Turku is Finland's oldest city and a bustling university hub. It is a very safe and relaxed destination. The beautiful walking paths along the Aura River are secure day and night, but visitors should be aware that the riverbanks often lack railings; take care during the icy winter months or after enjoying the local riverboat bars. Turku is the gateway to the spectacular Archipelago Sea. If boating or visiting the islands in the summer, tourists should be aware of ticks, which can carry Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) and Lyme disease. Wearing long pants in tall grass and performing daily tick checks is highly recommended.