IHW Excursions
Please note that all excursions are subject to change and subject to a minimum and/or maximum number of participants.
E1 Canoeing in the Archipelago
Approximate duration - 4 hours
Experience the beautiful Turku Archipelago on a kayak. The trip includes instruction and practice with experienced guide and a 2-hour canoeing trip offshore the Ruissalo island. The sea water is warm in July - August (18-20 ° C). The tour is suitable for all, from beginners to more experienced canoeists. Canoeists will be provided with all the necessary equipment such as paddles, buoyancy aid and spraydecks.
Windproof clothing recommended.
E2 Cruise to Loistokari
Approximate duration - 5 hours
Small, bare, uninhabited, and unbelievably beautiful; the island of Loistokari on the sea of Airisto is all those things. On board m/s Airisto you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the archipelago.
M/s Airisto is an original Baltic Sea trawler with modern comfort-loving add-ons. It has two saloons and lots of space on deck. Tasty fish soup and dark bread typical for the archipelago region will be served on a small picturesque cottage build in the 1880’s for the guard of Loistokari. You will learn about the way of life in the islands of Baltic Sea in the old days and have a truly unique archipelago experience.
Warm and rainproof clothing recommended.
E3 Smoke Sauna Party, Nature Trail and Buggy Safari in Piikkiö
Approximate duration - 5 hours
Kavalto Farm in Piikkiö - an old village near Turku - is located on a hill with beautiful views over Piikkiö Bay and the village centre. The history of the estate dates back to the Middle Ages and it has belonged to the same family since 1687. In the farm, you can relax in the gentle steam of the traditional Finnish smoke sauna or normal sauna (General Information about Sauna). You can discover the secrets of the forest by yourself by following the forest path, which leads straight from the farm yard to the heart of the forest. For a more extreme experience you can go on a wheel buggy safari. Please note that the buggy safari is optional for extra fee of EUR 70.
Casual clothing recommended. Towels and shower products are provided onsite. You can wear swimming suits in the sauna. Please note that despite its name, there is no smoke in smoke sauna during the bath.
E4 Kuhankuono Hiking Tour
Approximate duration - 5 hours
Duration of the hiking - approximately 2.5 hrs
Hiking in the wilderness of the native forest of the in the Kurjenrahka National Park guarantees a unique nature experience. The Kuhankuono Nature Trails are a combination of forest paths, planked walkways, primeval forest, protected marshes and rest stops in the National Park. Kurjenrahka National Park is the largest and most varied peatland in Southwest Finland ; it is an extensive hummock with marshier ground in the north and west of the bog. Hiking routes will be planned according to the level of experience in the group.
Hiking/waterproof boots and layered clothing recommended. Bottles of water are and insect repellent are provided ( although August is a season with fewer mosquitoes).
E5 Cruise to Naantali
Approximate duration - 5 hours
Duration of the cruise - 2 hrs, transportation back by bus - approximately 30 mins
Take a trip to Naantali on board the s/s Ukkopekka steamship and enjoy the picturesque sceneries of the Turku archipelago. Naantali is an idyllic and charming small holiday town, characterised by ornate villas, small restaurants and cafes, music and art, and a small marina in the heart of the old town. Naantali’s most famous building is the beautiful Convent Church , built in 1443-1462. More recent attraction is the Moominworld theme park on the Kailo island. You can sign up for the Moominworld trip on board Ukkopekka. Tickets to Moominworld cost EUR 16. Alternatively you can explore the Old Town of Naantali by yourselves. For more information on Moominworld, please visit http://www.muumimaailma.fi/.
E6 Trip to Hirvensalo
All three excursions below are combined with Sauna by the Sea (see below)
a) Horseback Riding
The Friskala Manor’s riding school, located in the beautiful setting of the Hirvensalo island, a short drive from the Turku city centre, offers guided riding along the scenic trails of the island. Suitable for all levels.
b) Nordic Walking
Nordic Walking is an extremely popular sport in Finland . Nordic Walking originates from summer training for cross-country skiers, and walking poles are used to enhance the exercise. Try it yourself on the guided walking tour in the beautiful Hirvensalo island. Please click here for more details on Nordic Walking.
Nordic Walking poles are provided onsite.
Suitable footwear for brisk walking recommended.
c) Downhill Carting
The Hirvensalo ski-slope offers fun summer activity, a carting track downhill! The go-cart is attached to the ski-lift system to pull it up the hill and then you can freewheel down as fast as you dare. Carting is safe, the track is designed to stop the go-cart from falling and driving off the track is prevented with tire barrier.
Sauna by the Sea
Participants of all three excursions above will continue their trip to the Harjattula manor, where they can enjoy sea, archipelago, recreational activities, manor glamour and old cultural landscape in the midst of verdant nature. Sauna by the sea will be heated; don’t forget to bring your swimming suit in case you will feel like diving into the sea! Light barbeque snacks will also be served.
You can wear swimming suits in the sauna.
The Harjattula manor is located by the sea in Kakskerta island, 20 km from Turku , offers excellent recreational facilities; for example, you can try playing petanque or beach volley.
Casual/ sports clothing recommended.
E7 Adventure in the Archipelago
Approximate duration - 7 hours
Departure from the beautiful island of Ruissalo , on board the boat m/y Watercat through the extensive and diverse archipelago, to the Pensar Syd. Pensar Syd, the southern part of the Pensar isla nd in Nauvo, is historically a significant place. Most of the buildings are from the 1930s. Pensar Syd is a recreational area suited for everyone. Here you can enjoy a walk in the countryside, or maybe go rowing and check if the fish are in a good mood. Rowing boats, fishing rods, football pitch, volleyball pitch and barbecue area are all available for you.
Light dinner will be served on the island. There are also nice beaches on the area, and sauna by the sea will be heated. You can wear swimming suits in the sauna.
Cast fishing is available for extra fee of EUR 35; the fee includes fishing equipment and fishing license.
Warm clothing recommended.
Note! Fishing is subject to weather conditions.
E8 Golf Trip to Ruissalo
Approximate duration - 5 hours
Extra fee of EUR 50 (fee includes equipment)
The Aura Golf ( 18 holes, par 71), founded in 1958, is one of the oldest golf courses in Finland . It is located in the Ruissalo island, in a unique natural setting. The course consists of 20 hectares of Rough, 11 hectares of Fairways, 1.5 hectares of tee-ground and over 60 bunkers. The championship-level course was the scene for the European Amateur championships in 1994 and the European Senior championships in 1997.
E9 Bicycle Tour to Ruissalo Island
Approximate duration - 4 hours
The beautiful island of Ruissalo , 10 kilometers from the congress venue, is a popular recreational area. It is famous for its oak groves, verdant woods and ornate villas. On the island, you’ll find beaches, cafes, a golf course and Botanical Gardens of the Turku University . The guided cycling tour starts from the congress venue Messukeskus. Bikes are regular city bikes, and saddlebags and cycling helmets are included. The cycling tour will finish with a refreshing bath in the sauna at Hotel Artukaisten Paviljonki, where towels are provided. You can wear swimming suits in the sauna.
Please note that there is no conference bus transportation back to the city centre but you may take a city bus back to downtown.