Kakolanmäki

Imagine a place where rugged history meets modern hedonism. Kakolanmäki is the second-largest hill in the city of Turku, a place that for a long time inspired awe in the locals. It was here, in a majestic granite castle, that the largest prison was once located, housing the most dangerous criminals Finland had ever known.

Kakola Hill. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Today, only powerful walls and captivating legends remain of its dark past. Since the correctional facility closed in 2007, the area has undergone an incredible transformation. It is now a stylish and vibrant neighborhood that has become a true gastronomic and cultural hub of the city. Here, old prison blocks have been turned into cozy apartments, and former cells into rooms of a unique hotel.

People come to Kakolanmäki for its unique atmosphere of "rebirth." This place combines historical heritage with modern amenities: from craft breweries to artisan bakeries. Magnificent panoramic views of the Aura River open up from the top of the hill, making a stroll here a must-do for any tourist.

For your convenience, we have gathered the essential contact information for Kakolanmäki. Although the grounds themselves are a public space, you can always find your way using the address below.

Start your discovery of the hill with gastronomic finds. Visit the Kakolanruusu restaurant, where dishes are prepared over an open fire, creating a unique coziness. If you're looking for something more conceptual, check out the Ruben restaurant at the hotel or enjoy a glass at the Hilarius wine bar, whose interior is decorated with actual shackles — a subtle nod to the building's past.

Quality beverage enthusiasts should definitely stop by the Kakola Brewing Company to try the local craft beer or enjoy the aroma of freshly roasted beans at Frukt Coffee Roasters. For the freshest pastries, head to the Bageri Å artisan bakery, whose bread is considered among the best in the city.

For those seeking a thrill, an overnight stay at Hotel Kakola is the perfect option. You can choose a room in a former solitary cell with original bars on the windows, yet with luxury-level comfort. Don't forget to visit the local museum to learn more about the inmates' fates, and be sure to ride the modern funicular, which offers excellent views for your photos.

Getting to Kakolanmäki, located at Michailowinkatu 10, is quite simple. If you are in the city center, a pleasant walk along the scenic banks of the Aura River will take only about 15–20 minutes (approximately 1–1.5 km). To make the ascent up the hill as comfortable and interesting as possible, use the new funicular, which will whisk you to the top in no time.

For those who prefer public transport, city buses run through the area, stopping in the immediate vicinity of the complex. The Tallink Silja ferry terminal is also nearby, which is convenient for travelers arriving by sea.

If you are coming from the railway station or the airport, the most convenient option is to order a taxi — the trip will take between 10 and 15 minutes. Parking areas are provided for motorists, though it is worth remembering that the district itself is very pedestrian-friendly and perfect for leisurely exploration.

The history of this place didn't begin with prison bars: in the 17th and 18th centuries, a psychiatric hospital was located on the hill. However, the modern appearance of Kakolanmäki began to take shape in 1853, when a massive granite city prison complex was erected here. This imposing structure towered over the Aura River, serving as a silent warning to all residents and visitors of the city.

Behind the prison's thick walls, the country's most notorious criminals served their sentences. Among them were the famous murderer Matti Haapoja and the cunning fraudster Ruben Auervara. Haapoja became famous for making four successful escapes, leading locals to jokingly nickname the place Pakola (from the Finnish word paeta — "to escape"). Despite its grim appearance, the prison was known for frequent escapes throughout its history.

The prison complex operated for over a century and was officially closed only in 2007. Following this, a large-scale revitalization of the territory began. Today, Kakolanmäki is a brilliant example of how a dark historical heritage can be transformed into a modern, open, and friendly urban space where the past is harmoniously woven into contemporary life.

To leisurely explore Kakolanmäki, feel its unique energy, and enjoy the panoramic views, we recommend setting aside 2 to 4 hours for your visit. This time is quite sufficient for a walk around the grounds, a visit to the small museum, and getting to know the architecture of the former prison castle.

If you plan to stop by the local brewery for a tasting or have dinner at one of the conceptual restaurants, it's worth allocating half a day. For those who decide to fully immerse themselves in the atmosphere and stay at Hotel Kakola, the experience will stretch over a full 24 hours.

The Kakolanmäki hill area is open to visitors 24/7, allowing you to enjoy its atmosphere and views at any time of the day or night:

• Monday — Sunday: Open 24 hours.

Please note that internal facilities, such as Hotel Kakola, the restaurants, the museum, and the brewery, operate on their own schedules. We recommend checking their opening hours in advance on the establishments' official websites.

Exploring the surroundings of the hill will allow you to deeper experience the atmosphere of one of the country's oldest cities. Numerous iconic sites, from medieval fortresses to modern theme parks, are concentrated near Kakolanmäki.

A walk through this area will be a great addition to your visit to the former prison, allowing you to see the contrasts between rugged history and the city's elegant architecture.