Tag: Finland

I started the third and final part of my Aurajoki Bicycle Tour from Halistenkoski dam. Unlike the first two videos, which included lots of commentary on Turku’s key tourist sites, such as the Turku Castle and Cathedral, this last relaxing 5km roll back to the central sports park along the riverside pathway on the northern bank of the Aura river, only takes in one more significant location, Koroistenniemi. It is said that Koroistenniemi was actually the location of the old Turku back in the 12th century, and Finland’s earliest administrative centre for the church, Before that, it was already functioning as a significant village and marketplace, the perfect location as traders with boats could not go any further upstream past Halistenkoski. There was also a church and graveyard, but all that remains now are some stone foundations and a commemorative cross and plaque.  

Anyway, I hope you enjoy(ed) the scenery from the banks of Aurajoki, with more views of the Turku Cathedral as I re-enter the city centre, as well as experiencing the chill vibe of life as people move along the Auraranta boulevarde. Summer in Turku is absolutely amazing, and I welcome you to visit my hometown to see it all too, in person!

Be blessed,
Jyri

After getting off the Föri Ferry at the end of part 1, I continued my Aurajoki bicycle tour by heading towards Turku’s main market square. As I approached the market square, I passed by the city’s centrally located Hansa Shopping Centre, as I rolled down the adjacent pedestrian mall.

After crossing over Aurjoki again, this time via the Kirjastosilta (Library Bridge), I climbed up the Vartiovuori hill to visit the old observatory. I did this as a large loop, which brought me back for a reverse crossing of the same pedestrian bridge. From there, it was just a short roll to the take in the majestic Turku Cathedral, which is arguably considered to be the number one landmark in Turku.

As I left the cathedral behind, I gradually worked my way uphill to the most central point of the University of Turku, the Feeniks (Fenix) Library, which is located at the very top of Yliopistonmäki (University Hill). After a brief moment to enjoy the quiteness there, I (carefully!) worked my way down to the river once again through the university precinct. Once at the riverside, there was only a further 2km to ride along the well established bicycle path that follows the Aurajoki all the way to my turning point at Halistenkoski dam, which would also mark the end of part 2 of my tour. At the Halistenkoski dam, the Aura River descends the final 7 metres to reach the level it is at the city centre, and it’s very popular with kayakers and fishermen; and is otherwise a rather nice and quiet spot for a picnic.

I hope you enjoy this second narrated video showcasing more of my hometown’s main attractions. See you again in part 3, to complete the tour!

Be blessed,
Jyri

I decided to celebrate my 57th birthday by doing a bicycle tour following the banks of the Aura river in Turku, Finland, and in so doing, taking in some of the key tourist sites of my hometown. This is part 1, which has me start by the Paavo Nurmi Stadium in the city’s central sports park. I then follow the northern bank of the river to Turku Castle, and follow that with a nice climb up Kakolanmäki, which is the hill overlooking the city and where the old majestic Kakola Prison building is located, though it now functions as hotel, and includes an exhibition space and café. After meandering my way down to the river again, I cross over to the south bank with the Föri passenger ferry, which is where part 1 of my Aurajoki bicycle tour concludes.

I hope you enjoy this narrated, dare I say, personal tourism video, as I do my best to showcase the amazing things that my hometown has to offer! See you again later in part two.

Be blessed,
Jyri