Vartiovuori Park, Turku

Vartiovuori Park is one of Finland's oldest and most historically significant urban green spaces. Located on a hill once covered with barren rocks in the early 1800s, the park has become an essential part of Turku’s cultural and natural heritage. The transformation of Vartiovuori began after the devastating 1822 fire in Turku, which led to a movement to make the city’s rocky hills greener. The renowned city planner Carl Ludvig Engel’s post-fire urban design included a focus on trees for both aesthetic and fire-prevention purposes, and Vartiovuori was the first hill in Turku to receive plantings.

The initial landscaping efforts were slow and labor-intensive, with soil brought in by horse carriages and on foot to cover the rocky terrain. By 1854, tree and flower arrangements, stone stairs, benches, and lookout points had been completed, turning the once barren hill into a picturesque setting overlooking the city. A more comprehensive plan for the park was introduced in 1873, but only partially realized, with one notable addition being the summer restaurant “Tutis” in 1877, which stood until 1964.

Vartiovuori holds cultural significance as the traditional location for Turku’s Swedish-speaking high school graduates to celebrate their First of May (Vappu) picnic, a tradition that dates back to 1919. Since 1954, the park has also been home to the Turku Summer Theatre, with an auditorium that was updated in 2000.

Today, Vartiovuori Park remains a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike. Its peaceful paths, playgrounds, and scenic views offer a tranquil escape within the city, while its open spaces invite picnics, outdoor games, and exercise, especially during the warmer months. A blend of history, nature, and community, Vartiovuori continues to serve as a quiet haven and a hub for outdoor activities throughout the year.