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Hidden Gems of Finland
Ruissalo: The ideal location to experience summer in Finland During the summer months, many travellers traditionally head for the Mediterranean. In recent years, however, uncomfortable heat has pushed some to look for more temperate locations. With long, light days, mild temperatures and a relaxed atmosphere, Finland is an ideal alternative. Turku, the country’s oldest cultural centre and new culinary capital, welcomes visitors to explore Ruissalo Island, the gateway to Turku’s archipelago of over 40,000 islands, offering the perfect combination for a Nordic holiday: proximity to a vibrant city mixed with the calm pleasure of Island life. By Molly McPharlin
Ruissalo Island is Turku’s urban park, a magnificent green oasis just off the coast of the city. In summer, Ruissalo is a wonderful location to enjoy the outdoors. The temperature stays in the 20s with occasional spikes to 30. The days are long, with spring in April and May transforming into summer weather that remains well into September. “It’s easy to breathe in the warm sea wind,” says Sanna Suomi, part of the destination development team of Ruissalo. “From the end of June and the midsummer holiday, the evenings are so light that you can read a book all night without a light on.” 66 | Issue 178 |
May 2025
The importance of the sea Much of life in Ruissalo revolves around the sea. At Ruissalon Telakka, or the Old Shipyard, people sailing by can moor in
There are over forty varieties of edible mushrooms on Ruissalo. Photo: Sanna Suomi
the guest marina, view the large fleet of classic boats on display and enjoy local restaurants such as Zaké Pizzeria & Wine Bar and Tenlén BBQ and Smokery. “The marina is a boating gem located between the Aura River and the archipelago,” says Suomi. “Thousands of boats were built there between 1889 and 1954. But now it’s also a great setting for a party and offers the chance to enjoy leisure time by the sea.” Traditionally specialising in wooden boats, visitors can book a historical tour with Jani Vahto, a local wooden boat aficionado. His Instagram page Classic Boats Finland is followed by over 100,000 people all over the world. Turun Pursiseura, the Sailing Club of Turku, is also located in Ruissalo. Formed in 1906, this is the oldest sailing club in the region. Situated in the middle of the island, it is within easy reach of the restaurant Alex 1917, housed in what was between 1927 and 1938 the first civil aviation terminal in Finland for