September 2024
This is one of a series of posts about my trip to the Baltic countries and Scandinavia. The last post can be found here: Exploring Helsinki: A Journey through Finland’s Vibrant Capital

I took the train from Helsinki. Finland’s transportation services are really good and pretty reasonable. Trains are cheaper the further in advance you book. So as soon as you settle on an itinerary, book your transit.

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Tampere; Sauna capitol of Finland

I Checked into Dream hostel and left my bag as I was too early for my room. When I asked about an authentic sauna, she suggested Rauhaniemi Folk Spa, just a 1/2 hour walk. I asked about protocol and was given good directions. I should have brought sandals as my tender tootsies found walking outside on the gravel and pavement difficult. Also bring more water! Saunas are hot work and dehydrating.

The sauna starts at 100°C. The temperature increases during the day as more people put water on the stones. I lasted 10-15 minutes before escaping to jump in the lake which was a balmy 16°C. Fins will cut a hole in the ice and go in winter. This was summer sauna for them! There are warning signs not to swim alone in winter. Most of the folks there were socializing. They’d spend some time sweating together, then all go jump in the lake, swim around for a bit then go back and sweat. Some just conversed outside between sweats. Others prepared barbecued hot dogs on a grill and picnicked.

After a couple hours of steaming myself then freezing, I took the scenic route back. I settled into my dorm and went out to get a salad at the Kmarket. They’re small grocery / convenience stores and all have some sort of salad bar plus lots of single meal options. Restaurants in Finland are very expensive. The salad bars provide a great option. You fill up a container with greens, veggies, pickles, cheeses, some meat choices, dressing, etc. Then you weigh it and a price tag comes out. Mine were usually 7-9 Euro. Not bad for a delicious, nutritious meal! I took it back to the hostel and ate in the kitchen where I usually get a cup of tea or water.

I had a leisurely start the next day

I asked a woman who lives here for a nice place to hike. She told me about a national park, not far. She looked up bus info for me. 1.25 hours then a 2 km walk. 🤔 I asked about Pyynikki as I could see it on the map. I only had one full day here and didn’t want to spend it on buses

Oh! Yes that is also nice. And you can walk from here! 😆 Funny as when we live in a place we forget about the beauty that is close

I started by following an all trails map but quickly went off track as there are many side trails. I checked Nomadi at the other side. It is another trail map app that’s better for city walks. I found a route through a residential area with old houses. That’s how I found Tahmela Huvila cafe. I certainly wouldn’t have found it otherwise! Delicious home made soup with bread that’s still warm and tasty pastries

I walked back through Pyynikki and found the tower which, of course, I climbed. After that I treated myself to one of their famous donuts. It was delicious but I did feel like I’d eaten my way through Tampere. No dinner for me.

The next day I boarded a train bound for Turku, Finland. That post is coming!