Tampere

Tampere is the biggest city of the Scandinavian peninsula with population of more than 200.000. The Tampere area was habituated for more than 1000 years, but as late as 1779 Tampere was founded by the King of Sweden Gustav III. Later control of the city translated to the Russian empire and in 1828, following the abolition of trade taxes from Tzar Alexander I, Scotsman James Finlayson founded the first cotton processing factory in Tampere. This marked the beginning of rapid industrial development of the city, which is visible today by the many old factory buildings that are one of the landmarks of this city. Nowadays Tampere is still the biggest industrial city in Finland, with many high-tech companies replacing the textile and cotton industries of the past. The city is the headquarters of well known mobile phone giant Nokia, which started here as a wood pulp manufacturer in the end of the 19th century. The city of Tampere has developed and as very important educational center with 2 major universities and its many colleges and professional schools. But Tampere is interesting and with its preserved surroundings and the 2 clean lakes - Näsijärvi and Pyhäjärvi, which are specially preserved as early as the 70s of the 20th century in order to see locals fishing in them nowadays. Tampere is also a major cultural center of Finland with the international festivals of short film (March) and theater (August), many outdoor rock and jazz concerts, lavish theatrical productions and one of the best modern art collections in Finland. The landmarks of Tampere include the Central Square, the Pyynikki Ridge, Pispala, the Cathedral, many examples of Pietiläs' Architecture, the Pyynikki Observation Tower and the Näsinneula Observation Tower. And don't forget - there are tons more of attractions, activities and interesting places to see in the city of Tampere, visit them and write here at HolidayStreets.com about their beauty and mystery!