Latest travel trends have shown that we want more from our well-earned holiday than soaking up the sun on a beach somewhere. Experiential holidays, taking in wellness, nature, gastronomy and culture are becoming the norm for visitors looking for meaningful and fulfilling ways to enjoy their trips. As well as new experiences, perhaps it's time to consider new destinations too.

Tampere looks set to become one of the coolest European city breaks and it's easy to see why. There's a huge choice of things to do as well as an impressive cultural programme lined up for the coming months.

Here's a look ahead to what's on in Tampere for 2024 and how to get the most from your city break. These are some of the top events you won't want to miss if you're heading to this Finnish gem (If you can tear yourself away from the sauna!)

If art is on the agenda for your trip, Tampere has that covered. Nestled amid the most beautiful Finnish lakeside setting, Serlachius is a sustainable cultural attraction open all year round. Besides art, history and architecture, visitors can enjoy culinary and award-winning art sauna experiences.

The Serlachius Collection comprises thousands of artworks and features classic pieces from the Golden Age of Finnish art as well as European Master paintings dating back to 16th–19th centuries. Works representing Impressionism as well as Modernism complement the Serlachius collection. Serlachius will welcome visitors to the exciting programme of exhibitions for 2024.

Another top art event is Mänttä Art Festival 2024. It's the summer's largest exhibition of contemporary Finnish art and runs from 16 June- 31 August. In 2024, it's the 10th anniversary of the famous Finlayson Art Area which features exhibitions and the works are displayed in the galleries and public spaces of the historic Finlayson factory area.

There are many more museums and galleries to visit in Tampere and you'll find more information here.

What else is on this year?

UMK24 -Eurovision fun 10 February 2024

Finns go crazy for Eurovision - it's a big deal across the country but Tampere is the place to be this year for serious Eurovision aficionados. UMK24 acts will battle it out on stage and the lucky winner will represent Finland at the world-famous Eurovision Song Contest. The competition aside, the whole city is going to be one big Eurovision carnival.

Tampere Hall

Don't miss a programme of stunning concerts from Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra throughout 2024. Tickets and listings here.

And for opera fans, Tampere Opera's spring production will be Verdi's unmissable La Traviata. Visitors can catch this classical favourite at Tampere Hall throughout March. The opera will be sung in Italian with Finnish and English subtitles available. 

Tampere Film Festival 6-10 March 2024

Every year film lovers and industry professionals gather in Tampere for the annual film festival. The largest film festival in the Nordics and one of the most important in Europe, don't miss five days of the best short films, documentaries and cinematic events.

Tampere Theatre Festival

One of the oldest and most significant theatre festivals in the Nordic countries, Tampere Theatre Festival attracts visitors from all over the world. In August, Tampere bursts into life as performers take to the city's stages and public spaces, showcasing the most exciting current productions of Finnish and international theatre groups.

Tampere Biennial 10–14 April 2024

This prestigious contemporary music event is a platform for showcasing Finnish composers, encouraging people to get to know exciting new music. Every two years, Tampere Biennale presents fine performers, current composers and the latest works of modern Finnish music.

Lavish stage production of The Lord of the Rings™

Plans are well underway to bring together a historic collaboration between three of the city's cultural institutions - Tampereen Teatteri (Tampere Theatre), Tampere-talo (Tampere Hall), Tampere Filharmonia, and Sorin Sirkus. The result will be a unique large-scale production of The Lord of the Rings™, based on the beloved classic by the father of English fantasy literature, J.R.R. Tolkien. Hobbits, elves, orcs, elves and other characters come to life on stage and you can bag your tickets for this musical extravaganza here

Sauna Capital of the World

After all that culture it might be time to stop and slow down again. Visitors can still take advantage of the relaxing sauna experience in Tampere. As the Sauna Capital of the World – there are almost 60 public saunas in Tampere and the surrounding region.

Did you know, there are even hotels with a sauna in a room, for example Lapland Hotels Arena. Fancy a room with a view? This hotel also has rooms where you can have a grandstand view of some concerts and ice-hockey matches. Or for great accommodation that is less ringside but a beautiful base for a cultural city break in Tampere, take a look at Lillan Boutique Hotel.

If seeing some great concerts, art galleries, museums or theatre performances is on the cards for your next break, head to Tampere. It will be a joy from start to Finnish!

How to get here:

Flights and connections to Tampere are available from a number of European cities. See here for the best routes. Flying to Helsinki is an option. An easy, regular train service runs from Helsinki to Tampere.