THE RED MACHINE

from Ice Hockey World Championship - Meet the host

EXPERIENCE THE FINNISH LAKELAND!

observation tower is located in the picturesque area of Pyynikki, which is a sight in itself to walk through.

Right by Pyynikki, you will find Pispala, which is a charming district located in the city of Tampere, Finland. Pispala is known for its distinctive wooden houses, narrow streets, and bohemian atmosphere, which have made it a popular destination for artists, writers, and creatives. The district has a rich history, with many of its buildings dating back to the 19th century, and has a unique character that sets it apart from other areas in Tampere. Pispala is also home to numerous cafes, restaurants, and bars, where visitors can enjoy traditional Finnish cuisine and beverages.

Näsinneula is another famous observation tower located in Tampere, Finland, and is one of the city's most iconic landmarks. The tower stands at a height of 168 meters, making it the tallest observation tower in the Nordic countries. Visitors can take a lift to the top of the tower, where they can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the stunning Lake Näsijärvi and the city of Tampere. The observation deck also features a rotating restaurant, which offers delicious cuisine and stunning views of the landscape below.

Events

During your stay in May, there are two events being held at the same time – Tanssivirtaa (25.-31.5.) and Suuret Oluet, Pienet Panimot (25.-27.5.). Tanssivirtaa is an event centered around modern dance, put together by dance theater MD. Suuret Oluet, Pienet Panimot is a celebration of beer from artisanal and small breweries, held at Ratina.

Activities

Explore Tampere Market Hall

- The Tampere Market Hall, or Kauppahalli, is a bustling indoor market that offers a wide variety of local produce, artisanal goods, and traditional Finnish delicacies. Take a stroll through the market's colorful aisles and sample some smoked salmon, reindeer meat, or Karelian pies.

Take a Hiking Trip - May is a great time to explore Tampere's beautiful natural surroundings. Pack a picnic and head to one of the many hiking trails in the area, such as the Pyynikki Ridge Trail or the Seitseminen National Park. These trails offer stunning views of the Finnish countryside and are perfect for a day trip. Seitseminen is located about an hour’s drive from Tampere.

For a more laid back day trip, look for boats leaving for Viikinsaari from the Laukontori harbor. Viikinsaari is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, offering a range of activities and attractions throughout the year. During the summer months, visitors can enjoy swimming in the lake, sunbathing on the sandy beaches, and exploring the lush forests that cover the island. There are also numerous hiking and biking trails that wind their way through the landscape, offering stunning views of the surrounding scenery.

Enjoy Tampere’s bustling Club Scene - G Livelab is a diverse, higher end club that features jazz, pop, and rock among other genres. Located right by each other are Tullikamarin Klubi and a recently opened Tavara-Asema. If you're looking for more classical live performances, head to the Tampere Theatre or the Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra.

Discover Tampere's Art Scene - Tampere has a thriving arts and culture scene, with numerous galleries, museums, and theaters to explore. Check out the Tampere Art Museum for contemporary Finnish art, or the Vapriikki Museum Centre for exhibitions on Finnish history and culture. Vapriikki features an exhibition about ice-hockey, among other themes. Located close to Vapriikki, you can also find Werstas, which is a Finnish labour museum. For those traveling with younger children, or who are young at heart, the Moomin Museo located at Tampere-talo is worth seeing.

Last, but not least – try a Sauna Experience. No trip to Finland is complete without experiencing the country's famous sauna culture. Tampere offers numerous public saunas and spas, such as the Rajaportti Sauna, which is the oldest public sauna in Finland.

– Tampere sees tourists coming all the way from the capital city, Helsinki, just to enjoy Rajaportti’s unique atmosphere, Kuusisto says.

Sauna restaurant Kuuma is a more modern option located right in the heart of Tampere. Aside from its saunas, Kuuma is known for an excellent cocktail menu and delicious food. There’s also an outdoor pool at Kuuma, where you can cool off after enjoying the sauna.

For a truly authentic experience though, head to Rauhaniemi sauna in the Kauppi area. Rauhaniemi is considered one of the city's most beloved cultural landmarks. The sauna is situated on the shore of Lake Pyhäjärvi, offering beautiful views of the surrounding nature. Rauhaniemi sauna has been in operation since the 1900s and has been a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to relax and unwind in the soothing heat. The sauna offers separate sections for men and women, and guests are encouraged to bring their own towels and refreshments. In addition to the sauna, Rauhaniemi also offers a cafe and a swimming beach, making it a perfect spot for a day out with family and friends.

If Kuusisto had to show someone around in Tampere, she would start the day with unwinding at Rajaportin sauna and spending the evening enjoying a jazz concert at G Livelab.