pub grub, live performances, and plenty of sport: at Soho, you'll find them all in one place. The place has a decent offer of burgers, English food, and curries, with vegan options included.

Shopping

With several factory outlets and small designer stores in the area, there is no shortage of premium Finnish products in Tampere. There are also plenty of sizeable shopping malls to spoil you with the best of phenomenal Finnish design.