In the heart of Turku, the best running is on paths along the Aura River, with good add-ons on trails in the numerous parks lining the east bank. This route is focused on the central paths. See our Aurajoenrannan path route on the northern section of the river for a longer run. Lit at night! Note: Silta=Bridge, Puisto=Park
Google Street View
The main paths along the river in central Turku run from the Martinsilta Bridge to just north of the Cathedral Bridge (Tuomiokirkkosilta). A loop is just shy of 5 km, with dedicated paths along both banks of the river. There are great views of the water and historic sections of Turku along the way.
Longer Options:
More Along the River. You can extend the run south of Martinsilta Bridge for 1 km on either bank of the river, but note there’s no bridge to cross (there is the Föri). Also, just north of the Cathedral bridge, connect to the Aurajoenrannan path, which is a 6 km loop in riverside parks on both sides of the river, connected by the Hallisbron Bridge (Halistensilta).
Park Paths On East Bank. Just across the Itäinen Rantakatu road, there are numerous parks with additional paths. See our route.
Explore the central city. Just off the river path, explore the area around the Old Great Square and the Turku Cathedral (and three small parks around it). On the western side of the Cathedral Bridge is a more ‘recent’ historic centre and main commercial area.
In the heart of Turku, the best running is on paths along the Aura River, with good add-ons on trails in the numerous parks lining the east bank. This route is focused on the central paths. See our Aurajoenrannan path route on the northern section of the river for a longer run. Lit at night! Note: Silta=Bridge, Puisto=Park
Google Street View
The main paths along the river in central Turku run from the Martinsilta Bridge to just north of the Cathedral Bridge (Tuomiokirkkosilta). A loop is just shy of 5 km, with dedicated paths along both banks of the river. There are great views of the water and historic sections of Turku along the way.
Longer Options:
More Along the River. You can extend the run south of Martinsilta Bridge for 1 km on either bank of the river, but note there’s no bridge to cross (there is the Föri). Also, just north of the Cathedral bridge, connect to the Aurajoenrannan path, which is a 6 km loop in riverside parks on both sides of the river, connected by the Hallisbron Bridge (Halistensilta).
Park Paths On East Bank. Just across the Itäinen Rantakatu road, there are numerous parks with additional paths. See our route.
Explore the central city. Just off the river path, explore the area around the Old Great Square and the Turku Cathedral (and three small parks around it). On the western side of the Cathedral Bridge is a more ‘recent’ historic centre and main commercial area.
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Essentials
Central Loop: 4.4 km (2.75 miles). Add with path south (1 km each way), park paths, & 6 km loop on Aurajoenrannan path
A gravel path at the northern end of the Aura River, forming a 6 km loop on the east and west banks, crossing over at the Hallisbron Bridge. Fairly open landscape, passing through fields and some sections of allée type paths lined with specimen trees.
A pleasant, green run on paths through and around four adjacent, centrally located parks: Urheilupuisto, Samppalinna Park, Vartiovuori Park, & Kupittaa Park. Each fairly modest in size, but added together make for a 7.5 km loop. Running track at Urheilupuisto.
Further north along the Aura River, there's a scenic trail through Virnamäenpuisto (park). The trail runs for 2.5 km between the Karalan Bridge & Hallisbron Bridge, passing through a landscape of open fields & farmland. Good add-on options.
In the eastern part of Turku, the Varissuo residential neighborhood features an extensive network of wooded trails through parks and a nature preserve. There are athletic facilities, and a designated 'fitness track'. 6-7 km of trails.
Island just southwest of Turku is one large conservation area. Wonderful combination of forest trails featuring massive English oaks and 'accessible' trails featuring more open, farmland landscape. Villa Promenade path is Ruissalo running highlight.
Run on the pleasant, quiet roads passing by fields and farms in this residential community south of Turku that's also the site of a golf course, and a small ski resort/sledding hill. Create your own route or run the 14.5 km perimeter loop.
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Essentials
Central Loop: 4.4 km (2.75 miles). Add with path south (1 km each way), park paths, & 6 km loop on Aurajoenrannan path
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Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!