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Ruissalo Nature Trails

—•Hiking Trails

14.6 km

Route

Description

City of Turku – Hike, move and trek in Ruissalo+

Description

Ruissalo Nature Trails is a long day hike on Ruissalo Island in Turku, in the archipelago landscape of Southwest Finland. The route is about 14.6 km as mapped here. The City of Turku describes the island’s nature trail network as roughly 20 km in total, with many named loops and links you can combine; this line is one continuous path through that green-marked network. For printable maps, Citynomadi mobile routes, barbecue sites, bird towers, and the outdoor gym, start with the City of Turku’s Ruissalo hiking pages. The trail is not a closed loop; it threads through oak forests, coastal woods, and bays, with birdwatching stops and a fishing pier along the way. About half a kilometre from the start you reach Krottilanlahden lintutorni, a bird tower with views over the bay and good general birding. Much further along, around 11 km, Tammenterhon esteetön lintulava offers an accessible birdwatching platform near the Ruissalo shipyard and promenade for visitors who need a level viewing spot. Near 12 km you pass Kansanpuiston kalastuslaituri, a fishing pier at Folk Park, and soon after Marjaniemen lintutorni, another bird tower toward the head of the island. Near the end of the mapped line, Ruissalon ulkokuntoilulaitteet adds outdoor exercise equipment beside the Ruissalo shipyard area for a short strength session on the way home. Ruissalo’s oakwoods and mixed shoreline habitats are nationally important: Ruissalo nature pages on the municipal site describe centuries-old oak stands, rare species, and the island’s mix of meadows, conifer forest, and sea bays. The same material explains how grazing history shaped today’s trees—worth reading if you want historical context before you walk. Independent write-ups echo what locals know: the island suits anything from a short garden loop to longer forest walks, and many routes link to Krottilanlahden lintutorni and other viewpoints. Retkeilyä Satakunnassa ja muualla Suomessa recounts linking from the garden area toward Krottilanlahden lintutorni and back. Kotimaatutuksi highlights marked trails, villas, and combining bus line 8 or your own car with walking on the island.

Length & route

The trail is about 14.6 km as mapped here. Official information describes the island’s nature trails as roughly 20 km in total, with many loop and link options on the printed map and in Citynomadi. Terrain is mostly easy forest and shore paths; the Ruissalo trail map shows nature trails in green and the cycling network in blue for planning.

Getting there

The City of Turku directs visitors to Ruissalo by bicycle, bus line 8, or summer water bus, and to use marked parking spaces if you drive (see the parking map link on the nature trails page). Föli publishes timetable and ticket information for buses and water buses. The Ruissalo hiking pages list printable maps and Citynomadi routes that start from various parts of the island; pick a start that matches how you arrive.

Good to know

Campfire sites on the island are listed on the Ruissalo hiking pages—at Saaronniemi and Folk Park, with seasonal firewood purchase at the campsite reception in peak summer months and own firewood at other times at the Folk Park sites. Respect shoreline birds and nature reserve rules; the nature trails hub links to general nature reserve rules. Dog rules are not spelled out on the pages sampled; keep dogs under control as in any busy urban nature area. The island hosts major events in summer; check municipal pages if you need to avoid crowds or closed areas.

History

Ruissalo nature pages on the municipal site describe how oak forests were protected for shipbuilding from medieval times onward, including a 1647 law placing oaks under royal control, and how grazing into the 1900s shaped today’s stand structure—context for the old trees you walk among.

Managed by

Turku

Official Maintenance

Trail info

The network is designed to be walked in sections; direction is flexible depending on your start point and Citynomadi loop choice.

Route direction

Nature trails appear as green lines on the Ruissalo trail map; cycling routes are shown in blue for contrast.

Route Signs

Open / Good Condition

City of Turku – Hike, move and trek in Ruissalo

Activities allowed

Run

Activity

Hike / Walk

Activity

Terrain & conditions

14.6 km

Distance

About 3–5 hours for a 14–15 km hike at an easy pace with bird and photo stops; shorter sections are possible by linking to other Citynomadi routes.

Est. Time

Forest paths, gravel, and short shore sections; roots and uneven ground where the trail crosses old oakwoods.

Surface

Point-to-Point, Single Track

Route Type

Moderate Traffic

Traffic

Partial Shade

Shade

City of Turku – Hike, move and trek in Ruissalo+

Location

60.42754°N, 22.13427°E

Approximate location

FinlandCountry

Southwest FinlandRegion

TurkuCity

Hiking TrailsCategory

Explore nearby

Kansanpuiston kalastuslaituri

242 m

Free

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Answers to your questions

Our data was researched from Turku, and other trusted sources, in March 2026. Our route / place GPX data comes from Metsähallitus / Lipas, last updated March 2026. Always check their official website for safety-critical updates.

Finland Southwest Finland Turku Hiking TrailsRuissalo Nature Trails