Turku, Finland, Jewish Heritage

A Glimpse Into Turku’s Jewish History

The Turku Jewish Community shares the following historical background:

• The community has about 120 members today, with roots tracing back to the Russian Czar’s soldiers (Cantonists).

• Although daily lifestyles vary in levels of observance, the community maintains strong Orthodox traditions.

• Civil rights for Finnish Jews were granted in 1918, when Finland became independent—making it the second-to-last country in Europe to do so.

• The stunning Turku Synagogue was built in 1912 on land donated by the city, despite the fact that the Jewish community had no official legal status at the time.

• Zionism has long been a central ideological influence within the community.

• During WWII (1939–1944), Finnish Jews fought alongside other Finnish soldiers against Soviet Russia. Finland lost around 100,000 people, including 23 Jewish soldiers.

• Despite cooperating with Nazi Germany during the war, Finland remained democratic and refused to hand over its Jewish citizens.

• After the war, as Jews evacuated from Viipuri, the Turku community reached its peak of more than 350 members.

• Many community members have made aliya over the decades, and youth aliyah is still encouraged today.

• The community regularly achieves a minyan nearly every Shabbat, reflecting its close-knit nature.

• Languages within the community have shifted over the years: Yiddish before 1919, Swedish until the 1970s, and Finnish today.

• Turku’s sports club, Makkabé, founded nearly a century ago, is one of the oldest continuously operating Jewish sports clubs in Europe.

Planning Your Jewish Heritage Tour in Turku

We offer fully customized private tours that include visits to the synagogue, meetings with community representatives, and guided sightseeing around Turku. Tours are available as:

• Full-day excursions from Helsinki

• Multi-night stays with hotel packages

• Self-drive itineraries

• Train-based trips with guided pick-up

• Private driver services

Getting to Turku

• By car: The most flexible and budget-friendly option. Driving time from Helsinki is about 2 hours.

• By train: Direct trains depart frequently throughout the day; the ride takes 2 hours. We can arrange for a guide to meet you upon arrival.

• Private day tour from Helsinki: Available on request; pricing starts around 1500 euros.

Synagogue Visit Arrangements

A confirmed appointment is required to visit the Turku Synagogue.
We will coordinate this for you.

• Guided synagogue tour provided by a community representative

• Presentation offered in English

• Tour fee: 50 euros per group (prepaid; considered a donation)

If you only require synagogue reservations without a full tour package, an administrative service fee applies.

Where to Stay

The best hotel option in Turku is the Radisson Blu Marina, offering excellent comfort and easy access to city attractions.

Additional Sightseeing in Turku

Your private guide can also include:

• Turku Cathedral (optional for travelers who enter churches)

• Turku Castle – one of Finland’s most iconic medieval landmarks

• Local museums

• A beautiful excursion to Naantali, the picturesque archipelago city

Create Your Custom Jewish Heritage Itinerary

All Turku itineraries are fully personalized, with a minimum of 3 nights of accommodations, sightseeing, and transfers. Whether you are exploring Jewish heritage sites, meeting the local community, or discovering the cultural highlights of Turku, we will design a meaningful and memorable journey just for you.

Contact us to plan your Jewish Heritage Tour of Turku, Finland.