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Tampere (Swedish: Tammerfors) [1] is situated on the shore of lake Näsijärvi, some 170 km north of Helsinki, Finland. Tampere has around 208.000 inhabitants and metro population of over 340.000. Tampere is the biggest inland town in the Nordic region.
[edit] Understand
The city of Tampere lies on an isthmus situated between Lake Näsijärvi, which reaches far to the north, and Lake Pyhäjärvi in the south. The Tammerkoski rapids that run through Tampere connect the two lakes with a fall of 18 metres. In the 7th century population started to gather to this connecting point of two waterways, and in the 18th century people started to understand the importance of the rapids as a way of making hydropower. So it came to be that Tampere was officially founded in the 1st of October in 1779 by Gustav III of Sweden.
During the 19th century Tampere grew rapidly to be an industrial center, and in the latter part of the century the town had almost half of Finland's industrial labour, earning it the nickname Manchester of the North — which still lives on in the city's nickname Manse. Most of the industry was centered around the rapids, with the textile and paper industries particularly important.
During the Finnish Civil War (1918) Tampere was one of the Red (Communist) strongholds, and it was supposed to be the country's next capital. However, in April 1918 the victorious White forces captured the town after a large battle and seized 10,000 prisoners.
In 1927 the first of the factories stopped industrial operations, and city offices later moved into the empty buildings. After 1960 most of the factories started to cease operations, but the buildings were kept. Nowadays central Tampere is characterized by these old red-brick industrial buildings, most of them housing offices, restaurants, and cultural activities.
[edit] Orientation
Tampere city centre has a couple of prominent features:
- The main street, Hämeenkatu, runs from east to west. At the east end of the street is the railway station and at the west end the Alexander church [2]. Many shops, restaurants and offices are located on the main street. The main street continues to east as Itsenäisyydenkatu and to west as Pirkankatu.
- The Tammerkoski rapids run from lake Näsijärvi in north to lake Pyhäjärvi in south, via Finlayson historical factory area, by riverside park, TAKO factory and Kehräsaari. It's just over 1 kilometer long. The height difference between the two lakes is 18 meters, but the rapids don't flow freely as there are dams and hydroelectric power stations built on the rapids.
- The central square is located right next to the bridge where Hämeenkatu crosses Tammerkoski rapids.
- The city center continues to the shore of lake Näsijärvi in north and lake Pyhäjärvi in south.
- Most of the hotels, shops and attractions are located within walking distance from each other.
- Pyynikki ridge and Pispala are located couple of kilometers west of the city centre.
The city tourist information office [3] is located by the river at Verkatehtaankatu 2 just next to Koskikeskus shopping center and the main street.
People in Tampere speak Finnish and English like everybody else in Finland, but knowing a few words of Tampere dialect (Tampereen kiäli) is guaranteed to get you a few laughs. It's easy enough: just greet people with moro (with a trilling 'r'), refer to yourself as mää (pronounciation: /mæ:'/), call them sää (pronounciation: /sæ:'/) and, if you wish to appear like a douche, end every sentence with nääs (pronounced /næs'/, like 'nash' in Nashville, except with a prolonged a (cf. "Naaaashville") and a normal 's' instaed of 'sh'). A great sentence to practise is 'Mää en kylä enää ikänä alam mitää.' ('Minä en enää jaksa yrittää'(/m'inæ en 'enæ: y'aksa ür'ittæ:/ in plain Finnish) is pronounced: /m'æ: 'en k'ülæ 'enæ: ik'ænæ 'ala mitæ:/. That sentence means: 'I'm too tired of trying again'.
[edit] Get in
[edit] By plane
Tampere is serviced by Tampere-Pirkkala airport (TMP)[4], which lies 17 km from the city and opened in current location 1979. Flying from Helsinki on Finnair doesn't make much sense in terms of time or money unless you're connecting, but there are direct flights to London (Heathrow), Stockholm and Copenhagen.
More importantly for the budget traveller, Tampere is Ryanair's Finland hub, with service to Riga, London (Stansted), Frankfurt - Hahn, Milan, Dublin and Bremen. Note that Ryanair uses the old terminal, not the new one.
