Enjoy a city-break in Tampere this summer. Experience Finland’s fastest-growing city like a local with our guide to exclusive summer-only activities, plus popular foods, hotel recs and more.
What comes to mind when you think about Finland? Snow, reindeer, Northern lights – did I guess right? Well even though Finland is popular as a winter destination, don’t discount their summers. Come summer, when all that snow and ice melt, lakes emerge, beaches reappear and forests burst back to life. As do mosquitoes, but we won’t mention them here.
Summer is the perfect time to visit Finland. The weather is warm, but not too hot – no sweltering 40+ C days here (sorry Spain). There are plenty of outdoor activities to take part in like hiking, fishing, and swimming. Market squares play host to summer events, festivals and concerts, ferries start their tours to local islands and cafe terraces and beer gardens open back up. Plus, the sun practically never sets, so you can get more out of your vacation.
If I’ve convinced you to plan a visit to Finland this summer, let me influence you to make a short stopover in Tampere.
Tampere, (pronounced Tom-peh-reh) is about a 1,5hr train ride from Helsinki. Finland’s fastest growing city, Tampere is well-known for its universities, its Moomin museum, and the sheer amount of public saunas.
The city is clean and compact, modern, but with plenty of old touches. There’s a good balance between nature and urban living, with a mixture of parks, walking trails and lakes as well as movie theatres, shopping malls, restaurants and more.
If you’re a first-time visitor to Tampere, read our recommendations for what to do this summer. Use our ideas as inspiration for your next trip.
What To Do Outside in Tampere (free entry)
Enjoying the outdoors and taking advantage of the warm summer months is a necessity in Finland. After a wet fall, snowy winter and cold spring – summer is the time to spend as much time outside as possible and soak up some much needed vitamin D.
Do as the locals do and take advantage of this short window of sunshine and visit Tampere’s parks, greenspaces and beaches.
- Finlayson Area
Once the site of the historic Finlayson cotton factory, this area has been transformed into an event space and entertainment area, with restaurants, museums, a movie theater, and shops.
Finlayson is an integral part of Tampere’s history, as the city grew and developed around the factory.
In the summer, Finlayson plays host to street art and installations by various local/ student artists. This year, you’ll find large walkway murals in the Väinö Linna Square, Päämääränkuja, and on Finlaysoninkuja. You can also see more artworks inside – check out their website for more information on the artists.
This event only takes place in the summer from June 13 – August 24, so don’t miss it!
Address: Itäinenkatu 4 – 10 33210
Website: Finlayson Area
- Tallipiha
Formerly the stable yard to the Finlayson factory, Tallipiha is now home to boutique shops, a cafe, and a chocolatier – Suklaapuoti. The shops maintain their old-world charm and rustic aesthetic from the 1800s. Open year round, one of the best times to visit is in the summer, where you’ll find chickens, guinea pigs, ponies, and rabbits
Plus, they host market days where vendors sell handmade or secondhand goods, like on the 23 August. See you there!
Address: Kuninkaankatu 4 33210
Website: Tallipiha
- Näsinpuisto
Located behind Tallipiha, this large park was once home to the Nottbeck family, one of the owners of the Finlayson factory. Their manor, Milavida, is now a museum which you can visit.
Explore the park to see specially imported trees, plants, and perennials. Stop and snap a picture of the iconic Näsinneula Observation Tower. Or enjoy views of Näsijärvi lake and the Tammerkoski rapids.
Perfect for a summer stroll, without straying too far from the city centre.
Address Milavidanrinne 8 33210
Website: Museum Milavida
- Walk along Tampella’s Beach
Along the northern shore of Tampere, is Ranta-Tampellan street. A simple walkway offering fantastic views of Näsijärvi lake and a much needed breeze when it starts to heat up. Follow the path to see street art installations, Siilinkari Lighthouse and the Särkänniemi amusement park.
Perfect for an evening after dinner walk.
I recommend you start on either Palatsinraitti Bridge, behind the Vapriikki museum or on Alaverstaanraitti, past the entrance of Vapriikki. Keep left to follow the path until you reach Laelta cafe. From there, take a right and make your way back to town.
