Turku between city history and Ruissalo
Accommodation in Turku
Turku brings together the history of a city on the Aurajoki with paths through ancient oak forests and nature reserves. On Ruissalo, nature trails and botanical diversity alternate with museums and city routes in the centre.
Turku at a glance
- Turku was founded in the early 13th century on the east bank of the Aurajoki.
- Ruissalo is part of the Turku National Urban Park; most of the island consists of nature reserves.
- The accessible “City Stories from Turku” route runs for 4.1 kilometres from the castle to the cathedral.
- Ruissalo has about 20 kilometres of nature trails in total.
- During the summer season, Föli water buses run from the Aurajoki to Ruissalo and Hirvensalo.
City history along the Aurajoki
Turku’s history can be traced at notable sites along the river. Turku Castle has stood guard by the Aura since the 1280s; the cathedral was consecrated in 1300.
The Old Town includes the historic centre and the university district. There, layers of history span the Middle Ages to the present day. In the Luostarinmäki museum quarter stands the only wooden-house district to have survived the Great Fire of Turku in 1827. The buildings, more than 200 years old, remain in their original locations. Aboa Vetus Ars Nova combines archaeology and contemporary art, showcasing an underground city district discovered during excavations.
The routes through the city centre offer different perspectives, too. A walk from the cathedral to the castle provides an overview of the riverside cityscape. From the passenger harbour, the castle, the museum ships Suomen Joutsen and Bore, and the Forum Marinum maritime centre are all within walking distance.
Choose city routes by length and theme
“City Stories from Turku” runs through the city centre from the castle to the cathedral and is 4.1 kilometres long. The route is accessible. Another route, “Turku of Wonders – Serendipities and Secrets”, runs from the Samppalinna outdoor swimming pool to Ylioppilaskylä and is 4.8 kilometres long.
Those interested in personal stories of the city can find them on “Turku of Memories”: the route shares memories of people born in Turku or who lived there between the 1940s and 1980s. The shorter of the two routes is suitable for walkers and wheelchair users. “Romantic Turku” runs along the riverside in the centre and is 6.2 kilometres long. The cultural fitness route “Turku Is... Meet the City through New Eyes” can be completed on foot, by running or by bicycle.
Ruissalo: oak forests, gardens and nature trails
Ruissalo offers a striking contrast with the city centre’s natural surroundings. Nature reserves cover most of the island, totalling about 344 hectares; most of them belong to the Natura 2000 network. The ancient groves form Finland’s largest and most valuable oak forest area. Ruissalo is also part of the Turku National Urban Park, which stretches about 15 kilometres from Airisto to Kuralan Kylämäki. The park forms the most valuable core area of the city’s green and recreational network.
The University of Turku’s Botanical Garden on Ruissalo has a collection of more than 5,000 plant species. The garden is open year-round to adults and children; opening details may vary seasonally. The nature trails offer the chance to experience some of Finland’s oldest oak forests. The island has about 20 kilometres of these trails in total. The 8.7-kilometre Kansanpuisto Trail passes the Ruissalo Boat Yard and Kansanpuisto Park. The Kuuva cultural fitness route circles the western part of the island, while the Folk Park Trail runs along its landward side.
Ruissalo can be reached by land or by sea. During the summer season, Föli water buses run from the Aurajoki to Ruissalo and Hirvensalo.
Combine city culture with your choice of accommodation
Turku’s culinary scene includes the market hall, completed in 1896 and designed by Gustaf Nyström, which extends the length of a city block. Inside are traditional meat and fish counters, delicatessen and speciality shops, bread, dairy and cheese shops, as well as restaurants and cafés. Individual vendors may change.
Choose accommodation based on the experiences you want to shape your stay: the city centre, Old Town and museums suit a city-focused itinerary, while oak forests and nature trails put Ruissalo at the heart of your plans. This lets you choose Turku according to the balance of culture and nature you prefer, without combining the different outings into a single route.
Discover more destinations
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Return to the regional travel overview: Varsinais-Suomi.
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