Särkänniemi
Pirkanmaa
Located on a scenic peninsula in Tampere, Finland, Särkänniemi is a multifaceted amusement park that combines thrilling rides with cultural and educational attractions. Established as an amusement park in 1973, it has grown into Finland's second most popular park, attracting over 600,000 visitors annually. The park offers more than 30 rides including four roller coasters such as the inverted Tornado and the launched steel coaster Hype. Beyond rides, Särkänniemi hosts an aquarium, a planetarium, the Sara Hilden Art Museum, and the Näsinneula observation tower, which stands 168 meters tall and offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding lakes. The park also features water rides like the log flume Tukkijoki and the river rapids Koskiseikkailu, alongside a children's zoo called Doghill Fairytale Farm. Owned by the city of Tampere, Särkänniemi blends entertainment, nature, and culture in a unique setting just a kilometer from the city center. Future developments include a hotel, spa, and residential apartments, enhancing its appeal as a year-round destination.
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Tip: Visit Särkänniemi during the summer months for full access to rides and outdoor attractions. Purchase season passes or combination tickets in advance to enjoy discounts and skip lines. The park is conveniently accessible by Tampere's tram line 3 and bus line 2. Families with children will appreciate the lower height restrictions on the upcoming Konect coaster opening in 2026. Check the official website for updated opening hours and special events.
Interesting facts
- •Särkänniemi is Finland's second most popular amusement park after Linnanmäki in Helsinki.
- •The Näsinneula observation tower is 168 meters tall, one of the tallest in the Nordic countries.
- •The park's aquarium and planetarium both opened in 1969, making them longstanding cultural attractions.
- •The dolphinarium was closed in 2016, and the dolphins were safely relocated to Attica Zoological Park in Greece.
- •Särkänniemi attracts over 600,000 visitors annually and is owned by the city of Tampere.
History
Särkänniemi's origins date back to the late 1960s with the opening of an aquarium and planetarium in 1969, followed by a children's zoo in 1970 and the Näsinneula observation tower in 1971.
The amusement park aspect began in 1973 with Neulan Huvipuisto, initially offering only children's rides.
The city of Tampere took over operations in 1975, integrating the park with other attractions on the peninsula.
Historically, the peninsula housed breweries and a large log industry warehouse, which were demolished in the 1960s to make way for the park.
The dolphinarium operated from 1985 until 2016, when dolphins were relocated to Greece.
The park continues to evolve with new rides and planned expansions including hospitality and residential facilities.
Place Guide
Näsinneula Observation Tower1971
A 168-meter tall observation tower offering panoramic views of Tampere, surrounding lakes, and the park itself. It also houses a revolving restaurant and café, providing a unique dining experience high above the city.
Aquarium and Planetarium1969
Opened in 1969, these twin attractions provide educational exhibits about marine life and the cosmos, combining entertainment with learning for visitors of all ages.
Sara Hilden Art Museum1979
An art museum established in 1979 showcasing contemporary Finnish art and cultural exhibitions, enriching the park's cultural offerings beyond amusement rides.
Roller Coasters
Särkänniemi features four main roller coasters: Tornado (an inverted coaster), MotoGee (family motorcycle launch coaster), Hype (a launched steel Sky Rocket II coaster), and Vauhtimato (family coaster). A new family coaster, Konect, is scheduled to open in 2026.
Water Rides
The park includes two water rides: Tukkijoki, a log flume with three drops including a 13-meter high drop, and Koskiseikkailu, a rapids adventure ride with a 490-meter course featuring a tunnel and waterfall.
Contact
Phone: 020 7130200
