Set between a pair of cobalt-blue lakes, Tampere is one of Finland’s most beautiful cities. The Tammerkoski rapids flow through the city centre and add to the picturesque setting. While it certainly has good looks, Tampere also boasts a variety of museums, galleries and cultural attractions. A dynamic culinary scene makes Tampere one of Finland’s top foodie destinations.
Things to do in Tampere
In the city centre, many of the former fabric mill warehouses have been reimagined as cafes, museums and galleries. Vapriikki is a top pick and features exhibits on everything from ice hockey to natural history. Other buildings house trendy microbreweries, farm-to-table cafes and chef-driven restaurants serving contemporary Nordic cuisine. Head to the Kauppahalli market to pick up fresh produce from postcard-perfect wooden stalls.
Tuomiokirkko towers over the city centre and is one of the finest examples of National Romantic architecture in Scandinavia. The cathedral was built in 1907 and features whimsical frescoes and stained glasswork by iconic Finnish painter Hugo Simberg.
From hand-knitted sweaters to brightly-painted ceramics, Tampere is brimming with boutiques and gift shops selling unique souvenirs. The Tallipiha complex is one of the best places to shop, with the 19th-century cottages and stables repurposed as handicraft studios.
A favourite with families, Särkänniemi is packed with rides and attractions. Get your pulse racing on the stomach-flipping Tornado roller coaster and get up close with Finnish marine life at the aquarium. The Näsinneula Observation Tower commands sweeping views over the city, lakes and surrounding countryside.
Getting around Tampere
Tampere is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot, while local buses are a fast and easy way to get around the city. Trains run between Tampere and Helsinki in around 1.5 hours. Tampere-Pirkkala Airport is a 20-minute drive from the city centre.