Leisure in Tampere

Tampere City Libraries are a great meeting point and relaxing place for everyone. There are books in over 100 languages, free internet, music, games and spaces for work and study. Occasionally, the libraries also organise events you can participate in. All libraries have computers for their customers to use and most libraries have a multifunctional device for printing, copying and scanning. You can also digitise, edit and store your materials in various formats and methods at the library.. You will need a library card to access the library services.

It is possible to stay active all year long no matter what season or type of weather in Tampere.  When it comes to sports and outdoor activities, we want to ensure that movement opportunities are available for everyone.  Participating in sports and physical activities are also a great way to build community and connect with new friends.

There are numerous indoor facilities that are owned and managed by the city, such as swimming halls, ice skating halls, gyms, indoor sports halls, etc. The city also owns and manages outdoor facilities such as frisbee golf courses, skateparks, outdoor ice rinks, ski trails, athletic fields, and much, much more. These facilities are open for everyone to use, including sports clubs, associations and groups.  Some are free to use, and some have an affordable fee. 

Top Tip: If you are employed here in Tampere, your employer may give you sports and culture benefits, which you can use to buy services throughout Finland.  These benefits could go towards travel passes, sauna passes, museum cards, massages, and many other benefits for physical and emotional well-being.

Tampere is known for its interesting museums and vivid culture.  Did you know Tampere is also called the theatre capital of Finland?  Tampere also offers a lot of free cultural activities for both city residents and visitors from afar

The Tampere region is home to some interesting museums including the famous Moomin museum, an ice hockey hall of fame, and various classic car museums.  We also have numerous art museums and galleries, a video game museum, and a children's cultural centre.  For museum lovers, you can also purchase a museum card which gives you access to over 300 museums around Finland for over a year.

Experience Tampere’s vibrant shopping culture where options range from small independent boutiques, department stores, to larger shopping centres.  Get up close to Finnish design with its fashionable clothing, traditional textiles and ceramics - Tampere has something to offer everyone.  Shopping in in the city doesn’t have to break the bank - there are lots of bargains to be found at one of Tampere’s many flea-markets.  The centres compact size makes it ideal for a day spent wandering around from store to store, you are sure to find the ideal gift for that special person – or yourself! 

Good to know:

• Smaller independent stores tend to open Monday-Friday and close over the weekend.  Most chain high street stores open throughout the week and 10-18 on Saturdays and 12-18 on Sundays.  Department stores such as Stockmann and Sokos tend to stay open later until 21:00.  As the 24 hr clock is used in Finland shop opening hours are displayed in 24 hr format for example 9-18 is 9am-6pm.  Public and summer holidays will affect the opening hours of stores.
• Some of the large supermarkets such as Prisma and Citymarket are open 24 hours.  Often you can find a pharmacy, pet shop, Alko (sells wine and spirits), phone shop and launderette within most larger supermarkets.  Large supermarkets also sell electronics, clothing, sports equipment and homeware as well as food.
• If you want to recycle your plastic or glass bottles and aluminum cans you can do so at most supermarkets.  Usually near to the entrance of the store is a return machine. Plastic bottles are worth 20 to 40 cents, depending on their size, while glass bottles are worth 10 to 40 cents and aluminium cans are 15 cents.  You will be given a receipt which you can use as payment in the store.
• Loyalty cards are very popular when shopping in Finland.  Larger supermarkets like Prisma and Citymarket both have their own loyalty schemes, that give discounts and bonuses to regular shoppers!
• ‘Click and Collect’ is becoming more popular with shoppers in Finland, you can choose to shop online and collect your order at your own convenience.

Tampere offers different kinds of fun activities for children and families such as workshops, clubs, exhibitions and much more.  There are often lots of free activities taking place for families!  Find out more about what is available here: Culture for children and families with children | www.tampere.fi

For children, places such as Children’s Cultural Centre Rulla Children’s Cultural Centre Rulla | www.tampere.fi are filled with arts, creative activities, and events. There is even an ‘Art Hour’ on Saturday mornings which is held in English, you can register your child for this at: Book Rulla Art Hour

Plus Tampere has around 200 outdoor playgrounds for everyone to use in the city, and a children’s traffic park where little ones can learn the rules of the road: Playgrounds | www.tampere.fi

For the younger ones in the family, try out new local experiences and make friends!

If you’re stuck for a hobby for your child (or yourself), you can contact the City’s Hobby Counselling service for some ideas

A network for those who want to choose both a family and career.  Currently has over 4000 volunteers throughout Finland, volunteering is possible according to own resources and availability alongside other duties and family life. International Mothers in Business (InternationalMothersInBusiness.fi)

An opportunity to share knowledge and empower community members to help each other grow and get visibility.  Training, workshops, events, networking, mentoring and coaching. International Working Women of Finland (IWWOF.com)

An app that brings together people who offer/request help from others.  For international and local communities (individuals, associations, NGOs and companies). Ask for help and give help (Commuapp.fi)

A non-profit association dedicated to building a community where both internationals and locals can thrive together.  Offers activities, networking, opportunities, etc. Bloom ry (bloomtogether.fi) 

Register your details to the Volunteer Database if you’re interested in volunteering at major events in the city.  You will be informed of upcoming events such as music concerts, congresses or sports competitions. Volunteer Database (Tampere.fi)

Contains interesting topics and colorful example pictures to keep you entertained.  Teaches also some ‘spoken Finnish’.  Offers learning goals to keep you motivated. Small purchase fee.

A fun and easy to navigate app, contains live situations and a great choice of words and phrases.  Offers assessments to see what level you are at. Small purchase fee.

Interactive bitesize exercises with a more playful approach to learning.  The lessons are designed as games with fun characters and has a daily goal of 15 mins learning per day. Free!

Has a focus on expanding your vocabulary and helps to exercise your listening skills. Teaches basic phrases so ideal for beginners.  Free!