- Where is Turku located?
- Turku straddles the Aura River on the southwest coast of Finland. It is a beautiful historic city that dates back to the 13th century and features grand buildings, ancient churches, and quaint, cobblestone streets lined with charming cafés and restaurants.
- What are some of the must-visit historical sites in Turku?
- Perched at the mouth of the Aura River is the magnificent medieval Turku Castle, which features an interesting history museum.
- The former bustling trade hub of the Old Great Square lies on the eastern bank of the river.
- The ancient Turku Cathedral houses a museum and a royal tomb.
- Why is Turku significant in Finland’s history?
- Turku is Finland’s oldest city and has played a key role in the country’s trade, culture, and heritage.
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1. Turku Market Hall
Opened in 1896, Turku Market Hall is the second oldest market hall in Finland and houses dozens of stalls selling authentic and traditional Finnish and Scandinavian cuisine, as well as fresh produce and local beverages. Old and new seamlessly blends in a magnificent old building that was designed and built by architect Gustaf Nyström over a century ago and extends for the length of an entire block in the heart of the city. The market is home to traditional counters selling fresh fish and meats, cheese and charcuterie stands, specialty shops selling fresh milk, homemade baked bread, and gourmet delicatessen items. Don’t miss the chance to try some reindeer meat from Poronlihan erikoisliike Heinonen Oy or buy a unique souvenir at Wanha Turku Kauppa before relaxing over mouthwatering cake at freshly brewed coffee at the Aschan Blue Train café.
Turun Kauppahalli Turku, 20100, Finland
2. Aboa Vetus Ars Nova Museum
Set on the banks of the beautiful River Aura, Aboa Vetus Ars Nova Museum combines the old with the new and explores the rich medieval history of Turku and world-class modern art. Aptly named ‘Aboa Vetus Ars Nova,’ which translates to Old Turku and New Turku, the Aboa Vetus section of the museum exhibits ancient ruins with the highlight being one of medieval Turku’s main streets that runs right through the museum area. Two floors of the museum are dedicated to the Ars Nova section, which features an outstanding collection of modern and contemporary art featuring world-renowned artists like Pablo Picasso, Max Ernst, David Hockney, Andy Warhol, André Masson, and Auguste Herbin, along with Finnish artists such as Otto Mäkilä, Matti Kujasalo, and Lars-Gunnar Nordström. Aboa Vetus Ars Nova Museum is open daily.
4-6 Itäinen Rantakatu, Turku, 20700, Finland, Phone: +35-82-07-18-16-11
3. Steamship Ukkopekka
Experience the spectacular coastal beauty of Western Finland aboard the authentic Steamship Ukkopekka. Built in 1938, the beautiful vessel is the oldest steamship in Finland and has been lovingly restored to its former glory after serving in the Second World War. The steamship offers summertime day and sunset cruises through the breathtaking archipelagos off Turku, leaving from Turku and sailing past the lace villas of Ruissalo, the Old Town Marina, and the pretty harbor towns of Airisto and Naantali. Romantic Entertainment and Evening cruises sail to Loistokari Island and include hors d’oeuvres and drinks onboard, and a delicious meal served on Loistokari Island, followed by live music and pier dancing.
40 Linnankatu, Turku, Finland, Phone: +35-25-15-33-00
4. The Food Walk in Turku
Foodies will delight in this unique experience, which offers a fun and filling way to explore the city’s top restaurants, cafés, and eateries. The Food Walk in Turku is a walking tour that takes in some of the finest delicacies that the River Aura area has to offer, working on a card system, which allows visitors to eat in five different participating restaurants around the city. The Turku Food Walk card features ten participating restaurants that visitors can choose from with a three-day validity, allowing visitors to spend three days enjoying Turku’s restaurant culture and tasting the delicious cuisine of Finland. The Turku Food Walk card can be bought from the Turku Tourist Office and is valid for three days after purchase.
2 Aurakatu, Turku, 20100, Finland, Phone: +358-22-62-74-44
5. Turku Castle
The fortress of Turku Castle is a beautiful medieval building in the heart of Turku and one of the oldest buildings still in use. Standing on the banks of the Aura River, the castle, which is the largest surviving medieval building in Finland, was built in the 1280s, and through its rich history has been a defensive bastion, a royal court, a barracks, and a prison. Today, the castle is open to the public, who can explore the vast halls and elegant rooms, which are decorated with period furnishings and treasures, secret nooks and crannies, and excellent exhibitions on the history of the castle. The Children’s Castle Knight’s Hall includes a mini court, a treasure chamber, and workshops for kids and the Fatabur Museum Shop sells gifts, souvenirs, and costumes.
