If you happened to be hanging around Britain during the heyday of Brit Pop in the mid nineties, you will have undoubtedly come across the phrase “mad for it.” Made popular by Liam Gallagher from the Manchester band Oasis, the term epitomized “a grab life by the throat” philosophy. It also reinforced what many people then believed: that Manchester was the coolest place on earth!

The only time it gets really hot in Manchester is when City play United. In Tampere, you can sweat it out every single day of the year

What has all this got to do with Tampere, the largest inland city of the Nordic countries? Simple. While Tampere, known as the Manchester of Finland, may not quite be the coolest place on earth, it sure is a place where life grabs you by the throat. Founded in 1779 on the banks of the Tammerkoski Rapids, it became Finland’s most industrial city during the 19th century. During the 21^st, it’s one of Finland’s most entertaining. Here are five reasons, why you’ll go mad for Tampere too.

Viikinsaari Island

Unlike in the original Manchester, in Tampere you can hang out on the beach. Just 25 minutes away by boat, this Lakeland paradise is open throughout the summer from Tuesday to Sunday. It has a sauna, sports fields, barbecue areas and a nice old wooden restaurant. To get there, take the Finnish Silverline boat from Laukontori Quay in the city centre.

Näsinneula restaurant

While Manchester isn’t short on restaurants that make your head spin, it doesn’t have anything like Näsinneula restaurant. This rotating eatery, the highest in Finland, not only has amazing views, but great food too.

Särkänniemi Amusement Park

Nothing makes you feel more alive than a good old scare. While in Manchester people go to Moss Side estate to walk on the wild side, in Tampere they go to Särkänniemi. This amusement park is one of the most popular attractions in Finland, packed full of 35 different rides including the dizzyingly impressive Trombi rollercoaster. There’s also a dolphinarium, planetarium and aquarium.

Rajaportin sauna

The only time it gets really hot in Manchester is when City play United. In Tampere, though, you can sweat it out every single day of the year in the oldest public sauna in Finland. Built in 1906, it has separate rooms for men and women and a masseur to rid you of your aches and pains.

Vohvelikahvila

If you want deep fried in Manchester, your best bet is fish and chips. In Tampere, you have a far sweeter option. They say size isn’t everything and Vohvelikahvila certainly proves that. Located on a charming little street, this tiny café makes waffles on order, both sweet and savory and served with good, strong coffee.