Bus services from the airport to Tampere are regular and take about 40 minutes, while taxis take about 20 minutes. Ryanair has its own bus service [5], and the airport is also served by local bus routes [6]. In addition to regular taxi service, there is also a shared airport taxi service (€12 one-way between Tampere and airport) [7].
[edit] By train
Tampere has extensive train links, with lines to Helsinki, Turku, up north to Lapland, east towards Jyväskylä and west to Pori. The trip to/from Helsinki by Pendolino express takes 1 h 26 min and costs €32, while a local train will take 2 h 04 min for the same trip and charge €21. On weekdays, trains to Helsinki run at least about once every hour between early morning and late evening. On weekends, there may be a gap of up to 2 hours between trains. For Finnish students (ISIC not accepted) and children (6-17 years) all train tickets are half price.
If you fly to Helsinki airport and wish to take a train to Tampere, you can take bus 61 [8] or taxi approximtately 5 kilometres from Helsinki airport to Tikkurila train station [9]. An intercity train from Tikkurila to Tampere takes about 1 h 30 min. Note that the ticket office at Tikkurila train station is closed at times while the trains are still running (for example, Sunday nights) and that the ticket machines take cash or Finnish credit cards only, although you may be able to purchase a ticket from the conductor on the train using an international credit card. The train from Tikkurila arrives at the main train station in Tampere.
The Tampere train station is located right at the city center, at the east end of the main street Hämeenkatu. At the moment the station is upgraded. Most of the hotels are within walking distance of the station. The national train operator, VR, has a website where you can view information, see timetables and purchase tickets.
[edit] By coach
There is an almost hourly Expressbus coach connection from Helsinki-Vantaa airport to Tampere bus station operated by Paunu, departing from platform 13 in front of the international flights terminal. The service operates round the clock, although there may be a gap of 1 to 2 h between services in the small hours of the night. The trip takes between 2 h and 2 h 30 min depending on whether the service calls in towns on the way. In some cases, there is a change of coach at Keimolanportti but it is well co-ordinated and easy. Ticket cost is €22.50 (round trip €40.50) for adults, €11.30 for students (ISIC not accepted) and children of age 4-16. Children under the age of four travel free.
[edit] By car
Tampere can be easily reached by car. The drive from Helsinki takes about 2 h and there is a 2+2 lane motorway throughout the journey (speed limit 120 km/h with small portions 100 km/h in the summer, or 100 km/h throughout in the winter). The motorway is new and in excellent condition but is mainly not lit so some care must be exercised when driving in the dark, particularly in the winter when driving conditions can be harsh due to snow and slippery road surface. There are also road connections from Tampere to Turku, Pori, Rauma, Seinäjoki/Vaasa, Jyväskylä and Lahti but these are mostly 1+1 lane regular roads with speed limits between 80 km/h and 100 km/h. Harsh winter conditions may make driving difficult occasionally in the winter, and there is a risk of collision with deer or elk, particularly just after dusk in the late summer and autumn.
[edit] Get around
[edit] By bus
The city centre of Tampere is small enough to be covered on foot, but an extensive bus network connects the suburbs and the downtown. In the city centre, most of the bus lines pass through Hämeenkatu. All buses stop at or near the central square. Realtime info at most stops in centre. Bus schedules can be found at the internet [10] and there is also a vary convenient journey planner available: enter origin and destination either as address or clicking from a map and the journey planner will show the bus route and schedule, including bus numbers, bus stops and walking distances as well as the route on the map [11]
Single tickets for adults (12 year olds and above) cost €2 and children cost €1. Every paying adult can be accompanied for free by one child under the age of 7. Adult with baby in pushchair travels for free. A single ticket includes a 60 minute unlimited transfer ticket. At night time (from midnight until four or five in the morning) there is an extra payment of €2 per ticket. The lines running in the night may also use a different route than in the day time. These buses are recognised through an "Y" in addition to the line number, both on the bus and in the timetables. City transportation single tickets are available from all city tariff zone buses.
