Tampere is as famous for its sauna and winter swimming culture as for its old red brick industrial buildings. Most of those red giants are situated around Tammerkoski, the rapids which divides the city in the north-south direction. Those buildings and the rapids are regarded as one of the national landscapes of Finland. This landscape was even found in the old national 20 markka note.
Where Näsijärvi lake meets Tammerkoski, the rapid, there is a great place to swim, Mältinranta, - just in the middle of this national landscape. As a part of my all year morning routine I head to Mältinranta to swim. During winter time, especially on very early mornings, the most enthusiastic swimmers can be seen, mainly elderly ones.
It is said that the water in Mältinranta is the coldest in Tampere, because the place is in the middle of the rapids and the water flows quite quickly. Mältinranta is also a very urban place to swim because it is only a few hundred meters away from the main street Hämeenkatu and the long-distance trains pass by it only a hundred meter away. However, it is also surrounded by Näsipuisto, a beautiful park, as well as Tallipiha, a yard full of old wooden buildings which hide a nice cafe and cute little shops.
However, be prepared to change your clothes at a park bench because there is no publicly available changing room (only the members of the winter swimming club may have a key to this small changing room)!
Mältinranta
€
no-price
Find your way with 92 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
The "Tohloppi Nature Trail" in Tampere starts with snacks and follows a ridge next to the lake. Sup to the middle of the lake and hit the sauna!
by
"Metso Library" is shaped like a capercaillie. Here you can't only borrow books but also nice Finnish outdoor games like mölkky!
by
"Herrainmäki" in Tampere is the Hill of the Lords - it has changed a lot in the last decades, but it's still one of the best places to see the stars...
by
"Pikku-Rusko" in Tampere is the first locomotive ever to have been made in Finland. It was recently renovated - I like to see it in the dark...
by
"Vihioja Frisbeegolf Park" in Tampere is the oldest and most central frisbeegolf in town and next to the river. Perfect for beginners, like me!
by
Few things are more Finnish than "Pesäpallo". You can watch this game played in summer also in Tampere, in our Manse PP stadium!
by
I love walking on the "Niihama Nature Trail" just 3.5km from Tampere's railway station, especially at night just holding my flashlight!
by
The "Kauppi-Kangasala Ski Trail" is one many in Tampere and the most popular - it's 17 kilometers of pure pleasure in the snowy forest, with plenty to see.
by
Vappu, May Day, is pretty much the craziest party in Finland. And in Tampere, too. Everyone's in a good mood, waiting for summer to start...
by
Forget traditional ways of exploring a new city! Instead, buy an orienteering map and start finding the places no tourist has seen before...
by
"Pyynikki Beach" in Tampere, on the coast of Iidesjärvi is worth visiting throughout the year, especially during the height of winter - it's just so picturesque!
by
"Cafe Katto" in Tampere is a perfect place to have a chill glass of sparkling wine during a sunny summer day on a red brick Finlayson rooftop!
by
92 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 92 Insider Tips