Attractions Nearby Tampere, Day Trips and Excursions

(Tampere, Pirkanmaa, Western Finland, Finland)

If you are holidaying in Tampere and have some time on your hands, then do consider a day trip outside of the city. Spend time exploring the endless attractions within Finland's region of Pirkanmaa, many of which are just a short drive from the city environs.

Nokia's close proximity to Tampere and appealing attractions mean that this town has become a popular destination for day excursions and is perhaps best known for being the birthplace of the famous telecommunications group, Nokia. Other popular attractions near to Tampere include a wealth of Finnish flora and fauna at the Helvetinjärvi National Park, outdoor activities at the Lomasaari Marttinen (Marttinen Holiday Island) in Virrat, and plenty of archaeological treasures in the appealing municipality of Pirkkala.

Helvetinjärven Kansallispuisto (Helvetinjärvi National Park)

Covering an area of around 30 square kilometres / 12 square miles and located at around 50 km / 31 miles from central Tampere, the Helvetinjärvi National Park contains plenty of local wildlife. The many natural attractions within the Helvetinjärvi National Park include the walking trails, camp sites and cliffs. Look out for the Helvetinkolu, a large crack within a particularly prominent cliff, and also the Haukanhieta Beach, a peaceful spot lying next to Haukkajärvi Lake and offering a great place to relax, sunbathe and even swim.

Nokia

A relatively small town based around the Nokianvirta River and home to a population of just over 30,000 residents, Nokia is a mere 15 km / 9 miles from Tampere and by car, can be reached in under 20 minutes. Today, visitors come to Nokia to relax at the legendary spa facilities at the Rantasipi Eden Spa Hotel, to visit its many cheap factory shops, to bowl at the new bowling alley along Pirkkalaistie, and to enjoy some of its many seasonal events.

Pirkkala

The municipality of Pirkkala is extremely close to Tampere and stands a mere 14 km / 9 miles to the south of the city. Pirkkala has an especially rich heritage and is famed for its archaeological finds, art exhibitions and displays of historic agricultural equipment at the Reippi Museum, which was founded in the late 1970s. Within the very centre of Pirkkala, the Ollila Farm (Ollilan Maalaiskauppa) is brimming with animal attractions, while many visitors also enjoy the horse riding lessons and the farm shop, selling a range of local produce and traditional Finnish handicrafts.

Virrat (Lomasaari Marttinen)

The small town of Virrat is just one hour by car from Tampere and home to the ever-popular Marttinen Holiday Island (Lomasaari Marttinen). This tourist destination specialises in outdoor activities and attractions, and is particularly youth orientated. With nature trails, archery, abseiling, horse riding, two neighbouring national parks, three large saunas, many weekend events, evening camp fires, beach areas and a lakeside youth hostel, there is always plenty to keep you fully occupied here whatever the time of year. During the winter, there is even cross-country skiing and tobogganing.

Himosvuori (Himos Ski Centre)

Tel: +358 20 711 9100
Website: www.himos.fi
Most people visit Himosvuori during the winter months, when its Himos Ski Centre is buzzing with crowds of skiers and snowboarders. At just over 90 km / 56 miles from Tampere, Himosvuori is within easy reach. The Himos Ski Centre boasts a total of 17 different ski slopes and more than ten different ski lifts. Ski equipment is readily available for hire and for those needing a little tuition on the slopes, the Himoset Ski School is on hand to offer advice.
Open hours: November to January, Monday to Friday - 12:00 to 20:00, Saturday - 10:00 to 20:00, Sunday - 10:00 to 17:00; February to March, Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 20:00, Sunday - 10:00 to 17:00; April, Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 18:00, Sunday - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts for seniors and children

Salmentaka (Sappee Ski Centre)

The Sappee Ski Centre is one of the main seasonal attractions within Salmentaka and can be found around 40 km / 25 miles from Tampere. Many families come to the Sappee Ski Centre each year, as the facilities here are excellent and cater for all ages. Ski equipment can be rented onsite at the Sappee Ski Centre, while a number of eateries are never far away should you need to come inside out of the cold and warm up.