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Destinations
Turku

Turku - city culture in the arms of the Archipelago!

Turku has great city charm, possessing the status of the oldest city of Finland and the European Capital of Culture 2011. The city has a compact size, perfect for exploring the exciting mixture of old and new. A large part of city life – main sights, restaurants and shops – is concentrated around the banks of the River Aura - the heart and soul of Turku. Outside the city you will find one of the most magnificent and breath-taking archipelagos in the world, with more than 40.000 islands and islets. Turku has 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 Race in 2024.

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Sustainable Travel in Turku & the archipelago HERE
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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 only 3 km away

Transportation to/from airport

The airport is located 8 km from downtown Turku. Bus no. 1 departs from the airport every 20 minutes.

Currency

Euro

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Turku Castle. Photo credit: Pekka Vallila
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Finland, Turku
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Turku Archipelago. Photo credit: Kim Allen Mersh
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Finland, Turku
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Aura River & The Library Bridge 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 summer of 2023 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.

The new terminal is set to be launched at the beginning of 2026

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 32 Cruise Baltic destinations. If the situation changes, this section will be updated with the necessary information regarding each port and destination.
DOWNLOAD THE COVID-19 INFORMATION HERE

Port Fees

Harbour dues (Currency/GT)

Port of Turku port dues are charged in EUR per NT. Port dues consist of vessel charge, mooring/unmooring charge, also on demand water supply, waste reception, oily sludge exceeding 20 cubic metres.

Passenger dues (Currency/PAX)

0,90 €
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.
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Pier
Personal welcome

Normally we have a representative of the port welcoming the cruise line as well as a representative from the Tourist Office. Furthermore, we always have our staff from the tourist information present welcoming the cruise guests. Also musical or other performance with local artists/musicians is arranged for each cruise call.

Musical welcome and/or farewell

We offer musical welcome for the calls.

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 as well as free brochures and maps. 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, to get help and advice in the city centre as well.

Local life and events with locals
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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 then possible to continue by foot to the city center following the scenic route beside 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.

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

Selected attractions

Turku Castle

Famous landmark of Turku, guarding the outlet of the River Aura since the 13th century.

Turku Cathedral

A national shrine of Finland, which was inaugurated in the year 1300.

Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum

A block of old wooden houses saved from the Great Fire in 1827.

Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova

Peruse an authentic piece of old Turku, and diverse exhibitions of Contemporary Art.

Sibelius Museum

Fascinating museum of music named after the famous Finnish composer, Jean Sibelius.

Forum Marinum

Exciting maritime museum where you can get familiar with the maritime history as well as the considerable collection of museum vessels. Forum Marinum is located just a stone's throw away from the port area and next to the Turku Castle.

Turku Art Museum

A national treasure and a jewel of the city located on Puolalanmäki Hill. 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.

Exciting extras

The Aura River is the heart and soul of Turku and it is also referred to as being the locals' outdoor living room. A good way of getting to know the city of ours is certainly to take a stroll along the riverbanks. Stop along the away and visit the for our city typical restaurant boats, the cosy cafés and sights that you'll find along the banks of the river. And why not buy some local delicacies from the indoor Market Hall or the Market Square and enjoy a lovely picnic by the river?

Market Hall

Must visit place for foodies! Try local specialties, e.g. dark archipelago bread, imaginative fresh fish dishes. The market hall is over 120-years old and the second oldest of its kind in Finland. You will also find the best bakery of Finland 2015 - Mbakery - in here!

Paavo Nurmi

Follow the footsteps of the famous Turku-born Flying Finn.

“Föri”

A Turku phenomenon: Small ferry boat crosses the River Aura in 90 seconds. And it is free of charge!

City Library

Combining modern and classic architecture, offering a variety within culture.

Turku Archipelago

One of the most unique natural and cultural landscapes in the world. With more than 40.000 islands it is considered the world's largest archipelago. The Archipelago offers plenty of interesting possibilities for excursions.

Ruissalo Island

The island, which is located just outside the city, has an unique and beautiful nature perfect for a day spent outdoors. The island also has a fascinating history; Ruissalo was once the hunting island for the court of Turku Castle.

Art Chapel

St. Henry's Ecumenical Art Chapel on the island of Hirvensalo is also a pilgrimage for lovers of architecture.

Events

1 Jan 2003
4 Jul 2023
Medieval market
Place:
Category: Arts & Handrafts
Link: http://en.keskiaikaisetmarkkinat.fi/
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.
1 Jan 2004
4 Jul 2024
Medieval market
Place:
Category: Arts & Handrafts
Link: http://en.keskiaikaisetmarkkinat.fi/
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.
1 Jan 2005
4 Jul 2025
Medieval market
Place:
Category: Arts & Handrafts
Link: http://en.keskiaikaisetmarkkinat.fi/
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.
More events in Turku

Varied Shore Excurions

CLASSIC & POPULAR

Turku’s top 3 – Sightseeing in Turku
Visit the three most popular sights of Turku: Turku Cathedral, the Handicrafts Museum and Turku Castle.
Riverside Walk
The walking tour along the River Aura introduces visitors to what the locals consider as their living room – the banks of the River Aura – and at the same time Turku’s history and present day. Along the journey, get to know the city art, historic buildings and sites of cultural significance. Visit in the Cathedral can be included to the tour or you can explore it afterwards on your own.
Meyer Turku tour
This is and exclusive tour, where the customers will be able to see the place where the world's largest and luxurious cruise lines are being built! The tour starts with a visit at the Forum Marinum Maritime Centre (History of the Finnish Shipbuilding) and after that continues with a sightseeing tour in Meyer Turku shipyard.

NEW & ADVENTUROUS

Nordic Walking in Ruissalo Island
Enjoy the peace and the quiet on foot, a soul-cleansing tranquillity, and a spectacular view that includes century-old villas, blue sea and fresh Nordic nature.
A Field Trip for Beer Lovers
Guided tour to the theme pubs in Turku: Brewery Restaurant Koulu (School), the Old bank and the New Pharmacy.
Paavo Nurmi - Flying Finn - his life in Turku
Sightseeing in Turku, Paavo Nurmi´s last resting place and the house where he lived in.
Archipelago Kayaking
Experience the beautiful Turku Archipelago during a sea kayaking excursion! This tour is also suitable for beginners.
Hiking tour in Kurjenrahka National Park
Enjoy the pure nature and beautiful sceneries of the Kurjenrahka National Park during a hiking tour around the lake Savonjärvi. The tour also includes a coffee break and sausage barbeque at a campfire.
Dali and the Archipelago
Experience the astonishing Salvador Dali exhibition at the private gallery Art Bank in Pargas, the archipelago's capital.

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
Lotta Bäck
Head of International Marketing
lotta.back@turku.fi Mobile +358 505 590 506
Visit Turku
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