Address: Ranta-Tampellan Katu, 33180
- Keskustorin Kesä
Stop by Tampere’s central market square this summer! This enclosed event space in the heart of the city hosts summertime events and activities for all ages. Or pull up a seat and grab a bite to eat from one of several stalls operated by Tampere’s most popular cafes and eateries.
The event area is open to all ages and entry is free.
Address: Keskustori 1, 33200
Website: Keskustorin Kesä
What to do Outdoors Outside of the City-Center
If you have time to venture outside of the city-centre and don’t mind taking public transportation, I recommend visiting the following places:
- Pyynikki & Watch Tower
A large nature reserve on the western part of Tampere, with plenty of walking and hiking trails, observation points, and 2 small beaches along the lakeside. Also home to the famous Pyynikki Watch Tower and even more famous Pyynikin donuts.
Offers great views of the city as well as Lake Pyhäjärvi. I recommend staying for an hour or two to really explore the area.
Make sure to reward yourself with a sugar coated munkki after your hike! It will be well deserved, trust me.
It can be quite tricky to get to if you’re unsure of how to get there as signage is a bit lacking. If you’re staying in the city centre, take a bus from Keskustori F stop. The 7, 8B and 10 will take you to the Pyynikinrinne stop and from there you’ll walk the rest of the way.
The area is elevated, so depending which bus you take, it may be a bit of a climb.
Address: Tahmelantie, 33230
Website: Pyynikki
- Hatanpää Park Arboretum
This stunning arboretum along Lake Pyhäjärvi is made up of 3 parks. Featuring various types of trees, an alpine rose section, rose garden, summer flowers and spice plants – all in bloom for summer.
Ideal for a relaxing summer picnic, the arboretum also has 2 cafes in case you don’t feel like packing your own food. Or perfect for laying out a blanket and soaking up some sun.
By bus, it takes about 15 – 20mins with bus lines 11, 26 and 32. If you prefer to walk, it’s about 30 mins from Koskikeskus.
Address: Hatanpään puistokuja, 33900
Website: Hatanpää Arboretum
- Rauhaniemen Kansankylpylä (Outdoor spa & sauna)
If you want to take a plunge into the clean, refreshing waters of lake Näsijärvi, head to the Rauhaniemi Folk Spa.
This rustic outdoor spa has multiple gender neutral saunas, paddle boards to rent (known as SUP boards in Finland) and a lovely beach to take in scenic lakeside views and experience Tampere at its finest in summer.
The beach is open everyday and is free to use. The sauna is 11€ for adults 6€ for kids
From Keskustori F stop, the 2 bus to Rauhaniemi takes 15 minutes and then it’s another 10 min walk to get to the beach.
Address: Rauhaniementie 23 b, 33180
Website: Rauhaniemi
Paid Outdoor Activities In and Around Tampere
- Särkänniemi
Indulge your inner child and head to Särkänniemi amusement park. What better way to enjoy the summer than riding a roller coaster or stuffing yourself with ice cream? Just choose the order wisely…
Visit Tampere’s amusement park on the western edge of town. Featuring 30 rides for all ages, as well as a children’s area, petting zoo, aquarium, planetarium, arcade and the iconic Näsinneula Observation Tower.
If rides aren’t your thing, book a ticket for the observation tower for 360 views of Tampere. Tickets start at 9,90€ or for 22€ you can book the Attraction Ticket which gives you access to everything except rides.
Address: Laiturikatu 1, 33230
Website: Sarkanniemi
- Boat Trip to Viikinsaari
Book a ferry and sail to Viikinsaari, a small island in Pyhäjärvi Lake. A popular local summer destination since the 1800s, the island is just a 20 minute boat ride from Laukontori Harbour.
Explore the island via the nature trail. Try seasonal Finnish dishes, desserts and drinks, listen to live-music or catch a show at the summer theatre. Or if you prefer something lowkey, partake in the ultimate Finnish activity – sauna.
Do this if you’re in Tampere for a couple days. The boat leaves once every hour and you must queue 15 minutes before arrival and departure. The boats get filled quickly, so make sure you book your ticket ahead of time. Learn more at the link below.
