Hometown Secrets: Tampere – unknown to most, admired by the rest

Tampere. Photo: Laura Vanzo/Visit Tampere.

Already for the sixth year in a row, Tampere rated as the most popular residential city in Finland. Desired by other Finnish citizens, Finland’s third biggest city Tampere unluckily is still unrecognized by most foreigners. For the sake of my beloved hometown, I want to give it the credit it deserves and walk you through the different seasons of this hidden pearl, so get ready for the journey!

Tammerkoski. Photo: Laura Vanzo/Visit Tampere.

Like many other Finnish cities, Tampere seems to wake up as late as the first sunbeams of the spring start to heat up its streets. However, the seemingly sleeping city stays awake during the winter. Our dark winter provides a pretty good to reason to explore different cafés, restaurants and bars on offer. Located in one of the loveliest little streets of Tampere and right next to the beautiful rapid Tammerkoski flowing through the city, the waffle café Tampereen Vohvelikahvila serves delicious waffles made with a secret recipe already since 1992. This tiny and atmospheric café is a perfect place for a cosy chill or meet up with a friend!

 Photo: Laura Vanzo/Visit Tampere.

However, if you are in a need for something more filling (or just thirsty for beer), you should head to Kumma Junk Bar & Lounge located in the city centre. Kumma (meaning “strange”) is a brilliant combination of everything concerning both the food and the interior. While enjoying your vegan seitan kebab or perhaps a goulash soup, you can spot for example skis, kick-sled, umbrella and video game console hanging on the walls. You can also gift your own stuff for the decoration.

Tour skating track on Näsijärvi. Photo: Laura Vanzo/Visit Tampere.

If you are not afraid of cold, there is a plenty of activities to do outside as well. Kaupinoja is a perfect place for all kinds of winter activities: it is possible to rent tour skates at the rental shop called Bikini Bar and try a tour skating track on Näsijärvi. Other winter sports equipment are also found at the Bikini Bar: maybe you prefer for example skiing or snowshoe walking instead?

Pyynikki Café. Photo: Alex Mazurov/Visit Tampere. 

Pispala. Photo: Alex Mazurov/Visit Tampere.

After the days start to get longer, a whole new bunch of activity opportunities arise. The absolute summer must do is Pispala observation tower and most importantly it’s delicious Finnish doughnuts! You should definitely continue the journey and walk along the Pyynikki ridge through the forest and its great views towards the Lake Pyhäjärvi. Soon you’ll arrive at one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Tampere, Pispala. Home too many artists, Pispala is located in the middle of two lakes. No wonder with its views and colourful wooden houses this neighbourhood has been voted as the most beautiful one in Finland!

Photo: Alex Mazurov/Visit Tampere.

In Tampere, nature is everywhere. A great way to explore it more is to bike around the lakes: both Näsijärvi and Pyhäjärvi have their own lake trails. Take packed lunch with you and enjoy! Another and a bit easier option is a short nature trail around the Lake Suolijärvi. The trail is around 4.5 kilometres long so you will have time for other activities as well.

 Rajaportti sauna. Photo: Laura Vanzo/Visit Tampere.

After the active summer, I personally really enjoy the autumn, its bright colours and the feeling of calming down. We don’t even need to face the chilling nights without a warming cure in Tampere since the city is known as the sauna capital of the world with over twenty public saunas! Built in 1906, Finland’s oldest sauna Rajaportti is a perfect place for an authentic sauna experience. If you are brave enough to dip in the icy water, you should head to Kaupinoja situated by Lake Näsijärvi. I promise the dip will be worth it! If you are lucky enough, you might be able to see Northern Lights dancing in the background while freezing in the water.

 

Kehräsaari area. Photo: Laura Vanzo/Visit Tampere.

For a movie lover like me, autumn definitely calls for cinema! My favourite cinema in Tampere is Arthouse Cinema Niagara – a small and warm-hearted movie theatre with an extremely friendly staff. The cinema is located in the beautiful Kehräsaari area. In addition to the newest releases, Niagara pays homage to the classics. Connected with the movie theatre, a restaurant Ravintola 931 offers a great place to share your thoughts about the movie you watched. Alternating art exhibitions and gigs also take place in Ravintola 931.

  Näsijärvi. Photo: Laura Vanzo/Visit Tampere.

Four seasons, endless activities. I hope that you have enjoyed this virtual journey around Tampere and you will pay this beautiful city a visit. See you there!