photo: Samu Valleala
Welcome to Turku
Turku wants to offer its best not only to its
for its part has raised the Turku region to be the engine of economic growth in Finland. The spearhead fields in Turku are marine technology, bio and circular economy, health and well-being, manufacturing and technology industry and creative fields.
citizens but also to tourists, whether it is a question of holiday, business, training or a congress.
City by the river and the sea
Turku is the oldest city in Finland. We are taking advantage of our history though we are looking to the future. In 2029 we will celebrate the 800th anniversary of Turku, and the city is already preparing for the jubilee year in numerous ways, of which I am here presenting two:
The River Aura is the heart of Turku. You get to know Turku easier by walking or cycling along the riverside. The route from the Turku Cathedral to Turku Castle is steeped in history and life. By the river there is beautiful scenery, museums and a magnificent main library as well as cosy and high-quality cafés and restaurants where to have a break. Shops and department stores are close to one another in the city centre. As souvenirs I recommend design of Turku origin, such as high-quality textiles which are light to carry home. It is also worth visiting the traditional market hall where to taste local delicacies and specialties. The sea and nature are inseparable part of Turku. On Ruissalo island off the city the mind rests all seasons. The island is famous for villas from the 19th century, oak forests, a beach, nature trails and Ruisrock Festival. You can easily get to the island by Föli’s citybike, bus and in the summertime also by Föli’s water-bus. For culture lovers Turku offers lots of interesting events like concerts, theatre, fairs, art exhibitions and festivals all year round but in the summer season to come you can also enjoy unique outdoor events.
• The most visible project at the moment is the large-scale renovation of the market square in the city centre. After a couple of years we will have in our centre an attractive car-free market square with its splendid pedestrian, cycling and recreational facilities. • The target of Turku is to be a carbon neutral city in its jubilee year and after that a climate positive city. We reach the target in cooperation with the citizens and the communities of the city. So, I am also inviting you to participate in our joint effort to combat climate change, for example, by favouring delicious and clean local food. Turku is a small large city. There are around 200,000 residents in Turku. However, there are six universities in the city and around 40,000 students and university teachers. This guarantees that we have wide-ranging know-how in the city. Our universities are international, and the only Swedish university in Finland, Åbo Akademi, is the gem of the city. The cooperation between the universities, the city and the businesses aims to make Turku and the Turku region grow at the top of development in the Baltic Sea region. The long-term cooperation
I am a native of Turku and the city is everything to me. That is why I wish that Turku would touch every visitor beneath the surface and would make the visitor come again. s Minna Arve mayor of Turku 4
