Explore the interesting mix of urban city culture in Turku and the uniqueness of the breathtaking Archi-pelago with its 20,000 islands and islets.
Turku, the oldest city of Finland and the European Capital of Culture 2011, is a vibrant and modern city full of life and activities with a compact size and easy walking distances. Feel the city spirit by walking along the banks of Aura River, the heart and soul of Turku, and visit the Riverboat restaurants. The city has a great number of bars and top-quality restaurants that serve locally produced specialties.
Visit the two best known landmarks of this city with a history dating back to 1229- Turku Cathedral and Turku Castle. Afterwards, you can have a drink in an old school, a pharmacy or an old bank. Find also the famous Finnish design stores of Marimekko and Artek and design brands by young and talented Turku based designers. The city also offers a great number of interesting museums, a blend of old and modern architecture, art and big events such as Ruisrock. The Moomins also live in this region; the Moominworld in Naantali is located only 16 kilometers from Turku.
Turku Cathedral was consecrated in 1300 and is the national shrine of the Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Finland.
Turku Castle
Turku Castle is the oldest and largest medieval castle in Finland and one of the country’s national trea-sures.
Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum
Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum is a unique town of the past, where most of the houses still stand in their original places.
Turku City Library
Turku City Library is an elegant building that combines modern and classic architecture offering culture in its many forms.
Moominworld
Moominworld is a fairytale that you can step into! Experience how the stories of Tove Jansson live in the heart of the archipelago´s natural landscape!
Restaurants
Food and Drink in Turku
Turku has a wide selection of top-quality restaurants serving excellent food, often featuring local products. Do not miss our specialties such as the dark archipelago bread, a slightly sweet bread, or dishes made from sea buckthorn, an extremely healthy berry with plenty of vitamin C. Given the proximity to the sea, fresh fish is served in many imaginative ways. Find the local and fresh delicacies in the market hall or at the market square, where native Turku people speak their distinctive dialect. Visit one of the peculiar pubs in Turku such as the School and the Old Bank.
Shopping
Shopping in Turku
Finland is where Scandinavia’s iconic Marimekko design originates and if you happen to be a fan of Alvar Aalto, you will find his designs in Artek. These well-known Finnish brands Artek and Marimekko together with Pentik and Iittala have stores in downtown Turku. Familiarize yourself with upcoming brands from Turku Design Now meaning young Turku-based designers such as Tonfisk design and Klo Desing. The Old Great Square also offers a wide range of artisan’s boutiques and small galleries.
Nightlife
The Riverboats
The restaurant boats moored along the River Aura are a special summertime feature in Turku. Here locals come to start their evening before heading to the city centre clubs and night spots.
Unique pubs
Turku is also renowned for its unique pubs which can be found operating from unusual places! Pop into the Public Toilet, the Bank, the Pharmacy and the School and you might be in for a surprise.
Wine and cocktail bars
Turku also offers relaxed, beautifully located wine and cocktail bars such as Tintå, E.Ekblom and Pinella.
Turku Underground Treasures
Klubi, Dynamo and Monk.
Activities
Turku archipelago
Turku archipelago with its 20,000 islands and scenic surroundings begins at the mouth of the River Aura. Try island hopping through different landscapes in this eastern part of the Scandinavian Islands. Explore the islands and the Archipelago Trail by foot, by bike, by car or by bus.
Turku Sightseeing Tour
Use Turku Card to get free access to major Turku sights & Turku Sightseeing Tour and discount for the River Cruise.
Pub Tour
The theme Pub Tour takes you into the heart of local pub culture. Visit the Brewery Restaurant School and have a pint in a history class or try specialties of the Old Bank and the Pharmacy.
The Medieval Market
History will be relived in an authentic environment during four days.
Date: 28 June -1 July
Ruisrock
Ruisrock is the oldest rock festival in the Nordic countries, top international and Finnish names.
Date: 6–8 July
The Turku Design Festival
The Turku Design Festival is a series of design events collaborated with talented Turku-based design-ers.
Date: 9- 15 May
The New Potato Festival
The New Potato Festival, potato and fish delicacies, competitions for best recipes, a potato dance and other unique events.
Date: 16 –17 June
Down By The Laituri
Down By The Laituri, Finland´s oldest and most legendary city festival, pop and rock music.
Date: 24 - 29 July