Welcome to the city of Tampere, one of the most captivating cities in the whole of Finland. Although inland, it is surrounded by two great lakes Pyhäjärvi and Näsijärvi – this peculiar positioning gives the city its own special charm. The sights and impressive bodies of water are not the only reason to visit the city, however. As a cultural hub and one of the three major cities in southern Finland, Tampere offers a wide range of activities and services for those traveling to the city.
Attractions
Tampere is a unique city, offering a wealth of sights and attractions to explore. Such as the amusement park, Särkänniemi, situated on the banks of the breathtaking Näsijärvi.
In Tampere, nature is integrated into the urban scene. This integration is seen when walking downtown and coming across Tammerkoski, our river, which connects the two major lakes. On top of admiring its novelty, you can enjoy fishing from it during the day. Then, on the northern part of the river, there is the old industrial area where one can see the former Finlayson textile mill and the former metal and textile factory Tampella. One can also find museums there.
This collection of museums includes establishments such as the Tampere Art Museum, the Sara Hildén Art Museum, the Milavida Museum, and the iconic Moomin Museum, which is situated across the street from the University of Tampere.
Naturally, we also cannot forget about the Finnish Museum of Games, located in the Museum Center Vapriikki, located across the river Tammerkoski. This museum shows that Finns’ passion towards games and play is not one to be underestimated, even if we hardly ever show it.
Of course, if food and saunas interest you more, the city offers a wide selection of those as well. We have a local delicacy, black sausage, and out of over fifty public saunas, you have your pick if you need relaxation through steam. Some of the favorites among our visitors include Kaupinoja Sauna on the bank of Näsijärvi, and FLOU – Public Sauna that provides you with great views and a restaurant. Or maybe the historical Rajaportti Sauna that has been around for 120 years already would be more your fancy.
Communities and Events
Tampere has active communities, and whether they are centered around games and play or some other cultural phenomenon, they are the highlight of the city for many.
Where do these communities then gather? There are many game cafes, such as Taverna, located near the downtown train station. Maybe you would prefer the eSports Bar & Game Cafe Lategame, where others passionate about games of all kinds gather (they even host game tournaments!). Or, perhaps, Save File would be more your speed, where you can even reserve booths to play in. These establishments, among many others, are fine places to meet other like-minded individuals in matters of playing.
Maybe staying still is not to your liking, and you are searching for something more active. If you want to participate in wider-scale events or simply get some walking done, then look no further. Events and exhibitions based around popular culture phenomena will surely bring a fresh cultural breeze to your life. Lantrek, an annual gaming event held at the Tampere Sports & Expo Center, offers you the opportunity to mingle with others who share a passion for gaming culture. It, however, takes place in October, so it does not coincide with our Spring Seminar.
The same rings true for Tracon, which is “an annual anime- and role-playing convention held in Tampere Hall”. This, too, is held in Autumn, so if you decide to visit then, it may be of interest. On the topic of everything fictional, “Tampere Kuplii” is an annual comics festival held in March. So, if you decide to drop by a bit earlier, this could be considered an excellent waste of time, free of charge!
There is a lot to do in Tampere
The Tampere we have written about is but a mere glimpse into the actual city. There are historical monuments, sports events, and various districts left for you to explore. And, while the city itself is a remarkable sight, there is no reason to disregard the culture and people. Nevertheless, if you do decide to visit our city, we welcome you wholeheartedly. If you require further information about leisure activities or simply need good company, be sure to contact our Game Research Lab. Our staff is always enthusiastic about welcoming new people to our city.
Events and Communities 