Heta Toikka

Tampere

Spotter since 2020

About me

About me
My family moved to Tampere when I was eleven years old, so I have known this city for over 40 years! Now I am a mom to three grownups & five dogs. I love reading fiction, watching plays and walking in nature. Sauna and swimming are my favourite ways to relax and meditate. I like to go to church as well as bars and cafes.

I live in the western suburbs now but go to the centre often, and to the south once in a while. I have worked as a psychologist and have a degree in literature as well, but prefer working at home. Before and in between the years in Tampere, I lived in five Finnish cities and in one American town. In the centre of Tampere, I could close my eyes and still find the way. It is my place.

Why Tampere
Tampere has it all in small size in lovely surroundings, with two big and many smaller lakes, forests & parks; lots of nice bars, restaurants and cafes, plenty of art, theatres, concerts, nice museums, many places to swim, bike and walk around. Also, people are friendly and easy to talk to, and Tampere is a hospitable city for many people originally from somewhere else -- the atmosphere is relaxed and cozy.

Even though it is the second biggest real city in Finland, I like to call it my hometown.

Where else can you find me online?
Instagram

My spots (19)

Lielahden Kirjasto

Lielahti library

"Lielahden Kirjasto", or the library in Lielahti, is definitely one of my favorite spots in Tampere. And you can fully enjoy it, too...

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Art & culture
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Relaxing

By

Heta

Toikka

Feb 6, 2025

Ravintola Borneo

Delicious Malaysian kitchen

"Ravintola Borneo" is a Malaysian restaurant in Tampere where I love both the buffet and a la carte options, and that's hard to find!

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Restaurants

By

Heta

Toikka

Feb 6, 2025

Myllypuro Stream

Waterfall on the outskirts

"Myllypuro stream" is a hidden little river that is nestled in the nature of the western end of Tampere and many locals have never even seen it. Follow me!

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Relaxing

By

Heta

Toikka

Feb 5, 2025

Tesoman Uimahalli

Public inside pool in the west

"Tesoman Uimahalli" is one of Tampere's indoor swimming pools and saunas -- and one of my favorites. Ideal in winter and for swimming for exercise...

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Relaxing

By

Heta

Toikka

Feb 5, 2025

Levykauppa Äx

Music in old-fashioned formats

"Levykauppa Äx" in Tampere is where I go to buy music in LPs, CDs & C-cassettes. It's a cozy little shop with lots of Finnish music to explore - and more!

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Shopping

By

Heta

Toikka

Feb 5, 2025

Tampereen Seudun Joukkoliikenne

Local buses and the tram

"Tampereen Seudun Joukkoliikenne" is Tampere's bus service. It's convenient to use when the weather is bad or to go to some of my favorite far-off spots!

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Relaxing

By

Heta

Toikka

Feb 5, 2025

Aleksanterin Kirkko

Church open almost every day

"Aleksanterin Kirkko" in Tampere is an 'open church' - it's free for all, almost every day. I like coming here to get renewed hope and trust when I'm down.

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Art & culture
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Relaxing

By

Heta

Toikka

Feb 4, 2025

Tammelantori Market Place

All-year outdoor market

"Tammelantori Marketplace" in Tampere is a lively place in summer and quiet and devoted to locals in winter I love Hannah's cafe & Janne's potatoes...

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Coffee & tea
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Shopping
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Snacks

By

Heta

Toikka

Feb 4, 2025

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