Tampere & Häme - Finland - page 284

Getting your kicks on Finland's Route 66, staying in peaceful Ruovesi
Luxuriating in the acoustics of a Sibelius performance at Lahti's Sibeliustalo
Admiring the work of Finland's greatest sculptor, Emil Wickström, at peaceful Vis-
avuori
Cruising the Poet's Way from Tampere to Virrat, a relaxing visual feast of Finnish
lakescapes
Snooping from room to room in Hämeenlinna's Palanderin Talo , one of Finland's
most interesting house-museums
Browsing top-quality Finnish art in Mänttä's Gösta gallery
Contrast the venerable ancient artwork in the churches at Hattula , Keuruu and Hol-
lola , with Tampere's memorable 20th-century cathedral
TAMPERE
03 / Pop 217,400
Scenic Tampere, set between two vast lakes, has a down-to-earth vitality that makes it a fa-
vourite for many visitors. Through its centre churns the Tammerkoski rapids, whose grassy
banks contrast with the red brick of the imposing fabric mills that once drove the city's
economy. Regenerated industrial buildings now house quirky museums, enticing shops,
pubs, cinemas and cafes.
History
In the Middle Ages the area was inhabited by the Pirkka, a devil-may-care guild of
hunters, trappers and vigilante tax collectors. Modern Tampere was founded in 1779; dur-
ing the 19th century its Tammerkoski rapids, which today supply abundant hydroelectric
power, were a magnet for textile industries.
The 1917 Russian Revolution struck a chord with Tampere's large working-class popu-
lation; the city became capital of the 'Reds' during the Finnish civil war and the scene of
their biggest defeat.
As the textile industry dwindled, the city was forced to reinvent itself; its urban renewal
is one of Finland's success stories.