Tampere, picturesquely situated between Lakes Näsijärvi and Pyhäjärvi, is one of Finland’s most interesting cities. Known as the ‘Manchester of the North’ due to its industrial history, today it combines its factory heritage with modernity and culture.
Tampere is a place where you can feel the atmosphere of Finnish innovation, explore numerous museums and enjoy nature in the very centre of the city. The city is surprising because when walking around it, you may get the impression of a concrete desert in the centre, but when you look at it from above, you see mainly greenery.
I will tell you about Tampere through the eyes of my husband, who spent two weeks there in 1998 on a student internship and returned here in 2025 to work for a month.
LOCATION OF TAMPERE
As you can see from the administrative boundaries, Tampere is huge and stretches from north to south for 50 km. Here, I will tell you about the city centre and the surrounding area.
The guide will be divided into several parts:
- WESTERN PART OF TAMPERE
- TAMPERE ALONG THE TAMMERKOSKI RIVER
- EASTERN PART OF TAMPERE
- AREAS SOUTH OF TAMPERE
THE CITY OF TAMPERE – A BRIEF HISTORY
Tampere was founded in 1779 by King Gustav III of Sweden as a centre of trade and craftsmanship. After Finland came under Russian rule in the 19th century, the city began to develop rapidly, becoming one of the most important industrial centres in the country. Its location between Lakes Näsijärvi and Pyhäjärvi, connected by the Tammerkoski River, whose swift current provided energy for factories, was of particular importance. Already in the 19th century, Tampere earned the nickname ‘Manchester of the North’. Numerous textile, metal and paper mills operated here, and the city attracted workers from all over Finland. It was also an important place for historical events. During the Finnish Civil War in 1918, it became the scene of some of the heaviest fighting. In the second half of the 20th century, Tampere gradually transformed from an industrial centre into a modern city of culture, science and technology. Today, it is considered a dynamic academic, cultural and innovative centre, while still retaining traces of its industrial past in the form of restored factory buildings and the characteristic landscape of Tammerkoski.
WESTERN TAMPERE
TAMPERE – NORTHERN PENINSULA
AMUSEMENT PARK
On the northern shore of Lake Näsijärvi, there is a picturesque peninsula, which is one of the most distinctive landmarks on the map of Tampere. This is where Särkänniemi, a popular amusement park, is located, which has been attracting families and tourists from all over Finland for years. In addition to the amusement park, there is also an aquarium, a planetarium and an art museum.
NÄSINNEULA TV TOWER
The most recognisable feature of the peninsula is the Näsinneula TV tower, built in 1971. It is 168 metres high and is the tallest structure in Finland.
At its top, there is a revolving restaurant offering a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding lakes. The tower has become a symbol of Tampere and one of the most recognisable landmarks in the country.
NORTHERN TAMPERE – SUNSETS
The northern part of Tampere, stretching along Lake Näsijärvi, is famous for its extraordinary sunsets. It is from here, from the shores and numerous vantage points, that you can admire the most picturesque panoramas of the city bathed in golden light.
NÄSI PARK AND SURROUNDINGS
Näsi Park is one of the most beautiful parks in Tampere, located on a hill on the shore of Lake Näsijärvi, right next to the northern city centre. It was established in the 19th century as a city garden and still delights visitors with its picturesque layout of alleys, well-kept flower beds and views of the lake and surrounding forests. The centrepiece of the park is an elegant fountain, and as you stroll along the alleys, you will come across numerous sculptures and viewpoints.
MILAVIDA MUSEUM
Näsinpuisto borders the Näsilinna complex, a former residence from 1898, which now houses the Milavida Museum, presenting the history of the von Nottbeck family, well-known industrialists associated with Tampere.
TALLIPIHA – A LIVING OPEN-AIR MUSEUM
Stable Yards, or Tallipiha in Finnish, is a charming place in the park that takes visitors back to the 19th century. Formerly, these were the farm buildings and stables of the von Nottbeck family, well-known industrialists who played a key role in the development of the city. Today, Tallipiha serves as an atmospheric complex of historic buildings, restored and transformed into a centre for crafts and handicrafts.
