Turku’s imposing medieval Turku Castle and the floating boat restaurants lining the Aura River give visitors a look at Finland’s oldest city and its relaxed riverside culture.
Why Visit Turku
As Finland’s former capital and oldest city, Turku combines centuries of medieval and Swedish-influenced history with a lively riverside social scene along the Aura River.
Top Experiences in Turku
- Turku Castle Tour: This medieval fortress, one of the largest surviving in Scandinavia, offers extensive museum exhibits spanning over 700 years of history.
- Aura River Boat Restaurant Cruise: This iconic stretch of moored boats turned restaurants and bars offers a relaxed way to spend an evening along Turku’s riverfront.
- Turku Cathedral Visit: This medieval cathedral, considered the mother church of Finland’s Lutheran faith, features centuries of architectural additions and royal tombs.
- Luostarinmaki Handicrafts Museum Tour: This preserved wooden neighborhood, having survived a major historic fire, now functions as a living museum of traditional Finnish crafts.
- Turku Archipelago Boat Tour: A cruise through this vast archipelago of thousands of islands offers a scenic escape into Finland’s coastal wilderness.
Book Tours & Activities in Turku
From Turku Castle to the Aura River boat restaurants, these tours cover Finland’s oldest city and its riverside charm.
Turku Private Transfer from Turku city centre to Turku airport
Practical Tips for Visiting Turku
- Turku Castle’s exhibits can take several hours to fully explore, allow ample time for a thorough visit.
- The Aura River boat restaurants are especially lively during the short but bright Finnish summer.
- Luostarinmaki’s craft demonstrations are most active during the summer tourist season.
- Turku Archipelago boat tours are best booked in advance during peak summer months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Turku older than Helsinki?
Yes, Turku is considered Finland’s oldest city and served as its capital before Helsinki, giving it a deeper concentration of medieval history.
What are the Aura River boat restaurants?
They are a collection of permanently moored boats converted into restaurants and bars, forming one of Turku’s most popular social gathering spots.
Final Thoughts
Turku’s deep medieval history paired with its relaxed riverside culture make it one of Finland’s most rewarding and historically rich cities.
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