Things to Do in Turku

Kupittaa Park

Finland's largest and oldest city park is popular for picnic as well as for children and sports. There are ice skaters in the winter, in-line skaters in the summer, skateboarders, cyclists, ballplayers, petanque enthusiasts and everyone out for some exercise. Urban athletes can catch some air and grind some rails at the skatepark. Pump some iron at the Turku city's official gym or hit the lanes at the bowling hall. Kupittaa Park also offers families with kids the ever popular Traffic-City, Adventure Park, Kupittaa Outdoor Pool and (Sundays 17–19 in the sports hall, free) the Sports Wonderland for Kids. Watch birds in action at the Bird Pond. Visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to picnicking. The wide-open lawns of Kupittaa Park are perfect for everything from football to croquet, while frisbees and kites vie for space in the skies above. One end of the park is dominated by the Veritas Stadium, which is the home pitch of local football team, TPS. And when it's time for a bite to eat, Kupittaa Pavilion will serve up a tasty treat right in the heart of the park. Veritas Stadium is also home to the full-service Olè restaurant.

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The Medieval Market

This is the best (and original) Medieval Market in Finland. Follow the rows of market stalls at the Old Great Square and take a trip back in time to Medieval Market with performing groups, jesters and minstrels. People working at the festival dress up in medieval costumes and act out scenes in the middle of the street, rather than on stages, giving you a feeling you're genuinely in medieval Turku.In the area for work displays artisans will demonstrate medieval working methods. Visitors can watch the smith working away at their forges, see how beer is brewed using ancient recipes and touch freshly tanned leather. At the children's activities area the smallest of the family can attend the real princess school as well as enjoy watching the wild boars. The Old Town Hall hosts events for science, art and fashion. The whole family can enjoy the medieval amusement.Medieval costumes for adults and children are available for hire at the event. Medieval-style food, clothes and souvenirs available on site.

Vanha Suurtori 3 (Old Great Square)

Thu and Fri 12AM to 8PM, Sat and Sun 12AM to 6PM

Free of charge, but charges for food, drink and souvenirs

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Vappu

In Finland, Vappu (Walpurgis day and May Day) is one of the four biggest holidays along with Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve, and Midsummer (Juhannus). Walpurgis witnesses the biggest carnival-style festival held in the streets of Finland's towns and cities. The celebration, which begins on the evening of 30 April and continues to 1 May, typically centres on copious consumption of sima, sparkling wine and other alcoholic beverages. Student traditions are one of the main characteristics of Vappu, and you'll see lots of students on the streets wearing a traditional Student cap. On 30 April evening streets are filled with party people and a large market is held in Market Square with vendors selling cheap carnival paraphernalia. On 1 May the parks, especially the Vartiovuori Park, are filled with hungover Finns having a picnic. There are also working union parades around the city centre and politicians from all different parties giving speeches.

Seikkisrock

A two day festival, organized in early June since 1999 at Turku Adventure Park, offers a wonderful entertainment for children of all ages and childlike persons. Over the years, numerous leading children´s music artists and special guests, have had performances at Seikkisrock. The festivals main focus is on music, but available is also crafts and art workshops, plays, circus, magicians and dancers – not forgetting the bouncy castle. Non-governmental organizations are also involved in the event; they are presented to children in their own ”Worldvillage” with the themes of tolerance and sustainable development. Adventure Park, activity center for children and families, which is located in the district of Kupittaa, offers verdant, comfortable and stimulating environment for the Seikkisrock. Performances that take place at two stages and smaller shows throughout the area guarantee great and memorable festival experience.

Advance Ticket 10€, From gate 12€. Under 2 year olds free

Ruisrock

Ruisrock, founded in 1970, is the second oldest rock festival in Europe, and the oldest in the Nordic countries and Finland. During the three-day event fans are offered international names, domestic stars and the hottest new acts. Ruisrock attracts almost 100,000 visitors every year from Finland and abroad and it is the biggest music festival in Turku. The festival has attracted world-famous artists throughout its lifetime including such names as Nirvana, Björk, The Cure, Bob Dylan, Bon Jovi, Ozzy Osbourne, Pet Shop Boys, Oasis, Aerosmith and Rammstein. The festival takes place in the Ruissalo Island, right next to central Turku. The area where the festival takes place is divided into two sections, Niittyalue ("meadow section") and Ranta-alue ("beach section"). Introduction video for the festival can be seen in [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTVUAweys8U YouTube].

