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.

Getting there: Kansanpuisto, Ruissalo
Hours: Beginning of July, in 2023: 7–9 July
Price: Three-day ticket €175, 2 days €155, 1 day €99; children under 7 years free with a paying adult; people over 70 free
Website: ruisrock.fi (opens in a new tab)

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Listing from Wikivoyage: Turku, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Updated 28 Sept 2026. Something wrong? Tell us.

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Drink
Kahvila Promenade
In the park, with view towards the shore. Savoury and sweet pastries as well as a range of coffees, and ice cream.
Daily 14 May–30 August and Sat–Sun in spring 10:00–18:00
See
Botanical Garden
The Turku University Botanical Garden on the Island of Ruissalo is both a centre for scientific research and a public showcase for the fascinating world of plants. The outdoor and indoor gardens display over 5000 species and varieties of plants. In the greenhouses are a wide range of succulent plants and a collection of tropical species. Next to the modern greenhouse is the outdoor garden where the edible plants, roses, meadow flowers, rock plants and exotic trees and shrubs all flourish. Another distinguishing feature of the new landscapes are the artificial ponds containing colourful waterlilies and other wetland plants. There's also a cafeteria on the garden premises.
Indoor gardens daily 10:00–17:00, outdoor gardens daily 08:00–20:00Indoor gardens €6/4/free, Outdoor gardens are free
See
Ruissalo Island
The unique nature, culture and history of the fascinating Island of Ruissalo is to be found flanking the Turku estuary. Once the hunting island for the court of Turku Castle, the island is easily accessible by land or by sea. The oak forests, charming 19th century villas, Ruissalo Spa hotel, Ruissalo nature reserve, Ruisrock rock concert, Honkapirtti (pea soup daily 11–16, Su also fish soup – the Karelian house is worth a visit for lunch or a bun despite the short menu) and the Botanical Gardens have all combined to make the island famous. Scenic and well-maintained bike paths offer comfortable distances for the whole family. The rocky outcrops, beautiful sandy beaches, distinctive nature, rolling fields and pretty gardens will lead to love at first sight for all who visit the island. There is a camping area at Saaronniemi on the outermost tip of the island. The tourist services of this well-equipped camping and caravan park include beaches, barbecue sites, saunas, a small shop and various amenities including hot showers and a laundry. With mini-golf, volleyball, badminton and basketball courts, a fitness trail, playgrounds and a café-restaurant. Many of the facilities of the campsite are available also to non-guests There is also a championship level golf course, Aura Golf, founded in 1958 nearby.
Eat
Honkapirtti
East Karelian-style large cabin, since decades a stopping point for people enjoying the nature on the island. Unpretentious lunch consisting of traditional pea soup and delicious pancakes. Its coffee table also has a range of traditional delicacies, cakes and pies.
Mon–Fri 11:00–17:00, Sat Sun 10:00–17:00