Turku

TURKU AND SURROUNDINGS

Turku is Finland’s oldest city and former capital. It is a place of contrasts, where history intertwines with modernity. Located at the mouth of the Aurajoki River on the Baltic Sea, it has been an important centre of trade, culture and science for centuries. Turku is also the gateway to the archipelago – one of the most beautiful in the world – and a true paradise for lovers of Finnish cuisine, summer festivals and peaceful walks along the river.

Today, Turku partly delights with its historic buildings. Here you will find an impressive medieval castle, a majestic cathedral, bustling boulevards, museums and the friendly atmosphere of a port city. Unfortunately, in some places Turku has exceptionally ugly buildings from the 1970s and 1980s, which spoil the image of this historic city.

We managed to see almost the entire city and some of its surrounding islands. Below, in the guide, you will find all the places in the city that we visited, as well as others that are definitely worth adding to your ‘must see’ list.

LOCATION OF TURKU

Thousands of islands belong administratively to Turku, both within the city itself and in its coastal part in the archipelago. These islands are often inhabited only seasonally or are completely wild. The most important of them are:

  • Ruissalo – the largest and most famous island in Turku, famous for its Art Nouveau villas, nature reserves and beaches – (description below)
  • Hirvensalo – a large, partially built-up island connected to the city centre by bridges; popular among residents, with cycling routes and a ski slope – (description below)
  • Satava – a quieter island, neighbouring Hirvensalo, full of summer cottages and small harbours.
  • Kakskerta – an island with beautiful bays and a historic church from the 18th century.

THE CITY OF TURKU – HISTORY

Turku, known in Swedish as Åbo, is Finland’s oldest city, dating back to the end of the 13th century. It was founded at the mouth of the Aurajoki River, in a location ideal for merchants, craftsmen and sailors. It soon became the centre of Hanseatic trade and the seat of the bishopric, and in 1300, construction began on the cathedral, which still towers over the city today. For centuries, Turku was the capital of Finland and the country’s most important administrative centre. Unfortunately, in 1827, a great fire destroyed most of the buildings, and the reconstruction largely gave the city its modern street layout and, in places, a less than beautiful appearance. However, after the capital was moved to Helsinki, Turku retained its importance as a port and a centre of culture and science.

TURKU – EASTERN PART OF THE CITY

We will begin our story about Turku from the east, on the other side of the Aurajoki River. This is where our hotel (described below) was located and where we walked in our free time when we were not exploring other parts of the city and islands.

WOODEN BUILDINGS

The eastern part of Turku presents a slightly different face of the city. Less touristy, but full of local life and Finnish atmosphere.

AURAJOKI RIVER DAM

This part of the city also features a small dam on the Aurajoki River, which regulates the flow of water and is a popular destination for walkers. It is also a historic site, as there used to be mills in the area, and today you can see locks and a small hydroelectric power plant here.

ACADEMIC DISTRICT

The academic district is also located in the east of Turku. It includes the campuses of the University of Turku, Åbo Akademi University and the Turku University of Applied Sciences. During the academic year, these areas are bustling with life, but we are here during the holidays and there are only a handful of people around.

CENTRE OF TURKU

The buildings in the city centre are very diverse: next to tenement houses from the early 20th century and post-war blocks of flats, there are modern apartment buildings with large windows, which were built in recent years as part of the revitalisation of the waterfront.

TURKU CATHEDRAL

Turku Cathedral is Finland’s most important church and a symbol of the city, towering over the banks of the Aurajoki River for over 700 years. Its construction began around 1300, and the solemn consecration took place on 17 June of the same year. Initially, it was a Catholic church, but after the Reformation, it became the country’s main Lutheran cathedral. The structure of the church combines Gothic elements with later Renaissance and Baroque reconstructions. The 85-metre-high tower is one of the most recognisable landmarks in Turku. The interior houses numerous chapels, including those dedicated to medieval Finnish saints, and sarcophagi of important historical figures, such as Queen Catherine Margaret.

Unfortunately, we were unable to visit the building, as it is difficult to park in the centre and the surrounding area, and we were in the centre when the Cathedral was closed.