Ruissalo Island

three day ticket €145, 2 days €125, 1 day €85. Under 7 year old get in free with an adult with a ticket. People over 70 get free entrance and can use a ferry connection from Aura river free of charge (prices of year 2016)

New Potato Festival

The New Potato Festival, or ''Neitsytperunafestivaali'' in Finnish, celebrates the opening of the early harvest potato season in June. It’s a true cultural feast of fabulous flavours and local food. The very first crops from the Turku archipelago will reach the River Aura shores with this traditional ceremony. During the festival, the potatoes will be enjoyed with local fish treats and herring. The festival will also include competitions for best recipes, getting to know different potato varieties and cultivation methods. The new potatoes from the Southwest Finland region are unique plants with gastronomic qualities to match other celebrated European seasonal products like asparagus, globe artichoke and truffle. The flavour is unique to early potatoes of Southwest Finland and neighboring countries with a similar climate.

Courtyard of the Brewery Restaurant Koulu, Eerikinkatu 18

Turku International Book Fair

The Turku International Book Fair is Finland’s oldest book fair. The Turku Fair and Congress Center hosts the annual event, which brings together visitors, program creators and exhibitors from all over Finland and abroad. The Turku Book Fair garners an abundance of praise and publicity thanks to its solid reputation, long history and cozy atmosphere. The mingling of visitors and exhibitors enables spontaneous encounters between authors and readers. The fair plays host to a variety of events, both large and small. The first Turku Book Fair was held in 1990, and in 2012 an all-time record was set, with 25,000 people attending the fair. Each year, the Turku Book Fair selects one country as the special focus, in addition to a Finnish-focused theme. In 2015 the country in focus is Sweden.

Turku Fair and Congress Center, Messukentänkatu 9-13

FightBack Run

No one in Finland is unaware of Pekka Hyysalo and his Fight Back charity project. Hyysalo, a young man from Turku, had his promising career as freestyle skier cut short after a serious head injury in 2010. Hyysalo fought his way from the hospital bed to get back on his feet, teaching his body to do everything from scratch, from eating to tying his shoelaces. In September 2014 he ran for the first time in the FightBack Run. The first FightBack Run had a distance of 2,6km and the plan is to double the distance every year. In 2015 the distances for running are 250m (directed to people with reduced mobility), 2,6km and 5,2km which Hyysalo himself will run as well. A half marathon is in sight for 2017 and 2018 then will already be up to a full marathon.

Cross-country skiing

There are skiing tracks in most suburbs, as jogging routes are transformed to skiing routes, with groomed tracks and a lane for freestyle skiing (80 km maintained by the city in good winters). The Nunnavuori routes (0.35 and 1 km on flat ground, 1.7 km in easy hilly terrain) are maintained also in adverse weather, which gives them the longest season. At one of its starting points, Eskonkatu/Kurrapolku near Impivaara, there is equipment for rent (Tu 17–20, Sa–Su 11–15; in the winter holiday 20–28.2 daily 11–15, Tu 11–20; equipment to be returned 20 min before closing) and coffee, warm juice and snacks for sale (by a charity; usually somewhat longer hours than the rental; sausage €1, coffee and bun €2). Many of the routes have lighting 6–22.

Free; equipment €5/3/1

Turku City Theater

On the main stage of Turku’s City Theater you’ll see the biggest musical spectacles and the highest quality drama. From August 2014 to June 2016 the main theater building on the banks of river Aura will go through a thorough renovation. During the renovation it's performances are temporarily mostly based in [http://www.logomo.fi/en/home/ Logomo] (Köydenpunojankatu 14) next to Turku Central Railway Station and Linnateatteri (Linnankatu 31) in Turku city center. After the renovation Turku City Theater offers performances on four different stages. Notwithstanding children’s favourites and visiting productions, everything from comedy to more serious drama for the thirsty theatergoer can be found within the theatre’s portfolio.

