Now that we are beginning a new year, it may be time to choose a new bucket list city for 2024, one not so well known, but offering beautiful winter scenery, friendly locals, delicious cuisine and an extraordinarily safe environment. Can this be the Finnish city of Tampere?

As Sauna Capital of the World, Tampere is home to the most public saunas in Finland, with a history of sauna culture in the city going back to the oldest public sauna still functioning today, Rajaportti Sauna in the district of Pispala, a pretty neighborhood sitting between two lakes just 20 minutes from Tampere’s city center.

© Laura Vanzo – Visit Tampere

In 2020 the sauna culture from Finland was added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Of course, saunas have existed in other cultures, but in Tampere, they have become especially entwined into the city’s culture. In Tampere, saunas have always been an essential form of relaxation, even for visitors. The city and the surrounding area have about 60 public saunas that preserve the sauna tradition and its importance to the well-being of Tampere’s residents.

Besides all the public sauna options, several hotels and restaurants have stylish saunas, as well. Restaurant Periscope has one on its rooftop terrace and Lapland Hotels Arena, located at the heart of the Nokia Arena entertainment venue, the location of the popular Laawu Rooftop Terrace & Sauna, offers saunas in some of its guestrooms. There is more to Tampere than just saunas.

© Laura Vanzo – Visit Tampere

There are lots of friendly bars, cafés and restaurants to experience the local flavors, especially the famous sugary donuts washed down with a glass of Glӧgi, a gently spiced mulled wine sure to warm the body.

Tampere’s Festival of Light is during fall and winter, bringing extra enjoyment in the dark seasons when the city is illuminated in brilliant art and light projections. Some outdoor activities can include cross-country skiing, ice skating, outdoor swimming (ok, not for everyone) and walks in a snowy forest.

© Laura Vanzo – Visit Tampere

Museums in Tampere are pretty unique. Visitors can choose from Hockey Hall of Fame, National Police Museum, Finnish Postal Museum, Spy Museum, Finnish Museum of Games and many more. Another special place to visit in the region is Serlachius Museum Gösta, offering an incredibly unique and impressive art collection as well as, of course, an art sauna!

Tampere Market Hall, the largest market hall in the Nordics, offers a great experience with local pastries, cheese, fresh fish, seasonal vegetables, meat and much more. Cafés within Market Hall provide hot meals and drinks.