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Have Some Finnish: France influencer visit 8th-11th September

Credits: Visit Tampere, Laura Vanzo

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A Dinner Invitation From the World’s Happiest Nation

Finland, the world’s happiest country, has one more secret: its food. Almost entirely unknown to the world, Finnish cuisine is now ready to officially introduce itself. For the first time in history, in 2026 a nation opens its table to the world – and hosts some dining experiences that anyone in the world can RSVP to.

This September the table is set in world's sauna capital - Tampere, and you are invited!

By invitation only, updated 2nd September. 

Credits: Visit Tampere, Laura Vanzo

Quick facts

Transportation

Flights 

Tuesday, 8th September 

10:45-14:40 Paris-Helsinki (Finnair AY1572)

Friday, 11th September

16:10-18:15 Helsinki-Paris (Finnair AY1577)

Trains 

Tuesday, 8th September 

16:02-17:53 Helsinki airport - Tampere 

Friday, 11th September

12:00-13:43 Tampere - Helsinki airport 

 

 

 

Accommodation
Bring along

Comfortable, waterproof shoes (suitable for walking and outdoor activities)
Light outdoor jacket & pants
Layers
Swimwear
Sunglasses 

Preliminary program

Credits : Harri Tarvainen
Credits: Laura Vanzo / Visit Tampere

Tuesday 8th September

Arrival in Helsinki

10.45-14.40 CDG-HEL flight 

16.02 - 17.53 HEL-TRE train 

You will meet your host Tuomas Paloniemi (Visit Tampere) at the train station.

Transfer from the train station to the hotel

Check-in to Lapland Hotels Arena

Ratapihankatu 54, Tampere.

IG: @visittampereofficial; @laplandhotelsarena

Lapland Hotels Arena in the heart of Tampere is part of Nokia Arena's events, action and modern atmosphere. The modern and relaxed style and rugged elegance of the rooms draws inspiration from the Arctic stone cracked open by the harsh winter and birch tree forests decorated by frost. The hotel is located at the heart of a new entertainment centre. Awaken to a delightful morning with a sumptuous breakfast. Crafted from fresh ingredients, breakfast offers an array of options, from vegetarian delights to timeless classics, ensuring a fresh start to your day. There is a sauna in your room, so you can enjoy an evening sauna or a morning sauna before the activities.

19.15 Lobby call & transfer, meeting point at floor 0

19.30 Welcome dinner at Bistro Henriks

Satamakatu 7, Tampere.

IG: @visittampereofficial; @bistrohenriks

Bistro Henriks offers bistro cuisine and delightful beverages crafted from carefully selected ingredients, all served with a relaxed approach. The food is based on seasonal ingredients, and the drinks are curated with a good vibe in mind.

Wednesday 9th September

09:00 Breakfast at the hotel 

10.30 Lobby call, meeting point at floor 0

10.30-12.00 Transfer to Serlachius 

12.00- Visit at Serlachius

R. Erik Serlachiuksen katu 2, Mänttä

IG: @visittampereofficial; @serlachiusmuseums

Remember to take your bathing suit & flip-flops/sandals.

Serlachius in Mänttä is a sustainable cultural attraction amid most beautiful Finnish lakeside nature. Beside art, history and architecture, guests enjoy culinary and sauna experiences as well as heartfelt service – year-round. In Mänttä, Serlachius offer a meeting place for art and stories, and people who value their high-quality. Two museums show works from Serlachius’ substantial art collection and temporary exhibitions of contemporary art. The story of the family of paper barons and Finnish paper industry is ever intriguing!