Itäinen Rantakatu 14

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Paavo Nurmi Marathon

Paavo Nurmi was a Finnish runner who achieved 9 gold and 3 silver medals in the Olympic games during his career. He was born in Turku and is celebrated by a number of sporting events every year. One of the highlights is Paavo Nurmi Marathon, which is one of the leading running events in Finland. One can choose to participate in the full marathon, half marathon or a 10 kilometer races. The total amount of participants has been around 3500 runners annually. The beautiful route of the marathon showcases the most attractive sides of Turku from the shores of the river Aura to Ruissalo Island and back. Right after the start the runners pass by the famous Paavo Nurmi statue, sculpted by Turku born sculptor Wäinö Aaltonen.

Around central Turku and Ruissalo island

Flowpark

Flowpark is a new kind of adventure theme park, where you can measure your skills up in the trees on specially constructed high rope adventure trails. There are fifteen different trails and nearly one hundred missions where you can test your balance, coordination and nerve. Flow park is ideal for the active and adventurous types, regardless of age. However, for the high ropes adventure trails there is a minimum restriction in age of seven years and in height of 120cm. For the smaller fast and fearless climber there is a specially built children's trail closer to ground. Flowpark is located in the leafy green courtyard of shopping centre Skanssi, with good transportation connections from the centre.

Skanssinkatu 10

Open in the Summer season from May to October M–Sa 12AM–8PM, Sun 12AM–6PM. Closed in the winter season from November to April except around special Winter Feast days in January

Day ticket €22

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HK Areena

The modern and comfortable HK Areena is well known for hosting large public events and for hosting the games of [http://hc.tps.fi/briefly_in_english TPS (''Turun Palloseura'')], Turku's number one ice hockey team. In terms of championships, TPS is the most successful team in the history of the SM-liiga, the top professional ice hockey league in Finland. HK Arena offers a large arena and grandstands in addition to smaller function rooms. Restaurants serve before the entertainment, during the intermission or at breaks, and often even after the event. Big screens and TV monitors ensure the arena atmosphere fills the restaurant and lobby areas.

Artukaistentie 8

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International Market of Turku

Key idea of the International Market is to bring different countries and provinces around the world to showcase their specialities. In recent years there have been around 70 traders from around 30 countries taking part in the market. Europe has usually a strong presence, but there are also traders from America and Asia. From the market you'll usually find For example, authentic Dutch cheese merchant, French bakeries, different delicacies from Italy, Bavarian sausages and German bakeries as well as artisans from such countries as Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Spain. Finnish provinces are also presenting their own specialities.

Around Old Great Square, Vähätori and the banks of river Aura

Wed–Sat at 10AM–8PM

Urheilupuisto Sports Park

Urheilupuisto is home to the Paavo Nurmi Stadium and many other sporting facilities. This extensive parkland holds many places to exercise, come winter, come summer. In addition to the Paavo Nurmi Stadium, there is e.g. the Karikon lenkki running track, tennis courts, basketball courts, a volleyball court, an artificial turf playing field and a frisbee golf course. In the winter months the Sports Park, naturally, has its ice field and a popular sledding hill. [http://www.turkutrojans.com/ Turku Trojans], one of the oldest American Football teams in Finland, plays its games on the upper field of Turku Sports Park.

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H2Ö

H2Ö festival debuted itself in the summer of 2014 and became a huge hit in Finland. A heir to the previous electronic music festival ILMIÖ, H2Ö will again fill the maritime, industrial-romantic dockyard milieu with hard-core representatives of Finnish alternative music and intriguing international underground gems, without any genre restrictions. On top of the diverse music, the old carpentry shop area will be coloured with a vast multi-artistic programme: performances, installations, workshops, street art and more will be included. The age limit of the festival is 18 years.

Hevoskarintie 23

In 2016 price for one day is 58.50€ and two days 85.50€.

Christmas Market at the Old Great Square

Feel the magical spirit of Christmas at the Old Great Square of Turku on four weekends before Christmas. The Old Great Square fills with high quality handicrafts, Christmas delicacies and various music, theater and circus performances. And of course, there’s also Santa Claus and his family! In addition, you can enjoy the lovely winter weather with a cup of warm ''glögg'' or a bowl of Christmas porridge, find something nice in the Christmas ornaments’ exchange point and escape the hustle and bustle to the Christmas concerts of the Old Town Hall.

