Turku stands as Finland’s oldest city and once held the status of its capital. Today, Turku thrives as a cultural and gastronomic hub offering a multitude of activities for an all-encompassing experience. Whether you’re captivated by its rich history or its vibrant contemporary scene, Turku caters to all tastes.
In Turku there is everything, but still, Turku is small enough that you can go almost everywhere by foot or bike. Feel the city spirit by walking along the banks of Aura River, the heart and soul of Turku, and visit the Riverboat restaurants along the river shores. The city is also a must visit place for foodies and is gaining reputation for its splendid restaurant scene – all the way to the point of referring to the city as being the Food Capital of Finland.
The city also offers a great number of interesting museums as for instance the Luostarinmäki, with its old wooden houses, and the Aboa Vetus Ars Nova museum where you’ll find both ruins of the medieval Turku as well as contemporary art. See here for tips on the wonderful museums in Turku! The famous Moomins also live in this region; the Moominworld in Naantali is located only 15 kilometers from Turku.
Just outside Turku you’ll find a breathtakingly beautiful and the world’s largest Archipelago, with around 40.000 islands – a spectacular area for various kinds of island hopping excursions with boat, car or by bike. Also, do not miss to explore the closest island to Turku; Ruissalo, which can easily be reached by waterbus from the Aura River during the summer season. Do as locals – bring some local picnic delicacies with you and head to the pure nature of Ruissalo.
