Vartiovuorenpuisto park is located on Vartiovuorenmäki hill, one of the seven hills of Turku. An observatory that survived the Great Fire of Turku sits on top of the hill.

Vartiovuorenpuisto park, which is located near Turku city centre, is one of the oldest urban parks in Finland. In the summer, residents can enjoy the park’s beautiful flower beds and leafy trees. Turku residents actively use the park for picnics and outdoor activities and as a children’s play area. In the winter, the park is used for jogging and walking through.

Vartiovuorenpuisto park has an important role in Turku’s student culture as it hosts the traditional students’ May Day picnic every year. The first time Swedish-speaking students got together to celebrate May Day on Vartiovuorenmäki hill was in 1919. In addition to the May Day picnic, students in Turku also gather every year on Shrove Tuesday to go sledding down the snowy hills of Vartiovuorenpuisto park.

Together with the observatory of the Royal Academy of Turku and the Luostarinmäki handicrafts district, Vartiovuorenpuisto park has been selected as one of Finland’s constructed cultural environments of nationwide importance. In addition to the observatory, Vartionvuorenpuisto park is also home to the Turku Summer Theatre.

Capacity: 4 000

Area: 12 400 m2

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

The venue is suitable for: Open events, Closed events, Concerts, Arts events, Sports events

Transport links and parking: The venue is located near Turku city centre.

Practical considerations: Summer Theatre and surrounding residential buildings must be taken into account when organising the event.

Availability of water and electricity: Electricity is available on site.

Location on a map

Additional information: City of Turku Event Services