You can purchase a Tampere Tourist Card [12] for unlimited travel by bus within the Tampere city borders (€6 for the first day, additional days cost €4 for adults; youth and children are €4/€3 and €3/€2 respectively). Purchase the smartcard at the railway or bus station, central square kiosk or city transportation [13] office at Frenckellinaukio 2 B, at the North Eastern side of the central square.
The tickets are also valid in most line-numbered regional bus lines (lines 45-95), if traveled within the city. You'll recognize a city tariff zone bus from the "hailing driver" logo near the right corner of the front of the bus.
If you're traveling outside the city limits (for instance to Helsinki), you have to pay according to the distance of your trip. When travelling longer journeys, you can buy a single ticket by telling your destination (eg. "to Kangasala" or "to Ideapark") to the driver, and if you have co-passengers for which you're also be paying, then say eg. "two adults", or if you want to buy a return ticket (the length of your trip must however be at least 80 km). In case you're entitle to a rebated ticket, such as a child or youth ticket, then also remember to mention that to the driver before you say your destination. Child tickets are sold to 4-11 year olds and youth tickets to 12-16 year olds. Student tickets are not available with international student ID's.
Public transport routes and timetables (throughout Finland): [14]
[edit] By taxi
Taxis in Tampere (and in Finland) are clean, safe, reliable and reasonably priced. The cost of the trip depends on the number of passengers and time of day (day/night). As an example, 1-2 persons traveling in daytime a 5-kilometre trip costs about €10; and a 10 km trip about €16. You can try to hail a passing cab if its roof light is on, but the usual way is to find nearest taxi stand and get a cab from there; or call for a taxi (the number is 10041 from landline, or 01004131 from a mobile phone). Taxis accept major credit cards. Taxis can be slightly difficult to obtain on weekend nights and during Sundays. [15]
[edit] By car
Most major car rental companies have offices in Tampere. Driving in Tampere is rather straightforward but keep in mind that many streets in the city centre are one-way and streetside parking spaces may be difficult to find at certain times of day (there is no shortage of parking spaces in indoor car parks though). However, winter driving conditions could be dangerous for drivers who are not used to slippery roads (usually between November and April, but possibly during other months too). When driving outside city, watch our for wild moose that could wander over the road. Traffic signs are posted to notify the driver of the areas where moose tend to move about. There are dedicated buslanes only for buses and taxis in the centre.
[edit] Museums
 Vladimir Ilyich strikes a pose - <see name="Amuri Museum of Workers' Housing" url="http://www.tampere.fi/amuri/startpage.htm" address="Satakunnankatu 49" phone="+358 3 5656 6690" hours="Tue-Sun 10-18. Open in summer only." price="Adults €5, children (7-16) €1">Amuri is a block of old houses from the 19th century in which workers used to live. Houses form an almost closed inner court, and share only one kitchen.</see>
- <see name="Finnish Labour Museum Werstas" alt="Työväenmuseo Werstas" address="Väinö Linnan aukio 8" url="http://www.tyovaenmuseo.fi/?q=en" hours="Tue-Sun 11-18" price="Adults €5, students, pensioners and unemployed €4, children (7-15) €2">Lots of different exhibitions to see. Currently on display the history of the Finnish Social Security, Worker's Century and soon to be opened exhibition about the famous Finnish writer Väinö Linna. The fee is also valid for Textile Industry Museum and Steam Engine Museum (the largest Steam Engine ever used on land in Finland).</see>
- <see name="Lenin Museum" address="Hämeenpuisto 28" url="http://www.lenin.fi/" hours="Mon-Fri 09-18, Sat Sun 11-16" price="€5">Tampere's most offbeat attraction and well worth a visit if you have any interest, serious or humorous, in the Soviet revolutionary figure who spent some time in exile in Tampere. Lenin and Stalin met for the first time in this very apartment. Exhibits include a sofa that Lenin slept on and more busts that you can shake a stick at. There is also a wacky but fairly expensive gift shop.</see>
