Turku Travel Resources. Apps, Maps, Emergency Contacts

Essential Apps for Turku

Navigation and Local Transport

Föli
Official app for Turku public transport; mobile tickets, route planning, real-time tracking.
Google Maps
Comprehensive navigation; download offline maps for use without internet.
Google Translate
Useful for Finnish translation; download offline Finnish language pack.
Bolt
Popular ride-sharing app in Turku, alternative to traditional taxis.
Foreca / AccuWeather
Reliable weather forecasting apps for planning daily activities.

Accommodation and Long-Distance Travel

Booking.com / Airbnb
For managing accommodation reservations and finding last-minute options.
VR Matkalla
Official app for Finnish Railways (VR) for train tickets and schedules.
NordVPN
A VPN service for secure and private internet access while traveling.
Visitor Information
Look for local digital guides or apps that provide event listings and tips specific to Turku.
Website Shortcuts
Save shortcuts to essential travel websites on your phone for quick access.

Useful Websites for Planning

Official Tourism

Visit Turku provides comprehensive information on attractions, events, and accommodation.

Visitturku.fi

Public Transport

Föli's website has detailed route maps, timetables, and ticket information.

Foli.fi/en

Ferry Services

Viking Line and Tallink Silja Line connect Turku to Sweden and Åland.

Vikingline.fi Tallinksilja.com

Social Media and Podcasts

Social Media to Follow

@VisitTurku (Instagram, Facebook) for inspiring photos and updates
Accounts of major attractions for hours, events, and exhibitions
Search local hashtags for real-time local insights
Connect with online travel communities for tips

Podcasts and Digital Content

Search for podcasts on Finland, Finnish history, or Nordic travel
Broader Finnish content enriches cultural and historical context
Look for audio guides for specific Turku attractions
Online articles and blogs provide current traveler experiences

Other Essential Websites

Finnish Railways VR

Vr.fi/en for inter-city train travel.
Book tickets and check schedules.
Look for cheaper "Supersaver" fares.
The fastest option for travel between major Finnish cities.

Long-Distance Buses

OnniBus.com for budget travel.
Matkahuolto.fi/en for extensive bus routes.
Compare routes and prices for bus travel.
An economical way to travel across Finland.

Customs Information

Tulli.fi/en for Finnish Customs.
Information regarding duty-free allowances.
Regulations for entering or leaving Finland.
Check for any specific restrictions on goods.

Print Resources

Recommended Guidebooks and Maps

Finland Guidebooks

Specific guidebooks for Turku are uncommon.
General Finland guidebooks (e.g., Lonely Planet, Rough Guides) often feature a dedicated Turku section.
These provide broad overviews of the city.
Look for editions updated recently for current information.

Local City Maps

Free tourist maps are often available at the Turku Tourist Information office.
A detailed Street map of Turku can assist in navigating smaller streets.
They a general layout of the city and its main areas.
Physical maps can be useful when mobile data is unavailable.

Brochures and Leaflets

Collect local brochures for attractions and events.
Many museums and galleries offer their own leaflets.
These often have practical details like opening hours and special exhibitions.
They provide quick reference guides for your daily plans.

Books on Finnish Culture and History

Classic Finnish Novels

"The Unknown Soldier" by Väinö Linna: insight into Finnish history and national character.
"Moomin" series by Tove Jansson: gentle introduction to Finnish sensibilities, especially if visiting Moominworld.
Explore other non-fiction books on Finnish history or society.

Local Publications

Free tourist brochures are readily available at Turku Tourist Information.
These often include event listings and practical tips for visitors.
Local newspapers (e.g., Turun Sanomat) offer a glimpse into local news, mainly in Finnish.

Emergency and Medical Contacts

Emergency Numbers

General Emergency (Police, Ambulance, Fire): Call 112 (throughout Europe).
Turku Tourist Information: Aurakatu 4 (general assistance, directions).
Note down any specific local emergency contacts for your travel insurance.

Hospital and Clinic Locations

Turku University Hospital (Tyks): Hämeentie 11 (main public hospital).
Pihlajalinna Turku: Humalistonkatu 9 B (private clinic).
For non-emergency medical situations, inquire at your accommodation for nearby clinics.

Important Procedures and Information

Lost Document Procedures

Report lost or stolen passport/ID to local police immediately (call 112 or visit station).
Obtain a police report.
Contact your country's embassy or consulate in Helsinki as soon as possible.
They guide you through obtaining a temporary travel document or emergency passport.
Keep copies of important documents separate from originals.

Embassy & Natural Disaster Protocols

Most foreign embassies and consulates for Finland are in Helsinki.
Note down your country's embassy contact details for consular assistance.
Finland is low-risk for major natural disasters.
In rare severe weather warnings (storms, blizzards), follow local news and official guidance.
Finnish authorities are well-prepared for any significant events.

Important Safety Reminder

Always know your country's embassy contact information in Helsinki for emergencies.

Emergency & Medical Information

Emergency Contacts

General Emergency Service

Call 112
This is the single emergency number throughout Finland for Police, Ambulance, and Fire services.
European Standard
The 112 number is standard across Europe, for quick and simple access to emergency responders.
Life-Threatening Situations
Contact 112 for any serious medical incident or crime.

Tourist Information

Turku Tourist Information
Located at Aurakatu 4, Turku. Offers general assistance and non-emergency advice.
Local Directions
A point for directions, event information, and general visitor support.
Non-Urgent Inquiries
For questions not requiring immediate emergency response.

Medical Facilities

Turku University Hospital Tyks

Main public hospital at Hämeentie 11, Turku.

Hospital Website

Pihlajalinna Turku

Private clinic offering various medical services at Humalistonkatu 9 B.

Clinic Website

Embassy & Consulate Info

Most foreign embassies and consulates for Finland are in Helsinki. Note their contact details.

US Embassy Finland

Lost Documents and Natural Disasters

Lost Document Protocols

Report lost/stolen passport or ID to local police immediately (call 112).
Obtain a police report as documentation.
Contact your country's embassy in Helsinki for guidance on temporary travel documents.
Keep photocopies or digital scans of important documents separate from originals.

Natural Disaster Preparedness

Finland is low-risk for major natural disasters.
In rare severe weather warnings (storms, blizzards), follow local news and official guidance.
The 112 emergency service provides instructions if needed.
Finnish authorities are well-prepared for significant events.

Planning Ahead

Utilize these resources before and during your trip to enhance your experience and stay informed.

Turku Travel Resources