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Tampere – A rugged beauty bursting with energy
Tampere
- A rugged beauty bursting with energy
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By reputation, Tampere is a rugged beauty between two lakes. Here the heritage of an old industrial city intertwines with the new, energetic trends of a modern university city, and the nobility of a cultural city with the charms of a city with a young population.
For tourists Tampere offers plenty to see and experience: our latest addition is a new, state-of-the art Tampere Deck and Arena for sports, music and events right in the city centre, easily accessible by train from all over Finland.
So where would I take a visitor in Tampere? We would start by walking along the banks of the Tammerkoski rapids, admiring the flowing water and the red-brick buildings on its edge. The city was founded in 1779 on the banks of the Tammerkoski rapids as a city that granted free trade rights to craftsmen, merchants, and entrepreneurs.
In the 19th century, the small village grew into the largest industrial city in the Nordic countries, a city of cotton and linen weavers, shoemakers, and machine builders.
Only one of the factories remain in its original use, namely the TAKO paper mill on the banks below the rapids. Other factory buildings boast activities typical of the 21st century Tampere: culture, cafés, movie theatres, museums, galleries, and companies in the media and creative sectors.
From the “old city” of Tammerkoski, I would take my visitor to the bustle of Hämeenkatu Street and its surroundings to enjoy a selection of department stores and boutiques. We would also visit the university campus and Tampere Hall, home to Tampere Philharmonic
Orchestra the world’s first Moomin museum.
Today, Tampere is a busy city of trade, culture, and education that has a population of over 240,000. According to a recent study
Tampere is the most attractive city to move to, so we expect to figure to grow! While the universities and other educational institutions bring students and young people to our city, also the diverse business sector attracts employees to the region. While we have a large number of companies operating in the ICT, health and wellbeing, and creative sectors, some manufacturing industry operators remain, for example mechanical engineering companies.
A good tour includes a peaceful break, so next I would probably take my visitors to the Tampere Cathedral to enjoy the atmosphere and admire the frescoes of Hugo Simberg. The tour would continue to the Saturday market in Tammela for coffee or black sausages, a local delicacy.
From the market we would hop on our brand new tram, and travel towards the slopes of Pyynikki and Pispala to enjoy a walk and see what the world’s highest gravel esker looks like, and to admire the beauty of Lakes Näsijärvi and Pyhäjärvi. The alleys of Pispala also show a different side of Tampere, with its old cottages and the unique and lively community of the locals. Walking back we might stop by Tampere Art Museum to enjoy a little afternoon art.
In the evening I would take my visitor to the theatre or in the summer to the Särkänniemi Amusement Park. Unless my visitor is a sports fan, in which case we would go to a football match or to an ice hockey match in the new Tampere Deck and Arena. This spring Tampere is a host for 2022 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship. After all, Tampere is home of hockey!
In any case, our tour would end with an excellent meal in one of the city centre’s many fine restaurants. And after that, we could continue to a club to enjoy good music and the beautiful sunset over the rapids and the lakes of Tampere.
Anna-Kaisa Ikonen mAyor of tAmpere
DAY CRUISES | EVENING CRUISES | EVENTS | RESTAURANTS www.hopealinjat.fi
Hopealinjat is your travel guide to Finland`s beautiful lake sceneries and the best local flavours.
Our cruises and services provide many ways to enjoy fresh air and to see the world-famous Finnish lake sceneries, city views, beautiful countryside and green forests. Hop onboard on our memorable cruises.
We offer cruises in Tampere, Hämeenlinna, Virrat, Ruovesi, Nokia, Lempäälä and many other destinations along the way.
For more information www.hopealinjat.fi Contact: 010 422 5600 asiakaspalvelu@hopealinjat.fi
VIIKINSAARI ISLAND
RESTAURANT | NATURE PARK | CRUISE
The Viikinsaari island in Tampere is a wonderful place to spend a summer day with your family, friends or a loved one. The boat trip from Laukontori harbour to Viikinsaari island takes only 20 minutes and offers a lovely break from the hassle of the city. Viikinsaari offers something for everyone: summer theatre, nature park, sauna and outdoor games for hire. Island’s over 120 years old restaurant Viikinsaari, the oldest summer restaurant in Tampere, is located in a beautiful old wooden villa. Restaurant Viikinsaari offers lake and archipelago inspired, straightforward Finnish food with a modern twist valuing local producers and the island's very own herb garden.
Take a look at the schedule and book your tickets online www.viikinsaari.fi www.ravintolaviikinsaari.fi
STEAMSHIP TARJANNE
CRUISES | RESTAURANT | HISTORICAL | TAMPERE
S/s Tarjanne built in 1908 is the only passenger steamship in the world that still operates regularly on a long distance route. Tarjanne sails from Tampere Mustalahti harbour to Virrat via Ruovesi. Onboard Tarjanne passengers will experience the authentic steam whistle blow and enjoy delicious modern Finnish food made with fresh, local ingredients at the restaurant designed by a famous Finnish painter Akseli Gallen-Kallela.