- <see name="Mineral Museaum" url="http://www.tampere.fi/kivimuseo/english/index.htm" address="Hämeenpuisto 20" phone="+358 3 5656 6046" hours="Tue-Fri 09-17, Sat-Sun 10-18" price="Adults €5, children (7-16) and students €1">Museum of rocks and minerals. Exhibition consists of about 5000 items.</see>
- <see name="Rupriikki" address="Väinö Linnan aukio 13 (Finlayson)" phone="+358 3 5656 6411" email="rupriikki@tampere.fi" hours="Tue-Sun 10-18" url="http://www.tampere.fi/mediamuseo/english.htm" price="Adults €5, children (7-16) and students €1">Media museum focusing on history and development of mass communications.</see>
- <see name="Sara Hildén Art Museum" email="sara.hilden@tampere.fi" url="http://www.tampere.fi/english/sarahilden/index.html" address="Särkänniemi" hours="Tue-Sun 11-18">Modern art, both Finnish and foreign.</see>
- <see name="Spy Museum" alt="Vakoilumuseo" address="Satakunnankatu 18" url="http://www.vakoilumuseo.fi/englanti/index.htm" hours="Jun-Aug: Mon-Sat 10-18, Sun 11-17. Sep-May: Mon-Sat 12-18, Sun 11-17">Claims to be the first spy museum in the world, exhibiting everything from spy cameras to secret weapons. Admission €7 (adults) / €5.50 (children and students).</see>
- <see name="Tampere Art Museum" alt="Tampereen taidemuseo" address="Hämeenpuisto 20" url="http://www.tampere.fi/english/artmuseum/index.html" hours="Tue-Sun 10-18" price="€4">. Best known for its permanent Moominvalley exhibition [16], showcasing Tove Jansson's lovable troll family.</see>
- <see name="Vapriikki" address="Veturiaukio 4" url="http://www.tampere.fi/vapriikki/index.html" hours="Jun-Aug: Mon-Tue, Thu-Sun 10-18, Wed 11-20. Sep-May: Tue, Thu-Sun 10-18, Wed 11-20" price="Adults €5, children (7-16) and students €1, pensioners and unemployed €4. Some exhibitions may cost extra">Changing exhibitions. Basic exhibitions include history of Pirkanmaa, shoe museum and hockey museum.</see>
[edit] Churches
- <see name="Tampere Cathedral" alt="Tampereen tuomiokirkko" address="Tuomiokirkonkatu" url="http://www.tampereenseurakunnat.fi/kirkot/tuomiokirkko"> Architectocnically significant church designed by architect Lars Sonck. Basils famous frescos, including Haavoittunut enkeli, Kuoleman puutarhat, and Köynnöksenkantajat, are painted by Hugo Simberg.</see>
[edit] Others
- <see name="Pispala">A ridge between lake Näsijärvi and lake Pyhäjärvi. Formerly a working-class neighborhood, the area has gentrified radically and is currently one of the most exclusive neighbourhoods in Tampere. However, you can still get a glimpse of the history at the area as there are lots of original houses left. Along with neighouring Pyynikki it forms an important historical area of Tampere. You can enjoy nature at the Pyynikki park and climb up to Pyynikki tower for nice views over the ridge, lakes and the city and enjoy coffee & famous doughnuts afterwards. In the summer you can also stop by at Pyynikin kesäteatteri by Lake Pyhäjärvi to enjoy open-air theatre and experience the revolving auditorium.</see>
- <see name="Särkänniemi Adventure Park" alt="Särkänniemi" url="http://www.sarkanniemi.fi/www/index.php?lang=en" price="Entrance €6, single ride ticket €5, day pass €29 (includes entrance)" hours="Adventure park 01-May - 01-Sep, art museum and restaurant throughout the year">Includes a dolphinarium and the landmark Näsinneula tower, topped by the inevitable revolving restaurant. On a summer day the views of the surrounding forests and lakes are quite nice though.</see>
- <see name="Tampere city library and Pirkanmaa regional library" alt="Metso" address="Pirkankatu 2" url="http://www.tampere.fi/kirjasto/english.htm" hours="Mon-Fri 09.30-20.00, Sat 09.30-15.00"> In 1978 a competition was arranged for the design of a new main library. The jury unanimously chose the design by Raili and Reima Pietilä. The architects said they had been influenced by various elements, such as Celtic ornaments, sheep horns and glacial spin formations. The constructional basic idea was space coiling spirally like the shell of a snail. The form of a bird appeared in the design process. Increasingly, the building began to resemble a large game bird - capercaillie. In fact, the library is known under the Finnish name "Metso". Seen from above, the building looks like a bird carrying a shield.</see>
There are two universities in Tampere; the University of Tampere[17], and Tampere University of Technology[18]. The former has about 15,000 students and the latter about 10,000 students. Tampere has also two universities of applied sciences, the Tampere Polytechnic[19] and Pirkanmaa Polytechnic[20], each of which has some 5,000 students.
