It was completed in 1929 by the design of the city architect Vilho Kolho, and built using local red granite.

Entrance to the park and cafe is free but climbing the tower costs 50 cents for children or 2 euros for adults.

The first observation tower was built in 1888 by the design of the architect Georg Schreck, but it was damaged in the 1918 Battle of Tampere.

Rebuilding plans started from 1925 and the new tower and cafe was opened in 1929 for the city's 150th anniversary.

The opening ceremonies were postponed due to the sinking of the steam ship Kuru which caused the loss of 136 lives.