Tampere, Finland: the perfect escape for saunas, snow, and stunning winter adventures

By ALEXANDREA SUMUEL GROVES

Wealth of Geeks

With 47 percent of travelers planning a winter holiday in 2025, winter travel makes a strong comeback. For those venturing outside of North America, 45 percent consider Europe. Finland, the world’s happiest country for seven years running, is the perfect place to lean fully into your winter vacation.

Named by 38 percent of Finns as their ideal place to live, Tampere is a favorite among Finnish and international visitors. It is the Sauna Capital of the World, which is where people want to be in the winter months: close to the winter activities but never too far away from one of the almost 70 public saunas in Tampere. It makes Tampere the perfect place to embrace winter rather than endure it.

A wellness escape: Saunas and ice dipping

Obviously, no visit to the Sauna Capital of the World is complete without experiencing its iconic saunas up close. And let’s face it, warming up after a day of exploring and being outside in winter is unbeatable. At Kaupinoja Sauna, on the shores of Lake Näsijärvi, visitors can dip their toes in the Finnish tradition of moving between the heat of the sauna and the icy cold of the lake.

Ice swimming after the sauna is imperative to Finnish sauna culture, and as many locals partake, many visitors also dare to brave the icy water. Avanto, or ice swimming, has several health benefits. It can reduce stress, improve sleep, boost immunity, and relieve pain from inflammation or muscle aches. However, please consult your doctor if you have any pre-existing conditions.

When looking for a local and intimate experience, Tahmelan Huvila has a unique setting on Lake Pyhäjärvi. This 19th-century villa includes the Rantaportti sauna, inspired by the oldest public sauna in Finland, Rajaportti. After the sauna session, plunge into the icy lake waters and opt for either the lakeside dip or walk over the frozen lake to a hole in the ice for an authentic ice-swimming experience.

Outdoor adventures in the snow

Tampere’s natural surroundings offer endless opportunities to enjoy the beauty of the winter season. For a thrilling winter experience, try tour skating on Lake Näsijärvi, run by Hiking Travel, Hit, a family business. They test the ice, and when it is thick enough, there is a 19-mile path where visitors and locals can ice skate along the lakeshore.

When it’s time for a break, rest at the winter café that’s literally located on the frozen lake. It’s the perfect stop to get warm drinks and snacks.

Another must-try activity in the area is exploring Pyynikki Nature Reserve, where the Observation tower shows incredible views of the area and the café at the bottom has mouthwatering doughnuts. Some would argue these are the best doughnuts in Finland. The area offers quiet forests full of snow waiting to be explored.

Kelo ja Kallio Adventures offers many trips around the Tampere area, one of which is a unique snowshoeing experience in the Pyynikki Nature Reserve. Explore the ridge and take in the breathtaking views of the frozen lakes that stretch as far as the eye can see.

A taste of Tampere

Winter in Tampere wouldn’t be complete without checking out its local flavors. Outdoor activities and visiting the sauna make it easy to work up an appetite, and there are so many different options available that it’s hard to choose.

Settle down at Restaurant Pons with stunning city views and a seasonal menu inspired by fresh, local ingredients. For unique architecture, Restaurant Tampella is housed in a charmingly restored old factory along the Tammerkoski rapids. It has a warm atmosphere where Finnish culinary traditions and international flavors come together.

For breathtaking views, visit Restaurant Periscope on the 6th floor, where Tampere and Lake Pyhäjärvi are spread out below. Their menu offers a fusion of local and international flavors with incredibly fresh tastes and ingredients. When you think it’s hard to top that, head to Restaurant Näsinneula, a revolving restaurant 400 feet above ground in the Näsinneula Observation Tower, offering a rotating menu crafted from seasonal, local ingredients.

For a more intimate vibe and impeccable service, Bistro Henriks is perfect for enjoying French-inspired dishes in a cozy setting. And don’t forget to stop at Restaurant 4 Seasons, located inside Tampere Market Hall, which offers classic French dishes made with the finest ingredients.

Where to stay

For a great night’s sleep in the heart of Tampere, look no further than Lapland Hotels Arena. Located within the vibrant Nokia Arena, a 5-minute walk from the train station, the modern hotel is centrally located and has a rugged Arctic-inspired elegance.

The unique location puts you at the center of the city’s Nokia Arena, where you’ll find Tampere’s ice hockey games and other events, such as concerts, taking place in the same building. Visitors can even see into the arena from a few of the rooms.

Let’s not forget the Finnish sauna experience the property offers for all hotel guests at the rooftop sauna and in over 70 of their rooms.

Why Tampere Is the perfect winter escape

While Tampere offers plenty of activities to fill your days, like the museums and outdoor exploration, what truly sets it apart is the feeling it leaves you with. Whether it’s the warmth of the saunas, the thrill of outdoor adventures, or the simple pleasure of zooming over frozen lakes, Tampere transforms winter into something magical.

So, this season, consider escaping to Tampere instead of letting the winter get the best of you. It might just turn the gloomiest day of the year into one of the most fun.