Hop on a cruise
As Tampere is being located between two lakes, Pyhäjärvi and Näsijärvi – there’s no better way to experience Tampere than by hopping on a lake cruise. You’ll see the city from a completely new perspective, so enjoy peaceful waves and lush green shorelines!
Take in the views from Tarjanne, the longest continuous running long line steamship launched in 1908 or hop on the boat at Laukontori harbour and visit Viikinsaari Island. This lively summer oasis is only 20-minute boat trip away from the city centre and charms the whole family with lovely swimming beaches, picturesque villa and the sweet scent of nostalgia in the air.
Summer terraces and cafes
When the sun is out, Tampere’s terraces come alive and summer cafes open their doors. Lakeside spots, lively city centre patios and outdoor seating areas become natural meeting places for locals and visitors to enjoy good food, drinks and relaxed summer atmosphere. Some terraces are perfect for long sunny lunches and evening cocktails, while others provide peaceful spots for coffee breaks and quiet moments away from the busiest streets.
Read more about Tampere’s terraces.
Enjoy nature
Summer is the perfect time to explore the beautiful nature of Tampere. Just next to the city centre rises the Pyynikki Ridge, a beautiful area known for its extensive forest trails and lakeside scenery. Pyynikki is also home to the legendary Pyynikki Observation Tower, where you can enjoy the famous doughnuts and coffee while admiring the stunning views.
The city is filled with stunning parks that come alive during the summer as flowers bloom and greenery flourishes. Parks such as Sorsapuisto and Näsinpuisto offers perfect places for walks and picnics right in the heart of the city. One of the city’s most beautiful summer destinations is Hatanpää Arboretum, where colourful flower gardens, lakeside paths, and charming cafés create ultimate summer vibes.
You can also explore the scenic cycling route around Lake Pyhäjärvi, which offers beautiful lake views and natural surroundings along the way. For an even deeper nature experience, hop on the tram to Hervantajärvi Hiking Area, where forest trails, campfire sites and beautiful Finnish landscapes await just a short ride from the city centre.
Sauna and swimming
What would a visit to Tampere be without a sauna? The Tampere region is home to more than 70 public saunas, and the city proudly carries the title of the Sauna Capital of the World. In summer, it’s especially enjoyable to take a refreshing swim after the sauna, as the lake water is pleasantly warm. Visit Rajaportti Sauna the world’s oldest public sauna, have a luxurious sauna experience in the stunning facilities of Pereensaari Sauna or enjoy the heat of the sauna followed by a swim right in the city centre at Saunarestaurant Kuuma. Find more saunas in Tampere and in the region.
Tampere also offers swimming beaches by nearly every lake in the area. The city’s largest beach, Pyynikki Beach, is set in a beautiful location on the shores of Lake Pyhäjärvi. In addition to the sandy beach, the area also has green grass and even rocky terrain. Another option is Eliander Beach situated a bit outside the city centre. It offers peaceful setting by Lake Näsijärvi and it even has a designated swimming area for dogs! If you don’t want to swim in open water, Tampere Outdoor Swimming Pool is a great option to spend a day enjoying the sun.
Festivals
Summer in Tampere is a versatile mix of lakeside living, art-filled afternoons and open-air music magic. Tampere is top pick for cultural travellers and music lovers and the summers festivals proves why. Here a few examples.
Festivaali is Tampere’s rising star of the festival world. It brings together top indie and pop artist with craft breweries and food stalls that showcase Finnish flavours. For the fans of rock and heavy metal, SaariHelvetti is held in the beautiful surroundings of Viikinsaari and in the August the biggest hip-hop festival in the Nordics, Blockfest, fills the city with energy.
Summer Park Concerts are also the highlight of the summer for all music and culture lovers. Free outdoor concerts are held in various locations around the city, such as Laikunlava stage. The diverse program allows you to enjoy live music, singing and dancing in around 100 different concerts
One of the oldest and most significant theatre festival in the Nordic countries, Tampere Theatre Festival, makes the whole city come alive as performers take over the city’s stages and public places. Another top art event is Mänttä Art Festival. It is the summer’s largest exhibition of contemporary art.
Things to do
Särkänniemi Theme Park offers lot of fun for the whole family. The diverse park consists of an Amusement Park, Doghill Fairytale Farm, Näsinneula Observatorion Tower, Aquarium and Planetarium. You can easily spend the whole day in here!
The market places of Tampere are the perfect place to spend a summer day. Tammelantori is the largest market place in the city and there you can enjoy local delicacies, fresh seasonal products and authentic atmosphere. Laukontori, on the other hand, is a paradise for street food lovers, offering everything from traditional black sausage to international street food dishes.
In the summer Tampere is filled with unforgettable activities and adventures. Experience the city from above on the exciting roof walk, challenge your friends to a fun round of minigolf, or feel the adrenaline rush when abseiling from the Pyynikki Observation Tower. The beautiful lakes surrounding the city also offer perfect setting for water activities such as standup paddleboarding and canoeing, allowing you to admire the city from another perspective.
Midsummer
Midnight sun, white Finnish summer nights, Midsummer bonfire and an open-air dance in a pavilion. All traditional Midsummer festivities and more can be found in Tampere.