THE WATERFRONT IN THE CITY CENTRE

The boulevards along the Aurajoki River are one of the most characteristic places in the centre of Turku, where city life is concentrated. From spring to autumn, the riverbanks are bustling with music, conversation and the aroma of coffee from numerous cafés. Walking along the waterfront, we pass historic sailing ships, museum ships and barges converted into restaurants, which give this place a unique atmosphere. In the central part of the boulevards is the historic Varvintori Square and bridges connecting both sides of the city.

MARKET HALL FROM 1896

If you are in the centre of Turku, be sure to visit one of its historical sites. The market hall in Turku (Turun kauppahalli) is one of the most atmospheric spots in the city. Opened in 1896, the hall has retained its historic character — high wooden stalls, cast iron elements of the structure and the smell of fresh pastries welcome visitors from the moment they step inside. Inside, you will find the best of Finnish cuisine: from fresh fish and seafood, through local cheeses and cold cuts, to traditional pastries such as korvapuusti. Among the stalls, there are small cafés and restaurants serving both Finnish specialities and international cuisine. The eateries are tiny, but they serve delicacies so delicious that they deserve Michelin stars.

Unfortunately, you can also buy products that are controversial for us, such as moose, reindeer and bear meat. There are also sweets with the catchy name ‘moose poo’ – pictured.

SAMPPALINNA HILL

Samppalinna Hill is one of the most beautiful hills in Turku, located right next to the city centre, south of the Aurajoki River. Since the 19th century, it has served as a city park, and its alleys, lawns and viewpoints attract both locals and tourists. The most recognisable landmark on the hill is the Samppalinna windmill from 1860, but it is also worth visiting the summer theatre (Kesäteatteri) and the seasonal outdoor swimming pool, which attracts swimming enthusiasts during the warm months.

THE WATERFRONT NEAR THE FORI FERRY AND MARINA

This is probably the least interesting section of the coastline in the centre of Turku. Older buildings are giving way to newer ones, which are rather ugly. Only the historic ships standing on the river, which serve as restaurants, and the yacht harbour give this place its charm. At the end of the harbour, there is an interesting fountain in the shape of a whale’s fin.

OTHER BUILDINGS IN THE CENTRE OF TURKU

As I mentioned, the buildings in Turku are quite a mix. On one plot, there is a house perfect for a rural atmosphere, a little further away there are tall, decorative tenement houses, and somewhere else there are historic wooden buildings. A small architectural ‘mishmash’.

TURKU – PORT AREA

VARVSPLAN SQUARE AND SAILING SHIP

Varvsplan is a section of the waterfront in the centre of Turku, where one of Finland’s greatest maritime treasures, the three-masted ship Sigyn, is moored. Built in Gothenburg in 1887, it was the last full-rigged sailing ship in the country used in international trade, mainly transporting timber and coal. After the end of its career in the 1930s, it avoided scrapping and came under the care of the Maritime Museum in Turku. Today, it is undergoing a thorough renovation, so its former beauty can only be read about and imagined while standing on the waterfront.

SOUTHERN BANK AND HISTORIC PORT CRANE

On the southern side of the river, there are the newest apartment buildings with an old port crane fantastically integrated into them, which now houses a restaurant.

HUGE DAISY FLOWER

Opposite the cranes on the north side of the bank is a charming sculpture. It is a huge flower – a wooden daisy, which can serve as a large bench.

FORUM MARINUM

  • Location: MAP
  • opening hours: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • admission ticket (5 ships and 2 buildings): adults €22, seniors, students and unemployed €18, children €10. Free admission on the first Friday of each month.
  • details on the website: FORUM MARINUM

Forum Marinum is a maritime museum and sailing centre that tells the story of the Finnish Navy, merchant shipping and life by the sea. Located on the Aurajoki River, right next to the passenger port, it is a must-see for anyone who wants to experience the maritime atmosphere of Finland. The complex has two main permanent exhibitions:

  • The history of the Finnish Navy – from the first ships to modern vessels, with numerous models, uniforms and interactive presentations.
  • Merchant shipping and life at sea – presenting ships, cargoes and the everyday life of sailors over the centuries.

The biggest attraction of Forum Marinum is the fleet of historic vessels moored at the museum’s quay, including the three-masted Sigyn (1887), the training ship Suomen Joutsen (1902) and historic warships. In summer, most of them are open to visitors, and their decks offer views of the Turku waterfront.

