Finland travel tips: Tampere

Stories / Cultural tourism / Finland

“Industrial Town”. This name totally fits the description of Tampere, the second largest town in Finland, after the Greater Helsinki Area. Tampere is not a typical town among the largest Finnish towns, i.e. it has 2 places which can be considered as a city center. The first one is, perhaps, the railroad station, which is not something to be symbolic, and the second one is the actual city center. However, speaking of the symbols of Tampere, the Näsinneula Tower is one of the most recognizable symbols of the town. 

Where: Tampere, Finland
What: “Travel Smart” series

We will begin our journey in the town of Tampere (or Tammerfors in Swedish) from the railroad station, which is easier to find in this case. Though, if you travel from Helsinki to Tampere by car, you most likely take the road E12, which later becomes 3495. Go till you reach the Kaleva Church. This is perhaps the most unusual church in Finland; it looks like a building with no real signs of a church. Take a walk around, and then go to the railroad station. There are lots of shopping malls in the area, but we are headed a bit to the north on Rautatienkatu; our destination there is another church, the Tampere Cathedral (see the opening picture). It is one of the symbols of the town, quite a nice church outside and inside. Take your time to visit it.

Kaleva Church

The town of Tampere offers quite many options for accommodation, for instance, Solo Sokos Hotel Tammer, quite interesting and big inside, though simple outside, and Original Sokos Hotel Ilves Tampere, which has quite a modern look and is one of the best in Tampere. 

Original Sokos Hotel Ilves Tampere

Hämeenkatu Bridge

While taking a walk between those hotels, choose your way through the Koskipuisto, a nice small park on the side of the river, and then turn to Hämeenkatu. There is a bridge from which most of people take pictures, since it is quite symbolic for the town. A little ahead, you will see the central bus station on your left, and the central (main) square on your right. It is quite a nice place to walk around and take pictures. Though, if you are planning to purchase a souvenir from Tampere, it is going to be quite problematic, since Tampere is not quite a favorite tourists’ destination. While being on the square, you will see the City Hall, a nice simple building. As a matter of fact, it is not always recalled as one of the symbols of the town at first place.

Bus Station

City Hall

   

If you go a little ahead, you will see another church, called Alexander Church, with a nice park around. But what is more interesting is the neighboring library, which, at first sight, looks more like a fallen UFO, by which it attracts visitors. It is called Pääkirjasto Metso. And for the fans of the Moomi characters, there is a Moominvalley nearby, just a bit ahead. Clearly, Tampere is a big town and has its own airport, as well as its own university and other entities. 

Alexander Church

 Library (Pääkirjasto Metso)

 

All in all, Tampere leaves an impression of a truly industrial town, which it actually is. There are a lot of young people, lots of students, and it is quite an alive town. A perfect ending of the journey in Tampere would be in the Särkänniemi amusement park and, especially the Näsinneula Tower. There is, definitely, a lot to explore in the town of Tampere, you can always find something for yourself. If you have another day for the journey, try to visit 2 of the national parks nearby, the Helvetinjärvi National Park and Puurijärvi-Isosuo National Park. And we are headed to the town of Turku, the old capital of Finland. Therefore, get ready for 5 final chapters of the journey in Finland with Travel Smart!

Särkänniemi amusement park

View to the lake from the Näsinneula Tower

Kirill “Traveler” Malyutin

About Travel Smart series:

“Travel Smart” is a section, narrating about different countries and good travel tips, advised by the author, Kirill Malyutin. The series contains recommendations, including selected places to visit, character accommodation, and reasonable shopping. Simply get inspiration!

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О серии «Travel Smart»:

«Travel Smart» – раздел, в котором автор Кирилл Малютин рассказывает о разных странах и дает необходимые в путешествии советы. Серия включает в себя рекомендации по посещенным автором местам, характерным средствам размещения, а также разумному шопингу. Вдохновитесь приключением! 

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• Finland travel tips: Lahti
• Finland travel tips: Lappeenranta & Imatra

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