The city of Tampere is located between the lakes of Pyhäjärvi and Näsijärvi. Pyynikki and Pispala are the beautiful districts near the Tampere city centre. Pyynikki disctrict and nature reserve is located on the Pyynikinharju ridge, between the Tampere city center and the western district of Pispala. Pyynikinharju ridge, shaped by the ice age, is the highest gravel ridge in the world, rising 85 meters above the level of lake Pyhäjärvi.
Pyynikinharju ridge with its pine trees and spectacular scenery is one of the most popular recreation areas in Tampere. The 26-metre high Pyynikki Observation Tower (Pyynikin näkötorni in Finnish) is located on top of the ridge. The red granite tower was completed in 1929 and it replaced the old wooden observation tower. The popular Pyynikin Munkkikahvila at the tower ground level serves the best doughnuts in the city. The famous Pyynikin portaat stairs locate on the Pyhäjärvi lake side of Pyynikinharju next to the Pyynikki observation tower.
Pispala district is located on the Pispalanharju ridge, the western slope of the Pyynikinharju ridge. Pispala is the unique village-like neighbourhood with narrow streets, old wooden houses and magnificent views towards the two large lakes, Pyhäjärvi and Näsijärvi. Pispala is considered the most beautiful area of Tampere.
The rugged residential area Pispala was joined to the Tampere city in 1937. Pispala was then inhabited by factory and railroad workers. It was the largest workers’ district in Tampere.
Pispala’s famous landmark is the Pispala Shot Tower (Pispalan haulitorni). Pispala Shot Tower is the last shot tower in Finland. Shotgun pellets were made in the tower by dropping melted lead down a tube. The tower was built in 1908 and its height is 55 m. The shot factory operated until 1972.
Pispalan portaat, up to the Pispalanharju ridge, are the longest wooden stairs in Tampere and a popular place to exercise. Rajaportti Sauna, Finland´s oldest public sauna built in 1906, is also found in Pispala. Pispala’s must places where to eat are Vaakon Nakki, the mother of all grill kiosks, Pispalan Pulteri with its legendary steaks and the atmosperic Café Pispala.
This wobbly cycling trip goes along:
1. Up to the Pyynikki observation tower (Pyynikin näkötorni) on top of the Pyynikinharju ridge.
2. Along the Pyynikki nature trail (Pyynikin luontopolku). There are several viewpoints along the Pyynikki nature trail.
3. Up to the Pispalanharju ridge and Ylä-Pispala, along the Pispalanharju street.
4. Admiring the old wooden houses and magnificient view over Lake Pyhäjärvi from the Pyykkimettä park, also known as the water tank hill.
5. U-turn by the Pispan koulu school and Pispankatu street.
6. Along Rinnekatu – Mäkikatu streets to the Pispalan valtatie main street, a stop by the Rajaportti Sauna.
7. Over the Pispalan valtatie street to Ratakatu, enjoying the view to Santalahti and the lake Näsijärvi.
8. Along Ratakatu to the Pispala Shot Tower (Pispalan haulitorni).
9. Along Haulikatu – Haulitorninraitti, off-road beside the railway, Ahjolankatu – Erämiehenkatu streets, behind the Pispalan kirkko church to the Pöllikuja alley.
10. Over the Pispalan valtatie main street to Puusepänkatu, then along the Rimminkatu – Mäkikatu – Päivölänkatu streets by the museum for the Finnish writer Lauri Viita (Lauri Viita museo)
11. Up the Portaanpää stairs to Harjunpää and the Pispan koulu school. Admiring the view to the lake Pyhäjärvi.
12. Down the Pispankatu street, by the Café Pispala, a stop by the Pispalan portaat stairs.
13. Down the Torpankatu street to Selininkatu, up to Vallikatu to the Pispalanportaat stairs and back.
14. Down the Hirvikatu street by the Kujakolli pub to Tahmelankatu – Viertolankatu streets. A street cat crossing at Viertolankatu.
15. Admiring the lake Pyhäjärvi view up from the Viertolankatu – Varalankatu street bend.
16. A stop by Pispalan pulteriaita, an old boulder fence, by the Varala Sports Institute (Varalan urheiluopisto).
17. Pyynikintie and the legendary Varalanmutka street bend.
18. Down the Pyynikintie street by the old Pyynikin Trikoo factory.
19. Passing by the Scandic Rosendahl hotel to the Pyynikki Summer Theater, known for its revolving auditorium, and Pyynikki public beach (Pyynikin uimaranta) by the lake Pyhäjärvi.
20. Continuing towards the Tampere city center via Pyynikin rantapolku and Pyhäjärvi lakeside trail.
21. Along the Eteläpuiston rantapolku trail to the Eteläpuiston Laituri/Kesäranta pop up activity and leisure park, and Tönö container café, at the Eteläpuisto Park, south of Hämeenpuisto park.
22. Under the Ratinansilta bridge.
23. Laukonsilta pedestrian and cycling bridge over Ratinansuvanto by the Laukontori square and Sauna Restaurant Kuuma (Saunaravintola Kuuma).
24. Tampere Stadium (Tampereen stadion/Ratinan stadion), where Tampere hosted World Masters Athletics Championships (Aikuisyleisurheilun MM-kisat) June 29 – July 10, 2022.
25. Cycling back the same route.