FINLAND - Europe by Eurail 2015: Touring Europe by Train - page 137

Tampere's colorful old market hall and the outside markets that surround it. If you
happen to be in town during the summer (June through August), there's a concert
at 1900 at the Old Library Park in the city center on Tuesday and Thursday. Folk
dance groups perform at 1900 on Wednesday.
Day Excursion to
Turku
Finland's First Capital
Depart from Helsinki Station
Distance by Train: 124 miles (200 km)
Average Train Time: 2 hours
City Dialing Code: 2
Tourist Information Office: Turku Touring, Aurakatu 4, Turku-20100
Tel: [phone]; Fax: [phone]
www.turku.fi or www.turkutouring.fi
E-mail: [e-mail]
Hours: April 1-September 30: 0830-1800 Monday-Friday and 0900-1600
Saturday and Sunday; remainder of the year, Saturday and Sunday hours are
1000-1500
Notes: Turku's tourist information office can be reached by proceeding from the
rail station down Humalistonkatu (Humlegardsgatan). Turn left at Eerikinkatu and
proceed for 2 blocks, then turn right onto Aurakatu. The tourist information office
will be at your right near the city hall. If arriving at the harbor from Stockholm, check
with the Tallink-Silja Line desk for city information and directions to the city.
Turku is a city of contrasts, where past and present meet and blend. Finland's old-
est established town, Turku celebrated its 785th anniversary in 2004. Turku was
never founded; it seems it was always there. It developed naturally at the crossing
of the northern trade routes at the mouth of the Aura River. The current population
of approximately 170,000 is hardworking, industrious, and friendly.
With a rail pass, you can choose from two forms of traveling to Turku. You can
go by train on a day excursion from Helsinki, or you can take the Tallink-Silja ferry
from Stockholm. Whether you go by train or ferry, Turku deserves an extended ex-
amination because it has many interesting sights to offer.