This year, winter has come to all of Finland, all the way to the south. wonderful! You can experience the joys of winter on the southern side of the Arctic Circle, so you can also vacation in the cities of southern Finland and still enjoy the magic, hobbies and scenery of winter. Tampere in winter offers at least as much to do as in summer, when Tampere's streetscape becomes full of events, terraces and summer travellers. There is already plenty to see in just one day because Tampere is a large city but packed into a compact size. The central location of Tampere makes it easy to reach, and within a couple of hours you can easily reach Tampere by OnniBus from Jyväskylä, Turku, Pori, Lahti, and Helsinki. Accommodation options can be found for different needs and in different price categories, both in the city center and a little further out. City silhouette When you arrive from the south, the changing silhouette of the city center appears like the profile of a larger metropolis. Torni hotelli has been joined by other tall buildings and the Nokia Arena. Tampere is starting to feel like a big city, and the trolley traffic that will start later this year will further increase the impression of a modern, developing and modern city, where the city's history is smoothly intertwined with the developing cityscape. The red factory buildings built by the Tammerkoski river/rapids are also part of modern Tampere, smoothly and inseparably. Finlayson's 200-year-old buildings are a functional part of Tampere in the 2020s, just as they were one of the most important industrial buildings in the northern part of the country in the 1820s.(it is possible to go on the roof walk in the Finlayson factory area https://roofwalk.fi/) Tampere city center on foot Tampere offers pre-planned walking tours based on different themes and the building history of Keskustori (central square) can be viewed digitally on the website https://keskustoriar.nfshost.com/. You can just go for a walk without a clear goal and find a lot to admire in the center and its surrounding areas, as well as to eat, because restaurant selection is nicely diverse. They offer both traditional steak and pasta as well as fusion cuisine and delicacies from different ethnic cuisines, e.g. Japanese, Indian, Nepalese, Vietnamese, Italian, Spanish, Thai, Chinese, Egyptian, and of course local delicacies, for which Tampere is famous - wings and black sausage! 😊 Tammerkoski neighborhood is certainly one of the most popular places to visit in the city center, and for a good reason. The rapids do not go freeze even in the most severe frosts, even though the ice accumulates in the dam structures into thick works of art. At the southern end of Tammerkoski, at the waters of Lake Pyhäjärvi, there is the Ratina stream pool and around it the shopping centers Koskikeskus and Ratina and the Ratina stadium. In the north, at the mouth of Lake Näsijärvi, is the Särkänniemi amusement park. And in between is the center of the city. Water plays a big role in Tampere and it is hard to imagine what Tampere would be like without the surrounding lakes and the rapids flowing through it. In the center of the city is Keskustori At the edge of the central square Keskustori, the Raatihuone building is a gallant host, which was greeted visitors for good while now. On the opposite side of the square by the Tampere theater is the Old Church, behind you'll find the Old Main Library and the cultural house Laikku. There is a route to the Patosilta bridge next to the Laikku stage, which you can use to cross Tammerkoski. In addition to the ice sculptures formed by the winter rapids, you can see the art of the footbridge, which is also called the love bridge; the locks left by lovers on the railings. By following the riverside to the north, your path takes you to walk past the legendary Hotel Tammeri and Tampere's main fire station, towards the Tampella factory gate. Tampella's old factory buildings now house a courthouse, a hospital and, Museum Center Vapriikki, which has a versatile selection of museums to choose from, and certainly also those less enthusiastic about museums will find interesting things to see and experience there, such as the Finnish Ice Hockey Museum. On the other side of the rapids, Finlayson factory properties now house the cinema Plevna, several different restaurants, cafes, as well as various cultural spaces and corporate offices. The way Tampere has repurposed old factory buildings is a tribute to the city's history, a look into the present and the future. It is worth remembering to mention that right in the center, on the shore of Tammerkoski, there is also the Tako cardboard factory, which is still in operation. Rare these days in the center of any city. Walking to Siilinkari At the end of Tammerkoski, before arriving at Lake Näsijärvi, near Tallipiha shops, is the Mältinranta winter swimming spot. It is the most central open-air swimming spot near the core of the city. A little further outside of the center, there are several places, the most famous of which is the Rauhaniemi public bath located a stone's throw from the center. After Lake Näsijärvi gets its durable ice surface, the townspeople go in droves to the lighthouse island of Siilinkari and its surroundings; walking, skiing, skating or, for example, kick sledding. In spring and winter, winter family events are organized at Siilinkari. Paasikiventie, which ran next to Lake Näsijärvi's shoreline near the center, has been partially demolished and partially taken over for light traffic after the traffic was diverted past the center to the Rantatunneli underground tunnel. The reuse is a bit reminiscent of New York's The High Line garden area, where a light traffic channel and gardens have been built on the old train track running at a height of 10 meters. Perhaps the idea could have been copied more. The areas of Tampella and the newer Ranta-Tampella offer modern living in the center that blends in with the surroundings and urban milieu. Delicious donuts! If you travel in the direction of Lake Pyhäjärvi from the center you will find Pyynikki and the amazingly beautiful Pyynikinharju nature reserve. In its central location is certainly one of the favorite destinations of the townspeople and also visitors: Pyynikki observation tower and its cafe's famous donuts! The view from the Pyynikkiharju ridge to Lake Pyhäjärvi is breathtakingly beautiful, both in summer and in winter. On the border of Pyyniki and Pispala, on the ridge, it is possible to take only a few steps to admire the sparkling Lake Näsijärvi in the north and the sparkling Lake Pyhäjärvi in the south. Of course in winter a thick blanket of ice and snow shimmers on both sides of the ridge. Culture Tampere is a dream destination for those who love culture and sports; several high-quality professional and amateur theaters, stand-up comedy and musicals, cinemas and events can be found around the city throughout the year, but especially in the summer. Museums and cultural centers. Fairs and entertainment events. Sports events and concerts. The possibilities to experience culture are almost limitless. Winter vacation in Tampere If you're wondering where to go for a week of skiing vacation to relax, how about a short (or even longer) vacation in Tampere! You can find more tips and links on the Visit Tampere website, and you can travel conveniently with OnniBus. Tickets from €1.
