Turku
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At a glance
- Country
- Finland
- Region
- Southwest Finland
- Population
- 200,000
- Best time to go
- June to August
- Main airport
- Turku (TKU)
- Coordinates
- 60.45°N, 22.27°E
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Overview
Turku is Finland's oldest city and its former capital, strung along the River Aura where it meets the sea. A medieval cathedral stands at one end of the riverbank and a castle at the other.
In summer, life moves to the river, with boat restaurants, cafés and walkers on both banks. Beyond the harbour lies one of the largest archipelagos in the world, with thousands of islands reached by bridge, ferry and bike.
Things to see
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Photo: Otto Jula, CC BY-SA 3.0 Turku Castle
A medieval castle by the harbour, with stone halls, chambers and a museum of its long history.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Markus Koljonen ( Dilaudid ), CC BY-SA 3.0 Turku Cathedral
Finland's national shrine, a great brick church begun in the 13th century, with a small museum inside.
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Photo: Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova, CC BY-SA 4.0 Aboa Vetus and Ars Nova
Excavated medieval streets and cellars lie beneath a contemporary art museum on the riverbank.
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Photo: Kreegah, CC BY-SA 3.0 Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum
A quarter of wooden houses that survived the great fire of 1827, set up as craft workshops.
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Photo: Jan-Erik Finnberg, CC BY 2.0 Forum Marinum
A maritime museum by the river, with historic sailing ships and naval vessels moored outside.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: kallerna, CC BY-SA 3.0 Ride the Föri
Cross the river on the little yellow ferry that has carried passengers since the early 1900s.
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Photo: kallerna, CC BY-SA 3.0 Archipelago Trail
Cycle or drive a loop of bridges and ferries through islands and fishing villages.
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Photo: Markus Rantala ( Makele-90 ), CC BY-SA 3.0 Day trip to Naantali
A pretty wooden old town by the sea, home to Moomin World in summer.
Where to stay
City centre
Close to the market square, shops and the river.
Hotels in City centreRiverside
Hotels along the Aura, ideal for walks and restaurants on the water.
Hotels in RiversideNaantali
A seaside alternative 20 minutes away, best in summer.
Hotels in Naantali
Getting around
The centre is walkable, buses cover the rest, and bikes are a good way to explore the river and islands.
Trains from Helsinki take around two hours. Buses run from the airport to the centre, and ferries from Stockholm dock at the harbour.
When to go
June to August is light and warm, with river life and archipelago trips at their best. Winter is dark and cold, with a much-loved Christmas season.
Plan your trip to Turku
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.