City of Tampere runs Adult Education Centre of the City of Tampere[21] that offers rather cheap courses for everyone.
Tampere has lots of shopping opportunities from small specialized shops to malls. Grocery stores in Tampere (and in Finland) are usually quite easy to find. Look for e.g. K-market, S-market, Sale, Siwa, and Valintatalo. Supermarkets (Prisma, Citymarket) are located outside the city centre.
[edit] Department stores
- <buy name="Koskikeskus" address="Hatanpään valtatie 1" url="http://www.koskikeskus.fi/">Midsize mall at the riverbank, at the foot of Hotel Ilves.</buy>
- <buy name="Tullintori" address="Tullikatu 10" url="http://www.tullintori.com/">Smallish mall behind railway station, next to Hotel Villa.</buy>
- <buy name="Ideapark" address="Ideaparkinkatu 4, Lempäälä" url="http://www.ideapark.fi/opencms/opencms/ideapark/eng/index.html">Largest mall in Finland with a special focus on furniture, interior decoration and clothing. Located along the Tampere-Helsinki motorway, in Lempäälä, but bus/coach connections exist.</buy>
[edit] Bookshops
- <buy name="Akateeminen kirjakauppa" address="Hämeenkatu 6" url="http://www.akateeminen.com/">Best selection of both Finnish and English language books, especially well stocked in non-fiction books and university course books.</buy>
- <buy name="Suomalainen kirjakauppa" address="Several outlets" url="http://www.suomalainen.com/">Two shops in Hämeenkatu and one in Koskikeskus mall. Mostly specialised in Finnish language fiction but offers a small selection of English-language paperbacks.</buy>
[edit] Markets
- <buy name="Laukontori" address="South end of Aleksis Kiven katu" url="http://www.tampereopas.com/nahtavyydet/kehrasaarijalaukontori/">Marketplace at the shore of lake Pyhäjärvi. In addition to market booths, many Pyhäjärvi cruises start from the harbour right next to the market. From Laukontori you have also a good view of a local eccentricity: a fully-functioning cardboard factory at the middle of the city [22]. This is a good reminder of the Tampere's industrial past.</buy>
- <buy name="Tammelantori" address="Tammelan puistokatu">Busy marketplace surrounded by rather dull-looking 70's apartment flats. In here you can taste the Tampere specialty, black sausage.</buy>
- <buy name="Market Hall" alt="Kauppahalli" address="Hämeenkatu 19" url="http://www.tampereenkauppahalli.fi/en/index.php">Fresh food and other shopping in a historical market hall.</buy>
- <buy name="Kehräsaari" address="Next to Laukontori">Restaurants and tourist shopping at the mouth of the rapid between lakes Näsijärvi and Pyhäjärvi. You can walk from Laukontori to Koskikeskus via Kehräsaari.</buy>
- <buy name="Finlayson" address="At the north from main square" url="http://www.finlaysoninalue.fi/">Historical cotton factory area, now renovated into area with shopping (Siperia), movie theater multiplex (Plevna), restaurants, night clubs, parks, offices and apartment buildings. The factory, founded by Scottish immigrant James Finlayson in 1820, helped Tampere grow into thriving industrial city. Towards the end of 1800's Finlayson factories grew into "a city inside a city". The renovation was completed in 2001.</buy>
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 Culinary nirvana Tampere style: mustamakkara, lingonberry jam, a pint of milk and a donut Tampere is (in)famous for its black sausage (mustamakkara), a sausage made of blood. The most authentic (and cheapest) way to try this is to buy from one of the stalls at the Tammelantori or Laukontori markets, with a dab of lingonberry jam and a pint of milk on the side, but old Tampere hands will insist that the one true condiment is a mix of lingonberry jam and mustard. Order by price, not weight: "two euros" (kaks euroa) will get you a nice hefty chunk. Note that both markets close by 2PM and are closed Sundays too.
