Turku

Turku


Turku is the oldest city and first capital of Finland, situated on the south-western coast by a unique archipelago of over 20,000 islets. The port is in a sheltered place at the mouth of the river Aura, which runs through the city. Right next to the port is the medieval Turku castle. Downtown is only 3 km away – a nice walk along the riverbanks full of sights, shops, restaurants, pubs and happenings.

Being the cultural city of Finland Turku offers many museums and cultural events. Popular ones are the Sibelius museum (dedicated to the Finnish composer Jean Sibelius), the medieval market days and Turku music festival. A new favourite is Logomo, the main venue for the European Capital of Culture 2011 year with exhibitions and performances throughout the year. The Ruisrock festival, splendid nature and manor houses in and around Turku attract visitors, too.

Turku is also modern - a highly innovative technical centre, an international place where many foreign-born people work and study.



TurkuTurkuTurku

Related cruise stories

News from the port

Touring Turku - European Capital of Culture in 2011

Turku's artery: the Aura River Overview If you’ve ever seen a photo of one of Royal Caribbean’s largest ships during a delivery voyage from the yard, chances are that you have already had the opportunity to sample one of Turku’s main at … Read more

Turku welcomes Quest for Adventure for the first time

Four calls are booked in Turku this year. Saga’s Quest for Adventure will call for the first time carrying about 450 passengers. Fred Olsen Cruise Line’s Black Watch will call three times bringing about 1,000 passengers each time.

The Finnish port is no stranger to passenger traffic with 3.5m ferry passengers visiting in 2011. This year a new passenger and car ferry, Viking Grace of Viking Line, makes her maiden voyage from Turku to Stockholm. Powered by natural gas, she will make use of the newly-expanded passenger terminal. A new car park is also under construction.

Read more

Turku celebrates longest season and passengers up 172% on 2010

The cruise season in Turku ended late this year when Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Boudicca called for a October 9.

Five cruiseships called the Finnish port this season: Clipper Odyssey, Adonia, Braemar (2 calls), Artania (2 calls) and Boudicca (pictured). Phoenix Reisen’s Artania is the largest cruise vessel ever to have called Turku, her length being 231m. Three vessels called for the first time: Clipper Odyssey, Adonia and Artania. 

Read more

Three ships to call in Turku for the first time this year

Of the eight ships calling in Turku this year, three are visiting for the first time: Phoenix Reisen’s Artania, P&O Cruises’ Adonia and Clipper Odyssey. Read more

Lat: 60°15'36" N

Lon: 22°7'48" E


Nautical Data

Max. Draught (m):10
Max. Air draught (m):no restrictions
Anchorage Available:yes
Anchorage Compulsory:no
Pilotage Compulsory:yes
Tugs Available:yes
Tidal Movement/Range:none (m)
Ship Stay Minimum (hrs):no limit
Ship Stay Maximum (hrs):no limit
Show all data


Attraction & Excursions

Turku Castle

Turku Castle has stood guard over the mouth of the River Aura since the 1280s bearing witness to major points in Finnish history as well as other fateful events.

Turku Archipelago

One of the largest and most magnificent archipelagos in the world, with 20,000 islands and scenic surroundings, starts at the mouth of the River Aura.

Turku Cathedral

The Cathedral, Finland’s national shrine, was inaugurated in the year 1300. Today its monuments and intricate details serve as a record of Finnish history.

Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum

The old wooden houses saved from the Great Fire in 1827 can be seen at the open-air Handicrafts Museum on Luostarinmäki Hill. Craftsmen give work displays during the summer season.