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Small alleys, cute cafes, and river views – explore maritime Turku

Finland's oldest city, Turku, is an ideal combination of maritime charm, compact urban life, and fascinating history. Noora Keski-Rauska now presents the best parts of Turku.

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Are you looking for modern maritime living, or do you want to reside in a historical setting? Turku offers it all.

"Turku is lively, atmospheric, and simply the best," summarises Noora Keski-Rauska, a Lumo homes sales negotiator and Turku expert.

The city is compact, so distances remain manageable, and services are easily accessible. Additionally, living in Turku is affordable compared to the capital region, which, according to Keski-Rauska, makes the city even more attractive.

"For nature lovers, Turku offers practically everything: coastline, forests, and city parks. Classic spots like Ruissalo and Turku Castle are surely familiar to everyone. Still, I also recommend visiting places like Halistenkoski," she continues.

Turku offers a diverse range of Lumo Homes, so you can find the one that suits you.

Of course, you can't talk about Turku without mentioning the heart of the city, Aurajoki. In summer, the riverside boats, terraces, and cafes are full of life, while in winter, the river and its bridges are adorned with Christmas lights and a peaceful, snowy landscape.

Keski-Rauska promises that regardless of the season, the Aura River shows its best and competes in beauty with major European cities.

"In addition to the river scenery, you can strongly feel the proximity of the sea in Turku. The ports bring a pleasant buzz, and it's nice how you can conveniently travel from Turku to other parts of Europe via Stockholm by ferry."

Compact Turku includes a variety of neighbourhoods, each offering something unique. Let's now have Keski-Rauska share her favourite areas in Turku.

The city centre behind the cathedral is a beautiful piece of the city's history 

Noora Keski-Rauska in front of a Lumo building in Turku city centre.
"Turku is a dream for outdoor enthusiasts and joggers; there's always something new to discover."

Turku's city centre exudes fascinating history and is full of stories from past centuries. According to Keski-Rauska, the corners of the city centre behind the Cathedral, right on the edge of University Hill, are almost a hidden gem, offering stunning views of the Aura River and the Cathedral. According to Keski-Rauska, you won't find a more quintessentially Turku landscape.

"It's worth coming here to explore at a leisurely pace: the small alleys and cute cafes are sure to enchant. Especially the old wooden houses are truly idyllic, and for example, Vänrikinkatu is one of the most beautiful streets in Turku."

Lonttinen offers natural tranquillity in a riverside setting 

Located near Tuomaansilta, Lonttinen charms with its river views and nature trails – right next to the city centre. In Lonttinen, nature and urban life blend together, and especially keen joggers and outdoor enthusiasts should keep this neighbourhood in mind.

A picture of the courtyard of Lumo Homes in Lonttinen on a sunny winter day.

According to Keski-Rauska, it's almost hard to believe how close to the city centre Lonttinen is – the greenery and tranquillity make you forget the city's hustle and bustle.

"Lonttinen is also an excellent choice if you regularly drive to Helsinki, as you can conveniently reach the motorway in just a few minutes," Keski-Rauska summarises.

Lumo homes in Lonttinen area

Lumo apartments in Lonttinen are located in balcony access buildings with cosy and green courtyards. Explore available homes at Lonttistentie 9 and Lokinkatu 3.

Maritime urban life in Majakkaranta 

In Majakkaranta, you might find the city's most magnificent views of the open sea. How would it feel to watch ships sail into the harbour and set off again from your own balcony?

According to Keski-Rauska, Majakkaranta is a modern area on the southern side of the city centre. Families with children should also consider Majakkaranta, as the neighbouring area of Vähäheikkilä naturally has nurseries and schools.

The sea in front of the building is frozen. Majakkaranta's stunning scenery attracts residents.

"The best part, however, might be that all this is just a few kilometres from the city centre. It's truly unique," Keski-Rauska points out.

The park areas, coastline, and small beach in Majakkaranta make it an excellent choice for both relaxing and active leisure time.

Turku – The city of seven hills

Do you want to explore the best parts of Turku and learn more about the city's history at the same time? Start your exploration with these seven hills!

  1. Puolalanmäki is especially known for the Turku Art Museum and the lush Puolalanpuisto park. Turku's Vappu celebrations are held on Puolalanmäki, and the area is adorned with beautiful historical Jugendstil buildings.
  2. Aninkaistenmäki is the place where the Great Fire of Turku started in 1827. Today, you can find Puutori Square and popular artworks on the hill.
  3. Turku is one of Finland's most popular student cities, and you can get a taste of student life on Yliopistonmäki, where the main building of the University of Turku and the main library are located.
  4. Kerttulinmäki's history takes you on a journey back to the Middle Ages when the hill was called Gallows Hill. Kerttulinmäki still has a memorial for the gallows site, and fans of Reijo Mäki's books might recognise the hill from the Vares novels.
  5. Interested in art or astronomy? On Vartiovuorenmäki, you can admire the Observatory designed by Carl Ludvig Engel in the 1810s, while in summer, you can enjoy outdoor theatre and enchanting parks on the hill.
  6. Samppalinnanmäki is a centre for sports and culture. The hill features a popular swimming stadium, sports field, summer theatre, and of course, the legendary Samppalinna windmill.
  7. Kakolanmäki is known for the Kakola prison that once stood there, but today its sturdy granite buildings are filled with restaurants and apartments. You can easily reach the top by funicular, which is an experience in itself.

Rent a Lumo home and make it your own!Rent a Lumo home and make it your own!

Home is more than just the square footage we live in. It's also the significant corners around it. Find a Lumo home that best suits your lifestyle in our webstore or let us help find a home for you.

Home is more than just the square footage we live in. It's also the significant corners around it. Find a Lumo home that best suits your lifestyle in our webstore or let us help find a home for you.

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