TURKU CASTLE

Continuing westward, just beyond Forum Marinum, we find the medieval guardian of the Aurajoki estuary in a thicket of old trees.

  • Location: MAP
  • opening hours: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (closed on Mondays)
  • admission ticket (5 ships and 2 buildings): adults €16, children €7.
  • details on the website: TURKU CASTLE

Turku Castle (Turun linna) is one of the oldest and best-preserved buildings in Finland. Its origins date back to the end of the 13th century, when the Swedes built a stronghold here to guard the mouth of the Aurajoki River and an important sea route to the Baltic Sea. Over the following centuries, the castle was expanded. From a harsh fortress, it became the residence of royal governors, and in the 16th century, it took the form of a Renaissance palace.

The castle walls have witnessed Finland’s turbulent history: wars, sieges, fires and high politics. For a time, it served as a prison, and after extensive reconstruction, it became one of the country’s most important historical museums.

Today, Turku Castle attracts visitors with its austere medieval halls and cloisters, as well as its richer Renaissance chambers. You can also see permanent exhibitions telling the history of Finland and the fortress itself. The walls offer a view of the port and the coast of the Gulf of Bothnia, and in summer the courtyard is bustling with historical reenactments and festivals. However, we arrived after closing time, so we could only look at two courtyards and the passageway between them.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS IN THE CENTRE OF TURKU

Even if you spend several days here, it is impossible to see and visit everything that is most interesting. We saw a lot in the immediate and wider area, so we did not visit anything in the centre of Turku. I have described some of the museums and interesting places above. Here is a list of other attractions worth visiting:

INTERNATIONAL FERRY PORT

AND TRANSPORT BETWEEN THE ISLANDS OF TURKU

FERRY PORT

The ferry port in Turku is a bustling place that connects the heart of the city with the thousand islands of the archipelago and further corners of the Baltic Sea. Located just a few steps from the castle, it is not only a starting point for travellers, but also a real microcosm full of cafés, shops and the hustle and bustle of passengers waiting for their cruise. From the port in Turku, you can sail to the islands of the archipelago, such as Pargas or Nauvo, where picturesque landscapes, charming villages and the opportunity to commune with nature await. Longer cruises will also take you to Mariehamn in the Åland Islands. In addition, ferries depart from Turku to Sweden, e.g. to the port of Stockholm, making this place an important link in international shipping.

COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE ISLANDS

Travel between the islands is possible thanks to regular ferries that connect the main towns of the archipelago, such as Pargas (Parainen), Nauvo (Nagu) and Korpo (Korppoo). Ferries are often free or very cheap, making trips around the archipelago easily accessible to both residents and tourists. Connections are well coordinated, so you can conveniently plan day trips or multi-day trips using public transport. In the gallery, you will find the timetable for ferries from Ruissalo Island and a map showing the locations of the stops.

RUISSALO ISLAND

Ruissalo is one of the most beautiful islands in the Turku archipelago, located closest to the city and connected to it by a bridge and ferry service. It features extensive forests, historic villas and picturesque beaches. In the summer season, it is a favourite walking spot for locals and tourists who value peace and contact with nature. Ruissalo is also famous for its annual jazz festival, which attracts music lovers from all over the world. But that’s not the only thing that attracted us here.

KANSANPUISTO BEACH

Kansanpuisto is a popular beach on the island of Ruissalo, surrounded by pine forests in the south of the island. There is a sandy descent to the sea, a pier and picnic areas. There is a café nearby where you can enjoy a cup of coffee or Finnish cake.

BARNACLES AND OTHER BIRDS

Barnacles have taken a liking to the beaches and the entire island. These unusual geese live here in huge flocks. In June, we can also see dozens of little ones bravely swimming behind their parents.

VILLAS ON THE ISLAND

On Ruissalo, you can see beautiful wooden villas from the 19th century. They have decorated verandas, pastel colours and a view of the bay. Many of them house guesthouses or cafés. They blend in perfectly with the greenery of the forest and create the amazing atmosphere of this place. Walking along the coast, you feel as if you have stepped back in time.

