Turku — Finland's oldest city

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.