The first PLENOPTIMA Training School will take place in Tampere, Finland, which is the most populous inland city in the Nordic Countries and the third biggest city in Finland with a population of roughly 244.000 people. Tampere is also home to around 40.000 students which makes the scenery nice and lively.
The Training School is organised by Tampere University in several different venues, each day being in a new setting. Below, you will find more details about each venue. For information about traveling to Tampere please visit the accommodation page.
Day 1
Tampere University Central Campus
On the first day of the School, the lectures will be held at Tampere University Central Campus (Google Maps link). The campus is located in Kalevantie 4, right in the city center 15 minutes by foot from the Tampere railway station and Scandic Tampere City hotel.
If you wish to walk to the campus accompanied, you can join TAU team member(s) at the lobby of Scandic Tampere City, from where we will leave at 8.25.
The lectures will be held in the main building in Auditorium D11, while lunch will be in Pinni B in restaurant Minerva. You can find a map of the campus here.
Finlayson Palace
Following the first lecture day, we kick off the Training School with a fancy dinner at Finlayson Palace (Google Maps link). Finlayson Palace was built in 1899 as part of the historic factory area of the Finlayson family.
If you wish to walk to the restaurant accompanied, you can join TAU team member(s) at the lobby of Scandic Tampere City, from where we will leave at 17.35.
In addition to hearing and seeing more about the history of the place, we will enjoy a tasty three-course meal, and of course wonderful conversations during the evening.
Day 2
Tampere University Hervanta Campus
On Tuesday, we will venture from the city center to Hervanta – the home of the technical sciences of Tampere University (Google Maps link). Hervanta is located around 8 km from the city center and it can easily be reached with the brand new tramline. You will receive tram tickets from TAU team on Monday.
If you wish to commute to the campus accompanied, you can join TAU team member(s) at the lobby of Scandic Tampere City, from where we will leave at 8.20 am.
If you wish to commute alone, you can easily do so by taking tram line 3 directed to Hervanta from the stop ‘Rautatieasema B’ in front of the railway station. Public transportation info and journey planner are available at http://joukkoliikenne.tampere.fi/en/.
The lectures will be held in Tietotalo (i.e. ‘information building’, Google Maps link) lecture hall TB109 and in Sähkötalo (i.e. ‘electricity building’) lecture room SL401. Lunch will be held in restaurant Reaktori. You can find the map of the campus here.
We will leave the Hervanta Campus and travel as a group back to the city center.
Room Escape Finlayson
After an instructive day filled with lectures and exercises, it is time to have a bit of fun. We have reserved escape rooms in the historic Finlayson area where all willing participants can take part in a thrilling escape room experience (Google Maps link).
If you wish to walk to the Room Escape accompanied, you can join TAU team member(s) at the lobby of Scandic Tampere City, from where we will leave at 17.35. The games will start at around 6.00-6.15 pm (please be present early!) and will be played as teams of 5-6 people.
More information about Room Escape Finlayson can be found here.
Pizzeria Luca
From Finlayson, we will head to Pizzeria Luca (Google Maps link) for tasty starters, Neapolitan pizzas, and a cozy atmosphere. The dinner will be at around 7.30-8 pm, depending on when we finish the escape rooms.
Day 3
Scandic Tampere City hotel, lecture room Ratina 1-2
On the third day of the School, the lectures will be organised in the Scandic Tampere City hotel (Google Maps link). The lectures will be held in meeting room Ratina 1-2. Accordingly, lunch will be served at the hotel.
Free evening
Day 4
Maisansalo
On the final day of the School, the group will travel roughly 35 km to the north to an idyllic restaurant Maisa in the area of Maisansalo (Google Maps link).
The joint bus transportation will leave in the morning at 8.15 from in front of Scandic Tampere City and will take us to Maisansalo to enjoy a day of interesting lectures, inspiring surroundings, excellent food, and authentic Finnish sauna experience. Remember to bring your swimming suit!
The day will end at around 9.30 pm when the joint bus transportation will leave from Maisansalo and take everyone back to the hotel.
Summary, i.e., tips to enjoy the week at its fullest
1. Follow the schedule as set out on the Training School Programme page.
2. Mind the programme and weather when packing. Monday evening can be the right occasion to dress up a bit, while Thursday is the right day to bring your swimsuit along with you for the sauna. Also, remember that it can be cold in Finland in March! Check the weather forecast when packing.
3. If ever in doubt or trouble, contact Camilla or Robert from TAU.