Old Great Square

Four weekends before Christmas, in 2016: 26–27.11, 3-4.12, 10-11.12 and 17-18.12 at 11–17

Linnateatteri

Linnateatteri is a professional theater, which performs both in the house and the garden. Linnateatteri has over the last decade presented such comical shows as ''the Amazing History of Turku'' and ''the Amazing Near-history of Turku''. You’ll find the Old Kivipaino Theater house and Theater Restaurant on Linnankatu street.In addition to comedy and stand-up performances there's also drama, concerts and children theater among its repertoire. During summer you can also catch up with Linnateatteri on the courtyard stage of Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova.

Linnankatu 31

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The Night of Arts

Night of the Arts puts on its best in the centre of the city. Its a versatile cultural event that is held annually in mid-August. Usually a lush programme of events will take place in different parts of the city centre. Some of the main venues include the Fortuna-block, Vähätori, Puutori, the Turku Main Library Courtyard, as well as the books stores, museums and galleries of the city, all situated in the heart of Turku. Programme usually includes musical and art performances, literature, theatre, dance, museums and street culture.

Around Turku Central Business District

Hirvensalo Ski Resort

There are four well managed and lit slopes at the Turun Hirvensalo Ski Centre in Turku: 1, 2 and 3-slopes and a slope for children. There are three lifts in Hirvensalo. The longest slope is 300m and the greatest altitude difference is 60m. The degree of difficulty of the slopes ranges from easy to difficult and there are several boxes and rails. Hirvensalo Ski Centre is the perfect place for both beginners and experts, without mentioning families. Services also include Slope café, Ski School, and equipment rental.

Kakskerrantie 111

€17 to €28

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Maritime Markets

Traditional and very popular markets are held every April and October on the riverfront right in the Turku city centre. Archipelago Market in April and Herring Market in October bring fish delicacies as well as handicrafts to the riverside. Both markets bring professional fishermen from the Archipelago Sea to the heart of the city to sell their products, some still straight from their boats. Also e.g. sea-buckthorn juice, honey and bread are sold, in addition to meals and standard market fare.

Weekdays and Saturday 9AM–6PM, Sunday 9AM–4PM

Marli Areena

Marli Arena is situated next to the Kupittaa park, and is primarily used for ice hockey. It is the home arena of [http://www.tutohockey.fi/fi/uutiset TuTo (''Turun Toverit'') hockey team]. TuTo plays in the second highest ice hockey league in Finland, Mestis, but the atmosphere in the games can be even better than in the TPS games, since the fans really love the team. Tickets are also less expensive and the Marli Arena is just around 15 minutes walking distance away from the city center.

Hippoksentie 2

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Juhannus

Juhannus (Midsummer Festival) is a main national holiday in Finland. Originally a celebration of the summer solstice, it is typically spent with friends and family at a summer cottage away from the city, either partying or relaxing. Large bonfires are lit in Ruissalo Island and other parts of the city, but otherwise the streets are often eerily empty and the doors of the shops closed, making this the most quiet days of the year in Turku. You may mistake Turku for a ghost town!

Impivaara Swimming Centre

The stunning and newly renovated facilities are named after characters and places in author Aleksis Kivi’s classic novel, Seven Brothers. The swimming area comprises eight pools, called Venla (50 m), Juhani (25 m), Tuomas (diving pool), Aapo (multipurpose pool), Simeoni (family pool), Timo (teaching pool), Lauri (paddling pool) and Eero (cold pool). Impivaara gyms Jukola, Toukola and Männistö have comprehensive and spacious strength training and aerobics facilities.

Uimahallinpolku 4

Mon–Thu 6AM–8PM, Fri 11AM–6PM, Sat–Sun 9AM–5PM

Single entry €7.50/€5/€3; 10 time card €60/€40/€24

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Down by the Laituri (DBTL)

Finland´s oldest and most legendary city festival takes place in downtown Turku annually in end of July. DBTL was sparked into life in the late 1980's by the rock-club of the Student Union of the Turku University. It's popularity spread like a blaze and nowadays it attracts around 70,000 visitors every year. With most of the acts performing pop and rock music, this multicultural event is centered on the east bank of the River Aura, around the Turku City Theatre.

Downtown Turku

€49 to €125 in 2016

Paavo Nurmi Games

The first Paavo Nurmi Games was arranged in 1957 as a birthday present to Nurmi on his 60th birthday. During his career Nurmi took 9 Olympic Gold medals and was among the first athletes to be nominated in the IAAF Hall of Fame. The tradition has gone on ever since and the event is held every year at the Paavo Nurmi Stadium named after the legendary runner. Now a track & field classic, the Turku Paavo Nurmi Games are part of the EA Premium Permit circuit.

