Pyynikki
Pyynikki is a cultural and heritage attraction in Tampere, Finland.
History
Pyynikki has been a park and place of natural beauty since the 1830s and the first cafe within Pyynikki was opened in 1868. The first observation tower was built in 1888, but it was damaged in the 1918 civil war. Rebuilding plans started from 1925 and the new tower and cafe was opened in 1929 for the city's 150th anniversary.
In the late 1960s and 1970s, the city of Tampere built the more modern and commercial Särkänniemi which replaced Pyynikki's role as a tourist attraction aimed at foreign tourists, leaving Pyynikki mostly for local visitors and other Finns and as a hidden gem for foreign tourists.
Observation Tower and Cafe
This current tower was designed by architect Vilho Kolho and built using local red granite. The 26-meter tower stands 152 meters above sea level on the Pyynikki ridge crest. The top can be reached by a lift, but walking up the stairs offers various observation windows. The open top offers a clear view of the city of Tampere as well as Lake Näsijärvi on the north and Lake Pyhäjärvi in the south.
Entrance to the park and cafe is free but climbing the tower costs 50 cents for children or 2 euros for adults. The Cafe has its own historic donut recipe which has remained unchanged for 80 years.
Pyynikki is Tampere's official destination for motorcyclist tourists, other areas of the city may not be so welcoming. Tuesday especially is dedicated to motorcyclists.
Pyynikki Summer Theatre
Pyynikki also contains a summer theatre within the park.
External links
Coordinates: 61°29′42″N 23°43′48″E / 61.495°N 23.730°E