The colourful wooden houses are home to small shops selling local artists’ products, galleries, cafés and craft workshops. It is the perfect place to buy original souvenirs, try Finnish sweets or enjoy a coffee in an intimate atmosphere. During the holiday season, Tallipiha turns into a charming Christmas market, while in the summer, numerous cultural events and workshops take place here.
TEMPLES IN THE WESTERN PART OF TAMPERE
There are several noteworthy temples in this part of the city:
- Finlayson Church – A small church from 1879, founded by the von Nottbeck family for the workers of the Finlayson factory, distinguished by its simple interior and lack of a tower.
- Catholic Parish of the Holy Cross – The only Catholic church in Tampere, an important centre of religious life for the local Catholic community.
- Alexander Church – A neo-Gothic church from the late 19th century, one of the largest and most recognisable churches in Tampere.
FINLAYSON COMPLEX
FINLAYSON COMPLEX
The Finlayson cotton mill was Finland’s largest factory for decades. Founded in 1820, the mill produced cotton yarn and fabrics until the 1990s in the city centre. Most of the 19th-century buildings still exist, and the historic mill site is now bustling with new life. The complex is housed in the former buildings of the Finlayson power plant and factories, which played a key role in the industrial history of Tampere. It comprises two museums:
- The Industry Museum
- The Finnish Labour Museum with the Steam Engine Museum
Details and practical information can be found at > FINLAYSON
WORKING LIFE MUSEUM
The Steam Engine Museum in Tampere is part of a larger working life museum complex (Työväenmuseo Werstas) that tells the story of industry, work and everyday life in the region. This museum is dedicated to the history of steam engines and steam power in Finland.
SQUARE SOUTH OF FINLAYSON
Between the historic Finlayson factory complex and Tampere’s market square, Keskustori, lies a square with administrative buildings and the town hall. It is here that the city’s industrial past meets its modern face. In the background, you can see the brick walls of the factories, and a few steps away, the panorama of the market square opens up.
TAMPERE MARKET SQUARE
The central square of Tampere is Keskustori, or the city market, which is the heart of the city’s social and cultural life. It is here that the late 19th-century town hall, one of Tampere’s most representative buildings, is located, next to the city theatre and several other historic tenement houses. The market square serves as a venue for meetings and events, as concerts, fairs, state celebrations and city festivals are organised here. The main streets of the city centre radiate out from the square, leading both towards the Finlayson complex and the Tammerkoski River.
TAMPERE MARKET HALL
One of the must-see places in the city is the market hall. Tampere Market Hall, or Kauppahalli, is the largest indoor market hall in Scandinavia, dating back to 1901. It was opened at that time and still impresses with its Art Nouveau architecture and authentic Finnish market atmosphere. The spacious interior houses over 30 shops and stalls offering fresh produce – from local fish and meat, through cheese and bread, to coffee, spices and sweets. The market hall is also a place for social gatherings, as there are small cafés and restaurants operating here. You can try traditional Finnish dishes, including the famous mustamakkara, or black sausage from Tampere.
METSO LIBRARY
The main library in Tampere is Metso, which means capercaillie, a forest bird, in Finnish. The building was opened in 1986 and was designed by renowned architects Raili and Reima Pietilä. Its unusual shape resembles a bird, which is why Metso is considered one of the most characteristic examples of modern architecture in Tampere.
Inside, the space combines comfort with functionality. You will find hundreds of thousands of books, multimedia, reading rooms and places to work and study. However, it is not just a library, as Metso also serves as a cultural centre. Exhibitions, chamber concerts and author meetings are held here. Thanks to this, it combines the world of literature with culture, becoming one of the city’s true landmarks.
