Tampella, the former linen and cotton mill complex immediately north of the Tammerkoski rapids, is now the home of Vapriikki museum centre and a residential and commercial district built within the restored factory buildings. The conversion is one of the most successful industrial redevelopments in Finland — the original brick structures have been preserved and extended with contemporary additions that are deliberate rather than apologetic.
Walking through Tampella from the rapids north through Vapriikki and on toward the Finlayson area gives a clear picture of the industrial geography that shaped the city. The sequence of converted factory buildings, waterways, and the rapids below is the definitive Tampere experience in about 30 minutes of walking.