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Being a tourist in your homeland and trying out new destinations without travelling too far reduces our carbon footprint. “Domestic travelling is a huge trend both in Finland and globally. Local nature is seen as a great place to relax – to the extent that the most popular places are getting packed. Even if you would travel by car to a nature destination, it is definitely more sustainable than travelling abroad,” Senior Advisor Satu Lähteenoja from Demos Helsinki says.

Visiting nature destinations by a bus or tram

Equal access to nature means that you can reach recreation areas and nature trails also by public transport as not everyone has a car at their disposal. A city can support this with route planning. “For example, schedules and routes can be organised so that people can access nature destinations by public transport. The city can also communicate what different natural attractions you can find along the stops,” Lähteenoja describes.

The Tampere tram started operating in 2021, and the route goes from the city centre to Hervantajärvi Lake. From the Hervantajärvi Lake tram stop, there is only a short walking distance to the nature trails of Hervantajärvi and Suolijärvi. There are also several bird towers and vista points, which are great for admiring landscapes and natural sights.

Pine forests and breath-taking lake views of the Pyynikki natural conservation area are perfect for jogging and enjoying nature next to the city centre. Cycling enthusiasts can head to the shores of Pyhäjärvi Lake. You can bike along the lake shores to Hatanpää and Härmälä estates and admire lake scenes along the way. Get to know the other local nature spots from here.

During summer weekends, the Outdoor Express shuttle bus operates between Tampere city centre and the Seitseminen, Isojärvi and Helvetinjärvi National Parks. Upon arrival, you’ll have a few hours to go hiking and enjoy nature, and then the bus takes you back to Tampere city centre. Read more about Outdoor Express here.

Camping and hiking in the national park

There are four national parks about an hour drive away from Tampere. Spectacular canyons of Helvetinjärvi National Park invite day trippers and overnight hikers for an adventure. Seitseminen National Park is known for its old-growth forest and Kovero heritage farm where you can learn about life on the farm in the 1930s. Isojärvi and Puurijärvi-Isosuo National Parks are brilliant destinations for both day and overnight visitors.

Pyhä-Näsi route by bike

Pyhä-Näsi lake trails lead cyclists to unique experiences. The routes around Pyhäjärvi and Näsijärvi Lakes offer beautiful nature destinations and historical estates where the travellers get to experience enjoyable local culture and stay overnight for example at farms and B&Bs.

There are over 50 places for accommodation and over 80 saunas for the travellers to refresh themselves in. During the cycling trip, you can also hop on a boat: Bike & Boat ticket takes you and your bike to the harbour of your choice from where you can continue your journey on two wheels.

Experiences, culture and activities

Want someone else plan something fun and exciting for your holiday? Tampere has a large variety of companies that provide program services for groups of various size around the year. Whether you want nature, sauna, food & drink, wellbeing, culture, adventure or sports, Tampere region has it all. Learn more about program services.