Golf around Tampere
This summer I had the pleasure of visiting Tampere as my annual golf journey desitination! Tampere is centrally located in Finland and it is easy to reach by car, train, bus or even by flying. Big plus to their flight routes btw!
The Tampere region is home to several top-notch golf courses, each with its own unique character and challenges. From the championship courses that test the skills of even the most seasoned golfers to the more relaxed, scenic courses suitable for beginners and intermediate players, there’s something for everyone.
During my visit, I had the opportunity to play a few rounds at some of the best courses in the region. One that particularly stood out was the Nokia River Golf. This beautiful course is set amidst a stunning natural landscape of rolling hills and dense forests, providing not only a great game but also a chance to connect with nature. The course is well maintained and offers a good mix of challenges for all levels of players. The big points, in addition to surroundings and the course, goes to the training areas. New range and high level tech made it a great place to train as well!
Another course that I thoroughly enjoyed was the Tammer Golf. This course is located on the banks of the Näsijärvi lake and next to Alasjärvi. The course is well designed with a good mix of holes that require both skill and strategy. The course it self is a classic mix of forrest and park fields. What I particularly liked about this course was its accessibility. It is located just a short drive from the city center and is also accessible by public transportation.
Lastly, I also had the chance to play at Golf Pirkkala. This course is a bit more challenging with its narrow fairways and strategically placed hazards, but it is still suitable for players of all skill levels. The course is set in a beautiful natural environment, and it is always a pleasure to play a round there. During our round, we suffered of some lightning storms and heavy rain so it took ages to complete the round, but nevertheless the course held its bargain and took the water surprisingly well.
Of course, there are several other golf courses in the region, each offering a unique golfing experience. Whether you are a seasoned pro or a beginner, you will find a course that suits your skill level and provides an enjoyable round of golf.
Surprisingly, in the region the amount of golf courses is actually pretty low compared to the amount of people in the area! The region has more than 500k people BUT only three full 18 -hole golf course which makes it 166k people per golf course – no wonder it might be a bit tough to get tee times during season.
The Cultural Scene in Tampere
When traveling for Golf, people will always look into other things as well outside of golf! Tampere has a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant arts scene. From museums and galleries to theaters and music venues, there is something for everyone.
As mentioned earlier, one must-visit destination is the Vapriikki Center of Culture. Located in a historic factory building, Vapriikki is home to several museums and exhibitions, including the Natural History Museum, the Finnish Museum of Games, and the Museum of Tammerkoski. It also hosts temporary exhibitions on various topics, from history and archaeology to art and design. Vapriikki is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the Tampere region and Finland as a whole.
Another cultural institution worth visiting is the Tampere Art Museum. The museum has a permanent collection of Finnish art from the 19th century to the present day, as well as temporary exhibitions of contemporary art. The museum is located in a beautiful building designed by the famous Finnish architect Wivi Lönn.
For those interested in theater, the Tampereen Työväen Teatteri (Tampere Workers’ Theatre) is a must-visit. It is one of the oldest and most respected theaters in Finland and offers a wide range of performances, from classic plays to contemporary dramas and musicals.
Music lovers will also find plenty to enjoy in Tampere. The city is home to several music venues, from intimate clubs to larger concert halls. Tampere Hall, for example, is one of the largest concert halls in the Nordic countries and hosts performances by international and local artists. The city also hosts several music festivals throughout the year, including the Tampere Jazz Happening and the Tampere Chamber Music Festival.
In addition to these cultural institutions, Tampere also has a thriving independent arts scene. There are several galleries and artist-run spaces throughout the city that showcase contemporary art, design, and crafts. And of course, there are several public artworks and monuments scattered throughout the city, adding to its cultural richness.
The Capital of Sauna Culture in Finland
Tampere is often referred to as the ‘Sauna Capital of the World,’ and for a good reason. The city boasts more saunas per capita than any other city in Finland, and sauna culture is deeply ingrained in the local way of life. Saunas in Finland are not just a place to relax and unwind, but they are also a place for socializing, bonding, and even conducting business meetings. It is said that Finns are born in saunas, grow up in saunas, and make important life decisions in saunas. Tampere, with its numerous public and private saunas, is the perfect place to immerse yourself in this important aspect of Finnish culture.
As mentioned earlier, one of the must-visit destinations in Tampere is the Rauhaniemi Kansankylpylä, a traditional public sauna located on the shores of Lake Näsijärvi. Rauhaniemi is more than just a sauna; it is an institution in Tampere. It has been in operation since 1901 and is one of the last remaining public saunas in Finland. The sauna is heated with wood, and you can take a dip in the lake to cool off. It’s a truly refreshing and rejuvenating experience.
But Rauhaniemi is not the only sauna worth visiting in Tampere. The city is home to several other public saunas, each with its own unique character and charm. For example, the Kaupinoja sauna is another popular choice among locals and visitors alike. Located on the shores of Lake Tohloppi, it offers separate saunas for men and women, as well as a mixed-gender sauna. And of course, there are several private saunas that you can rent for a more intimate experience.
Sauna culture in Tampere is not limited to traditional saunas. The city is also home to several modern saunas that offer a range of services, from traditional sauna bathing to sauna yoga and even sauna therapy. And if you are feeling adventurous, you can even try a smoke sauna, a traditional Finnish sauna that is heated by burning wood and allowing the smoke to fill the room before venting it out.
Walk away with?
Tampere is a great place to visit for golfers, offering a range of top-notch courses set amidst stunning natural landscapes. It might not have the biggest amount of courses but the level and accessibility are at the highest level! Tampere is also much more than that. With its rich cultural heritage, vibrant arts scene, and traditional Finnish sauna experience, there’s something for everyone. Add to that the convenience of good flight connections and easy accessibility to golf courses by public transportation, and Tampere is a destination that should be on every golfer’s bucket list. So pack your clubs and head to Tampere for an unforgettable golf holiday.
