Turku Castle faces road closures: Linnankatu renovation to extend until summer 2026
City officials emphasize that the renewal will strengthen Turku as both a national and international transport hub, while creating more accessible public spaces around its historic castle.
The City of Turku has launched a large-scale redevelopment of the Port of Turku, starting with Linnankatu, which will be closed to traffic in front of Turku Castle from 8 September 2025 until summer 2026.
The project aims to open up the castle’s surroundings for public use, ease congestion, and modernize the area as part of a broader plan to transform Linnakaupunki into a vibrant maritime district combining urban living, culture, and transport.
"The purpose is to simultaneously create the conditions for the growth of the port and traffic volumes, as well as to develop the surroundings of Turku Castle and the western bank of the Aura River estuary into part of a maritime city centre," explains project director Antero Mäkilä from the City of Turku.
Traffic, including buses and taxis, will be rerouted via Vallihaudankatu and Satamakatu, with changes also affecting pedestrian and cycling paths. Once completed, Linnankatu will serve as a public transport street.
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Port development will continue through 2028, including new traffic routes, upgraded quay structures, and a new joint terminal for Viking Line and Tallink Silja to open in early 2027. In addition, the port railway will be relocated to Linnanniemi’s northern edge, with construction scheduled to begin in 2026.
"Linnakaupunki combines closeness to the city centre, urban living, culture and maritime character. It is also Turku’s gateway to the West. With the renewal of the port area, Turku will become an even stronger national and international transport hub," describes Timo Hintsanen, Director of Urban Planning for the City of Turku.
City officials emphasize that the renewal will strengthen Turku as both a national and international transport hub, while creating more accessible public spaces around its historic castle.