I am so excited to share my journey to Turku, the oldest city in Finland. My furry best friend and I explored every corner of this historic place during our 2026 trip. Turku is truly the agility capital of Finland. You will find that the city is a paradise for people who love to travel with their pets. This guide will help you plan a perfect trip for you and your dog.
Pet Travel Local Laws and Etiquette in Turku
You must follow specific rules when you bring a pet to Finland. Your dog needs a working microchip. This chip must meet ISO standards and is usually 15 digits long. Your veterinarian must scan this chip before giving any rabies vaccinations. You must get the rabies shot at least 21 days before you travel.
I learned that anti-Echinococcus treatment is mandatory for all dogs entering Finland. A vet must give this tapeworm medicine 24 to 120 hours before you cross the border. The vet must record all these details in your European pet passport.
Local etiquette is also very important. You must keep your dog on a leash in built-up areas. During the bird breeding season from March 1 to August 19, the leash law applies everywhere, even in the woods. Dogs are not allowed on public beaches or playgrounds. However, the city is very kind to pets on buses. Pets travel for free on Föli buses. You just need to ask the driver if there is space.
Where to Stay with Your Dog in Turku
I found many wonderful places to stay. Original Sokos Hotel Kupittaa is a standout choice. They provide welcome packages that include a dog bed, water bowls, and even poop bags. Best of all? Dogs stay for free here.
The Scandic Hamburger Börs is another great option. They offer treats and water bowls in the room. You must notify them during the booking process. They allow pets on the furniture and beds. I paid about 20 euros per night for my pet at this location.
If you prefer a park view, choose Park Hotel Turku. This hotel sits on the edge of a park with easy access to scenic garden paths. It is very close to a dog park, which makes morning walks very easy. Hostel Harriet is a budget-friendly choice that allows dogs of any size in certain rooms for no extra fee.
Where to Eat with Your Dog in Turku
Turku has many pet-friendly cafés. My favorite spot for a break is Café Qwensel. I highly recommend their afternoon tea, but you should book it early.
For a sweet treat, visit Gaggui Kaffela. People say they have the best cakes in town. I also enjoyed my time at Fazer Café Aurakatu. This café is very spacious and does not play loud background music. They serve a perfect quiche and healthy options like overnight oats.
You can also visit the Turku Market Square. It is a great place to meet locals and smell the tasty local food. You might even buy a Finnish sausage or a pancake for your well-behaved dog.
Where to visit in Turku
I suggest you spend time by the Aura River. You can see history from the Middle Ages to the present day along its banks. Turku Castle is a 700-year-old landmark that you must see. While pets are not allowed inside the exhibitions, the castle park is a superb spot for a Sunday stroll.
The Port Arthur neighborhood is another must-visit area. It is an idyllic part of the city with cute wooden houses. My dog loved walking through these picturesque streets.
Top Activities and Sightseeing With Dog
A trip on the Föri ferry is a fun activity. This city ferry is over 100 years old and is free all year round. It is a very easy way to cross the Aura River with your pet.
You should also try the Kakola funicular. It takes you up to the Kakolanmäki hill in less than a minute. This area used to be a famous prison, but now it is a modern neighborhood with apartments and a spa.
If the river is frozen in winter, you can trot across the ice. I saw many humans gliding on skates while I walked with my dog. Puolalanmäki Park is also great for winter fun because it has one of the best hills for sledging.
Best Dog Parks and Outings
Turku is famous for having 29 dog parks. These parks have fences, waste bins, and sometimes water access.
- Impivaara Dog Park: This park is near the sports center. It has separate areas for large and small dogs. It even has agility equipment.
- Kupittaa Dog Park: This park was completed in 2012. It is on the edge of the large Kupittaa Park and has both lighting and water.
- Jyrkkälänmäki Dog Park: This is a very spacious area. It is well-maintained and easy to reach by car.
- Hirvensalo Dog Park: This park is very large and forested. It opened in 2011 and is perfect for dogs who love trees.
- Nummenranta Dog Park: You will find this popular spot near the Student Village by the river.
Best Dog Friendly Beaches
I love the island of Ruissalo. It has a dedicated dog beach where your pet can splash in the water. The sand is soft, and the view of the sea is beautiful.
Saaronniemi is another great area on Ruissalo. It has a fenced dog park and a separate swimming area for pets. In the summer, nothing is better than a cool dip in the Baltic Sea.
Transportation Tips
If you travel from Sweden, you can take a ferry. Viking Line and Tallink both allow dogs. I chose Viking Line because the terminal is easy to reach. They have a small gravel dog toilet on the deck. On Tallink, you can sometimes leave your dog in the cabin alone.
Inside Turku, Föli buses are your best friend. You can pay with a contactless credit card. I used a one-day travel ticket to get unlimited trips. Dogs and cats are welcome as long as they do not bother other passengers.
The Föri ferry and the funicular are also pet-friendly. If you drive, remember that you must use your headlights all the time.
Veterinary Services and Emergencies
I hope you never need a vet, but it is good to be prepared. Veterinary Office Pet-Vet and the Dog and Cat Clinic provide care during office hours. For emergencies at night or on weekends, call Papuvet in nearby Raisio.
The emergency phone number for small animals is 0600 124 44. Be aware that these calls cost a small fee per minute. Turku Eläinsairaala also offers modern emergency treatments.
Packing List for Dogs
I made sure to pack these items for my trip:
- Pet Passport and vaccination records.
- Leash and sturdy harness for safety in cars and city walks.
- Poop bags (though some hotels like Sokos provide them).
- Portable water bowl for long hikes in Ruissalo.
- Muzzle, just in case you take a ferry that requires one.
- Studded shoes for yourself if you visit in winter.