AMURI MUSEUM
The Amuri Museum of Historic Housing is a unique place in Tampere, as it resembles the Tallipiha open-air museum described earlier. This museum allows you to travel back in time and see how workers lived in the 19th and 20th centuries. It is housed in former wooden residential buildings that have retained their original layout and atmosphere. As you enter each apartment, you can see how living conditions have changed – from modest rooms with simple furniture to more modern interiors from the 1970s.
PYYNIKKI OBSERVATION TOWER
Pyynikki Observation Tower is one of those places in Tampere that you simply must visit. The tower was built in 1929 on Pyynikki Hill. Its location offers a magnificent view of Lakes Pyhäjärvi and Näsijärvi and the entire city of Tampere from the west.
The tower itself is simple in design, but its surroundings give it a unique character, and there is a café at the bottom where you can try the famous Pyynikki doughnuts, considered to be among the best in Finland.
OTHER VIEWS OF THE CITY FROM THE WEST
Strolling around the city, one gets the impression of architectural disorder. There are both modern and historic buildings, interspersed with squares, sculptures and forms that are not always well thought out. Nevertheless, the city as a whole makes a quite pleasant impression due to its immediate surroundings and proximity to forests and water.
TAMPERE ALONG THE TAMMERKOSKI RIVER
The Tammerkoski River cuts through the heart of Tampere, connecting Lake Näsijärvi in the north with Lake Pyhäjärvi in the south. A walk along its banks allows you to discover both historic bridges and lively neighbourhoods full of culture and industrial architecture. In this chapter, I will show you Tampere through the river and all the bridges, starting from the north and ending in the south.
PAASIKIVIBRON BRIDGE AND RAILWAY BRIDGE
We start in the north. There are three bridges here: the Paasikivi Bridge, a modern road bridge with a parallel promenade for pedestrians and cyclists, and a railway bridge.
PALATSINRAITTI BRIDGE
The Palatsinraitti Bridge is a pedestrian and bicycle crossing over Tammerkoski, which leads to the former Nottbeck Palace. It is surrounded by historic industrial buildings associated with the history of Finlayson, and right next to it you can see a dry dock, a testament to the former shipbuilding activity on the river.
SATAKUNTA BRIDGE
The Satakunta Bridge is one of the oldest crossings over the Tammerkoski, connecting the centre of Tampere with the Finlayson district. It is surrounded by historic factory buildings and historic tenement houses, and a walk across the bridge allows you to admire the city’s distinctive industrial landscape.
THE LOCK BRIDGE OF LOVERS AND THE TAMMERKOSKI WATERFALLS
Next to the Tammerkoski waterfalls, there is a charming footbridge known as the ‘Walk of Love Locks’. It is here that couples in love attach padlocks as a sign of their love. The Tammerkoski waterfalls, located under the bridge, are the heart of Tampere, which for centuries has driven industrial development and set the pace of life in the city. The foaming river water connects Lake Näsijärvi and Lake Pyhäjärvi, and the surrounding factory buildings create a unique landscape of industrial heritage.
HÄME / TAVASTIA BRIDGE
Häme Bridge, also known as Tavastia Bridge, is the oldest stone bridge across Tammerkoski, connecting the eastern and western parts of Tampere since the end of the 19th century. The bridge is located in the heart of the city, surrounded by prestigious buildings on Hämeenkatu, the main shopping street.
PEDESTRIAN BRIDGES AND THE HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANT AREA
In the southern part of Tammerkoski, there are modern pedestrian bridges that lead to the vicinity of hydroelectric power plants that are still in operation today. Walking along this section of the river, you can see how industrial heritage blends with modern infrastructure, and the sound of water from the turbines gives this place a unique atmosphere.
LAUKONSILTA BRIDGE AND SURROUNDINGS
Laukonsilta is an elegant white footbridge for pedestrians and cyclists. The bridge stands out with its light, modern design, and its surroundings include harbour quays, cafés and cruise ship terminals. With its picturesque views of Tammerkoski and Pyhäjärvi, Laukonsilta is one of the favourite walking spots for locals and tourists alike.
