Turku countryside

Turku countryside, the inland countryside north of urban Turku in Finland Proper, can be a nice change from city tourism. There are quiet roads, agritourism farms, small museums and natural landscapes.

Understand

Aurajoki and the Vanhalinna hill

Landrace cattle

Turku countryside is here defined as some of the countryside north of Turku, including parts of Turku itself, Lieto (Lundo; including Tarvasjoki), Masku (Masko; except Askainen and Lemu), Paattinen (Patis), Rusko and Vahto. It is part of Greater Turku. To the east of it is Kaarina, to the west is Vakka-Suomi countryside, and to the north the rest of the Inland of Finland Proper

Masku to the west is on the E8, Rusko and Vahto east of Masku on Vahdontie (road 2012). Next come the northern parts of Turku: Moisio and Paattinen along Paattistentie (road 2010). Then comes Lieto, with the station settlement (Liedon asema/Lieto as) between Valtatie (E63, Highway 9) and Vanha Tampereentie (the former highway, road 222) and Lieto centre across the river Aurajoki, on Hämeentie (Highway 10).

Kurjenrahka National Park is in the north, shared by six municipalities including Nousiainen, Rusko (Vahto) and Turku (Paattinen). The biggest village by the park, Tortinmäki, belongs to Turku.

Get in and around

1 Turku is well-connected and most visits to the region are from there. Connections perpendicular to the thoroughfares from Turku are mainly along minor roads. Roads named after the destination are fairly safe bets: Vahdontie leads from Nousiainen to Vahto, Nousiastentie from Vahto to Nousiainen (name change at municipality border) – but the road ends at/starts from Valpperintie, some distance from the centre of Vahto.

By car

The national roads 8 (E8) from the north, 9 (E63) from Tampere and 10 from Hämeenlinna lead to Turku through the area. Regional road 204 leads to Lieto station from Säkylä and Yläne. Alternatives to Highway 9 are Moisiontie and Paattistentie (from the airport and towards Tortinmäki) and Vanha Tampereentie (from Saint Mary's church in Turku, via an industrial area and then through the Lieto countryside and by Aurajoki). An alternative to Highway 10 is the historic Hämeen Härkätie.

From Helsinki, you'll probably arrive along national road 1 or 110, and use the Turku bypass, road 40, to reach these other roads, although you could turn to Lieto already in Piikkiö (for Tarvasjoki in Salo) and continue from there, or choose other smaller roads.

While the big roads are the most efficient, you might want to use smaller roads to experience the countryside. Most roads radiate out from Turku, more or less, but there are some connecting roads also in the west–east direction – and several minor roads, often gravel. Some of the gravel roads are washboarded, with transverse ripples making driving uncomfortable.

By bus

Turku (and thereby Paattinen), Lieto and Rusko (including Vahto) belong to the Föli cooperation, and local tickets can be used for participating services in those municipalities (see Turku#By bus). Numbers 301–303 go to Rusko, 401, 403, 413 go to Lieto, 21–23 with variants to Paattinen (some onwards to Tortinmäki, in season some even to Kurjenrahka). There are local lines in Lieto (L1–L13) and Rusko/Vahto (V1–V2). Check the individual lines or use the Föli route planner.

Some of the Föli lines continue out from the Föli area. Föli tickets can be used only if you stay inside it.

Coaches along the main roads are usually express services with few stops. They can still be usable.

By bike

There are cycleways from Turku via Naantali to Masku, from Turku via Masku to Mynämäki, from Turku via Rusko to Vahto, from Turku via Moisio to Paattinen, from Turku to Lieto station, between Lieto centre and Lieto station, and from Turku via Lieto centre towards Tarvasjoki (ending halfway, in Yliskulma). There are also some cycleways in most centres. The Eurovelo EV 10 around the Baltic Sea comes in from the east via Turku and E8 (by small adjacent roads) and continues north by the west coast. A terrain biking route (partly along cycleways and gravel roads) leads from Turku via Raisio and the woods of Masku and Vahto to the national park. It mostly follows the Kuhankuono hiking trail mentioned below.

Getting in by bike other than from Turku, by EV 10 (or alternative routes hinted on in E8 through Finland and Norway), by the Archipelago Trail or by ferry from Sweden or Åland may require doing research on usable minor roads.

Many quiet country roads are usable for biking, some asphalt, some gravel. Keep to the right, as locals drive fast also on some small roads (with nominal 80 km/h speed limit, even – or especially – where that speed requires a rally driver). Connecting roads may have quite some traffic and narrow shoulders; choose with care if you have children on their own bikes (timing may help, as some traffic is commuting). Getting around in the centres is usually painless.

To get around, and possibly also for getting in, you will probably need a map, as connections are often by small roads turning in hard-to-predict directions. The map at kartta.turku.fi can show biking routes: open the layers menu in the upper left corner, choose Traffic, then Bicycle paths, and use the check boxes. However, it does not do a good job at showing usable routes off official ones. The lines in light blue are those where bikers are not separated from pedestrians, which seldom matters in practice.

