The versatile livelihood structure, top class selection of education, culture, and services, as well as the beautiful archipelago, form a magnetic combination in Turku. In Turku there is everything, but still, Turku is small enough that you can go almost everywhere by foot or bike.
Turku is the oldest city of Finland and was founded in 1229. Turku has a compact size, perfect for exploring the exciting mixture of old and new.
Walking distance from the campus area to the city centre market square is 1.5 km. The easiest way to get to the campus area from city centre (hotels) is to walk along the riverside. It is also possible to take a bus from the city centre to Hämeenkatu. For timetables, routes and other ticket options, please visit Föli -Turku Region Traffic.
The NUASkom – welcome reception will be held at Arken. Arken, Åbo Akademi’s stunning building complex between the Aura River and the university campus area contains, among other things, an auditorium, atmospheric courtyard and a pleasant cafe. The comprehensive renovations completed according to the plans designed by Sigge Architects honour the industrial production traditions of the area.
Turku, the former capital of Finland, lies 165 kilometres west of present-day capital Helsinki. Turku offers a skilled and educated workforce, modern municipal engineering, good international connections and flexible services for companies and businesses.
Situated at the mouth of the River Aura, Turku is a major port city today.
Turku is known as a bilingual city; around five percent of the population is Swedish-speaking. A great portion of Turku residents are students: every fourth person is either student or professional in higher education institute.
Urban life is focused around the river, and some of the most interesting sights are located on its banks: the Turku Castle and Finland’s national shrine, the Turku Cathedral, among others. The Old Grand Market Square is located by the River Aura.
The city bike-share system consists of bikes that are for public use for short-term use and which can be picked up and dropped off at bike stations around the city, so you can drop off the bikes wherever you go. Instructions for registering as well as using the bikes can be found on the Föli website.
Cultural exercise routes located around the Aura river are a refreshing combination of culture and exercise. Take your time and explore Turku and its love stories, statues and urban legends. You can walk, run or cycle, the choice is yours.
The routes are not marked so you will need a map with you. You can get the route maps from the city library or the Tourist info or you can print them from specific route sites (see links). If you have a smartphone, you can download the free Citynomadi mobile app and get the maps from the app.
Within Turku and its neighbouring areas, you can get around in many different ways. Public transport in the Turku region is provided by Föli’s bright yellow buses. Journeys can be paid using a travel card, cash or a mobile ticket. A single ticket costs only 3 € and lets you travel for two hours, allowing you to change bus as many times as you like. You’ll get more information about the local buses on the Föli website
Föri is Turku’s own little city ferry, which travels across the River Aura between Wechterinkuja (on the west side) and Tervahovinkatu (on the east side). The treasured ferry has been transporting Turku residents since 1904, and, truth be told, you cannot say you’re truly from Turku before riding for free aboard Föri. The ‘cruise’ lasts about two minutes, enough time to admire the beautiful views of the River Aura. The ride is completely free from the moment you jump on board. Read more about Föri.
Established 100 years ago, Åbo Akademi University operates currently in Turku and Vaasa. Our leading principles include diversity, openness, courage, sustainability and participation. In our capacity as the only Swedish-speaking university in Finland, we offer a wide range of educational options. We also conduct research in many fields, and our special focus areas are minority research, drug development and diagnostics, molecular process and material technology, and the sea.
The University of Turku has operations all over Finland – from Utsjoki, Lapland to Finnish Archipelago Sea. Education is mainly focused on three campuses: Turku, Pori and Rauma.
The main themes of the new strategy are effective research, responsible education, a catalyst for social well-being and the economy, and community well-being. The strategy is based on the common values of the University: ethicality, criticality, creativity, openness and communality.