Archipelago Coast & Turku

The Finnish Archipelago Coast (Saaristo) is one of Northern Europe's best-kept secrets. Between Turku and the Åland Islands lies the largest archipelago in the world: Over 40,000 islands — from tiny rocky outcrops to inhabited islets with red wooden houses, fishing villages, and inns. Many are uninhabited and accessible by kayak, sailboat, or free ring ferry.

The region has a Swedish-speaking heritage: In many coastal towns, Swedish is the mother tongue. The culture is maritime — fishing, boat building, summer guests, and a tranquility dictated by the rhythm of the tides.

Key locations: Turku (Finland's oldest city and former capital), Naantali (Moomin World and old town), Rauma (UNESCO wooden town), and the Åland Islands (autonomous island group between Finland and Sweden).

Turku (Åbo in Swedish, 195,000 inhabitants) was Finland's capital until 1812 and is the country's oldest city (founded in the 13th century). Today, Turku is a vibrant university city with a top-notch restaurant scene and was the European Capital of Culture in 2011.

Sights

• Turku Castle (Turun linna) — The mightiest medieval castle in Finland (from 1280), located at the harbor. State rooms, dungeons, and an excellent historical museum. Admission: €12.
• Turku Cathedral (Turun tuomiokirkko) — Finland's national shrine, consecrated in 1300. The cathedral towers over the old town and is the symbolic center of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. Admission: free.
• Aura River (Aurajoki) — The heart of Turku. In summer, restaurant ships (Föri ferry is free!), cafés, and bars line the shore. The river promenade is Turku's living room.
• Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum — A complete wooden city district from the 18th century that survived the great fire of 1827. In summer, craftsmen work in traditional workshops. Unique in Finland. Admission: €8.
• Forum Marinum — Maritime museum at the harbor with historic ships (sailing ship Suomen Joutsen, frigate Sigyn). Admission: €12.
• Market Hall (Kauppahalli) — Turku's historic market hall from 1896. Fish, cheese, pastries, and local delicacies. Perfect for lunch.

Dining in Turku

Turku boasts the best restaurant scene in Finland outside of Helsinki. The city was listed as one of the best food spots in Scandinavia by Monocle magazine in 2024. Especially the restaurant ships on the Aurajoki (Svarte Rudolf, Cindy) are a summer experience. Try: fresh herring (silli) and Archipelago bread (saaristolaisleipä) — a dark, sweet malt bread from the archipelago region.

The Archipelago Road (Saariston rengastie)

The Archipelago Trail is one of Europe's most spectacular circular routes: 250 kilometers over islands, bridges, and ferries through the archipelago off Turku. You can travel the route by car, bicycle, or motorcycle — the ferries are free! The route passes through the islands of Parainen, Nagu, Korpo, and Houtskär and can be traveled in both directions.

By bicycle: The most popular way to experience the Archipelago Road. 250 km in 3–7 days, relatively flat, with inns and campsites along the way. Bicycle rental in Turku from €20/day. The best time: June–August. The route is well signposted with the green archipelago road symbol.

Islands & Villages

• Nagu (Nauvo) — The largest island on the route with restaurants, art galleries, and a charming guest harbor. The restaurant L'Escale serves excellent seafood.
• Korpo — Quiet island with a medieval stone church (14th century), hiking trails, and the feeling of being at the end of the world.
• Houtskär — The outermost island, almost open Baltic Sea. Fishermen, seals, and a silence you can hear.
• Pargas (Parainen) — The next archipelago island from Turku, connected by bridge. Limestone quarry, old town, cozy cafés.

Åland Islands

The Åland Islands (6,700 islands, 30,000 inhabitants) are an autonomous, Swedish-speaking region between Finland and Sweden. Politically Finnish, culturally Swedish, with its own flag and stamps. Mariehamn, the capital, has an excellent maritime museum (Pommern sailing ship). Getting there: Ferry from Turku (5.5h) or flight from Helsinki (30 min). The Åland Islands are tax-free — hence the large Baltic Sea ferries (Viking Line, Tallink Silja) dock here.

Rauma — UNESCO Wooden Town

Rauma (39,000 inhabitants, 92 km north of Turku) has the largest contiguous wooden town in Scandinavia — and it has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1991. Around 600 colorful wooden houses from the 18th and 19th centuries line cobblestone streets. Inside: boutiques, cafés, craft workshops, and residences. Rauma is not a museum town but a living district where people live and work.

Rauma is also famous for bobbin lace (Rauman pitsi) — a tradition maintained since the 17th century. Every July, the city celebrates the Rauma Lace Week with workshops, exhibitions, and the "Black Lace Night" festival. The Rauma dialect (Rauman giäl) is so unique that it is considered an intangible UNESCO World Heritage.

Naantali — Moomin World & Old Town

Naantali (20,000 inhabitants, 16 km west of Turku) is one of Finland's most charming coastal towns. The medieval old town with its colorful wooden houses, the Gothic monastery church (15th century), and the picturesque harbor is an idyll in summer.

The main reason families come to Naantali: the Moomin World (Muumimaailma). On its own island, children experience the world of Tove Jansson's Moomins — the blue Moomin house, characters to touch, theater shows, and adventures. Open: mid-June to mid-August + a "Magical Winter Week" in February. Admission: €32 (children €30). An absolute must for families with children up to 10 years.

Porvoo — Finland's second oldest city

Porvoo (Borgå, 50,000 inhabitants, 50 km east of Helsinki) is technically not on the archipelago coast, but as Finland's second oldest city (founded in 1346), it is an essential day trip. The famous red warehouses on the Porvoonjoki River are one of Finland's most photographed motifs. The old town with cobblestones, antique shops, chocolatiers, and the medieval cathedral is a dream. Brunberg chocolate and Café Helmi are must-visits. Getting there from Helsinki: Bus (1h, from €8) or nostalgic steamer in summer (3.5h, from €45).