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Discover Turku
Turku is a fascinating combination of old and new. Over the centuries, the city of Turku has often been the first to collect new ideas and concepts from around the world and then pass them on to the rest of Finland. As far back as the 1500s, Turku introduced the fork and the ABC book to the rest of Finland. Turku has also been in the forefront of sharing its knowledge of science and arts with the rest of the world.
Today, Turku is preparing its role as the European Capital of Culture 2011. The preparations can be seen and heard all over the city and the people of Turku are proud of their Capital of Culture status.
Turku is a city for people and provides all that demanding urban city residents require, besides delivering a historical experience for enthusiastic visitors. Businesses in the Turku region have access to a highly educated and skilled workforce, good international connections and a flexible local infrastructure. Turku is a gateway between the East and the West. The city is highly accessible by sea, road, rail and air (and even by bicycle).
Turku is also a very smart city. In addition to the University of Turku, the city hosts Åbo Akademi, the only University in Finland operating in the Swedish language. Added together, the local Universities in the region, which include the four Universities of Applied Sciences, host a total of 35,000 students.
It is easy to walk around the city centre. The market squares and the market hall are favourites with Turku residents and visitors alike. The many boutiques and department stores attract people to Turku’s shopping streets and there are restaurants to cater for every taste. The floating River Aura boat restaurants are open all summer.
The River Aura, the sea and the archipelago are key attractions to Turku. The water buses by the river banks provide access to nearby islands and the city river ferry ‘Föri’ offers a free-of-charge miniature cruise from Turku to Åbo. The journey is over the huge distance of 78 metres and the service runs several times every hour.
Turku is a city of culture throughout the year. The Ruisrock music festival has taken place for 40 consecutive years and the new music festival tradition is represented by the Down By the Laituri urban festival. Summer events also include the Medieval Market, the Turku Music Festival and many summer theatre performances.
During winter, Turku, the official Christmas City of Finland, hosts hundreds of performances, events and Christmas markets. The seasonal festivities culminate in the proclamation of Christmas peace from the Brinkkala Manor balcony early on Christmas Eve. The event is televised to Finland and Europe.
The wealth and variety of cultural offerings in 2011 is Turku’s gift to the city residents as well as to all Finns and to visitors from far away. Turku is alive with activity, every day.
Blogs
Turku 2011 magazine
