Top Rated Attractions in Tampere

Spearing the bright blue skies of Tampere, the eponymous cathedral is one of the city's best-known sites, inspiring awe with its granite facade, red roofs, and dramatic spires. Designed by architect Lars Sonck, the church was built in a stately National Romantic style. This church aroused vehement debates when it was built at the beginning of the 20th Century, spurred by the bold paintings of famous Finnish artist Hugo Simberg. The frescoes that were mired in controversy depicted serpentine imagery, nubile figures and morbid skeletons, and denoted sin and corruption. Owing to this, the church gained instant fame in the region. The Tampere Cathedral also features an astonishing altar-piece painted by Finnish artist Magnus Enckell, symbolizing the future revival of people across races.

Appearing to pierce the skies with its needle-like demeanor, the Näsinneula captures the imagery of Tampere in the most iconic manner. The Näsinneula was the creation of architect Pekka Ilveskoski, and was constructed between 1970 and 1971. The observation tower overlooks Lake Näsijärvi and its vibrant surrounds from a height of 168 meters (551 feet), making it one of the tallest free-standing structures in Finland and the Nordic countries. From its lofty deck, ridges, lakes, and cityscapes are revealed, commanding spectacular views in all directions. Even the lift to the indoor lookout terrace(at a height of 120 meters) is an adventure, as the elevator moves at six meters per second.

The biggest exhibition hall in Tampere is 100 meters (328 feet) long and 16 meters (52 feet) in height. A normal display period for non-permanent exhibitions ranges from a few months to one year, with themes as diverse as archaeology, modern art and science fiction. Often, however, local history serves as a loose connecting theme. The centre has its own library and a café-restaurant, from which you can admire the scenery of the rapids. The museum also has permanent exhibits showcasing few display objects from the museums collection of 367,000 objects.

Tampere-talo is the largest concert and conference centre in Finland and all of Scandinavia. Its architecture and the works of art inside make it amazing just to see on its own. However, concerts by international stars, symphony orchestras and opera companies fill the main stage with music and offer spectacular experiences. With several events organized simultaneously, the four-level complex is multidimensional and practical, with easily adaptable facilities for any event, large or small.

In the place where a meeting between Stalin and Lenin sparked a world revolution that also spurred Finland's freedom, the Lenin Museo thrives as the only one of its kind outside of Russia. Owned by the Finland Russia Society, the museum contains two permanent displays, one of which describes and depicts Lenin's life, and the other his strong association with Finland. The museum also chronicles the events that occurred during the turbulent times of the 20th century, from the Great War, to the Cold War. There are also several intriguing exhibits from various points in history that adorn the rooms of the museum, including Lenin's writing desk, a Suomi submarine gun, and objects from the Soviet era.

This unusual museum is housed within the Finalyson factory building near the busy center of Tampere, and is the first museum of its kind in the world. A curious collection of espionage awaits eager visitors here, featuring exhibit after exhibit about double agents around the globe, their stories, and the cleverly covert devices at their disposal. The lives of notorious spies like Julius Rosenberg, Mata Hari and other legendary secret agents seem wildly interesting, given that one is surrounded by lethal umbrellas, bottles of invisible ink and encryption apparatus. There is also a special collection of garden-variety spy instruments, including lie detectors, eavesdropping equipment, and infrared vision devices. Visitors can also take an 'agent test', following which they receive a recommendation letter to an espionage bureau.