Public area permits

If the performance takes place on land owned by the City of Tampere, no landowner’s permit is required for street performances. However, the performance must not disturb business activities or be located on walkways or near traffic lights, where music could interfere with, for example, audio signals used by visually impaired individuals.

Recommended locations for street performances include:

• The designated performance spot in the Travel Center tunnel
• Pedestrian streets such as Tuomiokirkonkatu and Kuninkaankatu
• Market squares
• Parks

Weddings are allowed in Hatanpää Arboretum and other park areas owned by the City of Tampere. Although no public area permit is required, it is recommended to notify the city in advance by email at yleisetalueet(a)tampere.fi and ensure that no other activities are scheduled at the same time.

When holding a wedding in a public area, other park users must be respected. The area must not be cordoned off, and no structures or furniture may be brought in.

In Hatanpää Arboretum especially, it is important to respect the operations of Hatanpää Manor and any wedding receptions taking place there. 

Organizing a private event in a public area requires the landowner’s permission if dozens of people are expected to attend and structures are planned to be brought in. Generally, public areas are intended for open activities accessible to everyone, and they cannot be cordoned off or excluded from public use.

Recommended areas for private events include:

• Sorsapuisto event lawn
• Lielahti Manor Park event lawn
• Ratina rantapuisto  event area
• Vihilahdenpuisto in Hatanpää
• Central area of Viinikanpuisto
• Ranta-Tampella Massunlastenpuisto
• Area near Pyynikki beach and Atlas Park
• Area around the Näsinpuist outdoor stage and other lawns
• Southern part of Nottbeck Park
• Messukylä Stone Church Park
• Kaukaniemi in Vehmainen
• Central area of Suomensaarenpuisto
• Tahmela Loriseva Park
• Härmälä Park
• Lawn area in front of Viikinsaari Summer Theatre 

Public sculptures owned by the City of Tampere, such as the Pirkkalainen sculptures on Hämeensilta, are part of the city’s cultural heritage.

The Tampere Art Museum may grant permission to temporarily dress public sculptures in connection with non-commercial events that are significant to Tampere’s history or identity.

Permission must always be requested in writing in advance. The person dressing in the sculpture is responsible for the implementation and all related costs.

More information and instructions (in Finnish):
Tampere Art Museum

Yes, organizing ice fishing competitions or other events on lake areas requires the landowner’s permission. While individual ice fishing is covered by everyman's rights and does not require a permit, organized events such as competitions are considered separate occasions and require a permit from the landowner.

Start by identifying who manages the water area, whether it's the city or, for example, the state.

If the event is held on state-owned land, such as areas managed by Metsähallitus, the permit must be obtained directly from Metsähallitus. 

Official permits are not granted for building huts, and the city generally does not intervene in small huts made of branches, as long as they do not interfere with the normal recreational use of the area. Everyman's rights need to be followed when uilding a hut. For example damaging growing trees or collecting moss is not allowed.

Luontoon.fi: Everyman's rights

Grilling is allowed in parks using elevated grills, such as kettle grills. Grills should be placed away from lawn areas, and ash or other waste must be prevented from falling onto the ground.

When grilling, it’s important to be prepared to extinguish any potential fire and ensure general safety. After use, ashes and other waste must be removed from the park, they must not be left on the ground.

Some parks, such as Santalahti Park, have fixed grilling spots available. 

Disposable grills are prohibited.

Bonfires are generally not allowed in urban areas according to Waste Management Regulation §19, subsection 2. However, traditional holidays such as Midsummer may allow bonfires in urban areas, but a permit from the landowner is always required.

For bonfire events:

• A notification must be made to the police
• A rescue plan for the public event must be prepared
• A special effects notification must be submitted to the rescue department if effects are used

The wood used must be dry, clean, and untreated, in accordance with waste management regulations. A single rain event usually does not prevent burning. Bonfires are prohibited during forest fire warnings.

The burning site must be thoroughly cleaned afterward, including removal of nails and other debris. Supervision is required throughout the burning process.

Burning must not cause smoke, soot, odor, or health hazards to neighbors.

In sparsely populated areas, open burning of twigs, branches, untreated wood waste, and similar materials may be allowed if it does not pose a risk or nuisance to the environment or health, and the amount of waste is small. Burning treated wood waste is not allowed.

Waste burning is prohibited, except for waste utilization approved by an environmental permit or other authority. 

Without a separate permit, businesses may place:

• Sales points for their own products
• Furniture (e.g., tables, chairs, flowerpots)
• Signage such as A-stands

...in front of their premises, as long as the area used is under 2 m².

Pedestrian flow must be maintained. At least 2/3 of the walkway width, and at a minimum of 1.2 meters, must remain clear. Measurements are taken from the inner edge of the curb, or from the base of obstacles (e.g., traffic signs, light poles, trash bins).

If the area used exceeds 2 m², landowner permission is required. Even then, the free walkway must be at least 1.2 meters wide. Larger setups, such as terraces or permanent furniture, can only be planned if the required free space is maintained. 

Note: This guidance does not apply to Hämeenkatu. 

Using a metal detector on a beach is allowed, as long as it does not pose a danger or disturbance to other beach users. If digging is involved, the area must be restored to its original condition. Digging is not appropriate on lawns, planting areas, or similar locations.

For any findings, it is recommended to check with the police regarding the return of lost property. 

A scattering site has been built at Pajaniemi in Hatanpää Arboretum, where ashes can be scattered into Lake Pyhäjärvi. The peaceful, stone-built site at the tip of the peninsula allows access to the water for scattering.

Another scattering site is located north of Siilinkari, in Näsijärvi lake.

No memorial items, urns, or flowers may be left at the site. Only the ashes of the deceased may be placed in the water. The site is open to everyone, regardless of religious affiliation, and no separate permit is required for scattering ashes.

For more information, please contact tilaomaisuus(a)tampere.fi.

Frequently asked questions about nature, environment, plants, waters, invasive species, noise, odors, and vibrations are available in Finnish:

Nature and Environment FAQ – City of Tampere

Everyman's rights allow everyone in Finland to move and stay in nature regardless of land ownership. No landowner’s permission or fee is required to exercise these rights.

However, these rights are based on reciprocity: nature and the rights of others must be respected. They must be used responsibly and considerately, without causing harm, nuisance, or disturbance to landowners, the environment, or other nature users.

In short, everyman's rights offer freedom to enjoy nature, as long as it’s done responsibly.

Luontoon.fi: Everyman's rights