Things to do in Turku

80 activities, venues and outings in Turku, from theatres and live music to parks and tours.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first. Showing the top 40 of 80.

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Aurajokisäätiö
Kayak/canoe rental for trips on the river. Also guided tours.
1 Jun–31 Aug: Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00Kayak €19/two hours, €39/one day; canoe €24/€39; guide €36/hour
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Auran Nuortentalo
Dances popular among young and old alike, with many of the dancers coming from Turku. Women may want to bring company to get introduced on the floor.
October–April Sat 19:00–24:00€18–25
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Christmas Market at the Old Great Square
The Old Great Square fills with high quality handicrafts, Christmas delicacies and various music, theatre 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 (in the Brinkkala yard), find something nice at the Christmas ornaments’ exchange point, get warm and escape the hustle and bustle to an indoors café (e.g. upstairs in the Brinkkala house) or to the Christmas concerts of the Old Town Hall.
Four weekends before Christmas (the last one the 3rd Sun of Advent), 11:00–17:00
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Down by the Laituri (DBTL)
Finland´s oldest and most legendary city festival, DBTL was sparked into life in the late 1980s by the rock-club of the Student Union of the Turku University. Its popularity spread like a blaze and nowadays it attracts around 70,000 visitors. Mostly pop and rock.
End of July€55–165
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Flowpark
Climbing park
Adventure trails up in the trees. There are fifteen different trails and nearly one hundred missions, where you can test your balance, coordination and nerve. For the high ropes adventure trails children must be at least seven years old and 120 cm tall. For the smaller fast and fearless climber there is a specially built children's trail closer to ground. Flowpark is in the leafy green courtyard of shopping centre Skanssi, with good transportation connections from the centre.
May–Oct: Mon–Sat 12:00–20:00, Sun 12:00–18:00. Closed Nov–April except around special Winter Feast days in JanuaryDay ticket €22
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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.
€17–28
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Hohtogolf Westcoast
Glow Minigolf and Curling
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.
Wed–Thu 17:00–21:00, Fri 17:00–00:00, Sat 12:00–00:00, Sun–Tue closed€10/12
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Huvilintu
Dance pavilion. Guarded cloakroom. Also beer at the café (no age limit at the dance floor).
30 Apr–20 Sep Sat 19:00–23:00/24:00 (Midsummer also Fri), nights with two bands end at midnight€20–25+€2
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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.
Mon–Thu 06:00–20:00, Fri 11:00–18:00, Sat Sun 09:00–17:00Single entry €8/5/3 (children fare for 4–16 years old); 10-time card €60/40/24
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Impivaaran jäähalli
Impivaara ishall
Indoor ice field, skating for the public (no ice hockey) at certain hours when not in other use.
Mon 14:00–14:50, 16:45–17:35, Wed 13:45–14:35, Sat 10:30–11:20
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International Market of Turku
The key idea of the International Market is to bring different countries and provinces around the world to showcase their specialities. There are around 100 traders from around 35 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.
Mid-June; Wed–Sat 10:00–20:00
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JukuPark Waterpark
JukuPark is a paradise for the whole family 3 km 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, cafés, kiosk services and terraces available.
7 Jun–10 Aug: daily 11:00 to 17-19:00€21, children under 4 year free
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Kiipeilypalatsi
Climbing walls inside a former water tower. Not solo, as you need your own belayer. Newcomers to the sport are welcome, but must tell about being inexperienced. Belayer instruction included. Minors need parent's permission, children under 14 need an adult belayer.
Tue–Wed 15:30–20:30, Sat 13:00–17:00, groups also by agreement€11 + harness, shoes and magnesium €4
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Kino Diana
Cinema by Cinemahouse Oy, which has four theatres around Finland Proper. The auditorium may be counted as licensed premises, and an 18-years age restriction may thus apply regardless of the film.
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Kinopalatsi
Kinopalatsi Cinema Complex
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.
around €12
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Kupittaa Outdoor Swimming Arena
Kupittaa has offered facilities for swimming for over a hundred years. It's next to the Adventure Park and is a favourite of families especially. In addition to the large 50-m pool, there is a smaller 25-m pool, a 0.6–0.9 m 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.
