Kupittaa Park
Kupittaa Park

Kupittaa Park

Finland's oldest urban park in Turku – bird pond, playgrounds, outdoor pool and minigolf

4.4 (5,221)(5,221 reviews)
Open 24/7
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Discover Kupittaa Park

Step into Kupittaa Park and you are embraced by serene Nordic greenery — open lawns, mature trees, a calm lake and winding paths, with no commercial bustle. At about 24 hectares, the park is Turku's largest continuous green space. Highlights include the bird pond, the Kupittaanlahte playground and traffic park for children, the Adventure Park (Seikkailupuisto), a multi-sport court, and Finland's oldest outdoor swimming pool, built in 1912. Visitors move at an unhurried pace — joggers on the paths, picnickers on the lawns, children playing. A century-old spring pavilion, vintage sculptures and plaques add cultural depth. There is no rushing here, only slowing down and finding peace.

Visit Tips

  • Visit on weekday mornings for fewer crowds and soft lighting, ideal for strolling and photography
  • All public park areas are free; the outdoor pool, minigolf and sports hall charge separately
  • Mosquitoes are prevalent in summer — take precautions
  • Bring your own food for a relaxing picnic on the lawn

Highlights

  • Finland's oldest urban park, originating in the 1820s
  • Finland's oldest outdoor swimming pool (1912)
  • A sacred spring linked to the 1155 baptism legend
  • Kupittaanlahte playground, traffic park and Adventure Park for families

About Kupittaa Park

Kupittaa Park is managed and maintained by the City of Turku. According to the city, it is Finland's oldest urban park, with a history beginning in the 1820s. Today the park is open to the public free of charge and serves as the core recreational space for Turku residents and an important window for visitors to learn about Finnish history and nature. Park maintenance, playground activities and the outdoor pool season are decided by the city's sports and green-area services; minigolf and the Adventure Park are run by separate operators.

Basic Information

Official Name

Kupittaa Park (Kupittaanpuisto)

Attraction Type

Urban Park, Historic Garden, Family Recreation, Outdoor Sports Center

Country

Finland

City

Turku

Google Rating

4.4 / 5 (5,221)

Phone

+358 2 330 000

Address

Kupittaankatu 2, 20520 Turku, Finland

Opening Hours

Park Opening

Open year-round, 24 hours, no access restrictions

Outdoor Pool & Play Facilities

Season 2026: 5 June–13 September (season ended)

Winter skating track (Dec–Feb) when conditions allow

Sports Halls & Activity Areas

Open during the season — see City of Turku

Limited winter opening

Visit on weekday mornings for fewer crowds and soft lighting, ideal for strolling and photography

Ticket Prices

Public Park Areas

Free admission, no ticket required

Outdoor Swimming Pool

AdultsSee City of Turku site
StudentsSee City of Turku site
ChildrenSee City of Turku site
SeniorsSee City of Turku site

Admission note

Park areas are free; only the pool, minigolf and sports hall charge fees

How to Get Here

From Turku Airport

Take the airport bus to Turku city centre, then continue by Föli bus to Kupittaa (about 25–30 minutes total). A taxi is the simplest option for groups or luggage.

From Turku Central Station

Take a Föli bus from Turku Central Station; several routes stop near the park, about a 10-minute ride plus a short walk. Buses run frequently.

Cycling

Public cycling stations are available around the park, suitable for short trips. Park paths are gentle and comfortable for cycling.

Turku Public Transport Day Pass

Purchase a Turku public transport day pass for unlimited Föli bus rides, efficiently explore all city attractions.

From Turku Old Town

Kupittaa is within walking distance of Turku's Old Town and the Aura River waterfront via well-connected pedestrian paths — ideal for a combined walking tour.

The Charm of Kupittaa Park

1

Kupittaa Park Through the Years

Kupittaa Park's origins trace back to the 1820s, when a promenade was laid out beside a spa spring. Across the 19th and 20th centuries it was formalised into a public urban park — today described by the City of Turku as Finland's oldest urban park. The park's sacred spring carries a legend: it is said that in 1155 Bishop Henry baptised Finland's first Christians here. For centuries this was a spa and gathering place, holding both religious and secular memory. Since then the park has expanded repeatedly, adding the outdoor pool (1912), children's playgrounds and sports facilities, growing into a green core that blends nature, history and recreation.