SAUNAS ON THE WATER

The island is also famous for its saunas on the water, from which you can jump straight into the sea. This is a traditional Finnish way to relax and an unforgettable experience at any time of the year. Almost every house here has such a sauna on the water. And here’s an interesting fact: the house and its sauna are painted in the same colours. Together, they create an amazing fairy-tale whole.

RUSSIAN BATTERY FROM THE CRIMEAN WAR

The remains of a Russian artillery battery from the mid-19th century can be found on the island of Ruissalo. It was built during the Crimean War (1853–1856), when Turku and the surrounding islands belonged to the Russian Empire. Its task was to defend the entrance to the port against the British and French fleets. Although no major clashes took place here, the fortification remains an interesting testimony to the region’s military history. The ruins of the battery, overgrown with grass and moss, can be seen today during a walk in the western part of the island.

FERRIES TO SWEDEN – SILJA LINE AND VIKING LINE

One of the island’s biggest attractions are the ferries from the port of Turku passing through the strait between the islands. The channel between Ruissalo and the mainland is the main waterway leading to the port of Turku. Every day, large ferries bound for Stockholm and Mariehamn pass through here. The sight of them slowly gliding through the narrow strait, passing wooden villas and saunas on the water, is impressive. In the evening, as the sun sets, these cruises create an unforgettable image, combining maritime traffic with the idyllic atmosphere of the island. We are waiting here for two days in a row for the ferries to arrive SILJA LINE .

But it is even more pleasing to see the ferries VIKING LINE , as their colour, combined with the surroundings and the setting sun, creates incredible images.

HIRVENSALO ISLAND

Hirvensalo is a large island located south of the centre of Turku, connected to the city by several bridges. It is famous for its green forests, peaceful beaches and picturesque coves. It is a popular destination among locals who appreciate the tranquillity and proximity to nature. In winter, the island attracts skiers thanks to its local ski slope. Hirvensalo also offers numerous cycling and walking trails leading to small harbours and viewpoints. Thanks to its good transport links to the centre of Turku, it is an ideal destination for a short trip out of town. However, we were mainly attracted here by one place that I really wanted to see.

THE ISLAND FROM THE NORTH

We view the north of the island from the other side, i.e. from the previously described Ruissalo Island. In the distance, you can see the picturesque Airisto Segelsällskap sailing club and the buildings on this part of the coast.

ECUMENICAL CHAPEL OF ST. HENRY

  • Location: MAP
  • Opening hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 11:00–16:00, Thursday: 11:00–18:30, Saturday, Sunday: 12:00–15:00, Monday: closed
  • Admission: €7.50, students and seniors €5, children under 15 free of charge.
  • Details on the website: Taidekappeli

St. Henry’s Ecumenical Art Chapel is a small wooden temple located on the east coast of the island of Hirvensalo. It was established in 2005 as a place of prayer, art and ecumenical meetings. Its architecture is distinguished by a simple, austere form inspired by the hull of a boat. The chapel is surrounded by forest and overlooks the bay. From the outside, it is modest and unremarkable.

Upon entering, one is struck by the warmth of natural wood and the soft light streaming through narrow vertical windows on both sides of the altar. The wooden beams, bent into organic, almost sculptural forms, resemble the ribs of an inverted ship’s hull or wings floating above the heads of visitors. This rhythmic arrangement of the structure gives the chapel a sense of movement and, at the same time, tranquillity. The interior is ascetic, without unnecessary decorations, so that all attention is focused on the play of light, the texture of the wood and the harmony of the space. It is a place where architecture becomes meditation.

This is one of the most amazing temples we have ever seen!

ATTRACTIONS SOUTH OF TURKU

The south is another area full of greenery, islands and peaceful bays that will delight lovers of nature and seascapes. You will even find some sizeable mountains and fantastic rocks here.

ISPOINEN BEACH

The first place we reach is Ispoinen Beach. Located south of the centre, right on the shore of the Archipelago Bay, it offers sandy and grassy areas for sunbathing, as well as a gentle descent into the water, ideal for families with children. Next to the beach is a popular municipal sauna, which can be used all year round. In winter, winter swimming enthusiasts jump straight into the icy bay from here.

