Although I am very excited to write about all the places in the wide wonderful world that I have been lucky enough to visit, there is always one place that will have the most special place in my heart. That’s my home town, Tampere.
I have lived all of my life close to Tampere, the farthest away has been 12 kilometres (and yes, that is how many kilometers it was from my house to the city center). Even when I’m technically not living in Tampere (when I was going to school and now that I own a place of my own, I actually live in a town next to Tampere), I still feel that Tampere is the place that I’m from.
Tampere is Finland’s third largest city and has a population of 215 000 people. It was founded in 1779 and it was Finland’s first and largest industrial town. The location of the city is stunning – it is surrounded by two big lakes on both sides and the two lakes are connected with a rapid that runs through the city center.
Tampere was the biggest industrial city in Finland and many big factories were situated right in the city center. Even today, one of the paper factories remains right in the middle.
This is a view from the bridge (Hämeensilta) that connects two halves of the city
The view with Hämeensilta-bridge, Näsinneula and the Tampere Theatre
This beautiful Cathedral in my favorite church in town – it hosts art from the Finnish symbolism artist Hugo Simberg
Näsinneula is a viewing tower at the amusement park situated just about 1,5 km outside the city center. It also hosts an expensive restaurant.
This church, called The Old Church, is situated on the main square of the city – it is a popular wedding church during summer.
Recently renovated Town Hall is located at the main square, close to the Old Church
Tampere has a lot of old red brick buildings
The same view of the heart of the city than at the beginning of the essay, the paper factory at the background. This photo is taken with 'vivid colors' camera settings.
Just to compare: This photo is taken with normal setting of the camera – yes, this is how gray it gets around winter.
How do you like my home town? Would you like to visit?
Gorgeous photos! I’ve never actually read anything about Tampere before, so this was interesting – only ever read about Helsinki. Thanks for sharing, your hometown looks beautiful 🙂
Thanks Tom! Finland is so much more than Helsinki, guidebooks tend to forget that.
Beautiful! Tampere is our 2nd stop on our round-the-world trip. We’ll be there at the end of June. Any tips of things to do from a local’s perspective? Any food we should try? 🙂 We’re really excited to visit!
Wow, cool, welcome to Tampere! 🙂 Top things for free or cheap: Pyynikki, Pispala & Tahmela (great views, wooden houses, narrow streets), Pyynikin näkötorni (viewing tower, famous for it’s doughnuts – delicious), Plevna & Finlayson (old factory buildings and art galleries), markets (Tammelan tori and Laukontori) and while there, taste “mustamakkara” – takes a bit courage and can’t guarantee that you’ll like it but that’s as local as you can get food wise, market hall (Kauppahalli: meat, bread, fish, local produce and beautiful interior), Viikinsaari Island for a picnic (boats from Laukontori), Arboretum (botanical garden). And if you have time or money: Särkänniemi – the amusement park, a longer cruise on Pyhäjärvi or Näsijärvi (for example Suomen Hopealinja), a drive to nearby town of Kangasala (four different beautiful viewing towers with great views), if your into nature and hiking, there are some great opportunities nearby. For food (besides Pyynikin näkötorni doughnuts and mustamakkara), Tampere is “the wings capital” of Finland, so try chicken wings either at Hook or at Siipiweikot. And for drinks a local brewery restaurant Plevna, Teerenpeli and Gastopub Nordic.
How long are you staying for? There are some great summer festivals going on as well in June and July. Enjoy your stay, would love to hear how you liked it!
Wow, thank you so much for all the great tips! I’m going to print out your suggestions 🙂 We’ll be there for one week: 22 June – 29 June. Please let me know what festivals you’d recommend. I hope there are some while we’re there.
Glad to help 🙂 Are you guys aware that all of Finland celebrates Midsummer on 21st to 22nd of June? From noon on Friday to noon on Sunday the city will be practically empty, everybody goes to summer cottages or to Midsummer festivals. Also keep in mind, that during that time all the shops and most restaurants are closed.
There are plenty of Midsummer festivals but the closest one to Tampere is about 90 kilometres away. Town festival called Tammerkosken Sillalla starts on 29th of June.
Well, that’s interesting timing. We arrive in Helsinki on 21 June and will be in Tampere from 22-29 June. I guess we’ll have the city to ourselves! haha Will everything be open again after Sunday?