When we picture a trip to Finland, our minds might wander to capital city Helsinki or Lapland, known for its artic wilderness and Northern Lights.
But there’s an often overlooked ‘second capital’ city that’s considered a hidden gem by Finnish locals, which is well worth a visit.
Tampere sits on the southern coast of Finland, tucked between two vast lakes, and is known for being the sauna capital of the world.
But it’s not just the more than 70 public saunas (some of which are 120 years old) throughout the city that give it its appeal.
Awarded the title of European Capital of Smart Tourism 2026, there’s no shortage of experiences, quirky museums, and stunning scenery.
Metro lifestyle reporter, Eleanor Noyce, recently paid the place a visit, saying: ‘Tampere might be slightly quieter than Helsinki, but it’s certainly not to be underestimated.
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‘It’s almost like the Manchester of Finland, and it’s just shy of two hours away from the capital on the train.’
Let’s start with the saunas…
If you’re visiting Tampere it’s practically a crime not to visit a sauna, but here, it’s so much more than popping to your local leisure centre for some heat.
In this city, saunas are a way of life. They’re more than a social backdrop – women give birth in saunas, and when a person passes away, they may have their body washed in one.
They come in all shapes and sizes: floating saunas, art saunas, and even rooftop saunas — you’re spoilt for choice.
Kaupinoja Sauna sits on the shores of Lake Näsijärvi and offers a cold plunge in the lake afterwards — all for just £10.
If you fancy a bite to eat with your heat, Sauna Restaurant Kuuma is the more urban option which offers a generous breakfast after (prices start from £11 — not including food).
For a slice of history visit Rajaportti Sauna, the oldest public sauna in Finland celebrating its 120th birthday this year, which is built from stone rather than wood – it’s a nude option, but swimwear is also permitted, and it’s just £6 to enter.
An important thing to note if you are heading to Tampere: sauna etiquette dictates the person closest to the coals is responsible for ladling the water, but only after checking with the others present.
Inside the sauna boom
It’s not just parks and pubs that are our social hubs anymore. Saunas have entered the chat in London.
The British Sauna Society says the number of Finnish-style public saunas in the UK doubled between early 2023 and 2024, jumping from 45 to 90, a figure that was predicted to exceed 200 last year.
Dubbed the hottest place to socialise by Vogue, it seems Brits are slowly warming up to the idea of sauna culture.
With millennials and Gen Z more health-conscious than ever, it seems only right saunas are rapidly becoming the place to meet. In fact, about 43% of 18 to 34-year-olds and 32% of 35 to 54-year-olds have given up drinking entirely.
Saunas offer the same social opportunities as a pub, only minus the alcohol.
What to do in Tampere
It’s not just about getting a sweat on in Tampere. If you fancy some fun, the world’s only Moomin Museum, with £15 entry, is always a hit.
‘It tells the story of how Tove Jansson brought these loveable creatures to life,’ Eleanor explains. ‘Standing proudly at two metres high, the five-floor Moomin House is the centrepiece of the exhibition.
‘There are also plenty of sketches that give a glimpse into the mind palace that created the Moomins, and photographs from Tove’s personal collection.’
If you fancy more of a rush, a brand new rollercoaster is set to open at the city’s Särkänniemi Amusement Park, Konect, is the first major coaster in Finland where riders as short as one metre can go on with an adult.
Or, for something more refined, Tampere Opera celebrates its 80th anniversary in 2026, with Verdi’s Don Carlos, premiering at Tampere Hall on Wednesday, March 4.
When you’re peckish, head to Tampere Market Hall, just a few steps from the main street Hämeenkatu. From burgers to a sushi bar and traditional Finnish food, there’s something for everyone.
But if you’re after a lighter bite, Tampereen Vohvelikahvila, a cosy cafe with ‘fantastic waffles’ that’s popular with locals, will give you a true taste of life in Tampere.
Taking in the city
If you simply want to wander the streets and take it all in, you might want to make a stop off at Vapriikki.
The renovated textile mill has a natural history museum, ice-hockey museum and even a shoe museum (Tampere is known for its footwear industry).
To admire the city’s architecture, head to Tuomiokirkko. It’s a cathedral from 1907, with a striking red roof and stained glass which is apparently rather controversial.
Designed by Hugo Simberg, a procession of naked childlike apostles holds the ‘garland of life’, graves and plants are tended by skeletal figures, and in the upstairs gallery a wounded angel is stretchered off by two children.
For a look from above Pyynikki Park and Observation Tower offers sweeping panoramic views, and ‘feels like you’re in a movie’. The cafe below also sells ‘legendary’ donuts and the ‘best pancakes in all of Finland’, according to visitors on Tripadvisor.
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How to get to Tampere from the UK
We suggest pairing your Tampere trip with a visit to Helsinki, because flying direct to the second capital isn’t easily-doable from London.
To get to Tampere by air, you’d need to fly from Stansted, make a stop in Latvia, then get a second flight to your destination – taking about five to six hours. Costs for this journey start from £115 with airBaltic being the most frequent operator.
However, if you choose to go via Helsinki, Ryanair offer direct flights – taking around three hours – from Stansted from £38 (according to Skyscanner), after which you can take a 90-minute train to Tampere.
Prices for this final leg start at £16, and there’s no changing trains to worry about – just take in the stunning views from your seat.
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