Tampere Region
The Tampere Region, also known as Pirkanmaa, consists of 23 municipalities, of which 12 are cities. The neighbouring cities (Tampere City Region) include Kangasala, Lempäälä, Nokia, Orivesi, Pirkkala, Vesilahti, and Ylöjärvi. Tampere is the third-largest city in Finland and the centre of its region. There are around 160 lakes solely in the Tampere city area, so Tampere is truly is a gem of the Finnish Lakeland. The Tampere Region also offers countless opportunities for enjoying nature, from an outing of a couple of hours to a few days of hiking. There are three national parks in the region and one of them, Helvetinjärvi National Park, has been selected as one of the top 10 national parks in Europe.
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The Centre of Region
According to us Finns, Tampere is the most loved residential and tourism city in Finland. The secret of Tampere is its originality. It is a way of life, that takes you along. The city is a functional entity in a compact size. Tampere is located in Southern Finland and both domestic and international travel connections to the city are excellent. Tampere has all-year-round direct flights to many European cities. It’s easily reached by plane, train or bus. A train from Helsinki to Tampere takes only 1.5 hours.
The industrial origins of Tampere have given it a uniquely versatile, forward-looking character. Tampere is internationally known as a city of technology, often leading at the forefront of development. The hometown of innovations has made many world-class breakthroughs and has developed products and services that improve the quality of life of ordinary people.
![Sauna restaurant from above](https://visitlakelandfinland.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Visit_Tampere_Laukontori_Kuuma_Sauna_ravintola_restaurant_drone_Laura_Vanzo-3-2560x1080.jpg)
Urban nature, industrial heritage and much more
Tampere is surrounded by beautiful lakes and eskers, its scale makes it delightfully walkable, and there’s always something new and innovative going on.
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Tampere is located between two big lakes, Näsijärvi and Pyhäjärvi, and the city is divided into two halves by the Tammerkoski rapids. The forests start right from the city centre and the lakes are nearby. All of the attractions in the city centre can be reached on foot in 15 minutes.
Tammerkoski Nature Trail
Pyynikki
Pyynikki Nature Reserve
Pispala -
The centre of the city is dominated by its industrial heritage, the national landscape of Tammerkoski and the historical red brick buildings built alongside. Tampere has an impressive history as an industrial city; the Finlayson cotton factory was the first large-scale industry company in Finland. But in Tampere, we don’t look back, and that’s why construction sites are often a feature in everyday street life here. The new tramway route will be extended even further, and Finland’s largest multipurpose arena, the new Nokia Arena, has opened to great success and brings events to the city centre.
Finlayson Area -
Tampere is defined by the local treats of black sausage with lingonberry sauce and the world’s best doughnuts at Pyynikki Observation Tower Café or, for example, morning coffee at the Laukontori Market Square enjoyed in a gentle lake breeze. However, that’s not all because the food culture of Tampere is truly versatile and highly valued. The best way to get to know the city is to head to one of its lovely restaurants, idyllic cafés or relaxed pubs and breweries. Make sure that you also visit the beautiful old Market Hall and experience the local atmosphere and flavours.
Tampere also has many imaginative museums, like the world’s only Moomin Museum. Additionally, Tampere is known as an international city of events, where people can enjoy, for example, music and theatre on various stages, both big and small.
Pyynikki Observation Tower and Café
Laukontori Market Square
Tampere Market Hall
World’s Only Moomin Museum
![Sauna-goers cooling off at Rajaportti sauna in Pispala district of Tampere.](https://visitlakelandfinland.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Rajaportti-sauna-Laura-Vanzo-17-2560x1080.jpg)
The Sauna Capital of the World
Tampere has been the Sauna Capital of the World since 2018. The title was earned with the high level and large amount of public saunas. In total, there are over 55 public saunas in the region. The title for Tampere was advocated for by both the International Sauna Association and the Finnish Sauna Society. The history of the sauna culture in the city goes back to the still functioning oldest public sauna: Rajaportti Sauna in the district of Pispala, Tampere. In winter, many locals go from the sauna to take a dip in the a frozen lake. The city situated between two large lakes offers excellent possibilities for ice swimming that brings many health benefits.
Tampere is not perfect, it is a city of people, where it’s okay to just be yourself. Tampere has something that is wonderfully traditional, even enchanting, and something that is so dynamic yet relaxing. Yes, Tampere is a state of mind!