A Great Summer at Tampere, Finland

Itinerarist > Finland > A Great Summer at Tampere, Finland

Tampere in Southern Finland, the third most populated city in the Nordic region, is situated between the Näsijarvi and the Pyhäjärvi lakes with the Tammerkoski rapids conjoining them. It is a two hours drive from Helsinki, the capital city of Finland, besides which Tempere has its own airport where tourists embark in large numbers each year. The city was founded as a market place in 1755 and by the 19th century it became a large industrial center, but today it represents a principal Information Technology and Telecommunications sector, besides a completely modern infrastructure.
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There is a lot that one can see and do at Tampere with numerous museums, historical sites, river cruises and other outdoor activities plus several pubs and restaurants and nightclubs. Although Tampere has developed into a modern city, it still preserves its historical past, which can be seen at Keskustori, the Central Square. Here tourists can view the Raatihuone or the Town Hall, the Palanderin Talo, the 16th century Messukylän Church, the Baroque architecture Näsilinna Palace and the Tampereen Tuomiokirkko (Cathedral). A panoramic view of the city can be best seen from atop the revolving restaurant in the Näsinneula Tower.

The Hämeen Museo in the Näsinpuisto Park is the oldest museum, dating back to a 100 years, apart from which there are the Lempäälä, the Kivimuseo or the Tampere Mineral Museum, the Lenin Museo and a number of other interesting museums to explore. Similarly, there are several galleries, most of which are located in the central and the western part of the city. Of these the most prestigious galleries is the Tampereen Nykytaiteen Museo (Gallery of Contemporary Art), while the Galleria Rajatila, Galleria Saskia and the Galleria Vitriini are also of significant importance.

Summer is the best time to visit Tampere, as one can enjoy the sunshine into the wee hours of the night. The exotic cruises down the many lakes in Tampere and along the Mustalahti Harbor are a great treat in summer while swimming and sunbathing in the beaches of Lake Pyhäjärvi are popular activities. A family extravaganza is a visit to the amazing Särkänniemi Amusement Park with its dolphinarium, an aquarium for other marine animals along with the wildest joyrides that can excite both children and adults alike.

If you are a ski fanatic, Tampere has arrangements for that too, as you can visit the lovely Hervanta Ski Center, which offers three different level ski slopes suitable for beginners as well as skilled skiers. You can also explore neighboring areas, such as the Helvetinjärven National Park, Nokia, Pirkkala, the Mattinen Holiday Island, the Himos Ski Center and the Sappee Ski Center. Festivals take place throughout the year with theatres and other performances while the city offers shoppers a choice of numerous shops and shopping malls to indulge at. In overall, Tampere is a great place to holiday and it receives tourists from all parts of the world, the year round.