5PM–9PM

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JukuPark Waterpark

JukuPark is a paradise for the whole family just three kilometers from Turku center. At JukuPark, come rain or shine, you're sure to get soaking wet! You’re guaranteed a great day with many spectacular water-slides, large heated swimming pools, sunbathing areas together with saunas, shower rooms and the Pirate Island water-world for the little ones. When hunger surprises there are Juku Park’s grills, cafes, kiosk services and terraces available.

Kurrapolku 1

7 Jun to 10 Aug every day from 11AM to 5/7PM

€21, children under 4 year free

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Turku Day

The traditional Turku Day is annually celebrated on the third Sunday in September. The inhabitants of Turku are offered many possibilities to get acquainted with their city during Turku Day. The shops in the city centre are open, there are markets and bazaars in different parts of the city, open houses and guided tours, museums and music, art and dance. The day culminates with fireworks at the Samppalinna Park hill at 9PM.

Events take place all around the city

Turku Design Festival

Turku designers and fashion designers combine forces once again in the Turku Design Festival. The week consists of exhibitions, fairs, fashion shows, seminars and open-days where visitors can easily get to know local designers and design products. Turku Design Festival, a cooperative creation from the regional design industry, involves dozens of different companies ranging from industrial designers to ceramic artists.

Around Turku Central Business District

Samppalinna Swimming Stadium

A refreshing oasis in the middle of the city, on a warm summer day Samppalinna is really popular with the locals. An olympic-size swimming and diving boards where swimmers can jump from the tower. Children have their own pool and there is sunbathing among the stadium’s sunny banks. The changing areas are indoors. The lockers can be locked with a 50-cent coin. Samppalinna has excellent sauna and shower facilities.

Volter Kilven katu 2

Open fom mid May to mid September Mon-Thu 6AM-8PM, Fri 6AM-7PM, Sat-Sun 8AM-7PM

Adults €5, Discount groups €3, Children between 5 and 16 €2.5, children under 5 years free

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Easter at Cloister Hill

Cloister Hill outdoor museum offers a unique perspective to Easter traditions in Finland. During the festivities you can participate in egg rotation competition and explore the different traditions of decorating Easter eggs. Professional Easter egg decorators are performing as well as confectioners who make Easter eggs and bunnies out of marzipan. This event is especially recommendable to visitors with children.

Cloister Hill (Luostarinmäki) outdoor museum, Vartiovuorenkatu 2

10AM to 4 PM

Adults 6€, Children aged between 7 to 15 4€, Children aged between 4 to 6 1€, Family ticket 13€

Kupittaa Outdoor Swimming Arena

Kupittaa has offered facilities for swimming for over a hundred years. Its located next to the Adventure Park and is a favorite of families especially. In addition to the large 50 meter pool, there's a smaller 25 meter pool, 0.6–0.9m deep children's pool as well as a play area for the little ones and a lawn area for relaxation. The pool area has a kiosk. The nearby Blomberginaukio square offers ample parking.

Kupittaankatu 10

Open from mid May to mid August everyday 10AM-7PM

Adults €5, Discount groups €3, Children between 5 and 16 €2.5, children under 5 years free

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Women's Kuntovitonen 5km Run

The Women's Kuntovitonen 5km run energizes the Turku Sports Park in May, when spring is in full bloom. Here the sweatbands are more fashionable then functional. In addition to the five or ten kilometer routes there will be star performers on stage, guided group aerobics and a diverse exhibition area and a play park to leave your children and spouse to spend the day while you enjoy yourself.

Turku Music Festival

Turku Music Festival is the oldest continuously running festival in Finland. This diverse city festival offers large orchestral concerts, chamber music, recitals, jazz and outdoor events as well as experiences for the whole family. A variety of Turku’s stunning venues, both modern and historical, are being imaginatively used to host performances from the best in their field.

Around Turku

Turku Modern

Turku Modern, the festival for electronic music, storms Turku clubs and galleries annual in July. It brings forward top foreign artists and accomplished domestic performers focusing on electronic and dance music. It takes place in central Turku on the banks of the river Aura in a number of clubs, bars, stages and especially the charming river boats.