• 12.00-13.00 Guided Art Tour at Serlachius Manor

• 13.00-14.30 Restaurant Gösta Seasonal Lunch from Forests & Lakes

• 14.30-15.30 Fun, Guided Art Workshop

• 15.30-17.30 Awarded Serlachius Art Sauna

• 17.30-19.00 Delicious Dinner prepared by a Private Chef at Serlachius Art Sauna

• 19.00-20.30 Transfer to Tampere

Thursday 10th September

09:00 Breakfast at the hotel 

10.00 Lobby call, starting point for the walking tour on floor 4

10.00-12.30 Guided City Tour & snacks

Tampere is a state of mind. It is something that resides within all of us and is deeply rooted in the ridges of the landscape. During the walking tour, you will visit, for example:

Tampere Market Hall is a historic and vibrant indoor market located in the heart of Tampere. The hall dates back to 1901 and is a cherished landmark in the city. Inside, visitors can explore a wide range of stalls and vendors offering fresh produce, local delicacies, and artisanal products. It's a fantastic place to sample traditional Finnish foods, such as the traditional black sausage, Finnish cheese, pastries, chocolate, and to experience the local culinary culture.

The Finlayson factory area. The area is well-known for the Finlayson cotton factory, which was established in 1820. The city of Tampere was built around the factory.

Tallipiha Stable Yards, which is one of the most beautiful parts of the old Tampere, set in the Finlayson area since the 19th century. Nowadays the buildings are housed by idyllic little crafts shops and a café.

Transfer to the forest

13.00-15.00 Mushrooms & Wild Herbs in the Finnish forest

IG: @visittampereofficial; @vagabundusfinland

Lake nature and urban city life come together in Tampere. Nature is always close and easily accessible. Tampere offers a plethora of outdoor activities to embrace the summer season amidst nature's embrace. For a refreshing escape, head to one of the many lakes surrounding the city, such as Näsijärvi or Pyhäjärvi. These lakes also provide fish to the local restaurants. Wild herbs, berries and mushrooms can be found throughout the Finnish forests, and thanks to Finland’s Everyone’s Rights, anyone may collect them responsibly with only a few limitations. From May to November, each season offers something new to discover. This guided excursion takes participants into a nearby forest to explore the edible treasures of nature. Depending on the season, the focus may be on wild herbs, berries or mushrooms. Along the way, different species are identified, their characteristics explained, and their traditional and modern culinary uses introduced.

After foraging, the group gathers around an open fire to prepare a simple meal using the ingredients collected from the forest. The experience concludes with a return from the forest carrying new knowledge, fresh inspiration and a memorable taste of Finnish nature.

Transfer to the hotel & Free time

16.45 Lobby call & walk to the cocktail bar

17.00-18.30 Cocktail & mocktail workshop at Pitkän Päivän Ilta

Tammelan Puistokatu 37, Tampere.

IG: @visittampereofficial; @pitkanpaivanilta

Pitkän Päivän Ilta is run by top-bartenders Juho Tuppurainen and Juho Ronkainen. The bar has a versatile concept. It opens early as a café focused on espresso-based coffee drinks and offers a selection of small bites. In the evening, the atmosphere shifts as the cocktail masters emerge from behind the scenes to serve guests. Cocktail bar uses a lot of Finnish and even hyper-local ingredients. The drink menu, which emphasises local sourcing, also includes a small selection of beers and wines. Today, you will learn more about the ingredients used in cocktails. You will also learn how to do your own!

Tram transfer to the restaurant

19.00 Dinner at Restaurant Kajo with set menu Ode to Nature

Rautatienkatu 12, Tampere

IG: @visittampereofficial; @kajoravintola

There is no host from Visit Tampere during the dinner

Restaurant Kajo’s concept is strongly built on responsibility and sustainability. They let no part of the ingredient go to waste - that is what inspires the restaurant to find new ways to prepare their food and explore endless possibilities in their cooking. “Ode to Nature” menu serves the best local produce the season has to offer. With the support of the network of local producers and the constant curiosity, the restaurant never stops learning from the ingredients. Pure flavours, bold combinations and warm-hearted service take guests on an unforgettable journey through the senses.

Friday 11th September

09.00  Breakfast at the hotel

Free time 

11.00 Check-out from the hotel 

11.20 Transfer to the train station, floor 0

12.00  Train from Tampere to Helsinki airport 

13.43 Arrival at Helsinki airport 

16.10 HEL-CDG flight departure to Paris 

Regional contact

VISIT TAMPERE 
Tuomas Paloniemi
+358 40 483 8188

tuomas.paloniemi@visittampere.fi

Visit Finland contact

Useful links

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