← Tampere Marathon·2 nights

Turku: A Castle, a River and Two Slow Days

Two nights in Finland's oldest city, with a medieval castle, a free cathedral and a flat river walk, then rail to Helsinki for the flight.

Duration2 nights
TransitDirect VR train, about 1 hour 40 minutes (check the timetable)
DepartsTampere railway station

After the Tampere Marathon: Turku

The Route: Tampere → Turku → Helsinki → Helsinki Airport Logistics: A direct train across the south-west. Turku's centre is small and mostly level, with the river as the spine. Marathon Month: September Duration: 2 nights

Tampere station ──(about 1 hr 40, VR)──> Turku (2 nights) ──(about 2 hrs, train)──> Helsinki Central ──(airport train)──> Helsinki Airport (HEL)

Turku is the old capital of Finland and sits at the mouth of the river Aura. The Sunday marathon ends in the afternoon, so take Monday's train. Wikivoyage lists direct day connections of about 1 hour 40 minutes and hourly coaches, so check the VR timetable and book a seat.

September in Turku. Early autumn is mild. Most sights are open on their regular timetables, but archipelago boats run reduced services as the season ends.

Nights one and two: central Turku

The centre is compact and the river is the walk. Follow it on paved embankments on either side, with benches and few gradients. A slow stroll of 3 to 4 km takes an hour or more.

Turku Castle is a medieval fortress, and Wikivoyage lists it as open daily from 10:00 to 18:00 outside the October to March low season, when it closes on Mondays. Admission was listed at €8, and prices change, so confirm on the castle's site. Turku Cathedral has free entry, and the museum upstairs charged a small fee. Forum Marinum, the maritime museum, keeps different hours in winter and summer, so check which applies in your week.

The island of Ruissalo is a national park about 6 km from the market square, reached by a small ferry that cost a few euros. Check the ferry timetable before you go. Archipelago tour boats leave from near Martinsilta bridge, and many run only in summer.

Where to stay

Sokos Hotel Seurahuone is a central choice. Sokos Hotel Hamburger Börs lists an indoor pool and sauna, which suits a recovery evening. Ask about breakfast times and luggage storage.

Getting home

Take the direct train from Turku to Helsinki, which Wikivoyage gives as about 2 hours, then the rail link to Helsinki Airport (HEL). Buy tickets in advance and leave a margin for the flight.