2

Gardens & Landscape

Spanning approximately 24 hectares, the park features expansive lawns, formal gardens, winding paths and lake scenery as its core, complemented by a historic spring pavilion, vintage sculptures, commemorative plaques and century-old trees. Home to Finland's oldest outdoor swimming pool (built 1912), the Kupittaanlahte playground and the Adventure Park (Seikkailupuisto) — natural landscapes and recreational facilities blend together. The layout balances open, natural greenery with structured garden design.

3

Cultural Significance

Turku's urban green lung and the core gathering place for locals across generations, witnessing Finland's transformation from medieval times to the modern era. The sacred spring carries the legend of Finland's 1155 baptism, a spiritual symbol of Finnish national culture and of the Nordic outdoor lifestyle. For centuries, Kupittaa Park has witnessed Turku's evolution from a medieval town to a modern city — from an exclusive spa ground to shared public space — and remains an irreplaceable retreat for locals.

4

Outdoor Swimming Pool

Finland's oldest outdoor swimming pool, built in 1912, remains the most popular summer facility. In 2026 the season ran from 5 June to 13 September and has now ended; the next season's dates are published by the City of Turku. Admission is charged and is set by the city — current prices are listed on turku.fi/kupittaan-maauimala. The pool sits beside the park, so swimmers can enjoy the green surroundings.

Recommended Route

Recommended to enter the park in the early morning. Start from the main entrance, stroll along the central tree-lined path, visit the sacred spring, century-old trees and the spring pavilion, wander through the gardens and lakeside, tour the children's playground and outdoor pool, finally relax on the lawn area. The entire route is relaxed — approximately 2 hours for pure sightseeing, half a day for a deeper exploration.

1

Arrive at a nearby public transport stop, walk to the Kupittaa Park main entrance

2

Stroll along the central tree-lined path, admire expansive lawns and lush tree landscapes

3

Visit the sacred spring area, learn about Finnish religious historical legends and cultural origins

4

See the century-old trees and the historic spring pavilion, observe the garden design

5

Wander through garden paths, admire seasonal planting and horticultural designs

6

Stroll along the lakeside, observe waterbirds and lake scenery up close

7

Tour the children's playground and Adventure Park, experience the family recreation atmosphere

8

Visit the outdoor swimming pool area, learn about Finland's oldest pool's history

Photo Spots

1

Central Tree-Lined Path

Strong sense of depth, natural light through trees creates layered shadows — ideal for atmospheric panoramic shots

2

Lakeside

Lake and trees as background, water creates natural reflections — clean and healing imagery

3

Sacred Spring Area

Vintage stone spring paired with greenery, soft composition — suitable for cultural and landscape photography

4

Century-Old Trees

Thick trunks and lush canopy as subjects — emphasizing weight of time and heritage

5

Expansive Lawn

Blue sky and white clouds with vast green space in frame — simple and elegant, suitable for panoramas and portraits

Where to Stay Near Kupittaa

Kupittaa & Itäharju

See booking sites

Closest to the park, a short walk along light-traffic routes — convenient for sports and event visits.

Turku City Centre

See booking sites

Plenty of hotels, restaurants and shops around the Market Square, a few minutes by bus or on foot.

Aura River & Harbour

See booking sites

Quiet riverside location with scenic walks, easy to reach the park via the riverbank or Market Square.

University & Campus Area

See booking sites

More affordable options with good bus connections, a short walk to the park.

Visitor Reviews

Kupittaa Park holds a Google Maps rating of 4.4 out of 5 from 5,221 reviews (checked October 2026). Individual visitor reviews can be read on Google Maps via the link below.

View more reviews on Google Maps

How to Get Here

Kupittaankatu 2, 20520 Turku, Finland

View on Google Maps

Guides & Practical Info

Playgrounds & Family

Kupittaanlahte playground, traffic park and Adventure Park.

Read guide

Kupittaanpuisto Minigolf

Course location, season and pricing.

Read guide

Parking & Driving

Where to park and how to arrive by car.

Read guide

Events in the Park

Turku's summer event venue and where to find the programme.

Read guide