Tipping is not customary in Finland. Thus, while being highly appreciated, it is not required. Feel free to tip those you feel deserve it.
[edit] Budget
For inexpensive fast food, you can always visit McDonald's and Subway, or their domestic equivalents Hesburger and Rolls. Finnish pizza franchise Kotipizza has restaurants throughout the city. Ethnic pizza and kebab restaurants can be found throughout the city and are usually quite affordable.
For a lunch during weekdays the best price/quality ratio is offered by the student canteens at the universities [23]
[edit] Mid-range
[edit] Splurge
- <drink name="Amurin helmi" address="Satakunnankatu 49" phone="+358 3 5656 6634" hours="Every day from 10 to 17 (during summer from 10 to 18)" url="http://www.tampere.fi/amuri/kahvila.htm">Cozy athmosphere in an old wooden building which is part of Amuri museum of workers' housing. Tampere specialities and homemade bread.</drink>
- <drink name="Arnolds" address="Tullikatu 6 (Tullintori)" phone="+358 3 2234 850" hours="Mon-Fri 09-20, Sat 10-17" price="Regular coffee from €1.60 to €2.20, doughnuts from €1.70 to €2.30" url="http://www.arnolds.fi/home">Tasty doughnuts baked on location. There's another outlet at Koskikeskus.</drink>
- <drink name="Mokkamestarit" address="Kuukuja 8 E" url="http://www.mokkamestarit.fi/" phone="+358 3 2530 145" hours="Mon-Fri 10-18, Sat 10-16">Great variety of different coffees sold for home use, roasted and grinded by themselves. Couple of different brands served for drinking on spot, brands changing daily.</drink>
- <drink name="Pyynikki Observation tower cafe" address="Näkötornintie" url="http://www.tampereopas.com/nahtavyydet/pyynikinnakotorni/" phone=" +358 3 212 3247" hours="Every day from 09 to 20">Serves donuts appreciated by many. The observation tower is only 26 meters high, but since it is located on a ridge, it offers a great view of Tampere and the surrounding lakes. It costs about one euro to climb up the observation tower.</drink>
- <drink name="Vohvelikahvila" address="Ojakatu 2" url="http://www.vohvelikahvila.com/" phone="+358 3 2144 225" hours="Mon-Sat 09-20, Sun 10-20">Small atmospheric cafe. The name means "Waffle Cafe" and that's what you'll get, in both sweet and savoury versions.</drink>
[edit] Pubs and nightclubs
Plenty of competition on beer prices at Hämeenkatu especially during day.