In 2016 prices from 35€ to 65€

Turku Triathlon Weekend

Want to provide yourself with a new kind of challenge? The triathlon is ideal for those looking for variation, because it includes swimming, cycling and running. From 13-14 August 2015 the second Turku Triathlon Weekend will take place. Read more and sign-up on their website at [http://shop.sbrfinland.com/index.php turkutriathlonweekend.fi].

Around central Turku and Ruissalo island

Swedish Theater of Turku

This is Finland's oldest theatre. The beautiful theatre house reached its 175th anniversary in January 2014. ÅST is acclaimed for performing world-class musicals, enjoyed by audiences midst the splendid theatre hall. The three scenes also offer other kinds of drama, cabaret, concerts, more experimental theatre and children's plays.

Eerikinkatu 13

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Turku Concert Hall

located on the north side of the ''Puutori'' Square, Turku Concert Hall build in 1952 was the first concert hall in Finland. '''[http://www.turku.fi/public/default.aspx?nodeid=11135 The Turku Philharmonic Orchestra] ''' primarily performs at the concert hall but there are many top international venues that perform there as well.

Aninkaistenkatu 9

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Aura Fest

One of the largest Hiphop and Urban music festivals in Finland, is held annually right next to river Aura. In 2015 the festival takes place in Barker Park, just a kilometre away from the central Market Square. Performers include practically all the top domestic Hiphop and urban music performers as well as international guests.

Barker Park next to river Aura

Veritas Stadion

Located in the heart of Turku at the Kupittaa Park, Veritas Stadium is Turku's number one football stadium. Both Turku-based teams playing in the national league of Finland – [http://www.fcinter.com/inenglish.php FC Inter] and [http://fc.tps.fi/tps_in_brief.151.html FC TPS] – play on the grounds of the stadium.

Hippoksentie 6

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Logomo

Situated in an old locomotive workshop, Logomo was the main venue for the Capital of Culture year in 2011. It is located right next to the Turku city centre and the Central Railway Station. It provides spaces for several exhibitions and major performance throughout the year. It also has a café and a shop.

Köydenpunojankatu 14

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Turku Christmas Market

Turku Christmas Market is a traditional Central European style Christmas market open at the Market Square of Turku in December. Traditional and cosy atmosphere of Christmas arises from the flavors of Christmas, helpful sales persons and their unique quality products and a wide-ranging programme.

Central Market Square

Weekdays 10AM-/PM, Sat 10AM-5PM, Sun Noon-17

Turku Jazz

Second oldest Jazz Festival in Finland. Performers include leading Finnish jazz musicians and special international guests. Concerts are held in restaurants and entertainment venues throughout the city of Turku. In 2015 concerts are held mainly in the Brewery Restaurant Koulu in the city centre.

Concerts mainly in the Brewery Restaurant Koulu, Eerikinkatu 18 (in 2015)

Turku Fine Art and Antique Fair

Turku Fine Art and Antiques Fair is a premier trade event where a vast array of antiques and art are exhibited. More than 10,000 people visit the fair annually and witness how world renowned artists and antique collectors gather in this exhibition and showcase their art and antique collections.

Turku Fair and Congress Center, Messukentänkatu 9-13

Hohtogolf Westcoast

At Hohtogolf Westcoast is a glow in the dark 15-hole miniature golf course with over-the-top mechanized special effects and a special "horror" section. Fun thing to do in a group, especially after a few drinks from the bar. As a new feature they also offer a small curling track.

Yliopistonkatu 17

W–Th 5PM–9PM, Fri 5PM–Midnight, Sat Noon–Midnight, Sun–Tue closed

10/12€

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Kinopalatsi

This modern cinema complex opened in Turku in the spring 2001. All 9 auditoriums has been invested in the audience comfort. Seat rows are strongly staggered and leg room between rows is optimal. The technique is the highest quality with digital sound and big screens.

Kauppiaskatu 11

around €10

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Park Field Artificial Ice Rink

Skating field, partly for ice hockey. Sometimes music. Skates and hockey sticks for rent weekdays 17–20, weekends 12–18. The entrance fee has to be paid in advance, e.g. by mobile phone or in the café next door (second floor), which is open M–F 9–20, Sat–Sun 12–18.

