Fun things to do in Tampere

Finlayson's church is unique among the churches of Tampera. The church is heritage of James Finlayson and Wilhelm von Nottbeck.

It's amusing that Fin doesn't mean Fin: mister Finlayson is a Scot! He is one of the persons who laid the foundations of Tampere's (and finnish too) textile industry.

Tampere Cotton Factory got the rights to hire a factory priest in 1846 and in 1879 this read brick chapel was ready to serve textile labourers and their family members (and that ment almost half of Tampere citizens).

The chapel is designed by town architech F. L. Calonius and the chapel follows english congregation church of style.

From year 1996 the chapel acts as Children Cathedral (especially in summers) when the biblic stories are illustrated with miniature models of happenings and the world.

My high recommendation!

Do you want to leave a love lock "lemmen lukko" to Tampere. Carve yours and your loved ones name at a lock, and leave it to Patosilta. This has been only some years at Tampere, but there are allready many locks in here. Nothing like in old "Love lock- towns" of course, but a good start!

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Central Square of Tampere is surrounded by some historical, and very beautiful, buildings. Raatihuone was built in 1890. The old church was built 1824. The bell tower was designed by C.L.Engell. There is also a water fountain from the year 1883.

The web site I've provided is in Finnish but you can see many pictures of the interior of Raatihuone (fully renovated).

I spent two nights in Tampere - but only one day looking around the city. The city itself is not very big, so it can be seen mainly on foot. But for an idea of what to see and do in the area the Tampere City Tourist office is very helpful. They also have free internet access (although time is limited if there is people waiting).

Between June and August (except on mid-summer) there are 2 hour guided tours around the city. The tours are in Finnish and English, 12€ for Adults, 4€ for kids.

Old City Hall (designed by Georg Schreck in neo-renaissance style) stands opposite the Palander Building and is from 1890. It has been recently restored. Today it is used when entertaining important guests.

I've heard that they are served black sausage with champagne, but don't know if the rumour is true!

Old Church is the first church built in Tampere. It is in neo-classic style and today the church of the Swedish parish of Tampere. It was built in 1824 and opnened a year later. It was designed by Italian born architect Carlo Bassi. The church has been enlarged in 1847 and the organ built by Anders Thulén were finished in the following year. In 1881 the church wasn't used anymore because Aleksanterin Kirkko was opened. In 1890 the outer side of the church was renovated in neo-renaissance style. in 1953-1954 the church was renovated and returned to its original classical look.

This is not really a must see activity, but if you want to have a guided bus tour around Tampere you can participate in the tours organised by Tampere City Tourist Office. The ordinary ones are organised daily in the summer time, but you can also book a tour of your own other times of year and with a special theme:)

Take part in ship cruises from Tampere to Hämeenlinna (about 8 hours). Departures daily in summer. In Hämeenlinna you will see the old Häme Castle.

There are also many other (also shorter) cruises from Tampere.