Tampere

There are plenty of saunas to choose from on your trip to Tampere. Located in the old district of Pispala, Rajaportti is Finland’s oldest public sauna, and it will take you back in time with its old-fashioned charm and cosy courtyard café serving fresh cinnamon buns. Or for a modern alternative, Kuma is a sleek urban lakeside sauna with an outdoor pool, and a terrace overlooking Lake Pyhäjärvi.

There are lots of cultural attractions to explore too, with regenerated industrial buildings now housing museums, art galleries, quirky shops and cinemas, and the Särkänniemi Amusement Park has more than 30 rides for children of all ages.

The Pyynikki observation tower rewards your efforts with more than the view. If you climb up through the trees the city and lakes look spectacular from this iconic 1920s landmark – but the tower is also famous for its freshly made Finnish doughnuts.

You’ll find more delicious local delicacies on Hameenkatu’s main street, which houses the largest market hall in the Nordics, dating back to 1901, selling all your usual artisan treats, such as cheese, chocolate, coffee, fresh bread and pastries. The city is also home to multiple breweries, where you can go on tours and learn about the art of craft beer – or simply go and drink some.

As you’d imagine in a city that centres around a lake, there are lots of water activities to enjoy in Tampere, from kayaking to guided cruises. It’s an active city, and there are plenty of hiking experiences and nature trails to get involved in. Cycling is one of the most popular ways to get around the city, with lots of places you can hire a bike.

20km northeast of Tampere there’s a popular hiking spot, the Kintulammi nature reserve, with 18km of marked trails and six campfire sites, and the glowing hut against the towering woodland looks truly magical.