Turku: City History and Nature on Ruissalo

Turku combines historic city districts with paths along the Aurajoki and nature on the island of Ruissalo. The city was founded on the river’s east bank in the early 13th century and is known as the gateway to the Finnish Archipelago. In the Old Town, the historic urban area includes both the city centre and the university district; here, layers of history stretch from the Middle Ages to the present day. When planning your visit, you can choose from museums, city walks and nature trails to focus on different interests.

City History and Paths Along the Aurajoki

Turku Cathedral was consecrated in 1300. It will be closed to the public from 9 February 2026 to 2 December 2028 due to extensive renovation work. The Cathedral Museum is located in the south gallery and presents history from the early 14th century onwards. Turku Castle is also part of the city’s long history: it has stood guard by the Aura River since the 1280s. A walk from the cathedral to the castle offers an overview of the riverside cityscape.

The “City Stories from Turku” route connects Turku Castle with the cathedral in the city centre. It is 4.1 kilometres long and accessible. However, the route’s endpoint at the cathedral does not provide access to the cathedral interior during the renovation period noted above. The “Turku of Wonders – Serendipities and Secrets” route runs from the Samppalinna outdoor swimming pool to Ylioppilaskylä and is 4.8 kilometres long. It is therefore longer than “City Stories from Turku”; the two routes have different focuses and endpoints.

Other routes tell the story of the city from personal or cultural perspectives. “Turku of Memories” shares memories of people born or living in Turku between the 1940s and 1980s. The shorter of the two routes is suitable for walkers and wheelchair users. “Romantic Turku” runs along the riverbank in the city centre and is 6.2 kilometres long. The “Turku Is... Meet the City through New Eyes” cultural fitness route can be completed on foot, by running or by bicycle.

The museums also offer a variety of focuses. Luostarinmäki is the only wooden-house district to have survived the Great Fire of Turku in 1827. Its buildings, which are more than 200 years old, stand on their original sites. Aboa Vetus Ars Nova combines archaeology and contemporary art, and showcases an underground city district discovered during excavations. The Old Town Celebration, held every year in June on the Saturday before Midsummer, adds to the historical themes; check the date for the relevant year when planning your trip.

Ruissalo: Oak Forests, Garden and Nature Trails

Protected natural areas and ancient oak groves shape the landscape of Ruissalo. Most of the island consists of nature reserves covering a total of about 344 hectares; most of these are part of the Natura 2000 network. The ancient groves form Finland’s largest and most valuable oak forest area. The nature trails offer a chance to experience some of the country’s oldest oak forests. Ruissalo has about 20 kilometres of nature trails in total. This is distinct from Turku National Urban Park, which includes Ruissalo: it stretches about 15 kilometres from Airisto to Kuralan Kylämäki and forms the most valuable core area of the city’s green and recreational network.

The University of Turku Botanical Garden on Ruissalo is a public plant exhibition. Its collection includes more than 5,000 plant species. The garden is open year-round to adults and children; some opening details may vary seasonally. If the garden is an important part of your plans, check the details for your visit.

The routes on Ruissalo also vary in their courses and lengths. The 8.7-kilometre Kansanpuisto route passes the Ruissalo boatyard and Kansanpuisto Park. The Kuuva cultural fitness route loops around the western part of the island; the Folk Park cultural fitness route runs along its mainland side. The Turku National Urban Park cycling route connects Kylämäki Village with Saaronniemi on Ruissalo and can be cycled in either direction or in sections.

Getting There and Other Interests

Ruissalo can be reached by land or by sea. During the summer season, Föli water buses run from the Aurajoki to Ruissalo and Hirvensalo. As the service operates seasonally, it is a good idea to check the current timetable before travelling. This will help you coordinate this possible part of your trip with the city walks and nature trails you would like to explore in Turku.

For a break focused on food, Turku Market Hall offers another glimpse of city life. It was completed in 1896, designed by Gustaf Nyström and extends the length of a city block. Inside, you’ll find traditional meat and fish counters, delicatessens and specialty shops, bread, dairy and cheese shops, as well as restaurants and cafés. Individual vendors’ offerings may change.

Discover more destinations: Kimitoön, Salo, Nagu, Koski, Pöytyä, Taivassalo, Laitila, Härkälä.

For the broader travel overview: Varsinais-Suomi.