Meet your host, Tampere

Tampere, located in western Finland, is a vibrant and charming city that offers a unique blend of history, sports, culture, and natural beauty. Known as the "Manchester of Finland" for its industrial past, Tampere has since transformed into a modern and cosmopolitan city that still retains its historic charm. With picturesque lakes, stunning architecture, and a thriving food and drink scene, Tampere has a lot to offer.

Tampere is a vibrant city in southern Finland, known for its unique blend of natural beauty and industrial charm. The city is situated between two large lakes, Näsijärvi and Pyhäjärvi, which provide a stunning backdrop for its lively urban culture.

Tampere was founded in 1779 as a market town by the Tammerkoski rapids. The rapids provided a source of hydropower that helped the city grow into an industrial powerhouse during the 19th century. Today, Tampere is a thriving city with a population of nearly 250,000 people.

The city's industrial past is still evident in its architecture, with many of the old factory buildings having been repurposed into cultural centers, galleries, and museums. Along with repurposed industrial buildings, you will find the center of the city to be full of beautifully ornate stone buildings that tell the city’s history.

Tampere-seuras executive director HannaLiisa Onnela describes Tampere as a big city in miniature size.

– Tampere has the atmosphere and opportunities of a big city, but it’s very walkable and has great public transportation. The people of Tampere are extremely approachable and easy going. There’s a no nonsense attitude about them - they are proud of their city, but not arrogant, Onnela comments.

Hometown rivalry

There is one thing that truly sets Tampere apart from other cities in Finland, and that is its passion for ice hockey.

Ice hockey is a deeply ingrained part of Finnish culture, and Tampere is no exception. The city has two professional ice hockey teams: Tappara and Ilves. These teams are fierce rivals, and their matches between them are always a major event in the city.

Nokia Arena, located in the heart of the city, is the home arena for both teams, and it's a place where local fans and tourists alike come together to experience the thrill of ice hockey.

– Ice hockey in Tampere has deep roots, at all levels of the sport. Tampere as a city has really put its best foot forward in supporting our future star players by maintaining an excellent network of both indoor and outdoor skating facilities, Onnela explains.

Your host arena

Nokia Arena is a brand new, state-of-the-art facility that can seat up to 15,000 spectators. The arena is equipped with modern technology, including a giant screen that displays the game in high definition. The stadium also features a variety of amenities, such as restaurants, bars, and shops, which make it a great place to spend time with friends and family.

Nokia Arena is not only a place for ice hockey games, but it's also a venue for other events. Concerts, exhibitions, and conferences are often held in the arena, making it a versatile and dynamic space that is always buzzing with activity.

Tampere welcomes you

Tampere is one of the fastest growing cities in Finland, and is ranked as the most attractive city for Finns moving from one city to another. The ever-evolving city is “the city that dared”, according to Onnela.

Onnela doesn’t hesitate when she’s asked about her favorite thing about Tampere.

– The people, and their easy going nature.

And her best tip for anyone visiting the city?

– Be your authentic self. Feel free to approach people, and ask for help if you need it, she says.

On the rare occasions when there isn’t an ice hockey game going on, Tampere has plenty to offer. This magazine is full of tips on where to eat, drink and shop, as well as what to do when you’re not at Nokia Arena.

Tampere welcomes you to enjoy the magic of the International Ice Hockey Championship of 2023!