May 11, 2025

Metso Library Tampere

A capercaillie in the city

""Metso Library" is shaped like a capercaillie. Here you can't only borrow books but also nice Finnish outdoor games like mölkky!"

Since 1986 there has been a capercaillie-shaped building in the heart of Tampere city. This very originally shaped building is the main library of the city, named Metso. From the street it is quite difficult to perceive the shape of the building but from the sky the shape is clear, it is like a metso, a capercaillie.

On the second floor of Metso there is a nice cafe which serves many sweet and savoury delicacies. Many of these are suitable for vegans.

Aside from the traditional books, from Metso library you can also borrow some outdoor games and even Nordic walking sticks! If it feels too awkward to walk with sticks but without skis in the middle of the city during summertime, I recommend borrowing mölkky, a game developed in Finland and played a lot in the yards of summer houses. You can go to Hämeenpuisto park just opposite Metso and have a unique experience with mölkky there. If you are familiar with petanque, mölkky is a distant cousin to it. If it is raining and chilly, the more I can guarantee a unique Finnish summer experience with mölkky!

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