Tampere (pronounced tam-pe-re) (Swedish name Tammerfors) is a city in central Finland located between two lakes: Näsijärvi and Pyhäjärvi. Since the two lakes differ in level by 18 metres, the Tammerkoski rapids linking them have been an important power source throughout history, most recently for generating electricity. The modern city was founded in 1779 by Gustav III.
Tampere was one of the strategically important scenes during the Civil War in Finland (January 28 - May 15 1918). White forces captured Tampere seizing about 10 000 Red prisoners on April 6.
Tampere has currently (2003) about 200,000 inhabitants and is the third biggest city in Finland. Tampere's appeal is much brought about by the two universities, University of Tampere (UTA) and Tampere University of Technology (TUT), located in Hervanta. Each university has some 10,000 students.
Tampere's sporting scene is driven by the two ice hockey teams Tappara and Ilves. They both have had great impact on the Finnish ice hockey culture and are the most successful teams in Finland. Football is also raising its head in the city with Tampere United winning the 2001 Finnish championship.
Tampere's industrial nature in the 19th and 20th centuries gave it the nickname 'Manchester of the North.' Tampere has been known for its textile and metal industry, but these have been largely replaced by information technology and telecommunications industry during 1990's. Technology centre Hermia in Hervanta is home to many companies in these industries.
The main tourist attraction is the Särkänniemi amusement park, which includes a dolphinarium and the landmark Näsinneula tower, topped by a revolving restaurant.
A local food speciality is musta makkara.
Tampere is surrounded by towns of Kangasala, Kuru, Lempäälä, Nokia, Orivesi, Pirkkala, Ruovesi and Ylöjärvi.