Tourists flock to Tammerkoski rapids after bridge becomes viewpoint

A temporary pedestrian bridge across the Tammerkoski rapids in Tampere has become a popular attraction for tourists, Yle reports. The rapids have been surging after heavy rainfall led Tampere Energia to increase bypass water releases.

Näsijärvi’s water level rose by as much as 10 centimetres within a few hours, prompting the increased releases through Tammerkoski, which runs through central Tampere.

The powerful flow has drawn large numbers of residents and visitors to the temporary bridge, which offers a close view of the rapids.

Risto Viitanen, who arrived in Tampere from Stockholm, said he and his group stopped at the bridge after noticing it while visiting the city.

“We came here because we noticed this bridge. It allows you to get close and have a look,” he said.

Viitanen has lived in Sweden for 45 years and visits Finland and Tampere several times a year. He said he could not remember seeing Tammerkoski flowing so freely on many occasions and suggested that Tampere could organise displays similar to those held by the city of Imatra.

“Absolutely. It is an amazing experience,” he said.

Armi and Ben Filppu, who came from Naantali, also stopped to watch the rapids.

“It really looks impressive. I am not surprised that tourists come here and take photographs,” Armi Filppu said.

Bridge became a hit by chance

Jukka Rantala, a construction engineer for the City of Tampere, said the temporary pedestrian bridge became a popular viewpoint by coincidence.

Residents had not previously been able to see the rapids from directly in front and at such close range. When the bridge was being planned, the city knew that water would spray onto it if releases were carried out. However, bypass releases at Tammerkoski are rare, particularly during the summer.

Rantala described the bridge’s location and the surging rapids as a fortunate coincidence.

“It is simply refreshing,” he said.

People walking near the rapids should be prepared to get wet while the releases continue.

Releases reduce electricity production

The rapids have been released on several days since severe thunderstorms and rain showers hit Tampere. Bypass releases divert water away from electricity production, and the late-summer flows also came as a surprise to the city’s energy company.

Jukka Joronen, Tampere Energia’s director responsible for energy markets, said the costs had remained moderate.

The releases have also been affected by maintenance at the hydroelectric plant at the middle falls. One of its two turbines is out of service because of a broken cooling pump.

Joronen did not rule out the possibility of future rapids displays in Tampere, but said they were not realistic at present. He said organising one would be technically possible but complicated, labour-intensive and slow with the plant’s old machinery, while also increasing the risk of technical problems.