Tampere - Culture

Cultural life:

In addition to its dynamic commerce and industry, Tampere is also known for versatile cultural services,sports facilities and attractions to a traveller. Tampere's reputation as a city of culture can be mainly attributed to its several theatres and art museums and the various types of festivals it organizes. Many world-class artists perform at the new Tampere Hall, Scandinavia's largest concert and congress centre. These well functioning services make your visit to Tampere easy, whether it's a congress or holiday trip.

The Tampere International Theatre Festival held in July-August has evolved into the third most popular cultural festival in the country. During the festival, theatre is brought out into the streets and squares of the city. At other times theatrical enjoyment is provided primarily by two large professional theatres, several travelling theatre groups and Pyynikki Summer Theatre.

Tampere International Short Film Festival, held annually in March is a magnificent event of quality and fun for friends of short film.

More culture:
Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra
Sara Hilden Art Museum
Tampere Art Museum
Museum Centre Vapriikki
Tampere Music Festivals

Shopping in Tampere:

City of Tampere offers large variety of shops selling top quality original Finnish products, from handicrafts to world-class mobile phones. The city has many factory outlets, where real bargains can be found. The best shopping street is the mainstreet Hämeenkatu and it's surroundings. Large shopping centres Koskikeskus, Tullintori and Kehräsaari are in the downtown area.

Sights worth to see:

The Pyynikki ridge, which was designated a natural concervation area in 1993, allows a view of the true Finnish landscape of forests and lakes. The esker, claimed to be the highest in the world, was formed by the melt waters of the ice age about 10000 years ago. Located near the city centre, Pyynikki has always been a favoured area of recreation.

The architecture of the city's main library called 'Metso' (Wood Grouse) is renowned. The new library building has drawn residents in record numbers.

The waters of Tammerkoski Rapids that flow through the city have remained clean despite the many factories on its banks. The city centre is a popular site for leisure fishing where the lucky fisherman can land a rainbow trout, a whitefish or a lake trout.

Särkänniemi amusement park and the Näsinneula tower, cruises on two great lakes, several art museums and professional theatres should not be missed, either.