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Destinations
Turku

Turku - Nordic city culture in the arms of the archipelago!

Turku has great city charm, possessing the status of the oldest city in Finland, with a modern Nordic vibe. The city is compact in size, perfect for strolling around by foot and exploring the exciting mixture of old and new. The main sights, restaurants and shops are situated along the banks of the River Aura, the heart and soul of Turku. Just outside the city starts the breath-taking Turku archipelago, which is the largest in the world, when considering the amount of 40 000+ islands and islets. Turku is a foodie hotspot with a wide selection of top-quality restaurants serving excellent food, featuring local products. Turku is also a city of young designers, with boutiques providing a glimpse of the future of Finnish and Scandinavian design including fabrics, glassware and ceramics. Turku will be hosting the Tall Ships Races again in 2024!

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Useful information

Language

The official languages of Finland are Finnish and Swedish. English is widely spoken.

Distance from pier to city center

The city centre is 3 km (1.9 miles) away

Transportation to/from airport

The airport is located 8 km from downtown Turku, and ca. 12 km from the port. Public transportation is available; bus number 1 operates between the port and airport every 20 minutes.

Currency

Euro

Photos for Download

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Finland, Turku
Destination pictures
Aura River & The Library Bridge Photo Credit: Pekka Vallila
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Finland, Turku
Destination pictures
Vähätori Square in Turku. Photo credit: Jemina Sormunen
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Finland, Turku
Destination pictures
Aura River and Turku Cathedral. Photo credit: Pekka Vallila
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Port information

Berthing policy: The fairway leading to Turku between the stretch of Kuuva – Port of Turku is one-way, and regular liner traffic has priority. Cruise vessels calling Turku must hence adapt their arrival and departure to liner traffic schedules. Harbour pilotage is not obligatory, sea pilotage is obligatory. The use of tugboat is not obligatory unless otherwise stated by the port. The pilot and the agent can be consulted.

The Port of Turku starts a big constrution project in the near future that includes a new Terminal building, carfields, digitalisation, reconstruction of quays and infrastructure.

The port will welcome cruise ships as usual but there might be som adjustments to the quay arrangements.


River Aura Pier 1

Max LOA: 130m Max depth: 7m Type of berth (passenger, cargo, bulk traffic): Cruise Fenders available (brand and type): Rubber etc. Bollard strength: 50+75 tons Learn more
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River Aura Pier 2

Max LOA: 80m Max depth: 6m Type of berth (passenger, cargo, bulk traffic): Cruise Fenders available (brand and type): Rubber etc. Bollard strength: 50+75 tons Learn more
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Pier 23

Max LOA: 220m Max depth: 8m Type of berth (passenger, cargo, bulk traffic): Container / Cruise Fenders available (brand and type): Rubber etc. Bollard strength: 75+100 tons Learn more
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Pier 25

Max LOA: 240m Max depth: 8m Type of berth (passenger, cargo, bulk traffic): Container / Cruise Fenders available (brand and type): Rubber etc. Bollard strength: 75+100 tons Learn more
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Pier 35 - 36

Max LOA: 240m Max depth: 8,5m Type of berth (passenger, cargo, bulk traffic): Container / Cruise / Projects Fenders available (brand and type): Rubber etc. Bollard strength: 50+75+100 tons Learn more
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Covid-19 Information

There are currently no COVID-19 restrictions in any of the 31 Cruise Baltic destinations. If the situation changes, this section will be updated with the necessary information regarding each port and destination.

Port Fees

Harbour dues (Currency/GT)

Price list available upon request

Passenger dues (Currency/PAX)

0,95 €
Additional information

Services available for guests

Always available
Available in some cases
Download PDF with an overview of services available at all Cruise Baltic destinations.
Download PDF
Pier
Personal welcome

We have a representative of the port welcoming the cruise line as well as a representative from the tourist office.

Musical welcome and/or farewell

Musical or other performance with local artists/musicians is arranged for each cruise call.

