Holiday in Turku

About Turku

Turku is Finland's oldest city and former capital — a charming center at the mouth of the Aura River in the archipelago of the Baltic Sea. The city combines medieval history with a vibrant cultural scene and serves as a gateway to one of the most beautiful archipelagos in the world with over 20,000 islands. As the European Capital of Culture in 2011, Turku has established itself as a creative center of Finland. Turku Castle, one of the largest preserved medieval castles in Scandinavia, stands on the riverbank and houses a fascinating historical museum. The Turku Cathedral, Finland's most important religious building, towers over the old town with its distinctive spire. Along the Aura River, restaurant ships, museums, and cafés line up — the riverbank is the pulsating heart of the city. The archipelago in front of Turku is a natural paradise for island hopping — with ferries, bike paths, and idyllic fishing villages. The Archipelago Ring Road connects several islands and is one of the most beautiful cycling routes in Europe. In summer, Midsummer festivals, sailing regattas, and the endless bright nights attract visitors. Turku is reachable from Helsinki by train in two hours. The city is also the starting point for ferry crossings to Stockholm through the archipelago — one of the most spectacular ferry routes in the Baltic Sea.