ATTRACTIONS IN TURKU Turku, close to everything, is the perfect destination even for a short visit, and with a little planning you can make one day in Turku into an unforgetting experience. The Old Great Square is located in a city center, a short walking distance from the bus station. It offers different events throughout the year. Address: Vanha Suurtori 3 Föri – the City Ferry First it’s good to know that the Aura River divides Turku into two sides: “täl puol jokke” (on this side of the river) and “tois puol jokke” (on the other side of the river). The ferry called “Föri” carries people across the river free of charge, and it takes only about 2 minutes. Föri is the oldest vehicle in everyday professional use in Finland. It has been operating over 110 years for now. If you wish to track the Föri in real time, check out www.toispual.fi. During the winter season the ferry operates 6.15–21. Tips for a rainy day Turku Market Hall The Turku Market Hall is within a short 3-minute walking distance from the bus station. Building is the second oldest market hall in Turku. It was completed in 1896. You can find a variety of traditional meat and fish counters, delicatessen and specialty shops, bread, milk and cheese shops as well as restaurants and cafes. The best pastries in Finland can be found in here! The market is open every day except on Sundays. The best day to go to the market is Saturday, when it is packed with people buying all types of food and souvenirs. Open Mon-Fri 8–18, Sat 8–16, Sun closed. Address: Eerikinkatu 1 Turku Castle Turku Castle is by far the most popular attraction in Turku. It is one of the oldest buildings still in use in Finland. With 700 years of history clearly etched into its facades, this is a place where you can expect to stumble upon secret passageways and uncover stories of the knights that called the castle their home. It has been a defensive bastion, a majestic court, an administrative center, a prison, and a storehouse. If you are travelling with children, the Children’s Castle is something you might want to experience. In the Knights’ Hall you can dress up as a castle maiden or try on an armour and a helmet. At the Castle-Elf’s treasure chamber you will see the treasures of the Castle-Elf guarded by a wolf. Address: Linnankatu 80 Turku University Botanical Garden Turku University Botanical Garden is one of the most popular sights in Turku. The collection of over 5,000 plant species is a living display of the diversity of the plant kingdom. The Botanical Garden has free entry to the outdoor areas. It is even possible to hold meetings, training sessions and private events in the outdoor gardens! The greenhouses are excellent for a rainy day visits. Experience the tropical rainforest throughout the year! The outdoor gardens is open: Mon-Sun 8–20, greenhouses and cafeteria: Mon-Sun 10–17 except on public holidays. Address is Ruissalon puistotie 215 Turku Cathedral The cathedral is situated in the heart of Turku next to the Old Great Square, by the river Aura. Turku Cathedral was built 750 years ago, around in 1300. The cathedral has seen several fires. Most damage was caused by the Great Fire of Turku in 1827. The cathedral was re-built afterwards. Cathedral is a fantastic venue for a wide range of concerts, events and special occasions. One of the interesting things is the old clock, which is considered to be the oldest in Finland. However, it is impossible to know its exact age. The 12 o’clock alarm of the clock has been broadcast on public radio since 1944, and you can still hear it every day on Yle Radio 1. The cathedral is open daily: 9–18 with a few exceptions. During the services or concerts, accessibility may be restricted. Address: Tuomiokirkonkatu. Forum Marinum Maritime Centre Would you like to see the Swan of Finland or visit a naval ship? Forum Marinum Maritime Centre presents the history of shipping, its development and importance to Turku and Finland throughout the ages. Forum Marinum has also total of over 100 boats, most of which have been built in South-West Finland. Children are welcome as well, they can follow a path of footprints of the ship’s dog Axel. The Forum Marinum Maritime Centre stands beside the River Aura, close to Turku Castle and the city’s harbour. Open from Tuesday to Sunday 11–19. Address: Linnankatu 72.