Free local food samples
Cruise guest national flags
Shopping
Shops open on Sundays
Port
Independent guest reception and help

There is always a tourist info desk with staff from the tourist information. We are also happy to have the staff and info desk onboard the cruise line if requested. The shuttle buses from the pier to the city centre, have the end stop in the heart of the city, close to the Tourist Information Office, which also enables the passengers’ exploring the city individually, and get help and advice in the city centre as well.

Local life and events with locals
Click for more information
Signed walking route from pier to city centre and/or public transport

The shuttle buss will take the passengers out from the port area, from where it is possible to continue by foot to the city center following the ca. 2-3 km scenic route along the riverbanks.

Tourist information

We always have a tourist information point at the pier and will also happily arrange it onboard if requested by the cruise line.

Free Wi-Fi in port

We offer a free wifi to our guests in the Port. Login information is available outside of the Tourist Information on the pier.

Free city maps

Will be handed out on the pier.

City Cards for sale

Available in the city center

Destination collaboration/shore excursions
Local cruise network
Authorized guides

Pre arranged excursions leaves just outside of the ship.

Education of tourism partners on the cruise guest
Transport
Free shuttle available

There is a free shuttle bus service from the port to the city centre.

Publicly regulated taxis

All taxi services are licensed.

Bike rental including map or GPS
Hop on/hop off services in port area

Shuttlebuss has it´s first stop directly outside of the ISPS area from where the guests can easily walk into the city center on their own.

Credit cards accepted in taxis
Turnaround facilities
Direct flights to USA

Available from Helsinki-Vantaa airport 170 km or 2 hours from Turku

Airport less than one hour drive from port

Turku international airport is located 12 km from the port

Airport less than one hour drive from city centre
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Turku international airport is located 8 km from the city centre

Free Wi-Fi in airport

Selected attractions

Turku Castle

The city's landmark Turku Castle has stood at the edge of the river Aura since the 1280's. The fortress has been serving as a defensive bastion, a majestic court, an administrative centre, a prison, and nowadays as a museum.

Turku Cathedral

Dedicated to the Virgin Mary and Finland's first bishop, St Henry, the church was consecrated in 1300. The Turku Cathedral is considered to be Finland's most valuable historical monument.

Luostarinmäki Museum Quarter

The old quarter of Luostarinmäki has a unique atmosphere where time stands still. The museum is representing the life of common folk from the 1800's, presenting the professions of the pre-industrial era.

Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova

A museum of archaeology and contemporary art with changing exhibitions.

Sibelius Museum

Diverse museum of music, named after one of the most famous Finns, the composer Jean Sibelius.

Forum Marinum Maritime Centre

Maritime themed museum close to the port area. The exhibitions offer both in-depth information and an easy dive into Finnish maritime history. In the summertime museum visitors can also access museum ships including the beautiful sailing ship The Suomen Joutsen ('The Finnish Swan').

Turku Art Museum

The granite museum building is one of the most prominent landmarks in Turku. The museum's diverse and high-quality exhibitions introduce the fascinating world of art, from classical works to the latest in contemporary art.

Kakolanmäki Hill Museum

Since 1853 the country's worst villains have been locked inside the bleak walls of Kakola prison. The futures of thousands of men have been lost behind the iron doors and granite stone walls. The Kakolanmäki Hill Museum will present these stories to the visitors.

Exciting extras

The city is built on the banks of river Aura, the heart and soul of Turku. Great way of getting to know the city is stroll along the riverbanks, take a people watching break in one of the cafés or restaurants onboard the riverships, and continue to the main sights of the city.

Market Hall

Must visit place for foodies, originally opened to public in 1896. The shops in the market hall range from the oldest traditional ones to modern ones, offering a wide selection of delicacies. Great place to taste Finnish treats like dark archipelago bread with some local fish, or sweets like licorice chocolates and cinnamon buns!

Föri

A very local Turku phenomenon: Small ferry crossing the river Aura in 90 seconds. And it is free of charge!

Ruissalo Island

Located just outside the city, Ruissalo island has a beautiful nature and archipelago atmosphere for a perfect day spent outdoors. Visit the botanical gardens, take a small hike along one of the trails, or just stroll or bike on the promenade.

