Turku is looking ahead confidently

It is my pleasure to welcome you to Turku. Whether you are here for work, studies or a holiday, I hope you enjoy our city and find delightful experiences here.

The covid-19 pAndemic that shook the world for more than two years and the outbreak of war in Ukraine in the spring have eroded our sense of security in an unprecedented way.

In difficult times each of us longs for positive experiences and calmness around us. That is why we, together with the tourism entrepreneurs in the area, do everything we can to make you feel safe and comfortable during your trip around Turku. Personally, I receive strength and peace from nature and outdoor recreation. I recommend trying it, because in Turku, nature is always near.

Turku is a city with far-reaching traditions – the oldest city in Finland! The long history of our city gives the people who live here a sense of perspective and faith to overcome anything.

Even now, we are looking ahead with confidence.

Our goAls for the upcoming years have been set for 2029, which is when we celebrate 800 years of Turku. This anniversary is an important milestone for us. Our guiding principles in preparation are renewal, well-being and sustainable development.

The market square area – which will be completed this spring and summer – with its marvelous footpaths, bike lanes and recreational areas, will delight not only the people of Turku but also our guests.

In addition to the city centre, we are strongly involved in developing and building many other areas. The development of Turku Science Park, right next to the universities, is well underway. It is the most energy-efficient constructed area in the city. The solutions and technologies of a smart and sustainable city become highlighted in the development work of the area.

However, the biggest strengths of Turku Science Park are the internationally important experts operating the area: residents, businesses as well as education and research communities.

The most significAnt and far-reaching objective for our anniversary year 2029 is to have Turku be a carbon neutral city by that time, and a climate positive one after that. Being climate positive is the most valuable gift the people of today can give to the city and the people living in Turku in the future.

With our climate work, we want to be at the international forefront of global cooperation to combat climate change. Turku is an active member of UN Climate Change Conferences and the global ICLEI network of local governments.

I now invite you to participate in climate work by, for example, favoring the delicious and clean local food and by enjoying a walk or a bike ride along the river Aura.

Even though Turku is a small town compared to the great big cities of the world, our goals are still aimed high. There are about 330,000 people living in the Turku region, but we have an exceptional amount of skill and expertise here.

With a total of six universities, universities of applied sciences and their 40,000 students and teachers, our city is guaranteed to be brimming with energy, intelligence, creativity and the ability to renew. The long cooperation between the city, universities and businesses is aiming for the Turku region to grow in a sustainable way at the forefront of development.

This will ensure that Turku is a great place to live and travel to.

We want to offer our very best to you as well. I hope that you will leave us feeling refreshed and eager to come back soon.

Minna Arve the mAyor of turku