The Moomin Valley of the Tampere Art Museum is a museum devoted to original works by writer and artist Tove Jansson and can be found in the centre of the city of Tampere. A heaven for those who love Moomins!

inter9.tampere.fi/muumilaakso/index.php?lang=en
Hämeenpuisto 20
P. O. Box 487FIN-33101 Tampere
+358 3 56566578
Google map: bit.ly/oND9Sa

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Sauna near Tampere, Finland.
Only 30 minutes casual walk away from the centre of Tampere, Kaupinoja sauna will always be a fond memory. Every wood-burning sauna in Finland seems to claim it is "Finland's Best Sauna!", however the friendly atmosphere, beautiful surroundings and casual vibe (regardless of whether you're a local or not) make Kaupinoja my favourite place to spend the weekend, let alone an hour or two. Take trunks, a towel and be ready to get really hot, really cold, then just relax.

Tampere, Finland.
www.talviuimarit.fi/sauna_auki_maksut/
PL 17, 33501 Tampere
+358 (0)3 - 2614572

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The Omena Hotel chain has done away with human staff. You just turn up, punch your reservation into the computer terminal at the door and are given a room number and access code.
You can even reserve a room on the computer if you haven't done so beforehand. For about 60 - 70 euros you get a modern room with widescreen TV, microwave, fridge and free wifi.

There are two in Tampere - the nearest one to the train station is Tampere II.
www.omenahotels.com/

Google map: tinyurl.com/yclmftw

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Any of the over 180 000 lakes in Finland! Most of them with beautifully clean water, easy access and free for anyone to swim in. Better still, make friends with a Finn to get invited to a summer house, which usually are found by a lake and have a sauna to warm up in after a dip in the lake. Alternatively, hire a summer house or make use of public saunas, which are an inexpensive way to be introduced to one of the Finnish national institutions. These are open both in the summer and in the winter, when you can try ice hole swimming - if you are brave enough!

Why not try wild swimming in Tampere, a city located between two large lakes. You can find details about ice hole swimming and public saunas on www.talviuimarit.fi

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Tampere is situated between 2 large lakes, and to get a great view of the city, lakes and surrounding forest, head to the Pyynikki ridge. There you will find an observation tower (1€) with a cafe at the bottom serving tasty fresh doughnuts. There are also some lovely short walks in the immediate area and a swimming beach with volley ball in the summer.

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If you're a fan of BBC's Spooks drama, there's a spy museum where you can have a go at pretending to be Kim Philby or Guy Burgess. As well as the usual spy history displays you can rest your eyes and have a go. Why not try altering the pitch of your voice or reading someone else's email. It's based in an old brewery. After several hours reading and playing at being 007, you'll have no trouble finding somewhere to eat and drink. For real ale buffs, the place serves beer.

Satakunnankahl 18
+358 3 2123 007
www.vakoilumuseo.fi

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Great food and cheap, situated on the river which looks great at night.

www.rosso.fi

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