Pirkanmaa, Finland Travel Guide

Discover the beauty of Pirkanmaa, Finland's hidden gem, with its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant city life in Tampere.

Pirkanmaa is a captivating region in southern Finland that offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and modern amenities. This area is known for its picturesque landscapes, including vast forests, serene lakes, and charming villages that provide a perfect backdrop for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and boating. The region is particularly stunning during the autumn when the foliage transforms into a vibrant tapestry of colors. Tampere, the largest city in Pirkanmaa, is the cultural and economic hub of the region. It offers a diverse range of attractions, including museums, theaters, and historical sites. Don’t miss the Vapriikki Museum Centre, which houses multiple museums under one roof, and the historic Finlayson area, which showcases the city’s industrial heritage. For a breathtaking view, head to the Pyynikki Observation Tower and enjoy a traditional Finnish coffee and doughnut at the café. Pirkanmaa also boasts a rich culinary scene, featuring local delicacies such as black sausage, smoked fish, and a variety of pastries. The local markets and restaurants provide an authentic taste of Finnish cuisine, often made with fresh, local ingredients. The area is also home to numerous events and festivals throughout the year, from music festivals to traditional fairs, ensuring there is always something exciting happening for visitors to enjoy.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Pirkanmaa.

Visit Pirkanmaa in the autumn to experience the stunning fall foliage.
Try the local specialty, black sausage, at the Tampere Market Hall.
Take a boat tour on Lake Näsijärvi for a unique perspective of the region.
Explore the Pyynikki Observation Tower for panoramic views and delicious doughnuts.
Check the local event calendar for festivals and events during your visit.

Top City Travel Guides in Pirkanmaa

The cities of Pirkanmaa, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Tampere

Jyväskylä

Destinations in Pirkanmaa

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Finnish Lakeland

Explore Pirkanmaa: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Pirkanmaa

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

Browse the full guide

All Attractions

Vehoniemi Automobile Museum

Discover the rich history of automobiles at the Vehoniemi Automobile Museum in Kaivanto, a delight for car enthusiasts and families alike.

4.5

The Finnish Labor Museum Werstas

Explore Finland's labor history at the Finnish Labor Museum Werstas in Tampere, showcasing engaging exhibits and interactive displays for all ages.

4.4

Museum Milavida

Explore Museum Milavida in Tampere, where art, history, and nature blend seamlessly for an unforgettable experience.

4.4

Finlayson's Church

Explore Finlayson's Church in Tampere, a stunning example of Lutheran architecture with breathtaking stained glass and serene surroundings.

4.5

Best landmarks in Pirkanmaa

Top-rated picks

Best Landmarks

Browse the full guide

All Landmarks

Museokeskus Vapriikki

Explore the cultural richness of Tampere at Museokeskus Vapriikki, Finland's premier museum featuring diverse exhibits, a cozy café, and unique souvenirs.

4.6

Särkänniemi

Experience the magic of Särkänniemi, Finland's top amusement park, featuring thrilling rides, an aquarium, cultural landmarks, and unforgettable family fun.

4.3

Finlayson Area

Discover the historic Finlayson Area in Tampere, a vibrant hub blending heritage, culture, and modernity in Finland's heart.

4.3

Hatanpää Park Arboretum

Explore the stunning natural beauty of Hatanpää Park Arboretum in Tampere, Finland, with diverse plant species and picturesque landscapes.

4.6

Best restaurants in Pirkanmaa

Top-rated picks

Best Restaurants

Browse the full guide

All Restaurants

Brewery Restaurant Plevna

Discover Brewery Restaurant Plevna in Tampere - where local craft beers meet traditional Finnish cuisine in a vibrant atmosphere.

4.3

Pyynikin Brewhouse

Experience authentic Finnish craft beer and local cuisine at Pyynikin Brewhouse in Tampere - a must-visit brewpub for all tourists.

4.3

Paapan Kapakka

Discover Paapan Kapakka: A Culinary Delight with Live Jazz in the Heart of Tampere.

4.1

Viikinkiravintola Harald

Discover Viking-inspired dishes at Viikinkiravintola Harald in Tampere – where Scandinavian tradition meets modern culinary excellence.

4.4

Best bars in Pirkanmaa

Top-rated picks

Best Bars

Browse the full guide

All Bars

Pyynikin Brewhouse

Experience the best of Tampere at Pyynikin Brewhouse with exceptional craft beers, delicious cuisine, and a vibrant atmosphere.

4.3

Moro Sky Bar

Experience Tampere's breathtaking views and innovative cocktails at Moro Sky Bar, the ultimate destination for a vibrant nightlife.

4.3

Paapan Kapakka

Discover the rhythm of jazz and culinary delights at Paapan Kapakka, a premier live music venue and bar in Tampere.

4.1

Ravintola Periscope

Experience contemporary Finnish cuisine at Ravintola Periscope in Tampere, where innovative dishes meet a relaxed atmosphere for an unforgettable dining experience.