Tuureporinkatu 2

Mon, Wed, Fri 8–22, Tue, Thu 8–20, Sat, Sun 9–21 (maintenance daily 15:30–16:20)

€2

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Turku Food and Wine Fair

The Turku Food and Wine Fair is one of autumn’s highlights in the city. In October, thousands of food, wine and culture enthusiasts will gather at the Turku Fair and Congress Centre to find new products and services, experience new tastes, learn and shop.

Turku Fair and Congress Center, Messukentänkatu 9-13

Arranged at the same time as the Turku International Book Fair

Ruissalo races

The traditional Ruissalo races are organized on the end of September in the beautiful island of Ruissalo right next to central Turku. The distances to choose from are half marathon called "Ruisrääkki" and 10 km run "Ruisriikki".

Turun melojat

Local canoe/kayak club, equipment for rent. Also short and three-evening courses. Quick intro on-site, if you need more advice, ask in advance (instructions about equipment etc. in Finnish on the website). Pay in cash.

Rykmentintie 55

Tu and Th 17–20, Sa–Su 11–15 or 11–17

Kayak €10/hour, €20/day, €40/weekend; twin or canoe €20, €60, €120; courses €40/110

Samppalinna Summer Theatre

Samppalinna summer theater is Finland’s largest summer musical theater and, over the course of fifty years operation, has taken its place in the hallmark of Finnish theater. It specializes in musicals.

Paavo Nurmen Puistotie 3

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Sea kayaking

Evening tour with kayak and guide (2½–3 hours) from Ruissalo. Register before 15:00, pay online. Also longer full service guided trips and supported solo expeditions with transportation from/to Turku.

Th 17:00 (Kauppatori 16:30) or by agreement

Evening tour €55; guided day tour (7 h) €95/person; rental: first day €45

Låna

Open boats (max 8 persons) for cruising down the river and back, perhaps while having a picnic (speed limit on the river 6km/h i.e. 3 knots), with electric motor.

€50/hour, double with skipper

Skating worm

Meandering skating lane forming a circle, 5–6m wide and 500m long. Skate rental (also hiking skates), hot drinks for sale. Roller skating in the summer.

Mon–Fri 16–20, Sat–Sun 12–20

Skates: adults €5, children €1; hiking skates €5/2h, €12/week; roller skates €5; drinks €1; skating free

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Littoisten lava

Dance pavilion by the Littoistenjärvi lake. Dance course Thu 18:30–19:50 included in the price of the dance. Quite few left at last waltz.

Vanha Littoistentie 153

19 May–8 September, Thu 18:30/20:00–23:30

Mostly €12; taxi to Kauppatori €20–25

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Nordklang 2016

Nordic choir festival. Several concerts daily at different locations. Evening program at Kåren (19:30–24:00) open for the public (€5).

3–6.8.2016

Price differs between concerts: €0/5/27,50

Tall Ships' Races 2017

Many big sailing ships and a lot of yachts gather in Turku, with young international crews and associated events.

The guest harbour and downstream

20–23.7.2017

Buster Rent

Open or semi-open boats for rent, with outboard motor. Usable also for longer voyages given suitable weather.

150–440 euro/day, trailering 60.– +1.50/km (free with own car)

Valasranta

Dance pavilion by the Pyhäjärvi lake, quite some distance from Turku. Bus from Turku, returning in the night.

Valasrannantie 363, Yläne

Summertime (7 May–) Sat 20:30-01:30, bus from Turku 19:50

€16–18, bus 2×€6

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Turku's Winter Outdoor Swimmers Club

Sauna, ice swimming and club room. Members are happy to help newcomers.

Rykmentintie 51

Mon 15:00–19:45, Wed 15:00–20:45, Fri 15:00–19:45, Sat–Sun 15:00–19:45

Non-member single ticket: adults €5, children under 16 €1, accompanied children under 7 free

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Aurajokisäätiö

Kayak/canoe rental for trips on the river. Also guided tours.

Valkkimyllynkuja 2

1.6–31.8 Tu–Su 10–18

Kayak €16/two hours, €28/one day; canoe €20/€32; guide €36/hour

Uittamon paviljonki

Dance pavilion by the sea. Also dance courses.

Rykmentintie 29

Dances 13 May–11 September: Fri 20:00–01:00, Sun 19:00–24:00

Mostly €15

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