Gay Turku City Guide

Welcome to Turku 

Nicknamed "Little Paris of the North," Turku is Finland's oldest city and former capital located on the southwest coast. With its vibrant food scene, trendy cafes, Scandinavian architecture and scenic riverside location, Turku has emerged as a hip and gay-friendly destination.

Gay Rights & Social Climate 

Same-sex marriage has been legal in Finland since 2017 and discrimination protections include sexual orientation and gender identity. While conservative views do persist outside urban areas, Turku and other major cities have largely progressive attitudes. Violence or harassment are rare and Turku provides a safe environment for gay visitors.

How to get to Turku 

By Air 

Turku International Airport provides direct flights from Stockholm, Riga, Gdansk, and during summer, from Rome. Convenient connections are available via SAS through their Stockholm hub or with airBaltic via their Riga hub. The airport is conveniently located only 8 kilometres from the city centre, known for its efficient service and accessibility. If coming from Helsinki, you can utilize flight connections from Helsinki-Vantaa airport, which is approximately a 2.5-hour bus ride from Turku.

By Train 

The Finnish rail network connects Turku to various cities within Finland. Popular routes include Helsinki to Turku, offering a comfortable and swift journey of just under two hours. The city centre is conveniently close to Turku Central Railway Station and Bus Terminal. For detailed travel planning, use the Matkahuolto route planner to explore various options. Train departures and tickets are available and bookable on vr.fi.

By Bus 

For bus travel, ExpressBus and other providers offer efficient routes to Turku from Helsinki and Helsinki Airport. The travel time is generally less than three hours, making it a practical option for reaching Turku. The bus terminal is located conveniently close to the city centre, ensuring ease of access upon arrival in Turku.

By Ferry 

Ferries offer a scenic and comfortable way to travel to Turku from Sweden. Silja Line and Viking Line operate daily ferries from Stockholm and Kapellskär in Sweden to Turku, with a stop in the Åland Islands. The journey from Stockholm typically takes around 11 hours and features entertainment, tax-free shopping, and dining.

The port in Turku is conveniently located only 3 kilometres from the city centre. Additionally, Finnlines offers a faster 8-hour ferry connection between Kapellskär and Naantali, which is about 15 km from Turku. Notably, Finnlines has introduced a new vessel on this route and now accommodates passengers without vehicles as well

Whether arriving by air, land or sea, Turku's transportation infrastructure makes this coastal city easily accessible to travellers. Consider options, routes, and budget when planning your visit.

Gay Accommodation in Turku

Turku offers a variety of welcoming places for LGBTQ visitors to stay, ranging from intimate boutique hotels to stylish, contemporary lodgings. Find our full list of hotels in Turku here!

Solo Sokos Hotel Turun Seurahuone 

After a full renovation in 2019, this 1920s art deco boutique hotel seamlessly pairs its preserved character with chic, contemporary rooms. Nestled in the city centre just steps from the riverfront, the location provides easy access to Turku’s top shops, cafes and sites. Guests rave about the gracious service.

Radisson Blu Marina Palace 

Overlooking the Aura River Harbor, this Radisson outpost puts guests steps from top sites like Turku Castle and Market Square. Stylish rooms, first-rate service and riverfront views have made this landmark hotel a go-to choice for travellers since 1974.

Hotel Hyppeis 

A short ferry journey from the mainland, Hotel Hyppeis is a haven of serenity and charm. This boutique hotel offers six elegantly decorated rooms, each reflecting the local archipelago traditions. Guests are treated to a blend of romantic vintage decor and sea views, complemented by modern comforts like en suite bathrooms. The hotel's culinary delights are a highlight, with a seasonal menu of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients served in the picturesque seaside restaurant.