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Tampere

Set between two vast lakes, scenic Tampere has a down-to-earth vitality and pronounced cultural focus that make it a favourite for many visitors. The Tammerkoski rapids churn through the centre, flanked by grassy banks that stand in contrast with the red brick of the imposing fabric mills that once drove the city's economy. Regenerated industrial buildings now house quirky museums, enticing shops, pubs, cinemas and cafes.

Explore Tampere

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Tampere.

  • Museum

    Vapriikki

    This bright, modern glass-and-steel exhibition space in the renovated Tampella textile mill hosts regularly changing exhibitions on anything from bicycles…

  • Church

    Tuomiokirkko

    An iconic example of National Romantic art nouveau architecture, Tampere's cathedral dates from 1907. Hugo Simberg created the frescoes and stained glass;…

  • Museum

    Amurin Työläismuseokortteli

    An entire block of wooden houses – including 32 apartments in five residential buildings, a bakery, a shoemaker, a public sauna, two general shops and a…

  • Amusement Park

    Särkänniemi

    This promontory-set amusement park complex offers dozens of rides, an observation tower, art gallery, aquarium, farm zoo and planetarium. A one-day pass…

  • Museum

    Vakoilumuseo

    The offbeat spy museum under the Finlayson Centre offers a small but well-assembled display of devices of international espionage, mainly from the Cold…

  • Museum

    Werstas

    This worthwhile labour museum has a variety of changing exhibitions covering social history and labour industries. The permanent exhibition consists of…

  • Gallery

    Sara Hildénin Taidemuseo

    Located in the Särkänniemi amusement park, this museum showcases a collection of international and Finnish modern art and sculpture amassed by Sara Hildén…

  • Museum

    Moomimuseo

    Enter the world of Tove Jansson’s enduringly popular Moomins at this impressive museum in Tampere-talo. It contains original drawings and beautiful…

  • Cultural Centre

    Finlayson Centre

    Tampere’s industrial era began with Scot James Finlayson, who established a cotton mill by the Tammerkoski in the 1820s. Later it grew massively and was…

  • Tower

    Näsinneula Observation Tower

    The 168m-high Näsinneula Observation Tower is in the Särkänniemi amusement park. This is the tallest such tower in these northern lands and that alone…

  • Tower

    Pyynikin Näkötorni

    This stone observation tower is on the ridge of Pyynikki Park, and has a cafe serving delicious freshly made doughnuts. You can walk from the centre of…

  • Church

    Ortodoksinen Kirkko

    Near the train station, this ornate, onion-domed Orthodox church is worth a visit. During the civil war, White troops besieged the church, which had been…

  • Church

    Finlaysonin Kirkko

    The Finlaysonin Kirkko was built in 1879 as a place of worship for employees of the cotton mill and their families.

  • Church

    Aleksanterin Kirkko

    The beautiful Aleksanterin Kirkko has red brick and green spires and was named in honour of Tsar Alexander II.

  • Museum

    Lenin Museo

    There are few displays dedicated to the revolutionary leader here; rather, displays focus on the shared modern history of Finland and Russia. The…

  • Aquarium

    Särkänniemi Aquarium

    The aquarium inside the Särkänniemi amusement park has limited information in English and isn’t especially memorable, with the Finnish fish (including…

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Tampere.

  • Activities