Mid-May to mid-Aug: daily 10:00–19:00Adults €5.50, discount groups €3, children under 16 €2.5, children under 5 years free
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Kupittaanpuisto
Kuppisparken
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 the Sports Wonderland for Kids (Sundays 17:00–19:00 in the sports hall, free). 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 teams, TPS and Inter. 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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Linnateatteri
Linnateatteri is a professional theatre, 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. In addition to comedy and stand-up performances there's also drama, concerts and children theatre among its repertoire. During summer you can also catch up with Linnateatteri on the courtyard stage of Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova.
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Littoisten lava
Dance pavilion run by Sekahaku (see below). 1½-hr dance course before the dances included in the price. Separate courses most other evenings.
2025: 8 May–11 Sep: Thu 18:00/19:30–23:00Dances mostly €20/8/–, courses €15/8; reduced price for the young and on some beginners' courses
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Logomo
Logomo is in an old locomotive workshop, and was the main venue for the Capital of Culture year in 2011. It provides spaces for several exhibitions and major performance throughout the year. It also has a café and a shop, and serves as waiting room for Turku's central railway station.
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Låna
Open boats (max 8 persons) for cruising down the river and back, perhaps while having a picnic (speed limit on the river 6 km/h i.e. 3 knots), with electric motor. Also Buster Rent boats available, but rent those at the guest harbour instead (not ideal for cruising the river, and you get the whole day for the price of 3 hr).
€60/hour, €100/2 hours
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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.
A long weekend in April and October; Thu–Sat 09:00–18:00, Sun 09:00–16:00
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Marli Areena
Ice Hockey Arena
Marli Arena is next to the Kupittaa park, and is primarily used for ice hockey. It is the home arena of 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 and arena is compact. Tickets are also less expensive and the Marli Arena is just around 15 minutes walking distance away from the city center.
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New Potato Festival
Neitsytperunafestivaali
The festival 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 Finland Proper 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 Finland Proper and neighbouring countries with a similar climate.
Mid June
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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.
June, 18 June in 2024
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Parkki Artificial Ice Field
Parkin kenttä
Big skating field, usually most of it for ice hockey. Sometimes music and most of the area for general skating. Skates and hockey sticks for rent. The entrance fee can be paid at the entrance when manned, otherwise by pre-bought tickets ("Exercise Wristband", can be used for several persons) or mobile phone (0600- number posted at the gate, enter immediately after calling).
2023: from 4 December; Mon–Fri 08:00–21:00, Sat 10:00–20:00, Sun 09:00–20:00 (maintenance daily 15:45–16:45); tickets and equipment rental Mon–Fri 17:00–19:00, Sat Sun 10:00–16:00€3.50; from 2024: prime time at counter €8/4, other times by mobile €3.50/3.50; wristband: €8+€16/10 entries, from 2024: €8+€60/30
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Pyrkivä/Sekahaku
Dances with mostly skilled dancers. While the hall is a multi-purpose one, it is quite nice, and you'll mostly be looking at dancers or the orchestra anyway. One dance is presented in a course preceding the dancing proper, starting from beginner level but with something also for those who know it. The dance proper starts with pairs formed at random, dancing only one dance each; the rest of the night there is the normal asking scheme, with mixed asking in the last set. You can keep to your own pair if you wish, but few do. Café. The courses (1½ hr) range from beginners' (perusteet) to advanced level (jatko), usually in a series of two, where you should start from the first unless you pick up reasonably quickly. For the intermediate level ("keskitaso") you should know the basic steps or pick up very quickly. Pairs are formed in a rotating system, so you can turn up alone or in a single-gender group (you can form your own pairs, but that is usually not optimal). Instruction is usually in Finnish, so you have to use your eyes and occasionally ask your pair. The courses W 19:45 and Su 17:00 are for people with little or no dancing experience and have the youth price for all (some advanced dancers participate, facilitating learning). For the courses, take your own bottle of water.
Until 27 Apr 2025: F 18:30/20:00–23:30; courses M W Th 18:00–21:15 Tu 19:30–21:00 Su 17:00–20:15€18, youth under 25 years €7, children under 15 free with accompanying adult; course, cloakroom and water included; separate courses €14/€7
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Ruisrock
Ruisrock, founded in 1970, is the second oldest rock festival in Europe, and the oldest still going 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 YouTube. Festival site can be reached with the festival bus or by bike from Turku city centre. The festival buses run from Turku city centre to the festival bus station. There is a clearly marked walking route of about 2 km (about 1.2 miles) between the festival bus station and the festival site.
