I spent a few nights in Tampere, the ‘wannabe’ Eurovision city – and it put on the show of a lifetime

I’ve been following Eurovision for several years now, through the highs and provided I’m a British fan the lots of, numerous, numerous, lots of, numerous, lots of, lots of, lots of, lots of lows. One nation that likewise does not have a perfect record is Finland, who has actually just won the competitors when, back in 2006 with the unforgettable Lordi and ‘Hard Rock Hallelujah’.

Now while I’m totally backing Olly Alexander and his tune ‘Dizzy’ to permit the UK to host as soon as again when it concerns 2025, following my three-night remain in Tampere, Finland, I would not seethe if Windows95man brings the crown back to the Scandinavian nation.

After almost taking the title in 2015 with Käärijä’s ‘Cha Cha Cha’, Eurovision fever has actually truly swept Finland and you might feel that simply walking the city, which was currently going for it from hosting Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu (UMK), which is Finland’s nationwide choice for the Eurovision Song Contest. National landmarks were lit up in pink and purple, UMK’s signature colours, while cable car motorists used bows in the colours. Lights hung all over and if this is simply for UMK, I can think of the city tossing the greatest celebration in its history, if its quote to host Eurovision prospers.

And even if the quote stops working, following my time there in the blisteringly-cold winter season, I can verify that anybody taking a trip there will discover plenty to do, after all Tampere is the capital of saunas, museums and Fairtrade bananas.

What to do

Tampere is a city dynamic with life and functions numerous activities from theme park to museums to churches to auditorium and obviously more saunas than you can shake a stick at.

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For culture enthusiasts, among the must-see things that Tampere needs to use is the Vapriikki Museum Centre. The multi-story museum is home to a number of museums in one, consisting of the Natural History Museum, Ice Hockey Museum and the Museum of Games. It includes numerous turning exhibits from minerals to a thorough appearance at Manserock. Tampere is likewise home to the only museum on the planet committed to The Moomins, so if you enjoy Tove Jansson’s animals, you ought to pop along to see dioramas of the renowned characters and a few of the late author’s initial illustrations.

For sight-seers, the very best location to head would be the Pyynikki observation tower. The 26-metre high structure was the best perspective to take in the city and actually comprehend its size. Throughout my February see, you genuinely felt in a kind of winter season wonderland with a blanket of white as far as the eye might see, while likewise taking in the city’s commercial past.

As we’re sure you’re currently more than aware, Finland enjoys its saunas, and with 60 to select from, Tampere has actually made its title of ‘Sauna Capital of the World’. The one I went to was Sauna Restaurant Kuuma, which included 2 Finnish saunas of differing heat and was connected to a dining establishment. The location itself is popular, with a dance competitors being hosted throughout our time there. I enjoy a relaxing loosen up in a sauna and honestly, no place did it much better than Finland, and I even take part in the conventional Finnish method of warming up before heading into a much cooler swimming pool of water. Together with the shock to the system, it brings a number of health advantages and provides the uncommon sensation of heading back to the sauna while still feeling numb, waiting a bit before the heat returns to you.

The emphasize of the journey had to be the frozen lake experience with kick-sledding. Frozen lake might influence concerns of failing, however this ice is strong and is rather popular amongst the residents, and you will regularly see individuals strolling, ice skating or cycling throughout the ice. And this isn’t ice rink ice either, therefore while I had the concept of tipping over and face-planting in my head, it was more similar to strolling throughout a snowy field. When I got to the centre I was dealt with to the most wonderful views of the Siilinkari Lighthouse along with the unlimited views of frozen water. The waters usually solidify around December and January before defrosting around April, so time is of the essence if you desire this experience, which features a hot beverage if you make it to the middle.

Where to remain

While Tampere has primary noteworthy alternatives, I really might not discover fault with my hotel, the Lapland Hotels Arena, which lay inside the Nokia Arena, which hosted UMK. The ambient standard Finnish music filled lifts and spaces carried you back to a time of Vikings and open-wood fires.

The spaces themselves, while compact, included whatever that was required and the only factor I understood it was -27 C exterior was due to the fact that of my phone’s thermometer, aside from that, I was delighting in a warm snooze in my hotel bed none the better.

And speaking of toastiness, my Mystique Deluxe space featured its own sauna in the restroom. After a little lounge in the quickly temperature level regulated sauna, I might then head into the walk-in shower to clean away any sweat and then head down to view UMK simply a couple of floorings listed below. No requirement to take a trip out into this Arctic temperature levels!

Spaces at Lapland Hotels Arena begin at ₤ 104 a night. Discover morehere

Where to consume

Tampere has lots of cooking choices and things not on British menus, like reindeer, which tastes remarkably great if you can get visions of Rudolph out of your head. Among the highlights for me was Villit ja Viinit, a little dining establishment ideal for intimate dining while likewise efficient in dealing with bigger celebrations. With an everchanging menu and white wine list, every go to will be various, however the vegan meal I had was among the highlights of the journey.

My other cooking experience was thanks to Tiima, and you might definitely imagine a movie noir experience there with the 60s-inspired interiors and eccentric art work. Nestled best beside a mixed drink bar, which was serving Eurovision-themed beverages (what else?), the juxtaposition in between loud night life and civilised supper was plain however welcome. Mastering vegetarian and vegan meals, this would be the ideal area for to dine.

Weather condition

While Eurovision would be hosted in May, so you would not need to fret excessive about the temperature levels, my February go to handled to accompany a cold wave in the area, which saw me getting up in temperature levels of -27 C. And provided the frozen lake experience would be completely defrosted by May, it may be the cold weather that you wish to go to in, so ensure you bring numerous layers, gloves and hats when going out.

How to arrive

London does not have direct flights to Tampere and you ought to anticipate stopovers before coming to your last location. If you do not expensive waiting around in airports, then your finest choice may be what I did, which is to fly to Helsinki, and then capture a train from the airport to the city, with the train taking approximately an hour to get there.

Reserve flights from London Gatwickhere