Tampere is the third largest city in Finland with a population of 182,000. Tampere is also the heart of the Tampere Region which has a dynamic population of about 430,000. In the last few years the city's population has grown rapidly. Tampere is located 110 miles north of Helsinki, the capital. The city has good railroad and road connections from any part of Finland. In addition to its dynamic commerce and industry, Tampere is also know 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 severla theatres and art museums and the various types of festivals it organizes. Many world class artists perform at the new Tampere Hall, Scandanavia's largest concert and congress centre. Tampere is also well know from the large variety of educational organizations, such as University of Tampere, Tampere University of Technology, Institute of Commerce, Institute of Technology, and more.
Other Popular Destinations in Finland
Nature is never far in Helsinki. Locals swim in the sea, walk forested trails, and gather mushrooms or berries all within city limits. One popular local habit is heading to the sauna, and the city offers several open-to-the-public options. Löyly, located on the waterfront, combines traditional wood-burning saunas with a sleek, modern design. In winter, visitors can even pair a sauna session with a quick dip through a hole cut in the ice for an experience both shocking and strangely calming.
Rovaniemi, located just a few kilometers south of the Arctic Circle, is widely recognized as the official hometown of Santa Claus. From late August through early April, the Northern Lights are visible on clear nights, and several local guides offer nighttime tours to remote locations for optimal viewing. During summer, the sun doesn't set for weeks, giving travelers the rare chance to hike or kayak under a sky that stays bright at midnight.
