Spend time with your Coimbra Group colleagues and get to know the sights of the Turku region!
Evening reception and Gala dinner
Welcome to Coimbra Group Conference 2024! Come and meet old friends and make new ones.
The organising committee and the city of Turku warmly welcomes the conference participants to a reception at Turku City Hall on Wednesday, 5 June. Join to meet colleagues and network with new acquintances.
Light buffet will be served.
Date: Wednesday, 5 June
Time: 19.00
Venue: Turku City Hall, Aurakatu 2, Turku
Dress code: smart casual
Photo: Turku City Hall
Join the Conference dinner at Ruissalo Boatyard and spend a memorable evening in good company!
Ruissalo Boatyard, which operated in 1889-1954, was the biggest boatyard in the Nordic countries and a major player throughout Europe. Altogether over 5 000 boats were built at the yard. Ruissalo Boatyard offers a wonderful setting for all kinds of events, and the destination is one of the most popular event venues in Turku today. Ruissalo Boatyard is located about 6 km from the Turku city centre.
During the evening, you can enjoy a three-course dinner, live music and and take the opportunity to network in the ambient environment.
Date: Thursday, 6 June
Time: 19.00 (transportation)
Venue: Ruissalo Boatyard, Lindblom Hall, Hevoskarintie 23,Turku
Dress code: business casual
Photo: Ruissalo Boatyard
Cultural programme
- Turku Cathedral for cultural history lovers
- Paimio Sanatorium for architecture lovers
- Kurjenrahka National Park for nature lovers
Option 1: Guided tour to Turku Cathedral
Join us for the guided walking tour to Turku Cathedral.
Turku Cathedral has stories to tell from more than seven centuries and it is Finland's National Sanctuary. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary and Finland's first bishop, St Henry, the church was consecrated in 1300. The Turku Cathedral is considered to be Finland's most valuable historical monument.
Housed in the church's south gallery, the Cathedral Museum takes you on a journey through history from the early 1300's.
Date: Friday, 7 June
Time: 13.15
Venue: Turku Cathedral, Tuomiokirkonkatu 1, 20500 Turku
Dress code: casual
Photo: Turku Cathedral
Option 2: Guided tour to Paimio Sanatorium
We invite you to join us at the guided tour to Paimio Sanatorium. Get to know the ground breaking work of modern architecture in depth.
Designed by Aino and Alvar Aalto and constructed in 1933, the Paimio tuberculosis sanatorium, in its pine-forested complex, is one of the world's best-known examples of functionalist architecture.
Spaces and Stories of Paimio Sanatorium is a 90-minute-tour that takes you on a journey into the architecture, innovations, and everyday life of Paimio Sanatorium.
During the tour, you will learn about the architecture and healing elements of the building, hear stories of the eventful history of patients and staff at the sanatorium, and explore the importance of design.
Tour includes bus transportation. The sanatorium also includes the high-quality Kanttiini Café if you wish to purchase afternoon coffee/ tea.
Date: Friday, 7 June
Time: 13.15 (transportation from Arken). We will be back in Turku around 16.
Venue: Paimio Sanatorium, Alvar Aallontie 275, 21540 Paimio (~30 min ride from Turku)
Dress code: casual, good shoes
Please note that we need a minimum on 10 participants to be able to organise this tour. Registrated participants will be contacted after the registration time has ended to confirm the participation.
Photo: Paimio Sanatorium
Option 3: Guided hiking tour (6 km) to Kurjenrahka National Park
Join us for a memorable walking tour to Kurjenrahka National Park.
Kurjenrahka National Park is the largest national park in Southwest Finland showcasing valuable pristine bog nature. Kurjenrahka is a unique wilderness area just 35 km north of Turku. It is possible to hike along 200 km of marked trails.
In addition to the bogs, the area includes ancient untouched forests and lakes with straight shores. Our route takes the traveller to the beautiful shores of Savojärvi Lake and then back to the nature lodge along the boardwalks.
Tour includes bus transportation.
Date: Friday, 7 June
Time: 13.15 (transportation, ~40 min by car from Turku). We will be back in Turku at latest around 17.
Venue: Kurjenrahka National Park, Savojärvi Circuit, 6 km circular route.
Dress code: Casual. Good firm shoes suitable for nature and a bottle of water are needed!
Please note that we need a minimum on 10 participants to be able to organise this tour. Registrated participants will be contacted after the registration time has ended to confirm the participation.
Photo: Lake Savojärvi
Turku -Naantali- Turku
Embark on a downy-soft steamboat cruise to the world's most beautiful archipelago.
Experience the gentle waves of Airisto and see the shimmering sea. The route passes by the lace villas of Ruissalo towards the northern back of Airisto, then onwards to the heart of Naantali, to the old town's dock, next to Moominworld.
Once we have arrived, we will have guided tour in English (1h).
You can enjoy Naantali and its wide variety of restaurants and return to Turku with local bus transportation (€3) at the time convenient for you.
Date: Saturday, 8 June
Time: 11.00 (boat leaves sharp 11.00)
Venue: starting point S/S Ukkopekka´s pier, located in the river Aura, just next to the bridge of Martinsilta, Linnankatu 40, 20100 Turku
Dress code: casual, good shoes
Photo: Steamship Ukko-Pekka
During the week, you are welcome to visit other Turku museums and attractions on your free time at your own cost.
The University of Turku has its own Botanical Garden a short bus ride away from the city centre. The garden is open from Tuesday to Sunday.