Address: Laukontori 13, 33200 (harbor)
Website: Viikinsaari Info
Paid Indoor Activities in the City Center
Tampere is jam-packed with all kinds of indoor activities from museums, shopping malls, movie theaters, gyms, arcades and board game halls. You’ll find something to suit everyone’s age and interests!
- Moomin Museum
A must for Moomin fans or the Moomin-curious, this museum features original artwork and dioramas from creator Tove Jansson and is open year round.
This summer is an extra special time to visit as it’s the Moomin’s 80th anniversary celebration on August 9th. Celebrate your favorite troll family with a day full of events!
Or if you’re not that fussed, consider visiting on July 18th or August 15th when admission is free.
Just make sure you say Hei! to Muumipeikko before you leave!
Address: Tampere Talo, Yliopistonkatu 55, 33100
Website: Moomin Museum
- Van Gogh Alive Exhibition
Newly arrived in Tampere, this immersive art experience lets you delve into the work and mind of Van Gogh. Essential for art-lovers, Van Gogh stans, or those looking for something different.
At the Tampere Hall this summer only, until August 17th.
Address: Tampere Talo, Yliopistonkatu 55, 33100
Website: Van Gogh Alive
What to Eat in Tampere in the Summer
Good food is easy to come by in Tampere. There’s a fantastic selection of restaurants, buffets, cafes, and kiosks to suit every craving. But there are just some foods (and drinks) that just taste better in the summer.
Here is a mix of hot grill food, Tamperelainen delicacies, and some cold treats you should try while in Tampere:
- Lihapiirakka (Meat Pies)
Grilled fast food is very popular in Finland and covers all the basics: burgers, fries and hotdogs. In these unsuspecting stands lives the unsuspecting gem of Finnish cuisine: the lihapiirakka. Perfect for those looking for something quick, filling and delicious. Keep your eyes peeled for signs that say “Grilli”. You’ll find them scattered around town or most often, on the side of the road.
Order a lihapiirakka – a meat pie filled with a mixture of beef, pork, boiled rice, and onion fried in a sweet donut-like dough. Add relish, ketchup, mustard or burger sauce (or all, I won’t judge) for the ultimate Finnish cheap-eat. Try to get it grilled on a panini press for that extra crunch.
For those who are hungry, order a pie filled with hot dogs, sausages, burger patties or even a fried egg. Perfect after a long day exploring the city (or the bars).
- Mustamakkara (Blood Sausage)
Tampere is known for their black sausage (mustamakkara) that’s made with pork and grains and gets its distinctive black colour from blood. For those unafraid of the ominous exterior, give this local delicacy a try!
You can get this at Laukontori or Tammelantori markets. They are freshly made every day in the local Tapola sausage factory. They tend to sell-out quickly, so if you’re serious about trying one, try ordering by early-midday/ lunch time.
Have it with sour lingonberry jam and a drink of your choice (many locals choose milk.. Personally I wouldn’t) and sit down to enjoy perhaps the most emblematic lunch you can in Tampere.
- Muikku (Grilled Whole Vendace)
On certain days at Laukontori market square, you’ll find vendors selling grilled fish, meat and potatoes. If you see muikku on the menu, give it a try! They’re small fish tossed in rye flour and fried whole and you can get fried potatoes on the side.
This is a very popular food in Finland and you can get these in any marketplace during the summer. And, since the fish are fished locally in the Finnish lakeland region, it’s also an eco-friendly choice.
Just watch out for hungry seagulls! They are partial to muikku too…
- Munkki (Sugared Donuts)
Is there anything better than sweet fried dough rolled in sugar? I don’t think so. While they don’t reinvent the wheel, these sugary treats are melt-in-your-mouth delicious, especially from the Pyynikki cafe mentioned earlier in this article.
If you’d rather not hike through a nature reserve to get your hands on one of these, head to the Market Hall instead, where you can find the Pyynikin Munkki-Kahvila for the exact same donuts.
If you want to try munkki with more unique flavour offerings, I would recommend Munkkis located across from Särkäniemi amusement park. Open only from June to September, you can find all kinds of decadent donut options here.
Coffee is the perfect pairing with these sugary treats, so don’t forget to order a kuppi as well.
- Beer
If the hot summer sun is wearing you down and you’re in search of something a little stronger and tastier than water, try one of Tampere’s many craft beers.
