Särkänniemi Children's Zoo
Särkänniemi is a popular amusement park located in Tampere, Finland, known for its diverse attractions including rides, an aquarium, a planetarium, and an art museum. It is the second most visited amusement park in Finland, attracting over 600,000 visitors annually, and is owned by the city of Tampere.
Key Facts
- ›Särkänniemi is an amusement park in Tampere, Finland.
- ›It features an aquarium, planetarium, Doghill Fairytale Farm, art museum, and observation tower.
- ›The park attracts over 600,000 visitors annually.
- ›Särkänniemi is owned by the city of Tampere.
- ›The Aquarium was opened in 1969 and houses over 3,000 animals from 200 species.
Aquarium, Planetarium, Doghill Fairytale Farm, NäSinneula Observation Tower, Sara Hilden Art Museum
About Särkänniemi Children's Zoo
Särkänniemi is a prominent amusement park situated in Tampere, Finland, offering a diverse array of attractions for visitors of all ages. It is recognized as the second most popular amusement park in Finland, drawing over 600,000 visitors annually. The park is municipally owned by the city of Tampere.
History and Development
The origins of Särkänniemi as a multi-purpose park date back to 1969 with the opening of its Aquarium and Planetarium. This was followed by the establishment of a children's zoo in 1970 and the iconic Näsinneula Observation Tower in 1971. The amusement park component, originally known as Neulan Huvipuisto, commenced operations in 1973 with a focus on children's rides. Operations were taken over by the city of Tampere in 1975, integrating the amusement park into the broader Särkänniemi complex.
The park's location is on a peninsula in Tampere, an area with a history of industrial use, including breweries and a log industry warehouse, which were demolished in the 1960s to make way for the park.
Attractions and Features
Särkänniemi boasts a wide variety of attractions. Its rides include several rollercoasters such as Tornado, MotoGee, and Hype, alongside water rides like the log flume Tukkijoki and the river rapids Koskiseikkailu. The park also features numerous other rides, including thrill rides, family rides, and a dedicated section for kiddie rides.
Beyond rides, Särkänniemi houses a significant Aquarium, which opened in 1969 and contains over 3,000 animals from 200 species within its 550,000-liter capacity. Doghill Fairytale Farm, a petting zoo, was added in 2013. The Näsinneula Observation Tower provides panoramic views, and the Sara Hilden Art Museum showcases contemporary Finnish art. The park also hosts seasonal events like the Creepy Carnival.
Future Developments
Plans are in place for future expansion around Särkänniemi, including the development of a hotel, spa, restaurants, and additional water attractions. The area is also slated to be accessible via the Tampere light rail network.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of attractions does Särkänniemi offer?
Särkänniemi offers a wide range of attractions, including numerous rides, an aquarium, a planetarium, Doghill Fairytale Farm, an art museum, and the Näsinneula Observation Tower. It also features water rides and children's play areas.
When was the Särkänniemi Aquarium opened?
The Aquarium at Särkänniemi was opened in 1969. It has a total volume of 550,000 liters and is home to over 3,000 animals representing 200 species.
What is the history of the amusement park aspect of Särkänniemi?
The amusement park aspect of Särkänniemi began in 1973 with the opening of Neulan Huvipuisto, which initially offered only a few children's rides. In 1975, the city of Tampere took over operations and integrated it into the other attractions.
What notable rides are available at Särkänniemi?
Särkänniemi features several rollercoasters such as Tornado, MotoGee, and Hype. It also has water rides like Tukkijoki (log flume) and Koskiseikkailu (river rapids), along with various other flat rides and kiddie rides.
Is Särkänniemi a non-profit organization?
Särkänniemi is owned by the city of Tampere, indicating it operates under municipal ownership rather than as a private non-profit.
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