- <drink name="O'Connel's" address="Rautatienkatu 24" url="http://www.oconnells.fi/" phone="+358 3 222 7032" hours="Open every day 16-02">Irish pub near the railway station. Many staff members and owners are irish/british(?)</drink>
- <drink name="Plevna" address="Itäinenkatu 8" url="http://www.plevna.fi/index_e.html" price="Mains from €10 to €20 and a large beer to wash it down €5, for children from €4 to €8">A brewery pub and restaurant in a renovated old red-brick textile mill, serving solid German-style fare and a wide range of its own microbrews.</drink>
- <drink name="Salhojankadun Pub" address="Salhojankatu 29" phone="+358 3 2553 376" url="http://www.sqc.fi/salhis/">English-style pub a little off the beaten track, but within walking distance of the railway station.</drink>
- <drink name="Gastropub Tuulensuu" address="Hämeenpuisto 23" phone="+358 3 2141 553" url="http://www.gastropub.net/tuulensuu/"> A traditional style pub with an extensive selection (biggest in Tampere) of over one hundred imported Central European and other beers, especially self-imported Belgian brews. Also serves beer snacks and main courses.</drink>
[edit] Nightclubs
- <drink name="Doris" alt="Dorka" url="http://www.aleksinravintolat.fi/dorka/" address="Aleksanterinkatu 20" hours="Fri-Sat 22-04, Tue-Thu, Sun 23-04">Small but popular night club. Not for the upper crust people.</drink>
- <drink name="Ilves" url="http://www.nightravintolat.com/ilves/" hours="Wed-Sat 21-04" address="Hatanpään valtatie 1 (Hotel Ilves)" phone="+358 20 1234 631">Quite popular night club. Music mostly from top hits to club.</drink>
- <drink name="Onnela" address="Puutarhakatu 21" phone="+358 20 7759 470" url="http://ravintolaonnela.fi">A popular night club for 20+ generation. Has multiple departments with different music and visual style. Music from heavy rock to latest pop charts.</drink>
- <drink name="Ruma" address="Murtokatu" url="http://www.ruma.fi/">Popular night club selected the best of the town by City Magazine. Cheap drinks and entrance. Music played is something between rock and pop, often British bands. Small dishes also served. Personal interior designing.</drink>
[edit] Budget
[edit] Mid-range
[edit] Splurge
[edit] Stay safe
In general, Finland is a fairly safe country, and Tampere is no exception. On weekend nights, intoxicated people wandering around city streets may be an annoyance, especially on April 30th, the eve of May Day, when it's a common habit to get drunk; and when nice weather has people on the move. Intoxicated Finns tend to be (sometimes over-)friendly and curious towards foreigners, though black people and arabs may sometimes experience racism. Just use your common sense.
There are no exceptional crime problems or health hazards, although the extreme cold in the winter should be borne in mind by visitors, especially those planning outdoor activities. Whilst in summer the temperature rises occasionally to over 25ºC, in the winter months it can drop to around -30ºC for a day or two. Dressing warmly is a must. If you forget to bring winter clothing, you can always visit local shops for appropiate apparel. Also, watch out for slippery sidewalks in winter.
[edit] In case of Emergency
Ambulance, fire brigade, police: call 112.
Same number is used with both landline and mobile phone. The number works on any mobile phone, whether it is keylocked or not and with or without SIM card.
Pharmacy Yliopiston Apteekki located at Hämeenkatu 16, near the main square is open daily from 7 am to 12 pm.
[edit] Get out
- In the unlikely event that the stress of city life gets to you in Tampere, escape for a day of pampering at the spa in Nokia. A day trip to Nokia is a good idea also if you want to familiarize with the founding place of Nokia corporation and the history behind it, even if the company no longer has any actual offices there.
- The suburb of Hervanta is located about 10 km south of the city center and can be reached either by taxi or bus lines 13, 20, 23, 30 or 39. It is the location of Tampere University of Technology (TUT), Hermia Technology Center and large amount of student housing. Many high-tech companies (for example, Nokia) have offices Hervanta. What makes Hervanta infamous is the large amount of 1970's concrete residential tower blocks and the social problems it suffered, especially during 1980's. If you happen to be around Hervanta during the semesters of TUT, you might run into a student party somewhere. Thursdays are the most popular days for these.
- Haihara mansion is a peaceful place to visit on a warm summer day. There is a cafe, art exhibitions and a garden. The mansion's history dates back to 16th century. The last stop of bus line 15 is near Haihara.[[24]]
- Tampere is a good base for visiting Finland if you arrive by Ryanair directly to Tampere: it is quite possible to make day trips by train e.g. to the capital Helsinki, to the historic capital Turku or to the town of Hämeenlinna. Both Turku and Hämeenlinna have small mediaeval castles that can be visited.
- For the down-hill skiing enthusiast, there are ski stations in Sappee (Pälkäne, 50 km from Tampere) [25] and Himos (Jämsä, 95 km from Tampere) [26].
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