Main routes from Turku:

• Masku–Nousiainen–Mynämäki: There is a cycleway more or less along the E8 (mostly along the former non-motorway highway, sometimes along local roads and streets) via Raisio, Masku and Nousiainen to Mynämäki (with a 250-m stretch along the shoulder of the E8 between the latter, not motorway this far from Turku). There are also some minor parallel roads that can be used for part of the distance. Another cycleway goes to Masku via Naantali.
• Rusko–Vahto: There are cycleways on Vahdontie to Rusko parish village and onwards to Vahto.
• Moisio–Paattinen: a cycleway goes along Moisiontie and Paattistentie through Paattinen, another via Metsämäki and Jäkärlä to Moisio.
• Lieto: the regional biking route 9 leads by cycleways along road 10 to Lieto. For the first leg, to Vanhalinna, see also Turku riverside walk#Back from Vanhalinna. There are cycleways also to Lieto as, from Lieto centre and directly along Vanha Tampereentie.

On foot

There are no big surprises compared to the rest of Finland regarding pavements in the towns, walking by major roads (not to be recommended!) and using minor roads and pathways off the beaten path. Locals often drive fast on minor roads, keep to the (left) roadside. In the dusk reflectors should be worn, perhaps also a reflective vest.

The Kuhankuono hiking trail comes in from Raisio as Kullaanpolku through the Kullaanvuori area, continues as the Karevan kierto circle trail, leads over Karevansuo, has forks to Riviera and Kajamonvuori and continues north to the circle trail Kangenmiekan kierros, on to Vajosuon vaellus to Vajosuo, Rantapiha and Kuhankuono in Kurjenrahka National Park, and onwards. Part of the trail is by minor roads.

See

Rusko Church

• Churches in the (current or former) parish villages, most of them medieval:
  • 1 Maskun kirkko, Maskuntie 72, ☏ +358 2 434-8400. Medieval stone church, probably built 1490–1510.  
  • 2 Maria Magdalenan kirkko (Ruskon kirkko), Ruskon Kirkkotie 17 (1 km south from Rusko centre), ☏ +358 44-720-3713. Medieval "grey stone" church. 
  • 3 Vahdon kirkko, Kanttorilantie 1, ☏ +358 44-720-3713. Wooden church from 1804. Bells moved from the separate bell tower to the new at the church in 1873. Crucifix from 1665. 
• 4 Kankas manor (Kankaisten kartano). Privately owned manor, first mentioned in the 1300s. The current main building is from the 16th century.  
• 5 Nautelankoski (Kukkarkoski) (between Vintala and Lieto as). Rapids of Aurajoki surrounded by protected cultural and natural landscapes. Museum mill, local history museum and traces of a Stone Age settlement.  
• 6 Vanhalinna, Vanha Härkätie 111 (Lieto; by a museum road section of Hämeen Härkätie, easily reachable by bike from Turku), ☏ +358 10-292-7090 (M–F 08:00–16:00), vanhalinna@utu.fi. Su 13:00–16:00; the hill 24 hr daily. Mansion and hill fort. The hill, used as fortress in the Iron Age, is a popular picnic destination, with nice views. There is a summer café, museum and museum shop in the Vanhalinna mansion. Amateur summer theatre in an outbuilding. €5; hill free.  
• 7 Vilkkimäen kahvimuseo (Vilkkimäki Coffee Museum), Vilkkimäentie 15 (Lieto, 3.5 km north-west from the centre, at the Vanha Tampereentie junction). Within the walls of an old dairy, there is a coffee museum, on the shelves of which you can find an extensive coffee-related collection. It includes plenty of coffee packages, as well as various coffee pots, coffee grinders, toasters and other coffee-related items. (updated May 2024)