Beginning of July, in 2023: 7–9 JulyThree-day ticket €175, 2 days €155, 1 day €99; children under 7 years free with a paying adult; people over 70 free
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Saaristomeren 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.
Tue Thu 17–20, Sat Sun 11:00–15:00 or 11:00–17:00 (check!)Kayak €10/hour, €40/day, €80/weekend, €120/week; twin or canoe €20, €60, €120, 180; courses €40/100
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Samppalinna Summer Theatre
Samppalinnan kesäteatteri
Samppalinna summer theatre, with its first premières in 1960, is Finland’s largest summer musical theatre. It specializes in musicals.
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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; a park area included: picnics possible, basic play yard. The changing areas are indoors, good sauna and shower facilities. The lockers can be locked with a 50-cent coin.
From mid-May to mid-Sept: Mon–Thu 06:00–20:00, Fri 06:00–19:00, Sat Sun 08:00–19:00Adults €5.50, discount groups €3.50, children under 16 €3, children under 5 years free
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Sea kayaking
Aavameri
Day or evening tour with kayak and guide (7 or 3½ hr) from Ruissalo. Register before 17:00/12:00, pay online. The day and evening tours do not require previous experience and moderate fitness is enough, trips are tailored to suite the participants (3–8 in the group). Also longer full service guided trips and supported solo expeditions with transportation from and back to Turku are available.
Jun–Aug: Mon 10:30, Fri 17:00 (Puutori 10:00/16:30), by agreement other days throughout the yearEvening tour €65; day tour €110/person; child reductions for 8–12 and 13–15 years old; rental: first day €60
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Seikkailupuisto
Äventyrsparken
This adventure park is the ideal environment for encouraging imagination and creative play. You are allowed to get wet in the mushroom fountain and get a thrill from the zip line. In addition to a large assortment of playground stuff in the lush park area, to be used freely, the adventure park offers guided activities from art and handicraft workshops to songs and music at the music playschool, and theatre performances. There is a kiosk where you can buy ice cream, drinks and snacks. It is also possible to grill your own food at the barbecue sites. Nearby in the park there is a bouncy castle and a traffic town.
Mon–Sun 10:00–17:00Free
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Seikkisrock
A two-day festival, organized in early June since 1999, 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 festival's main focus is on music, but there are 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 ”World village” with the themes of tolerance and sustainable development. The Adventure Park 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.
Annually, 2023: 18–19 Sep
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Sekahaku
Dances to live music. A 1½-hr course on one dance, before the dancing proper, is included in the price, beginning with the basics but soon advancing quickly with something for advanced dancers at the end. Rotating system/random pairs on the course and in the first hour of the dancing proper (instead forming your own pairs is allowed), then men's/women's/mixed asking. Quite many skilled dancers, friendly atmosphere, no alcohol.
Mid September–mid April Fri 18:30/20:00–23:30€20, youth under 25 €7, accompanied children under 15 free
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Skating worm
Luistelumato
Meandering skating lane forming a circle, 5–6 m wide and 500 m long. Skate rental (also hiking skates), hot drinks for sale. Roller skating in the summer.
Equipment rental Mon Wed Fri 17:00–20:00, Sat Sun 10:00–18:00, from middle Dec, unless rainingFree; skates: adults €5, children €1; hiking skates €5/2hr, €12/week; roller skates €5; drinks €1; skating free
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Swedish Theatre of Turku
Åbo Svenska Teater
This is Finland's oldest theatre. The beautiful theatre house reached its 175th anniversary in January 2014. The big scene reflects the age, with splendid decorations, the moderate size allowing quite an intimate experience. Here most performances are musicals or traditional drama. There are two smaller scenes, which also offer more experimental theatre and children's plays.
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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 (the theme is some specific year, and you may hear references to "current" events). 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 get into baskets of a roundabout. 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.
End of June; Thu Fri 12:00–20:00, Sat Sun 12:00–18:00Free of charge, but charges for food, drink and souvenirs
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Turku City Theatre
Turun kaupunginteatteri
The main theatre building on the banks of river Aura has gone through a thorough renovation. Turku City Theatre offers performances on four different stages. It offers serious drama, musicals and children's theatre, including visiting productions.
€30–50/15–40
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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.
Beginning of March; 2024: 1–10 March

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Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Turku (CC BY-SA 4.0).