The IRIS Turku Intensive Weeks are soon here!
The summer holiday months in Finland (July-August) have been the warmest and driest in many, many decades. The Finns have enjoyed the holidays like never before, but now we are back at work!
So get ready – the IRIS team is full of energy!
Many of the TUDARCo members have visited Turku before, but not to worry, there is always something new to experience. I will share with you a couple of changes that will affect your IRIS weeks in Turku.
The most visible might be the renovation of the TURKU Campus area, our new Campus building has soon reached its height and it will change the scenery of the whole area. It will still be another year until we can use the new Campus building. Until then, we must utilize the existing spaces we have and they will be in different buildings on different days, but I’m sure we will manage!
Something fun is happening during IRIS intensive weeks, and Turku will celebrate a special Turku Day on 16.9. It has been celebrated annually since 1961 and the purpose is to activate Turku people to get together and embrace the beautiful city. The first baby that is born on Turku Day, every year, gets a very special greeting from the city. Turku Day ends to spectacular fireworks at 9pm! Best views are from the riverside.
One other specialty is that nearly 200 people come out on the streets and dine together. Everyone brings their own food and drinks on the joint table. One must have booked those seats beforehand, but it will be possible to go and see this massive street picnic.
We have also changed the accommodation place for you and we hope it will be comfortable. The new IRIS team hotel is Scandic Julia, located on Eerikinkatu, one block away from Market Square and river Aura. The hotel is recently renovated and the breakfast buffet is nice, hope you enjoy it there.
Some of you will also be travelling to other cities than Turku, but let’s save those details for later.
That’s part of the changes and highlights you can expect during your visit, but there is plenty more to come!
Travel safely and warmly welcome!