Information about the event
Event area
The event area extends from Turku Cathedral to the Forum Marinum Maritime Centre. Artworks can be found on the eastern and western banks of the river and also on the River Aura itself. The route covers roughly 3.5 kilometres. You can explore the route in any order you prefer. While you can cover the area in a single evening, we suggest setting aside multiple evenings to fully appreciate the artworks and the related activities at a leisurely pace.
Along the route, you will find map signs and labels next to each artwork, featuring QR codes for additional details about the pieces.
Approximately 200,000 visitors are expected, which will cause congestion in the city centre area. We recommend avoiding private car use and instead arriving by public transport or on foot. The event and the related construction activities will result in some changes to both parking and traffic arrangements.
All lightworks will be on display from Thursday 4 December to Sunday 7 December, 16 to 21. This year, for the first time, the illuminations can also be admired in the morning on Sunday, 7 December, from 8 to 10 a.m. during the Valoaamu (Light Morning) event. Some of the works will be switched on around the clock, so you can see them any time after the sun goes down.
Construction of the works will begin on 28 November, and all structures will be taken down by 10 December 2024, excluding long-term installations that will stay in place until early 2025.
During The Path of Light event, the city will maintain winter upkeep of pedestrian and cycling routes as usual. However, anti-slip measures on the pathways will be scheduled for the quietest times due to the large number of visitors. Part of The Path of Light route also runs through areas that are not included in winter maintenance or are the responsibility of property owners. The pathways may at times and in certain places be very slippery. We recommend visitors to exercise caution and recommend the use of studded shoes.
Accessibility, public toilets
Our priority is to enhance the event’s accessibility, striving to make the services accessible to everyone. The event area is free and open to all. The works are located in an urban space that is not fully accessible. There are no stairs along the routes, and holders of disabled parking permits can park near the works.
With the disabled parking permit, you can also park in the Forum Marinum parking area, which is closed to other traffic. The event security and traffic control personnel offer guidance regarding parking arrangements.
Some works include flashing lights and intense effects, which may cause nausea in some spectators.
There are public toilets in the area.
Arrival, public transport and parking
With so many people expected at the event, the city centre is likely to become congested. We encourage visitors to avoid using private vehicles and consider arriving by public transport, cycling, or walking. Parking is controlled, for example, near Turku Cathedral and in different parts of the event area. When all parking spots are occupied, no cars will be allowed into the area in order to keep the routes clear.
Public transport
Regional public transport Föli conveniently transports visitors to the Path of Light from all over the Föli region for a price of 3,15 euros (cash payment on the bus, 4,5 euros). Single tickets can be purchased on buses using contactless payment, at service points and ticket machines, or from the driver in cash. Mobile tickets can be bought on the Föli app. By choosing to take a bus, you will skip the stress of finding parking, prevent congestion and promote a healthier urban environment for everyone. Welcome to the Path of Light by moving smartly!
Föli lines 1 and 1B from the bus station to the harbour operate along Linnankatu, west of the River Aura. On the eastern side, several bus lines run along the Itäinen Rantakatu street. Plan your own route in advance using the Föli route planner.
Parking
In addition to street parking, those arriving by car can also use parking halls in different parts of Turku. Some of them are listed below:
- Harppuunaparkki, Vallihaudankatu 1
- Louhi, Läntinen Pitkäkatu 12b
- Toriparkki, Yliopistonkatu 15
- Hansakortteli, Kristiinankatu 11
- Julia, Brahenkatu 3
- Kivikukkaro, Yliopistonkatu 29
- P-Centrum, Kristiinankatu 8
- Wiklund, Brahenkatu 8
Parking halls are not owned by the city, so each one has its own pricing:
Five park-and-ride facilities are available for event visitors. Park-and-ride facilities operate in such a way that by purchasing a mobile Föli ticket, you can also park in the park-and-ride lot for up to 12 hours.
Those with a disabled parking permit can park near the lightworks.
Special arrangements for traffic and parking due to the event
Läntinen Rantakatu is closed to vehicle traffic between Vaakahuone and Wechterinkuja on the event days from Thu 5 December to Sun 8 December, and parking spaces in the area are also unavailable
The Forum Marinum parking lot is closed for the entire duration of the event from Thursday 4 December to Sunday 7 December. Parking is allowed with a disabled parking permit.