4.1

Best nightclubs in Pirkanmaa

Top-rated picks

Best Nightclubs

Browse the full guide

All Nightclubs

Shell Parkano

Experience the convenience of Shell Parkano - a gas station, restaurant, and car wash all in one, perfect for travelers in Finland.

3.7

Tullikamari

Experience the vibrant nightlife and live music at Tullikamari, the heart of Tampere's entertainment scene.

4.3

Paapan Kapakka

Embrace the rhythm of Tampere at Paapan Kapakka, a top jazz bar serving delicious food and live music in a vibrant atmosphere.

4.1

Ravintola Poro

Experience the essence of Finnish culture at Ravintola Poro, a lively night club and restaurant in Tampere offering delectable cuisine and vibrant nightlife.

3.7

Best shops in Pirkanmaa

Top-rated picks

Best Shops

Browse the full guide

All Shops

Koskikeskus

Experience the vibrant mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment at Koskikeskus in Tampere, Finland, where every visit is a delightful adventure.

4.0

Shopping Center Ratina

Explore Shopping Center Ratina, Tampere's premier shopping destination offering diverse retail, dining, and entertainment experiences.

4.1

Stockmann Tampere

Explore Stockmann Tampere: A premier department store offering a wide array of products and a taste of Finnish culture in the heart of the city.

3.9

Tullintori Shopping Centre

Experience the vibrant Tullintori Shopping Centre in Tampere, where shopping, dining, and entertainment come together for an unforgettable visit.

3.6

Explore Pirkanmaa on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Pirkanmaa, mapped for you.

Pirkanmaa Essentials

Pirkanmaa is located in the southern part of Finland. The main entry point is Tampere, the largest city in the region. Tampere-Pirkkala Airport (TMP) is the primary airport, offering flights from various European cities. From Helsinki, you can take a train or bus to Tampere, which takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Trains are operated by VR, Finland's national railway company, and buses by several operators including Onnibus and Matkahuolto.
Pirkanmaa has a well-developed public transport system. In Tampere, buses and the newly inaugurated tram system make getting around easy. For regional travel, trains and buses connect the towns and cities within Pirkanmaa. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also available. Renting a car can be convenient for exploring rural areas and natural attractions. Bicycles are popular, and many cities have bike-sharing schemes.
The official currency in Finland is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, even for small purchases. ATMs are readily available in cities and towns. Mobile payment options such as Apple Pay and Google Pay are also commonly used. It is advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller towns or rural areas, as not all establishments may accept cards.
Pirkanmaa is generally a safe region with low crime rates. However, standard precautions should be taken. Avoid leaving your belongings unattended in public places and be cautious in crowded areas. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant. Tampere's city center and its surroundings are safe for tourists, but like any urban area, it's advisable to avoid poorly lit areas at night.
In case of emergencies, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which connects you to police, fire, and medical services. Tampere University Hospital (TAYS) provides comprehensive medical services. Pharmacies are plentiful and can offer over-the-counter medications. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
Fashion: Do dress in layers, as the weather can change rapidly. Casual and smart-casual attire is generally acceptable. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially in religious sites. Remove hats when entering churches. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to elderly passengers and don’t speak loudly. Greetings: Do greet people with a firm handshake and maintain eye contact. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like mustamakkara (blood sausage) and reindeer. Don’t refuse an offer to try traditional Finnish foods, as it might be considered impolite.
To experience Pirkanmaa like a local, visit the public saunas, especially the historic Rajaportti sauna in Tampere. Engage with locals at markets such as the Tampere Market Hall, one of the oldest in Finland. Explore the region's lakes and forests by hiking or renting a kayak. Don't miss the cultural events and festivals, particularly the Tampere Film Festival and the Tammerfest music festival.

When is the best time to visit Pirkanmaa?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Pirkanmaa

