Turku between urban history and nature
Accommodation in Turku
Turku is the gateway to the Finnish Archipelago. The city combines routes through the city centre and historic sites with nature experiences on the island of Ruissalo. When planning your trip, you can consider whether you would like to explore the city’s history, discover different routes or spend time in gardens and protected areas. During the summer season, Föli water buses run from the River Aurajoki to Ruissalo and Hirvensalo; Ruissalo is also accessible by land or by sea.
City routes with different themes
The “City Stories from Turku” route runs through the city centre from Turku Castle to the Cathedral and is 4.1 kilometres long. It is wheelchair accessible. Another option is “Turku of Wonders – Serendipities and Secrets”: this 4.8-kilometre route runs from the Samppalinna outdoor swimming pool to Ylioppilaskylä in the city centre. Both routes follow a set course, but differ in length and layout.
The shorter “Turku of Memories” route focuses on the memories of people who were born or lived in Turku between the 1940s and 1980s. The route is suitable for walkers and wheelchair users. “Romantic Turku” runs along the riverbank in the city centre and is 6.2 kilometres long. If you choose the cultural fitness route “Turku Is... Meet the City through New Eyes”, you can complete it on foot, by running or by bicycle. The different route descriptions help you choose a route that suits your interests, preferred mode of transport and the stated distance.
Ruissalo: gardens, protected areas and routes
Ruissalo combines botanical diversity with protected nature. The University of Turku Botanical Garden on the island is a public display of plants. Its collection includes more than 5,000 plant species; the garden is open year-round to adults and children. It offers a focus for a visit in its own right, whether or not you are also interested in the island’s routes.
Ruissalo is part of the Turku National Urban Park. It stretches for about 15 kilometres from Airisto to the village of Kuralan Kylämäki. Most of Ruissalo Island consists of nature reserves covering a total area of about 344 hectares; the areas are mostly part of the Natura 2000 network. Finland’s largest and most valuable oak forest is located in the old groves.
The Kansanpuisto route on Ruissalo is 8.7 kilometres long and passes the Ruissalo boatyard and Kansanpuisto Park. If you are choosing based on a specific route length, this one is easy to distinguish from the shorter city routes. During the summer season, Föli water buses run from the River Aurajoki to Ruissalo and Hirvensalo; the island is also accessible by land.
History and city life
Turku’s Old Town is home to the historic centre and the university district. Here, layers of history from the Middle Ages to the present day come together. Turku Castle has stood watch by the River Aura since the 1280s. Turku Cathedral was consecrated in 1300; due to extensive renovation work, it will be closed to the public from 9 February 2026 to 2 December 2028. The Cathedral Museum in the southern part of the cathedral presents history dating back to the early 14th century.
The Luostarinmäki museum quarter is the only wooden-house district to have survived the Great Fire of Turku in 1827. Its buildings, which are more than 200 years old, stand at their original locations. Aboa Vetus Ars Nova, a museum of archaeology and contemporary art, offers a different thematic perspective. A walk from the cathedral to Turku Castle gives you an overview of the cityscape; bear in mind that the cathedral is temporarily closed to the public.
The Market Hall, completed in 1896, is also part of the cityscape. It has traditional meat and fish counters, delicatessens and specialty shops, bakeries, milk and cheese shops, as well as restaurants and cafés. If you are interested in local food culture, you will find a variety of shops and places to eat under one roof.
More destination pages: Dragsfjärd, Salo, Askainen, Korppoo, Pargas, Laitila, Uro.
For the overarching travel guide: Varsinais-Suomi.
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