Ruissalo Island

Ruissalo lies at the mouth of the Aura river west of Turku and is covered in oak, which makes it unusual: oak reaches its northern limit around here and the island holds one of the largest stands in the country, with old trees, meadows and shore habitats that carry a long species list. In the nineteenth century Turku merchants built summer villas along the shores, wooden houses with verandas and fretwork so elaborate it is known as carpenter's lace, and many survive. The university botanical garden occupies part of the island with glasshouses, and there is a spa hotel, a marina, beaches and a network of walking and cycling paths.

What you actually see

• Old oak woodland - one of the largest stands in Finland.
• Carpenter's lace villas - nineteenth-century wooden houses with fretwork.
• The botanical garden glasshouses - the university collection on the island.
• Shore paths and beaches - the walking routes around the coast.

When to go

May to September; the oaks are best in late spring and autumn. Half a day. Summer weekends are busy. The botanical garden has its own opening hours and charges.

Honest expectations

Villas are private houses, so they are seen from the road only. Summer weekends fill the beaches and parking. Some paths are shared with cars. Ticks are present in the meadows.

Nearby

Turku is east; Naantali lies north-west.