Tampere

Tampere is the third largest city in Finland and the largest inland centre in the Nordic countries, it is dubbed the "Manchester of Finland" for its industrial past. Tampere is located 170 kilometers north of Helsinki, in the hinterland, in the Province of Western Finland, in the region of Pirkanmaa (Helsinki can be reached in 1.5 - 2 hours by train and 2 - 2.5 hours by car). It was founded by King Gustav III of Sweden, on October 1 of 1779, in the isthmus between two lakes, Näsijärvi and Pyhäjärvi, and the city is divided into two parts by river rapids flowing from first to second. In 2004, the City of Tampere came first in an image survey comparing the largest cities in Finland. It was also the most attractive city among Finns who plan on moving.



Nowadays, Tampere is an active and dynamic city with two universities: the University of Tampere (Tampereen yliopisto) and the Technological University of Tampere (Tampereen teknillinen yliopisto). It also has several centers and institutes for professional training, for example the Institute of Police. In the field of culture, Tampere is known for its wide literary and theatrical tradition. Some of the most important writers of Finland have emerged from this city (Väinö Linna, Kalle Päätalo or Hannu Salama). Many of them have portrayed in his works the reality of the working class, as Tampere during the last century was an industrial city. The theatrical tradition is also deeply entrenched in the city, which each August celebrating the Tampereen Teatterikesä, a prestigious international festival.



In regards to the field of music, Tampere Music Festivals organizes three prestigious international festivals: Tampere Jazz Happening, Tampere Vocal Music Festival and Tampere Biennale of classical music.

Some interesting places in the city are:

• Tampere Cathedral.


• Tammerkoski Rapid. Even today this fast is still regarded as the main artery through which flows the life of Tampere. The gap is saved by three stunning waterfalls and its banks are crossed by eight bridges, of which three are exclusively pedestrian traffic.


• The Amusement Park (Särkänniemi). It provides the most varied leisure facilities such as: attractions, restaurants, mini-zoo, aquarium, dolphinarium...


• The Observation Tower (Näsinneula). Whose 168 metres awarded the title of being the highest tower of the Scandinavian countries.


• The Museum of Lenin. Lenin met Stalin following a meeting in Tampere in 1905.


• Tampere Art Museum.


• Alexander Church.


• The Botanical Garden (Arboretum Hatanpään).


• A lot of Pubs & Cafés.

Links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tampere
http://www.tampere.fi/english/