Postcards and something totally random

These cards flew to Germany.

Do you remember the good old times when your friends, family and namesake of your second cousin used to send postcards whilst on the road? Why not to surprise them with your own handmade postcard while staying at Dream Hostel. We will post it for you :) 

Looks like it's the perfect winter weather to go outside today! Hire your nordic ice skates from Bikini Bar (near Särkänniemi amusement park), discount prices available.

 Dream Team showing how it's done... kind of... :D

Pyynikki and the world famous doughnuts

A view from Pyynikki to Pyhäjärvi.

One of the most beautiful places in Tampere is Pyynikki, a view from top of the hill or observation tower is worth seeing. It's also a great area for exercising all year round; walking and running in the summer and skiing in the winter. Take a deep breath, relax and enjoy the silence without any noise pollution.

Pyynikki Observation Tower and cafe.

Climb on top of the tower and see the city and both of the lakes, Pyhäjärvi and Näsijärvi at the same time!

The cafe is open every day from 9am til 8pm.

A cup of hot choco melts your frozen fingers.

Cafeteria of Pyynikki observation tower is a nice and idyllic place to enjoy the best doughnuts of the city with a cup of tea or freshly ground coffee.

The famous doughnuts!

The Best Hostel in Finland 2011

As you already might know WE ARE the best hostel in Finland 2011! Wohoo! It's the second time already and the hostel hasn't even been up and running for 2 years. We couldn't have done it without our amazing customers tho, the winners are chosen based on Hostelworld.com customer reviews. 

We mostly receive positive feedback on our friendly staff (it's coming straight from our hearts <3) and cleanliness (you should see how we race to the cleaning cupboards every morning after the check-out time). It's always good to receive some criticism and we have actually been listening to you! Last year for example, we got reading lights and tables to the small dormitories. Who knows what we will do this year... Maybe a swimming pool in the middle of the lounge area! Well, that wouldn't be very ecological.

If you have not stayed at the Dream Hostel before, maybe you should do this year!

Winter fun

Merja getting ready with a help of Liisa from Hiking Travel.

Anna and Merja went to try nordic ice skating last week, organized by a local nature adventure company Hiking Travel. 

Go Anna!

- "It's so much fun but quite hard! Think about skiing on skates", laughs Anna. "If you are a first-timer, you better do it with a guide", she continues.

Lauri showing how it's done.

Enjoying the amazing view.

Kicksleds, snowshoes, cross-country skis and many more winter fun equipments are available for rent at the Bikini Bar. For more information ask from the reception! :)

Finnish cuisine

Kalakukko ("Fish Rooster") with European Perch.

The Monday Market is held on the first Monday of every month in Keskustori. Quite many stalls were from east of Finland today selling fresh thornberry juice, lörtsy and kalakukko. Kalakukko has a thick rye bread crust with fish and slices of bacon inside. If you ever go to eastern part of Finland you better try lörtsy as well. After eating an apple lörtsy you don't want to touch anything sweet for a week!

Winter wonderland

Hrrrr.....

Hello there! The blog is back after few months of holidays! Who knew in November we would actually have a proper winter this year... But here it is! -20 degrees in Tampere today! Keep yourself wrapped up in warm clothes people!

There are lots of winter activities available in Tampere. Cross-country skiing is a very popular sport amongst those who didn't get traumatised by it at the comprehensive school. 
Ice skating looks so classy and easy on telly that you must try your own spirals but without mini skirts. You will only get frostbites, not applauses!
If you are crazy enough (you were already when you booked your tickets!) you are not a true Finn without dipping into an ice cold lake. We know you will love it altho we prefer to stay in a hot sauna :p

 There are still few Suomi scarfs, mittens and beanies left to purchase if you forgot to bring yours with you. They are great souveniers as well!

Viinikanpuisto in Nekala.

Whether you want to catch your own lunch by fishing through the ice, enjoy the sunshine in -30 degrees while ice skating or spend hours in the forest trying to figure out how to cross-country ski, just let us know while you are here/before arrival. Professional outdoor guides will take a good care of you :)