RATINAN BRIDGE
In the south, the Tammerkoski River is crossed by Ratinan silta, a modern bridge connecting the Ratinan district with the city centre. Nearby is Ratina Park, a popular place for walking and recreation, as well as a sports complex and stadium. The bridge is not only functional but also a great vantage point for viewing the northern sections of the river.
EASTERN PART OF TAMPERE
NORTH-EASTERN PART
NORTHERN RESIDENTIAL AREA
The northern part of Tampere is distinguished by its characteristic residential buildings made of large panels and blocks from the 20th century, which were built as part of the city’s development after industrialisation. However, the waterfront has more contemporary buildings.
FROM THE WOODS MONUMENT
The From the Woods monument dedicated to Kalle Päätalo stands in Tampere, surrounded by greenery, creating a peaceful and reflective space. The monument commemorates the outstanding Finnish writer and his work, while blending into the urban park landscape, where residents and tourists can relax or take photos. As a result, the place combines literary memory with the recreational function of green urban space.
PIKKU – RUSKO
Steam Locomotive Pikku-Rusko is a historic locomotive shed standing by the tracks in Tampere, which recalls the era of railways and industry in the region. The locomotive, restored and maintained in its original condition, and the adjacent tracks and buildings create a historical atmosphere that attracts railway enthusiasts and tourists.
ST. ALEXANDER NEWSKY ORTHODOX CHURCH
The Orthodox church is a beautiful example of Orthodox architecture, distinguished by its characteristic onion domes. It was built in 1894, and its interior impresses with richly decorated icons and frescoes.
NOKIA ARENA
Nokia Arena is a modern entertainment venue that attracts concerts, sporting events, trade fairs and conferences. The facility was opened in 2021 and is located in the city centre, close to the railway station and main transport routes, making it easily accessible to residents and tourists alike.
TAMPERE TALO AND THE MOOMIN MUSEUM
Tampere-talo is a congress and cultural centre in the eastern part of Tampere. The building was opened in 1990, and its modern architecture is distinguished by its spacious interiors and functional layout. The venue attracts visitors with cultural events, concerts and fairs, making it an important point on the city’s cultural map and a meeting place for locals and tourists alike.
The Moomin Museum is located in the Tampere-talo buildings. It is a unique place for lovers of literature and art, transporting visitors into the world created by Tove Jansson. Its exhibitions combine illustrations, sculptures and multimedia presentations, allowing both children and adults to explore the adventures of the Moomins in an interactive way. This is next to MOOMINVALLEY a must-see in Finland
RATINA DISTRICT / PENINSULA
RATINAN STADIUM
Ratinan Stadium in Tampere is a modern sports facility used by local football and athletics teams. It was built in 1965 and has undergone extensive modernisation in recent years. Importantly, the facility has an Olympic torch, which commemorates the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, when the stadium in Tampere hosted some of the football competitions.
RATINA SHOPPING CENTRE AND RESTAURANT WITH A VIEW
The centre itself, located right next to the stadium, is not particularly impressive, but its roof offers a great place to view Tampere from above. The best time to visit is at sunset.
TAMPERE ENERGIA
The Tampere Energia complex is a distinctive industrial building located on Tammerkoski, which still reminds us of the city’s industrial heritage. The brick walls of the power plant and halls create a raw, industrial landscape, but at the same time have become a space open to art. Colourful graffiti and murals appear on the walls and surroundings of the buildings, bringing new energy to the former technical infrastructure.
SOUTHERN RESIDENTIAL AREA
Similar to the northern part, modern residential buildings were constructed along the southern coast.
AREAS SOUTH OF TAMPERE
PANORAMA OF TAMPERE FROM THE SOUTH
To see the entire panorama of Tampere, it is best to visit the southern parts of the city stretching along the entire coast of Lake Villilänsalmi.
HATANPÄÄ MANSION
Hatanpää Mansion in Tampere is a historic residence surrounded by a beautiful park. The palace was built in the 19th century, and its interiors and surroundings reflect the former life of the Finnish nobility. Today, the complex serves as a venue for walks, cultural events and exhibitions.
