Helsinki; Friday, 28 July, 2006

Another early start this morning, again to get to the station, though this time the destination was Tamperer (or as Ryanair like to call it, Helsinki as they are less than 200Km from each other).

First stop of the afternoon, because by the time I got to Tampere and walked through the city to it, it had gone 12, was the viewing tower towards the north of the city centre. The tower has now spawned a theme park beneath it, but the views from the top more than make up for the hoards of screaming children.

From there I walked back across the city to the Pyynikki ridge. At the top of the ridge is another, much older, viewing tower, and a café that serves "the best doughnuts in Tampere". After taking in the views I headed back into town to the spy museum.

The museum explains a little about espionage, especially during the cold war period, and displays some of the devices that have been used by spies.

From there I walked to the lake-side market and picked up the ferry to Viikinsaari an island in the lake which is owned by the city for recreation. It is very peaceful and quiet. I spent nearly an hour walking around the paths of the island and, apart from around the landing stage, barely met another person. The last ferry of the day back was at 1730 which left me just enough time for a quick bite to eat and then back to the station to catch the train back to Helsinki.