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Turku
Finlands oldest city and former capital
Along the Aura River, you can walk through medieval cobblestone streets. The river is the heart of the city. During the summer, the riverbanks come to life when people gather here to eat, drink and listen to music. There are old sailing ships moored in the river, and you can take cruises out into the archipelago or to nearby Naantali. Cruise ships sail daily from Turku Harbor across the Baltic to Sweden. Cross the bridge or take the free Föri ferry to the west bank, where the main attractions include the Turku Castle, Forum Marinum maritime centre and its museum ship fleet (including the full-rigger Suomen Joutsen), as well as the Pharmacy Museum and Qwensel House. Closer to Market Square, there is the recently renovated Turku Art Museum, the Market Hall and the magnificent Main Library.
Considered to be the most important religious building in Finland, the cathedral has witnessed many important events in the nation’s history and has become one of the city’s most recognizable symbols. The cathedral is situated in the heart of Turku next to the Old Great Square, by the river Aura. It is also central to Finland’s annual Christmas celebrations.The Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova museum complex is always enjoyable and it is located on the riverside. The museum is a fascinating combination of old and new that invites the visitor to explore the medieval history and culture of Finland. The sights to see on the eastern bank include also the Sibelius Museum, the home museum Ett Hem, the Old Town Centre, the Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum, the Municipal Theatre of Turku and the Wäinö Aaltonen Museum of Art.
Turku retains its enchanting old town feel while increasingly becoming a culinary hub. For both budget-dining and fine-dining Turku offers excellent eateries that will flick your taste buds and make visitors go back for seconds. When hungry, along Aura River there’s plenty of places to choose from.
Considered to be the most important religious building in Finland, the cathedral has witnessed many important events in the nation’s history and has become one of the city’s most recognizable symbols. The cathedral is situated in the heart of Turku next to the Old Great Square, by the river Aura. It is also central to Finland’s annual Christmas celebrations.The Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova museum complex is always enjoyable and it is located on the riverside. The museum is a fascinating combination of old and new that invites the visitor to explore the medieval history and culture of Finland. The sights to see on the eastern bank include also the Sibelius Museum, the home museum Ett Hem, the Old Town Centre, the Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum, the Municipal Theatre of Turku and the Wäinö Aaltonen Museum of Art.
Turku retains its enchanting old town feel while increasingly becoming a culinary hub. For both budget-dining and fine-dining Turku offers excellent eateries that will flick your taste buds and make visitors go back for seconds. When hungry, along Aura River there’s plenty of places to choose from.
Juuri sitä parasta
Kohokohtia
Turku Castle
History & Architecture
Turku Castle is a more than 700 year old historical monument. It has stood guard over the river Aura estuary since the 1280’s. Its granite stone walls hold within them the history of Finland, Sweden and the other Nordic countries. The history of Turku Castle begins in the 1280's. During the centuries the fortification gradually changed into a grand greystone palace.
Turku Cathedral
History & Architecture
Turku Cathedral, situated on the hillock of Unikankare, is Finland’s National Sanctuary. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary and Finland’s first bishop, St Henry, the church was consecrated in 1300. The Turku Cathedral is considered to be Finland’s most valuable historical monument. Every part of this National Shrine reflects the details of Finland’s history.
Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova
History & Architecture
Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova museum is a unique combination of history, archaeology and contemporary art in the centre of Turku. Discover the numerous artefacts and medieval ruins of Aboa Vetus and enjoy exhibitions of high quality foreign and Finnish contemporary art in Ars Nova. The permanent exhibition of Aboa Vetus tells what medieval life was like in the Convent Quarter of Turku. The museum premises consist of the ruins of stone houses, which have been excavated and exposed by archaeologists.
Ruissalo
Wildlife & Nature
Ruissalo is a beautiful island linked by a bridge to Turku. Some animal, mushroom and plant species that are otherwise rare in Finland are found in Ruissalo’s oak forests. The idyllic villas that were built after the mid-19th century created a unique atmosphere. The island has a camping area, hotel, bed and breakfast as well as numerous cafés and restaurants. The well-maintained paths and tracks invite you to explore the island’s unique nature and history.
Forum Marinium and Suomen Joutsen
History & Architecture
Forum Marinum is a National Specialist museum for Finnish maritime and naval history, as well as a wonderful attraction for families. With a long history of shipbuilding, the area along the River Aura comprises original buildings, old harbour cranes and fascinating museum ships from various eras. Suomen Joutsen is a former school ship of the Finnish Navy and now a museum ship in the Aurajoki at Forum Marinum in Turku.
The Small Archipelago Trail is a shorter option of the main Archipelago Trail. It turns off the large trail in Nagu where you take a ferry via the remarkable Seili Island directly to Hanka in Naantali. The Small Archipelago Trail is a roundtrip that is about 120 km. The route runs through five towns, fifteen permanently inhabited islands and some smaller uninhabited islands. By cycling around the Small Archipelago Trail by bike you get flexibile during the whole way you can enjoy unbelievable sceneries Availability until 29.08.2021
Small Archipelago Trail
2 - 5 days
You will face the seaside nature and cultural encounters just by the water. Combining nature destinations and city experiences you will get most out of your journey. Every place you visit offers you options for local restaurants and cafés. In Turku and Rauma you can visit and learn about maritime culture and history in exhibitions.
Seaside experiences at the Finnish Archipelago
3 - 6 days
Shiny yellow car ferries and smaller blue and white passenger ferries, fantastic views from bridges and causeways, cute red wooden buildings, marinas brimming with sailing boats, these are all memories you will take home from The Archipelago Trail. The sea is never far away in one of the world’s most beautiful archipelagos. You will visit most of the major islands in the archipelago. Each island has its own special charm. The route meanders through historic villages where you can find plenty of things to do during the summer. (test)
Archipelago Trail route by bike
2 - 5 days
In co-operation with Hungry for Finland we have created a tasty trip to the South-West region of Finland and worlds largest archipelago. Start your culinary trip from Pori, explore the archipelago one town at the time and get try their best tastes. Turku and Naantali specially are known for being great places for foodies!
South-West culinary trip
2 - 4 days
Walking in the middle of old wooden houses is like stepping into a fairytale world: colorful buildings, ornate facades, cobbled streets which create an atmosphere that exudes the past. In the old wooden house towns on the southwest coast of Finland you will find many restaurants, cafes, boutiques and museums. Most of the wooden house towns were built in the 18th and 18th centuries. The areas are well cared for, which guarantees that we are able to admire these unique and historic sites in the future as well.
Old Wooden Towns Tour
3 - 5 days