VIHILLAHTII PARK
Vihilahti Park in Tampere is a charming green area on the shore of a lake. It features numerous walking paths, picnic areas and a children’s playground, and in the summer it also hosts various cultural events.
HARMAIA DISTRICT
The southern shore of the lake is a fantastic recreational area with lots of cycle paths. The Härmälä district was formerly an industrial area associated with aviation and the Valmet factories. Today, it is known as a quiet residential area. In recent years, Härmälä has been developing dynamically, with new housing estates and recreational areas being built, which makes the area increasingly attractive to young families.
WHAT ELSE IS WORTH SEEING IN TAMPERE AND THE SURROUNDING AREA?
Even if you stay here for quite a long time, it is impossible to see everything. Below are a few other suggestions in the city and the surrounding area.
ATTRACTIONS IN TAMPERE
- The Lenin Museum is one of the few museums in the world dedicated to Vladimir Lenin, and at the same time it reminds us of the historical significance of the city for the Russian Revolution.
- The Tampere Art Museum (Tampereen Taidemuseo) is a gallery with a rich collection of Finnish art, as well as a venue for important temporary exhibitions.
- The Sara Hildén Art Museum presents modern Finnish art and also collects works by international artists.
- The Spy Museum is the world’s first museum of espionage, attracting both tourists and history enthusiasts.
- The Polin Museum (Poliisi Museo) shows the history of the Finnish police and is also an interesting attraction for families with children.
- Rajaportin Sauna is the oldest still operating public sauna in Finland, as it has been in continuous operation since 1906.
- The Amuri Kivimuseo Museum is housed in former industrial buildings, and its exhibition focuses on stones and minerals.
- The Haihara Art Centre is an art and culture centre located in a historic estate and attracts visitors with its numerous events.
- Kaleva Church is a modern church from the 1960s and an icon of Finnish modernism.
- The Tram Museum in Tampere is small but very interesting, especially for lovers of public transport.
- The Vapriikki Museum Centre is a large museum complex that combines a variety of exhibitions and themes in one place.
NATURAL ATTRACTIONS IN THE CITY
- Pyynikki Ridge & Forest is a nature reserve and moraine hill, as well as a place with beautiful walking trails.
- Arboretum Hatanpää offers rose and dendrological gardens and is picturesquely located on Lake Pyhäjärvi.
- Kauppi-Niihama Outdoor Area is a vast forest in the north-east of the city, which also serves as a sports and recreation area.
- Suolijärvi and Hervanta Trails is a lake with walking trails and a beach, and a popular leisure destination among students.
ATTRACTIONS IN THE AREA
- Vaihmala Hovi (Lempäälä) is an elegant residence that now also serves as a cultural centre in the Tampere area.
- Birgitta Trail (Pirkkala–Lempäälä) offers long hiking trails and forest paths, as well as stunning views of the lakes.
- Lake Pyhäjärvi and Lake Näsijärvi attract tourists with boat trips and sailing, and are also ideal for relaxing on the beaches.
- Visavuori (Valkeakoski) is a museum dedicated to the sculptor Emil Wikström, as well as a venue for exhibitions of the works of satirist Kari Suomalainen.
- Rapola Hillfort (Valkeakoski) is the largest archaeological site of its kind in Finland, as well as a viewpoint overlooking the surrounding area.
- Aulanko Nature Reserve (Hämeenlinna) is a nature park with an observation tower, a picturesque lake and gardens.
- Seitseminen National Park delights with its forests and peat bogs, and what’s more, it allows you to experience wild nature just 50 km from Tampere.
- Helvetinjärvi National Park offers picturesque lakes and deep gorges, making it one of the most spectacular places in the region.
ACCOMMODATION IN TAMPERE
If you decide to book accommodation in Tampere, I recommend using the website Booking.com. Use the link to book accommodation with a 15% discount!
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