SYVAKALLINPUISTO ROCKS

From Ispoinen Beach, you can easily reach the Syväkallionpuisto rocks, which rise right next to it. Just follow the short path along the shore and then gently climb between the pine trees and boulders. At the top, there are flat, comfortable rocks, making it an ideal place for a picnic, sunbathing or admiring the view of the bay and nearby islands. It is one of those places where you can move from a bustling beach to a quiet, almost deserted corner in just a few minutes.

RAUVONLANLAHTI NATURE RESERVE

The Rauvolanlahti Nature Conservation Area is one of the most beautiful natural sites in the Turku area. The reserve includes coastal meadows, reed beds and forest fragments, which are important habitats for many bird species. It is particularly popular among nature lovers. In spring and autumn, you can see flocks of migrating geese and ducks, as well as rare species of waders. Wooden footbridges and walking paths lead to the reserve, making it easy to reach the wetlands. Along the way, there are information boards, as well as towers and viewing platforms offering panoramic views of the bay and the surrounding islands.

THE RESERVE’S SURROUNDINGS

From where we park, we have to reach both the reserve and the peak I describe below. These are the views that accompany us!

VAARNIEMI TOWER

Vaarniemi Tower is an observation tower located on one of the highest hills in Turku, in the southern part of the Hirvensalo district. Forest paths lead to the tower, passing through areas full of pine groves and glacial boulders. The ascent is quite steep in places, which adds a bit of challenge to the hike. It is a great destination for a short trek or a photography trip.

The tower terrace offers an impressive panorama of the city, the archipelago and the open waters of the Baltic Sea. On a clear day, you can see dozens of islands from here, and with a little luck, even ferries sailing towards Sweden or the Åland Islands.

TURKU SHIPYARD AND PLAYA DEL RAISIO

We are leaving the south because I want to take you west of Turku to another extraordinary place. It is probably the only beach in the world where you can sunbathe and watch the construction of the world’s largest passenger ships at the same time.

PLAYA DEL RAISIO

Playa del Raisio is a small, sandy beach located in a bay between Turku and Raisio. Sheltered by picturesque rocks and surrounded by forest, it is an intimate place to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The water here is calm and shallow, making the beach a popular destination for families with children. There are benches, picnic tables and a pier from which you can admire the view of the bay. There is also a restaurant with a terrace from which you can watch the ships. Next to the beach, there is also a fairly large marina filled with dozens of sailboats in the summer.

TURKU SHIPYARD

Meyer Turku, also known as Turku Shipyard, is one of the largest and most modern shipyards in Europe. It is located right at the mouth of the Aurajoki River. It specialises in the construction of luxury cruise ships, passenger ferries and specialised vessels. It is here that some of the world’s largest ships are built, commissioned by leading cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean International and Carnival Cruise Line. The history of the shipyard dates back to 1737, although the current facility at this location has been in operation since the mid-20th century. Since 2014, it has been part of the German Meyer Werft group, which has introduced numerous technological and ecological innovations, including emission reduction systems and modern propulsion solutions.

Meyer Turku is not a typical tourist attraction, but its huge cranes and ship hulls under construction can be seen from the beach shown earlier. It is not only the scale of the construction that is impressive, but also the awareness that floating cities are being built in Turku, which will later travel across all the oceans of the world.

WHAT ELSE IS WORTH SEEING IN THE TURKU AREA?

Although Turku did not initially seem worth much attention and we thought that three days would be enough to see everything in the city and the surrounding area, this time turned out to be far too short and there were still many places left on our list of places to see. If you ever stay here longer, be sure to visit:

ACCOMMODATION IN TURKU

We spent a few days in Turku at the hotel Holiday Club Turun Caribia. . Unfortunately, I do not recommend this accommodation – 4 stars is a big misunderstanding. The hotel looks really good from the outside and tempts you with a wide range of attractions, but once you get there, it turns out that practically everything is extra. For example, the water park only offers full-day tickets, with no option for shorter visits. On top of that, none of the bars are open, there is only a tiny shop at the reception. The food was average, and the cleanliness left much to be desired. Unfortunately, this is a common opinion among tourists visiting this area.

If you decide to book accommodation in the area, I recommend using the website Booking.com . Book your accommodation with a 15% discount via the link!

Enter your desired dates and book securely:

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