Turku, Finland – Top Tourist Attractions – What to Do and See
Turku, the oldest city in Finland, is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Here are some top attractions and activities to consider when visiting Turku:
1. Turku Castle (Turun linna)
Turku Castle, dating back to the 13th century, is one of the oldest buildings still in use in Finland. It offers a fascinating look into medieval life with its museum exhibitions, guided tours, and historical reenactments.
2. Turku Cathedral (Turun tuomiokirkko)
This iconic landmark, consecrated in 1300, is the mother church of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. It houses a museum and hosts various concerts, making it a central part of the city’s cultural and spiritual life.
3. Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova
A unique museum combining contemporary art and archaeology, Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova allows visitors to explore medieval ruins and modern art exhibitions under one roof.
4. Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum
This open-air museum showcases 18th and 19th-century artisan workshops and homes, offering a glimpse into traditional Finnish crafts and daily life.
5. Forum Marinum
A maritime center and museum located by the Aura River, Forum Marinum includes several historic ships and exhibitions related to Finland’s seafaring history.
6. Turku Art Museum
Housed in a beautiful Art Nouveau building, this museum features a rich collection of Finnish art from the 19th century to the present day.
7. The Old Great Square (Vanha Suurtori)
The historic heart of Turku, the Old Great Square, is surrounded by significant buildings and hosts various events, markets, and festivals throughout the year.
8. Ruissalo Island
A beautiful natural retreat, Ruissalo Island boasts lush forests, scenic walking trails, and beaches. It’s also home to the Botanic Garden of the University of Turku.
9. The Archipelago Sea
Turku is the gateway to the Finnish archipelago, which consists of over 20,000 islands. You can take a cruise or ferry to explore this stunning natural wonder, known for its unique landscape and vibrant local culture.
10. Aurajoki Riverfront
The riverfront along the Aura River is a lively area with charming cafes, restaurants, and shops. It’s a perfect place for a leisurely stroll, especially in the summer when the area is bustling with activity.
11. Turku Market Hall (Turun Kauppahalli)
One of Finland’s oldest market halls, it offers a wide range of local delicacies, fresh produce, and unique food experiences.
12. Kupittaa Park
As the largest urban park in Finland, Kupittaa Park is a great place for outdoor activities. It features a children’s adventure park, a sports park, and beautiful green spaces.
Activities:
Cycling and Walking Tours: Turku is a very walkable and bike-friendly city with numerous guided tours available to explore its history and culture.
Boat Cruises: Take a boat cruise along the Aura River or into the archipelago to enjoy scenic views and learn about Turku’s maritime heritage.
Festivals: Turku hosts many annual events and festivals, including the Turku Music Festival, Medieval Market, and Christmas City events.
Dining: Enjoy the local cuisine, which includes fresh seafood, traditional Finnish dishes, and innovative culinary experiences at various restaurants and cafes.
Turku offers a blend of historical charm, cultural richness, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination in Finland.
