Turku

Aurajokisäätiö

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

1 Jun–31 Aug: Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00·Kayak €19/two hours, €39/one day; canoe €24/€39; guide €36/hour

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

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

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

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 January·Day ticket €22

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

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

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

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 09:00–17:00·Single entry €8/5/3 (children fare for 4–16 years old); 10-time card €60/40/24

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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 10:00–19:00·Adults €5.50, discount groups €3, children under 16 €2.5, children under 5 years free

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.

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.

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 18:00/19:30–23:00·Dances mostly €20/8/–, courses €15/8; reduced price for the young and on some beginners' courses

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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 July·Three-day ticket €175, 2 days €155, 1 day €99; children under 7 years free with a paying adult; people over 70 free

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

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.