There is a booming craft beer scene here in Tampere, from pils type lagers, pale ales, sour ales, stouts, and more. Head to Plevna, a brewery restaurant with a wide range of local brews as well as their own concoctions. If you’re looking for something a little different, try the smoky “James” beer.
If you want to sip in the sun, check out the Pyynikin brewhouse which has a large outdoor terrace along the banks of Tammerkoski. Or, if you’re feeling a little adventurous, wander outside the city centre to Kaleva. There you’ll find the Kaleva Brewing Company, a local brewery who sell their drinks straight from the tap at the Huurre public house.
- Ice Cream
Finland is a nation of ice cream lovers, unafraid of creating new ice cream flavours. During the summertime, small ice cream kiosks pop-up around town, at beaches, in parks basically everywhere.
You can find traditional flavours like vanilla, chocolate and strawberry (often on the price lists with the prefix “vanhanajan” lit. old fashioned). Plus, unique and exciting flavours like lemon liquorice, kinuski, cloudberry, pear and more. Mix and match scoops for even more interesting flavour combos.
Try the “korvapuusti” flavour, a type of nordic cinnamon roll or salmiakki, a salty Finnish liquorice if you see them on the menu.
- Seasonal Fruit and Veg
In market squares, along sidewalks and even in train stations, you’ll find fresh fruit and veggie stands. Look for signs with “Mansikka”or “Herne” to find fresh, local strawberries and green pea pods. Locally grown fruit and veg are hugely popular in Finland, so when your faves come into season, don’t pass them up.
In late-summer, blackcurrant, blueberries, gooseberries, raspberries and more also come into season, so keep an eye out for these if you visit towards the end of July or August. You can’t go wrong with fresh fruit or green peas fresh from the pod.
Outdoor Seating in Tampere City Center
Looking to chill out after a long day of sightseeing? Grab a seat at any of the following cafes, restaurants or bars for outdoor seating. Sip an ice-cold drink while basking in the summer sun.
Puisto – Cafe, bar and restaurant in the center of the city. Outdoor seating wraps around the eatery, giving you a front row view of the Tammerkoski rapids.
Pella’s cafe & bakery – Just across the street from Puisto, enjoy a cup of kahvi on their terrace for prime people watching.
Pyynikin Brewhouse – Famous brewhouse with a refined pub menu and large outdoor terrace along the Tammerkoski. Fills up quickly, so make sure you book in advance!
Amarillo Rooftop Terrace – Tex-Mex bar & restaurant with rooftop seating. Sip in style and soak up the sun while taking in views of the city centre.
Laivaravintola Suvi – Eat and drink on the deck of the Suvi, a moored boat that doubles as a summertime restaurant along the Laukontori market square. Get the nautical experience without ever leaving land. Open from late April to September.
How to Get to Tampere
Whether you’re traveling by train, bus or car, getting to Tampere is easy and straightforward. See how you can find your way here:
Train – Tampere has convenient train links all across the country thanks to its central southern location. Popular departure points are Helsinki, Turku and even as far as Rovaniemi.
Check out the VR website for train times and ticket prices. Download the VR Matkalla app so you can have your tickets on hand.
Bus – Look into Onnibus for super-cheap bus travel. These double-decker buses have room for your luggage, comfortable seating, WiFi, and USB charging zones. Good option if you’re not fussed by a longer travel time.
Car – If you want to explore Tampere, but don’t want to be held to train and bus times and crave a little more spontaneity, consider renting a car from rental centers like 24rent, Europcar, Sixt or Hertz.
Getting Around in Tampere
Tampere is compact, easily navigable and extremely walkable. Here are some options to get around the city – I recommend downloading any transport apps ahead of time so you can get going immediately.
Bus – Large, well connected bus system to get you in and out of the city. I would recommend taking the bus if you’re traveling outside the city center or if you’re staying in the suburbs.
Download the Nysse Mobiili app, you can buy single tickets for the bus and tram – just make sure to scan when you get one. The app can be used in English. Zones A – B will get you around the city centre, Zone C will take you outside. You can also pay with contactless on the bus/tram if you’d rather live life on the edge.
