For travellers after an alternative getaway, the Finnish port city of Turku should pique your interest. Located where the River Aura meets the Archipelago Sea, Turku is Finland’s oldest city, filled with history and culture. Arrive here by plane, train, car or a ferry booked with Ferryscanner and discover national monuments, quaint islands and food markets. Here’s what to do on holiday in Turku.
Go for a stroll along the Aura River
The Aura River runs through Turku before emptying into the Baltic Sea. It’s somewhat of a focal point of the city, with the four-kilometre stretch between the cathedral and castle particularly impressive. Here, you’ll find a scenic walk dotted with cafes, bars, museums, stylish apartments and benches where you can take a seat and soak it all up. Anyone looking for a laid-back introduction to the city should start with a walk along the Aura River.
Turku Cathedral
The only mediaeval basilica in Finland, Turku Cathedral is the country’s national sanctuary. Located between the main square and the Aura River, it hosts the tombs of famous leaders, including a Bishop of Turku, the previous Queen of Sweden and a princess. Many believe the 13th-century building is the most historic in Finland. You can see for yourself with free entry to the cathedral.
Grab a bite at Turku Market Hall
Turku Market Hall is the second-oldest in Finland and has been trading since 1896. It extends the length of an entire block and established itself as an important community hub during its one hundred-plus years. Of course, it’s also somewhere to grab a bite and enjoy Scandi cuisine – sample food from fishmongers, cheese stalls, delicatessens and butchers. There are also a few cafes serving traditional dishes, such as salmon soup, as well as international options.
Turku Castle
One of Finland’s oldest buildings, Turku Castle was built in the late 1200s during Finland’s Swedish era. Initially used to defend the province of Eastland, it has taken on a wide variety of roles throughout the years, including an administrative centre, a seat of government, a warehouse and a luxurious palace. In 1987 it was renovated and now fronts as a museum. Visit the castle’s rooms and see the period furniture and more pieces of history from Finland.
Board a steamship
There’s lots of coastal beauty around Turku and in Western Finland. Indeed, the archipelago of Turku is formed of 20,000-plus islands and islets. You can see many coastal sights on board Ukkopekka, a steamship built in 1938. It’s the oldest steamship in Finland that’s still in commercial use and was even at sea during World War II. The interiors have since been renovated, and refreshments are on board for you to enjoy while taking in the best of Turku and its surrounding areas.
What to do on holiday in Turku
A trip to Turku affords you the chance to experience Finland’s oldest city and uncover hundreds of years of history. As an all-year-round tourist destination, there’s always something going on, and you’ll have plenty to do and see during your trip to this scenic city on the river.