Kupittaa Park, Turku

Kupittaa Park is not only the largest urban park in Finland but also its oldest, dating back to the 1820s. Spanning vast green areas and providing a wide range of activities, Kupittaa Park is a popular destination for families and visitors of all ages. Key attractions include a bird park, a traffic park designed for children, an Adventure Park, a pavilion restaurant, an outdoor swimming arena, and a sports hall, making it a vibrant hub for leisure and recreation.

The park has historical roots that stretch as far back as the First Crusade in 1155, with folklore claiming that Henry, Bishop of Finland, baptized the first pagan Finns in the Kupittaa spring. The spring itself gained a reputation for its healing properties in the 1680s when it was used to treat leprosy and cholera patients. By the 18th century, the area became a spa destination with its first spa restaurant serving visitors.

In the 19th century, Kupittaa Park began to take on its more structured form. The northeastern section, which housed the spa, a gardening school, and Kupittaa Square, laid the foundation for the park’s development. The Kupittaa gardening school, established in 1841, played a significant role in maintaining the park, and several of its buildings remain in use today.

Expansion efforts in the late 19th century added a sports field and a children’s playground, enhancing the park’s appeal. City Gardener Hammarberg oversaw further improvements, advocating for the use of domestic saplings and ensuring the park’s beauty year-round by incorporating conifers. The addition of a playing field, bird ponds, and an outdoor swimming arena in 1910 solidified Kupittaa Park as a versatile and beloved urban green space. Today, Kupittaa Park stands as a testament to both Finland’s natural beauty and its rich history.