The west bank of the contains seven outdoor venues, each with a different atmosphere, that can be used for events either individually or in combination.

The Aurajoki riverside is a popular place for spending time around the year. The atmospheric streets running along the river are considered to be the centre of events and a key part of the character of the city. The riverside is a busy meeting point for locals, and the riverfront streets are lined by many restaurants and restaurant ships, shops, parks and historic attractions.

The river is also a border that shapes the city. The city centre of Turku was originally built on the east side of the Aurajoki river, a fact that is still apparent in the way people from Turku speak. Due to its long history, the east side of the Aurajoki river is called ”täl puol jokke” (“this side of the river”), whereas the current city centre and Market Square are located on the west side of the river, known as ”tois puol jokke” (“the other side of the river”).

The riverside setting stretches all the way from the Turku Cathedral, or its vicinity, to the port, located close to the mouth of the river. Both sides of the river contain many outdoor venues, each with a different atmosphere, that enable you to bring to the event right to the banks of the river.

Nearly the whole length of the street running along the west side of the Aurajoki river is reserved for pedestrians only.

The venues on Läntinen Rantakatu are divided into the following street segments:

  • Tuomiokirkkosilta bridge – Kirjastosilta bridge
  • Kirjastosilta bridge – Auransilta bridge
  • Auransilta bridge – Teatterisilta bridge
  • Teatterisilta bridge – Myllysilta bridge
  • Martinsilta bridge – Föri city ferry
  • Föri – Varvintori Square
  • Varvintori Square – Forum Marinum Maritime Centre

Many events are held on the streets along the Aurajoki river every year. The archipelago and Baltic herring markets bring the feel of the archipelago to the riverfront streets of the city. The riverfront streets of old Turku host a medieval market in the summer.

Capacity: 2,000–40,000 by combining street segments.

Area: The areas between the bridges around 5000–7,000 m2, and up to 50,000 m2 if combining segments and closing streets.

Rent: EUR 0–700/event (depending on the nature of the event)

The venue is suitable for: Open events, Closed events, Commercial promotions, Large events, Concerts, Concerts with a high noise level, Arts events, Markets, Sports events (suitable event types will be underlined)

Transport links and parking: The Aurajoki riverfront streets are located in the city centre or a maximum of 2 km from the city centre.

Practical considerations:

  • Bus routes are negotiated separately with Föli, Turku Region Traffic.
  • Access to the restaurant ships from the pavement must be taken into account.
  • Substitute cycling routes must also be taken into consideration.
  • The west bank has residential buildings, restaurant terraces and Hotel Marina Palace.
  • The car park at the corner plot of Kristiinankatu (Kristiinankatu 1) is accessed via the riverside. The access route from Linnankatu must be negotiated with Kansallinen Kirjakauppa.
  • The emergency access road at the intersection of Kristiinankatu and Läntinen Rantakatu must be taken into account.
  • In parts of the area, leaving the emergency access roads open means that tents can only be erected on the side of the street that is closer to the river.
  • Ambulances must be able to drive through the archways of the buildings and the gate leading to the inner courtyard of the library.
  • If a skip is placed at the corner of Kauppiaskatu (Kirjastosilta bridge), the minimum distance to the surrounding properties is eight (8) metres.
  • Läntinen Rantakatu has steps to the river, and people must be able to easily access them from the street also during events.
  • The segments of Läntinen Rantakatu between Vähätori Square – Kirjastosilta bridge, Kirjastosilta bridge – Auransilta bridge, Auransilta bridge – Teatterisilta bridge, Teatterisilta bridge – Myllysilta bridge is suitable mostly for markets and small events.

Availability of water and electricity: Water and electricity is available from the supply bollards in Vähätori Square in the street segment between Tuomiokirkkosilta bridge and Kirjastosilta bridge. Electricity is available in the street segment between Kirjastosilta bridge and Auransilta bridge. Water and electricity are available from supply bollards in the street segments between Auransilta bridge and Myllysilta bridge. Water and electricity are available in the street segments between Martinsilta bridge and Forum Marinum Maritime Centre.

Location on a map

Additional information: City of Turku Event Services