turku Finland top attractions what to do and see turku finland’s oldest city and its former capital is a vibrant and historical destination that offers a Rich Blend of cultural attractions beautiful landscapes and modern amenities located on the Southwest coast of Finland turku boasts a unique charm that captivates both locals and visitors whether you are a history buff nature Enthusiast or just looking for a peaceful getaway turku has something for everyone here is a guide to the mustsee attractions and activities in this fascinating City historical and cultural attractions turku Castle turun Lina one of the oldest buildings in Finland turku Castle dates back to the 13th century this medieval Fortress has served various roles throughout history from a defensive Bastion to a luxurious Palace today it houses a museum where visitors can explore historical exhibits Grand halls and ancient dungeons the Castle’s architecture and its historical significance make it a must visit turku Cathedral tun tuomo Kirko another landmark that showcases Turk’s Rich history is the turku cathedral this Gothic Cathedral consecrated in 1300 is the mother Church of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland it features stunning architecture beautiful stained glass windows and an impressive pipe organ the cathedral also hosts a museum that offers insights into its storied past Aus and our AR NOA aboa vus and arsn NOA is a unique Museum that combines contemporary art with medieval history aboa vus reveals the ruins of medieval turu allowing visitors to walk through ancient streets and buildings ARS noova on the other hand showcases Modern Art collections the Museum’s dual Focus provides a comprehensive cultural experience luo Starin Maki handycrafts Museum this openair Museum presents a rare glimpse into the lives of turkus Artisans and C Craftsmen from the early 19th century the preserved wooden houses along with demonstrations of traditional crafts make luo Starin makaki a Living Museum where history comes to life Scenic and natural attractions oroki oroki the iconic river flowing through the heart of turu Finland transforms the city into a vibrant and Lively destination every summer stretching from the historic turku Castle to the Serene Katarina or Katarina Lao the Riverbanks become a bustling Hub of activity and relaxation during the summer months the river’s keys are lined with Lively cafes restaurants and Terraces offering locals and tourists alike a chance to enjoy the warm weather with a picturesque view the scent of fresh coffee and local Delicacies wafts through the air adding to the delightful atmosphere araji is also a focal point for numerous cultural and recreational activities the annual medieval Market one of the largest historical reenactment events in Finland brings the Riverbanks to life with Medieval music crafts and costumes Additionally the river is a popular spot for boat cruises and paddling providing unique perspectives of turu landmarks like the turku cathedral and the old warehouses the archipelago sea turu serves as the gateway to the Finnish archipelago one of the largest archipelagos in the world a boat tour through this stunning sea landscape is an unforgettable EXP experience visitors can explore picturesque Islands enjoy Serene nature and partake in activities like kaying cycling and fishing ruis Salo located just a short distance from the city center ruissalo island is a Haven for nature lovers this island is home to beautiful Oak forests Scenic walking trails and Charming 19th century Villas it also features a popular Beach and the risalo spa making it a perfect spot for relaxation and outdoor activities Kuran kilaki Village step back in time at Kuran kilaki an authentic rural village where visitors can experience traditional Finnish Farm life the village offers interactive exhibits workshops and events that highlight agricultural practices and Rural Traditions it’s a great place for families to learn and have fun modern attractions and activities turu Art Museum the turku Art Museum located in a stunning Granite building features an extensive colle collection of Finnish art from the 19th century to the present day the museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions making it a dynamic cultural hub for art enthusiasts forum marinum for those interested in Maritime history forum marinum is a must visit this Maritime Museum and Naval Center offers fascinating exhibits on finland’s seaf fairing history including historic ships nautical artifacts and interactive displays the Museum’s location by the aura River adds to its charm turku Market Square cpor at the heart of turu the Market Square is a bustling Hub of activity it’s the perfect place to experience local culture shop for fresh produce and Sample finish Delicacies The Market Square is surrounded by cafes restaurants and shops making it a vibrant spot for both locals and tourists turku archipelago Trail for adventure Seekers the turku archipelago Trail offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the archipelago by bike or car this circular route connects numerous Islands via Bridges and fairies providing breathtaking views and access to Charming Island communities events and festivals turku medieval Market held annually in July the turku medieval Market transforms the city into a lively Medieval Fair visitors can enjoy historical reenactments traditional crafts music and food it’s a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the city’s medieval heritage Ru rock festival as one of the oldest rock festivals in Europe rise Rock takes place on ruis Salo Island every July this popular music festival attracts International and Finnish artists offering a mix of rock pop and electronic music the festival’s scenic location by the Sea makes it a unique experience Christmas City turku turku Embraces the festive season with its Christmas City celebrations the city center is adorned with beautiful lights and various events including including Christmas markets concerts and parades create a magical atmosphere the turku Christmas peace declaration a tradition since the 13th century is a highlight of the season turu is a city that seamlessly Blends history culture and nature whether you are exploring ancient castles enjoying the natural beauty of the archipelago or experiencing the vibrant local culture turku offers a wealth of attractions and activities for every Traveler its Rich Heritage Scenic Landscapes and Lively events ensure that there is always something to see and do in this captivating Finnish City [Music]