Best Times to Visit in Turku
Summer is the most popular time to visit. The days are long and warm, and the dog beach is perfect.
I also think winter is magical. You can walk on the frozen Aura River. September is another great choice because the city is quiet, and the autumn colors are beautiful. Avoid the time between Sunday and Tuesday if you want a busy city, as Turku can feel like a ghost town on those days.
Dog-Friendly Shopping in Turku
You can take your dog into many shops in the city center. Alfa Antikva is a cool place for vinyl records and cartoons. They allow dogs as long as their resident dog, Litku, does not mind.
The Sokos department store also welcomes pets on its terraces and in the shop. If you need a break from the sun, many shops will even give your dog a biscuit.
Maps and Itineraries (3 days)
I planned this simple 3-day itinerary for my trip:
- Day 1: The City Heart. Start at Market Square for some local smells. Walk along the Aura River and cross on the Föri ferry. Visit Café Qwensel for afternoon tea. End your day at Kupittaa Dog Park.
- Day 2: Ruissalo Nature. Take the bus to Ruissalo Island. Walk the nature trails through the oak forest. Spend the afternoon at the dog beach. Eat at Honkapirtti, which is a historic log house.
- Day 3: History and Views. Visit the Port Arthur neighborhood to see the wooden houses. Take the funicular up to Kakolanmäki for a great view. Walk to Puolalanmäki Park for a final trot.
Budgeting and Cost-Saving Tips
Traveling to Turku does not have to be expensive.
- Free Transport: Dogs ride Föli buses for free. The Föri ferry is also free.
- Hotel Perks: Look for hotels like Original Sokos Hotel Kupittaa where dogs stay for free.
- Picnics: Buy food at the Market Square or a grocery store and eat in one of the many parks.
- Free Sightseeing: Walking the Aura River or the castle park costs nothing.
Day Trips from Turku with Dog
If you want a longer walk, head to Kurjenrahka National Park. It is only a 45-minute drive from Turku. You will see beautiful marshland scenery.
You can also visit Naantali, which is only 15 kilometers away. It is home to Moomin World. While the theme park is for humans, the town of Naantali is very charming for a walk with a dog.
Pet Health and Wellness Tips
I always carry enough water for my dog. If you visit in the summer, make sure your dog stays cool at the Ruissalo beach.
Remember the tapeworm rule. If you travel to other countries and come back to Finland, you might need another treatment. Check your dog for ticks after walking in the tall grass of the national parks.
Sustainability Tips for Eco-Conscious Pet Travelers
I try to stay at hotels that care about the environment. Scandic Hamburger Börs and Holiday Club Turun Caribia are taking steps toward sustainability.
Use the Föli bus system instead of a rental car to lower your carbon footprint. Turku is also a very walkable city, so you can reach many sights on foot.
Seasonal Events and Festivals for Pets in Turku
The biggest event for dog lovers is the Turku Summer Dog Show 2026. It happens on June 27 and 28 at the Metsämäki Racetrack. It is an international show, and even non-entered dogs can visit the venue. You must bring a valid vaccination certificate to enter.
I hope you enjoy your trip to Turku as much as I did. It is a city that truly loves its four-legged visitors. Happy travels!
FAQ
Can I travel to Finland with my dog?
Yes, dogs can travel to Finland if they are identified with a microchip, have a European pet passport, and have a rabies vaccination administered at least 21 days before departure. Additionally, dogs require an anti-Echinococcus treatment administered by a veterinarian 1 to 5 days before entering the country.
Is it worth visiting Turku?
Yes, Turku is highly recommended as a fantastic hometown and winter break destination, offering historical sites like the 700-year-old Turku Castle and picturesque neighborhoods like Port Arthur.
Are dogs allowed in restaurants in Finland?
Turku has many pet-friendly cafes, such as Café Qwensel, Gaggui Kaffela, and Fazer Café Aurakatu. While some hotels allow pets on their terraces or in specific restaurant areas, others strictly prohibit them, so it is best to confirm with the specific establishment.
Can I take my dog to Lapland?
Yes, dogs can visit Lapland, and travelers can use Finnair flights from Helsinki to Ivalo to reach the northern regions more easily.
How dog friendly is Finland?
Finland is very pet-friendly, providing over 400 dog parks across the country and allowing pets to travel on buses and ferries.
What is the 3 year rule in Finland?
In the Turku region, Föli travel cards can be exchanged for free if a technical fault causes the card to stop working within three years of its purchase.
Do they speak English in Turku?
Yes, many people in Finland are happy to communicate in English with tourists and visitors.
What is the prettiest city in Finland?
Turku is often cited for its beauty, particularly the scenic Aura River, the idyllic Ruissalo island, and the historic wooden houses of Port Arthur.
How dog-friendly is Helsinki?
Helsinki is very accommodating for pets, with numerous dog parks and several highly-rated pet-friendly hotels like the Boutique Hotel Fabian.
Do and don’ts in Finland?
Do keep your dog on a leash in built-up areas and during the wildlife breeding season (March 1 to August 19). Don’t bring dogs onto public beaches, playgrounds, or sports fields, where they are generally prohibited.
Are dogs allowed in stores in Finland?
Some stores in Turku allow dogs, including the Sokos department store and the Alfa Antikvassa book and vinyl shop.
Concluding words
Turku is an exceptional destination for pet owners in 2026, offering 29 fenced dog parks and unique nature spots like Ruissalo’s dedicated dog beach. Navigating the city is simple as pets are welcome on Föli buses and the Föri ferry at no extra charge, while many local cafes and hotels provide specialized amenities for furry guests. Visitors should ensure they meet microchipping and vaccination requirements before arrival to enjoy a stress-free holiday that could include major events like the Turku Summer Dog Show.
