Tampere

Tampere, Finland

Tampere, the Manchester of Finland, is an interesting melting pot where rich industrial heritage is mixed with wooden houses, homemade flavours, and cultural landmarks of the not-so-distant history. Soak up the local culture and relax in one of the plenty of saunas, the largest in number in entire Finland.

Population:

234,441 (2018)

Currency:

Euro (EUR) €1 = 100 cents

Emergency Numbers:

112

Opening Hours:

Business hours are usually from 8am–4pm. Major shopping centres tend to be open until around 9pm.

Newspapers:

Aamulehti
www.aamulehti.fi

Helsingin Sanomat
Helsinki Times

The City

The history of Tampere started with the establishment of a small market town, until industrial activities in the 19th century led to a rapid increase both in size and population. This was largely triggered by the establishment of the cotton mill by Scottish engineer James Finlayson, setting off an industrial revolution not only in Tampere, but the entire Finland.

The city also bears great historical significance. Tampere was an important red stronghold during the era of the Grand Duchy, prior to the country's independence in 1918. The Battle of Tampere in the same year was one of the most important events in Finland's fight for freedom.

Today, Tampere is a popular laid-back hangout place with plenty to offer for nature lovers and foodies alike. The largest inland city in the Nordic countries is nestled in the never-ending Finnish greenery between the lakes of Näsijärvi and Pyhäjärvi, peacefully demonstrating that industry and nature can after all get along very well.

Do & See

Take a stroll along Tampere's main artery, the 1,300-metre long Hämeenpuisto park, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural and industrial heritage of the city, adorned by colourful patches of trees and lakes.

Dining

Tampere awaits you with a memorable culinary experience: make sure you try the city's famous black sausage (mustamakkara) with lingonberries, or other Finnish delicacies like the meat pie (Lihapiirakka) or Karelian pasty.

Cafes

Welcome to the country of the heaviest coffee drinkers in the world! Given their strong passion for coffee, Finland has an extremely diverse cafe scene that will also spoil you with treats, such as their famous pullas (rolls) and piirakkas (pies).