The Aura, hidden gem of Turku
The Aura in the summer draws the locals like a large slumbering giant, people are drawn to it’s allure like iron filings to a magnet.
The midnight sun offers round the clock daylight to the river, as joggers, cyclists, dog walkers go about their evening and morning exercise. The views up and down river are spectacular, to the north the farming fields and woods accompany the pathway, and to the south the pathway hugs the river on both sides before turning into the pedestrian riverside walks all the way to the harbour.
The Aura defines Turku, in the winter it is a frozen white lightning bolt, that has crashed its way into the serenity of the winter idyll where locals dare to cross the thick ice in search of a short cut across town . In the summer it springs to life, as seagulls circle above, the boat bars open, music plays and the riversides are awash with young and old, creating a Amsterdam or Berlin-esque feel to the centre of town.
When the sun bathes Turku, motor boats, Jet-skis, boats for hire, even floating hot tubs can be seen meandering up and down the river like peacocks displaying their feathers. For the small price of 40e you can rent a picnic boat for one hour.
Up river by Halinen bridge as the Ice melts, the fishing grounds become plentiful, and the walking tracks either side are fantastic early morning and late evening sun…..