Tram – Relatively new, lots of tram stops in and around the city, but a little lacking outside. Super easy to use and convenient. Buy tickets on the Nysse app and validate once you’re on board.
City Bikes – Cheap, environmentally friendly way to explore the city. Download the Tampere Bikesharing app (or Sale-Pyörä). A single trip is 2€ and a day pass 5€. Read more about the terms and conditions here.
E-Scooters – Though I personally consider e-scooters a menace to pedestrians, they are a cheap option to get around town.
Download the Voi app. Just please be considerate and park your scooter somewhere sensible when you’re done. Read more about e-scooter rules here.
Walking – Honestly, if you plan on staying in the city-center, the best way to get around is by walking. There’s so many nooks and crannies to discover, especially in the summer when you don’t have to trudge through snow or worry about black ice.
Where to Stay in Tampere
If you’re planning to stay in Tampere for a few days, consider the following options. I’ve listed these in order of price per night. Or check out Booking.com or Airbnb for unique offerings in and around the city.
Clean and comfortable hostel and hotel with private and shared rooms. Quiet location, directly opposite the Moomin Museum and the Sorsapuisto park. Shops and grocery stores are in walking distance at Tullintori Shopping Centre.
Address: Åkerlundinkatu 2, 33100
Affordable, modern option in a fantastic location just a few steps from Tampere’s central square (Keskustori). If you’re unfamiliar with the concept, aparthotels have apartment-like amenities like full bathrooms and kitchens, but with the comfort of a hotel. Similar to Airbnb, but rooms are rented by Forenom instead of independent, private owners.
Address: Kauppakatu 4, 33200
Budget-friendly hotel option just a 5 minute walk from the train station and minutes from the centre of town. Close to a number of food and drink options.
Address: Rautatienkatu 21, 33100
3-star hotel near the southern end of town. A little out of the way from the centre of town, but you may appreciate the quieter surroundings. A few minutes from the Laukontori market square and a 10 minute walk to Ratina and Koskikeskus shopping centres.
Convenient, quiet location. Mid to higher-end pricing. Next to Tampere-talo and the Moomin museum and across from Tampere University. Bus stops, shops and grocery stores are in walking distance at Tullintori Shopping Centre.
Address: Yliopistonkatu 57, 33100
4-star hotel in the heart of Tampere. This unique hotel is known as the tallest hotel in Finland and it’s hard to miss! Close to the train station and across the tracks from lots of restaurants and shops.
Check out the Moro Sky Bar, a rooftop terrace with 360 views of the city. High-end price point.
Address: Ratapihankatu 43, 33100
How Long Should You Visit Tampere?
The city-centre and surrounding areas can easily be seen in a day if you plan your day out right and don’t stop anywhere too long. I’d recommend 2 – 3 days to see a little bit of everything at a slower pace or to do 1 or 2 of the attractions I’ve listed, with time to stop for lunch and dinner.
If you plan on staying longer, take advantage of the great train links that Tampere has to offer and visit Hämeenlinna, for instance. It’s an old medieval city in the heart of Tavastia with a large castle by the stunning lake Vanajavesi, from there you can take another train or bus to the famous Iittala glass museum to see storied Finnish craftsmanship up close.
You’re not too far from some great national parks like Helvetinjärvi or Seitseminen and other natural wonders like the stunning eskers in Kangasala.
Ready to Visit Tampere?
Tampere is a great place to visit if you’re new to Finland or just stopping by. There’s a big international presence due to the large student body and international companies like Nokia Technologies. You can get by just fine with English (learning some Finnish will definitely help though).
There’s a good mixture of old and new – traces of Tampere’s factory town origins are everywhere, but don’t feel overwhelming. Newer attractions like Särkänniemi or the Sokos Torni Hotel feel right at home too. There’s tons of food and drink places to choose from, plenty of different types of shops from well-known brands, Nordic brands, homemade and secondhand goods.
Overall, the city is easy to navigate and clean. It has all the offerings of any traditional, big city but with less of the hustle and bustle that comes with city life. If you want to get away and enjoy some peace and quiet parks, beaches and lakes are just a short distance away.
Make time this summer for Tampere! Let us know in the comments if you have any questions or if we’ve missed any must-do summer activities.
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