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Pirkanmaa. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloMoi
  [moy]
- GoodbyeNäkemiin
  [nah-keh-meen]
- YesKyllä
  [kue-lah]
- NoEi
  [ay]
- Please/You're welcomeOle hyvä
  [oh-leh hy-vah]
- Thank youKiitos
  [kee-tos]
- Excuse me/SorryAnteeksi
  [an-tehk-see]
- How are you?Mitkä fiilikset?
  [meet-kah fee-leek-set]
- Fine. And you?Hyvin. Entä sinä?
  [hoo-vin. en-tah see-nah]
- Do you speak English?Puhutko englantia?
  [pu-hoot-koh eng-lan-tee-ah]
- I don't understandEn ymmärrä
  [en oom-ar-rah]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseHaluaisin nähdä ruokalistan, kiitos
  [ha-lu-ai-sin nah-dah roo-kah-listan, kee-tos]
- I don't eat meatEn syö lihaa
  [en soo-lie-hah]
- Cheers!Kippis!
  [kip-pis]
- I would like to pay, pleaseHaluaisin maksaa, kiitos
  [ha-lu-ai-sin mak-sah, kee-tos]
- Help!Apua!
  [ah-poo-ah]
- Go away!Mene pois!
  [meh-neh po-is]
- Call the Police!Soita poliisi!
  [soi-tah po-lee-see]
- Call a doctor!Soita lääkäri!
  [soi-tah lae-ka-ri]
- I'm lostOlen eksynyt
  [oh-len ex-syu-nyht]
- I'm illOlen sairas
  [oh-len sai-ras]
- I'd like to buy...Haluaisin ostaa...
  [ha-lu-ai-sin os-tah]
- I'm just lookingOlen vain katsomassa
  [oh-len vain kat-so-mas-sah]
- How much is it?Paljonko se maksaa?
  [pal-yon-koh seh mak-sah]
- That's too expensiveSe on liian kallis
  [seh on lee-an kal-lis]
- Can you lower the price?Voitko alentaa hintaa?
  [voit-koh al-en-tah hin-tah]
- What time is it?Mitä kello on?
  [mee-tah kel-loh on]
- It's one o'clockKello on yksi
  [kel-loh on yook-si]
- Half past (10)Puoli yli kymmenen
  [puo-li yuli koom-me-nen]
- MorningAamu
  [ah-moo]
- AfternoonIltapäivä
  [il-ta-pai-vah]
- EveningIlta
  [il-tah]
- YesterdayEilen
  [ay-len]
- TodayTänään
  [tae-nan]
- TomorrowHuomenna
  [hoo-men-nah]
- 1Yksi
  [yook-si]
- 2Kaksi
  [kahk-si]
- 3Kolme
  [kohl-me]
- 4Neljä
  [nel-yah]
- 5Viisi
  [vee-si]
- 6Kuusi
  [koo-si]
- 7Seitsemän
  [sate-mahn]
- 8Kahdeksan
  [kah-dek-san]
- 9Yhdeksän
  [uh-dek-san]
- 10Kymmenen
  [kyum-me-nen]
- Where's a/the...?Missä on...?
  [miss-ah on]
- What's the address?Mikä on osoite?
  [mee-kah on oh-soi-teh]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Voitko näyttää minulle (kartalla)?
  [voit-koh nay-tah min-ul-leh]
- When's the next (bus)?Milloin seuraava (bussi)?
  [mil-loin seu-rah-vah]
- A ticket (to ....)Lippu (....)
  [lip-poo]

History of Pirkanmaa

Tampere, the largest city in Pirkanmaa, began its rise in the early 19th century. Founded in 1779 by Gustav III of Sweden, Tampere quickly evolved into an industrial powerhouse. By the 19th century, it was often referred to as the 'Manchester of Finland' due to its booming textile industry. The Tammerkoski rapids provided essential hydropower, facilitating the establishment of numerous factories. The Finlayson factory, founded in 1820, became one of the most prominent textile manufacturers in the region, employing thousands and driving economic growth.
One of the most significant events in Pirkanmaa's history is the Battle of Tampere, which took place during the Finnish Civil War in 1918. This battle was a pivotal conflict between the Red Guards, representing the working class, and the White Guards, representing the conservative and middle classes. The battle culminated in April 1918 when White forces, led by General Mannerheim, besieged the city. The fierce fighting resulted in heavy casualties and marked a turning point in the civil war, leading to the eventual victory of the White forces.
Pirkanmaa holds a special place in the history of Finnish broadcasting. The first Finnish radio station, Tampereen Radio, began operations in 1923 in Tampere. This marked the beginning of organized broadcasting in Finland, allowing the population to receive news, music, and entertainment through the airwaves. The establishment of Tampereen Radio laid the groundwork for the modern Finnish Broadcasting Company (YLE), which continues to serve the nation today.
Sara Hildén, an influential art patron and collector, left an indelible mark on Pirkanmaa's cultural landscape. Born in Tampere in 1905, Hildén amassed an impressive collection of modern art over her lifetime. In 1962, she founded the Sara Hildén Art Museum, which opened to the public in 1979. The museum, located in Särkänniemi, Tampere, houses a world-class collection of contemporary art, featuring works by both Finnish and international artists. It has become a cornerstone of Pirkanmaa's cultural heritage, attracting art enthusiasts from around the globe.
Vapriikki, a multifaceted museum complex in Tampere, offers a deep dive into the region's rich history and culture. Housed in a former factory building along the Tammerkoski rapids, Vapriikki opened its doors in 1996. It features a range of permanent and temporary exhibitions covering topics from natural history and archaeology to industrial heritage and modern culture. Notable exhibits include the Finnish Hockey Hall of Fame and the Media Museum Rupriikki. Vapriikki serves as a cultural hub, preserving and showcasing Pirkanmaa's diverse heritage.
Hämeenkyrö, a picturesque municipality in Pirkanmaa, is renowned for its literary connections. It is the birthplace of Nobel Prize-winning author Frans Eemil Sillanpää, who was born there in 1888. Sillanpää's works, deeply rooted in the Finnish countryside and its people, earned him international acclaim. His most famous novel, 'The Maid Silja,' has been translated into numerous languages. Hämeenkyrö celebrates its literary heritage through various festivals and events, including the Frans Eemil Sillanpää Week, attracting literary enthusiasts and scholars.