Historic Tampere paper mill to become new lifestyle hotel

Nordic Hotels & Resorts will open its first property in Tampere in 2028, transforming the historic Frenckell paper mill into a hotel combining industrial heritage, culture, food and wellness.

One of Tampere's landmark industrial buildings is taking on a new role. Nordic Hotels & Resorts plans to open a 168-room lifestyle hotel in the historic Frenckell paper mill in 2028.

Located beside the Tammerkoski rapids, the project will be the group's first hotel in Tampere.

Rather than functioning solely as accommodation, Frenckell is being developed as a meeting place bringing together hospitality, restaurants, culture, events and wellness.

Bringing industrial heritage into a new era

The site's industrial history dates back to the 18th century, while its preserved factory chimney from 1870 remains a visible landmark.

Finnish design agency Fyra will design the hotel's 168 rooms and suites, with the industrial character of the building playing a central role in the concept.

A 400-square-metre social lobby will combine reception, bar, lounge, co-working and retail spaces. In the evenings, it can become a venue for live music and events.

Theatre, restaurants and sauna under one roof

A direct connection to Teatteri Frenckell will add a cultural dimension to the hotel, allowing stays to be combined with performances, dinners and other experiences.

Two restaurants are planned alongside a 1,400-square-metre courtyard.

Wellness will also play a prominent role. More than 600 square metres will be dedicated to a spa, gym, saunas and treatment rooms, linking the property naturally to Tampere's strong sauna culture.

The hotel will also provide around 800 square metres of meeting and event facilities.

Another reason to include Tampere

For tour operators, the significance of the project goes beyond additional hotel capacity.

Frenckell combines several reasons for travelling within one property: accommodation, culture, food, wellness and local industrial history. This could make it relevant for city breaks as well as wider Finland itineraries.

For Tampere, the project adds another distinctive tourism product to the city ahead of its planned opening in 2028.

More on the Frenckell-project of Nordic Hotels & Resorts.

Header: Frenckell Tampere © Nordic Hotels & Resorts