Public urination plagues Turku Orthodox churchyard

The courtyard of Turku’s Orthodox church has become a frequent site for public urination, with incidents occurring almost daily—even during funerals, baptisms, and services, according to the parish.

Leena Haapala-Lindholm, parish secretary of the Turku Orthodox congregation, told Yle the problem worsened after the city removed public toilets from the Market Square. While toilets remain at the square, they are now reserved for restaurant and Toripark customers only. Turku currently has seven municipal public toilets, compared to over 50 in Helsinki.

Haapala-Lindholm noted the issue involves not just intoxicated individuals but people of all ages, including elderly residents taking children to urinate. “Is it good manners to teach children to urinate in such an environment?” she asked.

Police data show over 670 fines were issued nationwide last year for public urination, a violation of public order laws when it causes disturbance or health risks. The fine is €40. Most cases occur in Southwest Finland and Central Finland, with the fewest on the Åland Islands, where only one fine was recorded.

Joni Saarimäki, superintendent at the Southwest Finland Police Department, said the majority of those fined are men, often intoxicated. Police interpret the law broadly, he added, though discretion may apply in rural areas with some privacy. Urinating in the churchyard, however, is always considered an offense.

The parish has called for more public toilets and better signage directing people to the nearest facilities. Turku plans to open an eighth municipal toilet in Ruissalo later this summer, but no further expansions are currently planned.