Pyynikki ridge rises between Lake Näsijärvi and Lake Pyhäjärvi just west of the city centre, and the 26-metre observation tower at its peak provides the clearest panoramic view of Tampere's distinctive geography. From the top you can see how the city sits on a narrow neck of land between two large lakes — a layout that made the Tammerkoski Rapids so valuable as a power source.
The café at the base of the tower has been serving munkki since 1959 and the reputation is warranted — buy one before climbing. The surrounding Pyynikki park is one of the best urban nature areas in Finland: mixed forest, sandy beaches on both lakes, and good trails for walking or running. The beach at Pyynikki's south shore on Lake Pyhäjärvi has a traditional wooden changing house and is popular in summer.