Linnankatu 80, 20100 Turku, Finland, Phone: +358-22-62-03-00
6. River Aura in Turku
The lively and historic university city of Turku is dominated by River Aura , which flows from its source in the town of Oripää and through Pöytyä, Aura, and Lieto before flowing through Turku and out into the Archipelago Sea. The brown waters of the river run through the historic part of Turku and many of its main attractions like the medieval Turku Castle and the Turku Cathedral, as well as many cafés and restaurants, which offer riverside tables with lovely views. A little ferry named Föli crosses the river regularly, along with several boats that provide lunch, dinner, and drinks cruises on the river.
Turku, Finland
7. The Archipelago Trail
The Archipelago Trail is a 250-kilometer trail that experienced by bicycle or car and is one of Finland’s most popular tourist routes. Popular with both locals and visitors alike, the Archipelago Trail begins in Turku and winds through the remote islands in the coastal archipelago of Western Finland, which boasts pastoral green countryside dotted with wooden houses, and red wooden boatsheds. The trail passes historic buildings, fortresses, and ruins, exciting museums, and the award-winning Saaristomeri National Park. Countless small bridges and the ferry crossings between the islands make it easy to move between them to enjoy the tranquil scenery, and the trail attracts around 20,000 visitors during the summer season, who experience the picturesque trail by car, motorbike, and bicycle.
Turku, Finland
8. PUF Design Market
Located in Forum Kortteli, PUF Design Market is a design-centric market that showcases the very best of Finnish design with over 20 Finnish fashion brands. The creative space in the Forum Quarter of the Turku Forum presents fashion from both emerging and internationally-renowned designers and also houses its own artist-dedicated PUF Gallery. In addition to highlighting and selling high fashion, the market hosts a variety of design-related events such as co-operative events, collection releases, live music gigs, and the popular block flea market. PUF Design Market is within walking distance from Turku’s central Market Square.
Forum Kortteli, Linnankatu 9-11, 20100 Turku, Finland, Phone: +35-84-00-99-81-62
9. Cafe Art
Located on the banks of the River Aura, Cafe Art is a charming family-run café with its own roastery and one of the oldest and busiest specialty coffee establishments in Finland. Home to several Finnish Barista Champions, the world-renowned coffee shop is an oasis for coffee lovers with a beautiful space overlooking the river, an inviting interior with a stylish espresso bar, a lovely outdoor terrace, and a vibrant, bustling atmosphere. Café Art serves high-quality coffee brewed on a Fetco from a rotating selection of different Brazilian Daterra lots, and micro-roasts up to five tons of coffee a year, which is distributed all over the country. The café also serves a variety of homemade cakes, pastries, and savory snacks, and sells Turku Coffee Roastery’s coffee in bags gifts or souvenirs. Café Art is open for breakfast and lunch, seven days a week.
Läntinen Rantakatu 5, 20100 Turku, Finland, Phone: +35-84-01-58-33-83
| Best Time to Visit | Places to Stay | Tips for Visiting |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (March-May) – Mild weather, blossoming parks, and cultural events. | Radisson Blu Marina Palace Hotel – Comfortable stay by the Aura River, near attractions. | Visit Turku Castle – Explore medieval history and beautiful castle grounds. |
| Summer (June-August) – Warm weather, lively festivals, and vibrant nightlife. | Solo Sokos Hotel Turun Seurahuone – Stylish hotel located in the heart of the city. | Attend Turku Medieval Market – Enjoy cultural events, local cuisine, and entertainment. |
| Fall (September-November) – Crisp air, colorful foliage, and peaceful atmosphere. | Scandic Julia – Modern accommodations conveniently located downtown. | Stroll along the Aura River – Experience picturesque views and vibrant autumn colors. |
| Winter (December-February) – Cold weather, festive charm, and snowy landscapes. | Solo Sokos Hotel Turun Seurahuone – Cozy hotel with elegant interiors in city center. | Explore Turku's Christmas Market – Experience seasonal traditions, crafts, and holiday treats. |
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents:
- 1. Turku Market Hall
- 2. Aboa Vetus Ars Nova Museum
- 3. Steamship Ukkopekka
- 4. The Food Walk in Turku
- 5. Turku Castle
- 6. River Aura in Turku
- 7. The Archipelago Trail
- 8. PUF Design Market
- 9. Cafe Art