Do

• 1 Kajamonvuori hill fort (Maskun linnavuori), Kajamontie (near Humikkala; a fork of the Kuhankuono trail crosses the road by the Ylössuontie junction and leads up the hill). 24 hr daily. A steep hill, used as a fort in the Iron Age. Many such steep hills were used as refuges when a foreign force was approaching. The less steep hillsides were fortified. Nowadays its steepest side is used for rock climbing. As the site is protected, no pre-set protection can be used. Privately owned; be considerate if there are other people Free.  
• 2 Karevansuo (behind Riviera). 24 hr daily. Protected bog. Parts have many nesting birds. Many species of butterflies and spiders. In the bordering woods there are Siberian flying squirrels. Duckboard trail (Karevan kierros), part of the route to Kurjenrahka National Park. Free.  
• Kuhankuono Trail. 24 hr daily. Hiking and mountain biking trail from Turku to Kurjenrahka National Park, via Kullaanvuori, Karevansuo (along Karevan kierto), the hill fort of Masku, and Kangenmiekka. Part of the trail is by minor roads. See On foot above. Free.  
• 3 Riviera, Vanha Raumantie (by former E8, just before Humikkala). 24 hr daily. Several small lakes with sandy shores, providing opportunities for swimming and sunbathing. The one nearest the road has an official beach with kiosk, while one can find more privacy off the main routes. While the area originated as sand pit, it is actually nice, and popular for recreation. Borders the protected bog Karevansuo and the hiking trail through it. Free.  
• 4 Tortinmäki dance pavilion (Tortinmäen lava), Säkyläntie 1331 (just after the village towards Säkylä; most of the buses 21–23 from Turku via Moisio and Paattinen, stop Tortinmäentie or Tortinmäki, last bus to Turku 22:10), ☏ +358 44-784-3225. Late May–early Sep Tu 19:00–23:00, Midsummer 20:00–24:00. Traditional social dancing. Café and grill, bring own water. Owned by the village association (since 2018), dances arranged by a partner. €18, Midsummer €20. (updated Aug 2024)
• 5 Varjo-talli, Ojalantie 10 (Vahto), ☏ +358 400-848-616 (14:00–17:00 or SMS), varjo-talli@varjotalli.fi. Terrain tours by request. €25/1 hr, €35/2 hr. (updated Feb 2017)
• 6 Zoolandia, Eläintarhantie 51, Lieto (Lieto asema junction on road 9 (E63); bus 403 from Turku), ☏ +358 10-423-4140, zoolandia@zoolandia.fi. A park full of activities and rides for the whole family. A domestic yard and animals living there. Indoor activities include soft-ball canons, climbing walls, a labyrinth, slides, ball pools and an adventure course for every age. Outdoors the whole family can ride the ATVs, jump on the bouncy castles or take a spin on the boats or pedal cars. The little ones can test their racing skills with an electric car. The residents of the zoo include wild forest and farm animals, such as donkeys, reindeer, alpaca and sheep. €22.50/person, under 3-year-olds free of charge.  

Buy

• 1 Loviisan Aitta, Vahdontie 600 (Hiidenvainio, northern edge of Rusko's main village), ☏ +358 2 432-2227, helena.aho@loviisanaitta.fi. Design shop, Finnish and international brands. Café. 

Eat

• 1 Ravintola Olivia, Talolankatu 75, ☏ +358 20 7352240. M-Th 10:30-21:30, F 07:30-21:30, Sa 11:00-21:30, Su 12:00-21:30. (updated Aug 2021)

Sleep

Lodging

There are probably not any hotels in the area, but cottages and B&Bs. The latter are often upscale, with their main income from celebrations, business meetings and workplace get-aways.

• 1 Kivimäen matkailutila, Kivipellontie 6 (halfway between Naantali and Masku centres), ☏ +358 40-737-8768, info@kivimaentila.fi. B&B and programme services. from €60–100 for a room, breakfast not included. 
• Vajosuo rental hut (near the Vajosuo Mire), ☏ +358 400-274-523, mika.lehto1@kolumbus.fi. May–September. Spartan cottage. Pets permitted. Gas cooker for cooking, wood fired heating stove, platform bed for four. Water and bedding (including mattresses? check) have to be brought. €25/night. 

Camping

There are a few lean-to shelters along the hiking trails, usually near places where you'd go also not walking all the trail. Camping by tent near the shelter is allowed, and if you do, you can have your campfire at the shelter – provided there isn't a wildfire warning.

Backcountry

The right to access applies. Finding a wood where to pitch one's tent is easy, but drinking water has usually to be carried. Campfires require landowner permission, and are also then only allowed when there is no wildfire warning in effect (announced in connection to most weather forecasts). Where there is a built fireplace (not only a fire ring), you can expect there to be landowner permission, and usually firewood is provided, although not always close enough to be obvious. Firewood should normally not be collected by oneself, although dry branches from the ground would probably not be an issue. Camping stoves can be used also during wildfire warnings, with due care. Disposable grills are a receipt for disaster.

Connect

• 1 Ruskon kirjasto, Vanhatie 4 (Rusko centre), ☏ +358 44-433-3665, ruskon.kirjasto@rusko.fi. M Tu Th 13:00–19:00, W F 09:00–16:00,. Library. public computers, scanner, toilets. Limited accessibility by wheelchair. 
• 2 Vahdon kirjasto, Laukolan koulutie 2 B (Vahto centre), ☏ +358 44-433-3666, vahdon.kirjasto@rusko.fi. M Th 13:00–19:00 Tu (W) 10:00–15:00. Library. public computers, scanner, toilets. Not accessible by wheelchair. 

Go next

• Inland of Finland Proper — more of similar countryside
• Kurjenrahka National Park — bogs, forest and a few lakes
• Archipelago Sea — the archipelago off Turku

Routes through Turku countryside

Pori ← Nousiainen ←	N  S	→ Turku → END
Turku ← Kaarina ←	W  E	→ Piikkiö → Helsinki
END ← Turku ←	SW  NE	→ Pöytyä → Tampere
Turku ← Kaarina ←	SW  NE	→ Marttila → Hämeenlinna