Kakolanmäki Funicular

The Funicular is the first outdoor inclined elevator in a Finnish city. One minute ride is free of charge.

Låna Electric Boats

Låna is a modern and environmentally friendly way of experiencing the city by renting an electric picnic boat. The boats are robust and designed for 2 to 8 people.

Finnish Design Shop Showroom

Finnish Design Shop is the leading online store for Nordic design with wide selection of Scandinavian design classics and modern design pieces. The shop has a showroom ca. 12 km from the city centre.

Events

6 Jun 2023
6 Jun 2023
New Potato Festival
Place:
Category: Food
Link: https://www.neitsytperunafestivaali.fi/kuvia-tapahtumista/
Festival celebrating the first fresh potatoes of the season, grown in the Turku Archipelago. The event is held in the courtyard of Brewery restaurant Vanha Koulu, where you can taste beautiful dishes created by the local chefs. Event is held annually in Mid of June.
30 Jun 2023
3 Jul 2023
Medieval market
Place:
Category: Folklore
Link: https://keskiajanturku.fi/en/
The Medieval Market is Finland’s largest medieval and historical event held at the Old Great Square of Turku. It is arranged annually during the last week of June, from Thursday to Sunday.
7 Jul 2023
9 Jul 2023
Ruisrock
Place:
Category: Music
Link: https://ruisrock.fi/en
Ruisrock is one of the oldest and leading cultural events in Finland. Festival is known for its’ magical atmosphere and it takes place in the beautiful national park of Ruissalo in Turku, Finland. The programme includes Finnish and international artists, representing genres from pop to rock and beyond. The festival is held annually in the beginning of July.
13 Jul 2023
16 Jul 2023
Turku Castle Tournament
Place:
Category: Folklore
Link: https://www.tournament.fi/?lang=en
Medieval themed event where heavily armored warriors will go head-to-head, challenging each other on horse and on foot over several disciplines. The event is taking place in the historical setting of Turku Castle, bringing the area fully to life!
More events in Turku

Varied Shore Excurions

Ask for more tips for interesting attractions from our Visit Turku Archipelago contacts!

CLASSIC & POPULAR

The Classic - Turku City Tour
Tour around Turku by bus and foot, combined with visits to the most popular sights in Turku: Turku Cathedral, Luostarinmäki historical quarter and Turku Castle.
Riverside Walk
Guided tour strolling along the banks of river Aura.
Meyer Turku Shipyard Tour
An exclusive tour to the Meyer Turku shipyards where the world's largest cruise ships are being built.
Steamship ride to Naantali Old Town
Steamship Ukkopekka ride through the archipelago to the idyllic wooden old town of Naantali.

NEW & ADVENTUROUS

Archipelago Kayaking
Experience the Turku Archipelago on a sea kayaking excursion, also suitable for beginners.
Biking tour
Guided biking tour in Turku city centre or the closeby Ruissalo island. Also electric bikes available.
Archipelago Vineyard Visit
Visit an archipelago vineyard producing wine from Finnish berries and apples. The farm is surrounded by apple and pear orchards, located on an island reachable by bus or by boat.

Port Developments

Turku invests in new terminal

Scope of Project: In 2025 a new joint ferry terminal is planned to start operating in the Port of Turku. Apart from liner traffic it will also serve international cruise vessels calling Turku. Advantage for Cruise Lines: Once completed, the picturesque Aura riverbanks will also become easily accessible for cruise guests to walk along, all the way from the mouth of the river to the city centre.Est. date of completion: The new terminal is planned to start operating in 2025.
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Contacts

Visit Turku/Archipelago
Carol Aren
Head of Airline Relations & Connectivity
carol.aren@visitturkuarchipelago.fi Mobile +358 504 093 452
Visit Turku/Archipelago
Aurakatu 4, 20100 Turku, Finland
Port of Turku Ltd
Annika Schulman
Executive Assistant
annika.schulman@portofturku.fi Phone +358 44 5560 181
Port of Turku Ltd
Juhana Herttuan puistokatu 21, 20100 Turku, Finland