Fascinating Turku

Main attractions

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.

Symbol of the city

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.

Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova

Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova is a history and contemporary art museum – an unique cultural attraction. The museum is a fascinating combination of old and new that invites the visitor to explore the medieval history and culture of Finland. Museum’s Aula Cafe helds tasty Jazz brunch every Saturday.

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.

Culinary hub

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. Besides the restaurants in dry land, one can satisfy their appetite on the boats floating in the river.

Check out for example Mami, Tintå, Kaskis, Pinella or Kakolan Ruusu. If you want to have a little break while exploring the centre head for coffee at Cafe Art, Tiirikkala or Gaggui.

Seafaring for beginners

You don’t have to be an avid sailor with experience of sailing the Seven Seas to fully enjoy the uniqueness of the Turku Archipelago. Among the world’s largest – and to some among its most beautiful – the archipelago is accessible by foot, bike, connecting vessels, ferries, car or waterbus.

The Turku Archipelago is all about rugged untouched nature, but it also hides surprising oases where you can relax with a round of golf, a spa visit or satisfy the gourmand in you.