Lake Näsijärvi stretches 55 km north of Tampere and is the city's northern water boundary. The lakefront path from Särkänniemi north along the shore is one of the best walks in the Tampere area, with forested banks and occasional beaches. In summer, regular boat cruises operate from Laukontori through the lakes and into the Tammerkoski rapids.
The SS Tarjanne — a historic steamship built in 1908 — operates vintage cruises on Lake Näsijärvi to the town of Virrat, a 7-hour journey through unspoilt lake and forest scenery that is one of the classic Finnish inland waterway trips. It runs in summer only; check the Tampere-Pirkkala water transport schedule for dates and booking.