The ancient city of Turku, sometimes also referred to as the “Gateway to the West,” combines the atmosphere of antiquity with the buzzing energy of student youth in an amazing way.
Once the capital of Finland (until 1812), it now serves as the administrative center of Turku-Pori province. The ancient port city is located in the southwest of the country on the banks of the river Aurajoki, opposite the Ahvenanmaa archipelago.
Sights of Turku
The rich history of Turku, carefully preserved in over 20 of the city’s museums, is evident in every building on the main streets and in the concentration of sights in Finland there.
Turku Castle
The largest surviving medieval castle in all of Scandinavia is recognized as Turku Castle. This starting point of all tourist routes is located on the edge of the city behind the ferry terminals. The fortress is in good condition, the majestic walls of gray granite and today is open for various festivals, concerts and even children’s pirate festivals.
Historical Museum
In the castle there is a city historical museum. Here is an exhibition of all historical stages of development of Finland, keeping models of the castle from different periods of its construction, there is also an exhibition of historical costumes and toys. Entrance to the castle is free, the price of a ticket to the museum – 6.5 €. Working schedule: Monday-Saturday 10:00-18:00. Tours are conducted in Finnish, Swedish and English. In the halls of the museum photography is not allowed.
Tuomiokirkko Cathedral
The oldest building in Turku is Tuomiokirkko Cathedral, dating back to the mid-13th century. The modern look of the main Lutheran church was formed at the beginning of the XIX century. During its long history the cathedral has gone through numerous reconstructions, restorations after destructions and fires. Later, the main building of the church was enlarged by additions, and the height of the vaults was increased.
At present, the church houses the residence of the Lutheran archbishop, holds services and has a museum of religious artifacts. This important Finnish architectural monument keeps sarcophagi and tombstones of Lutheran clergymen, royalty and military leaders in its chapels. The temple has an organ, and the cathedral’s bell-ringing is a sound symbol of the city and is broadcast on the radio throughout Finland at Christmas. Entrance to the Cathedral is free, daily operating hours: 09:00-19:00, in summer 09:00-20:00. Near the temple organized by a paid parking lot.
Museum “The World of Moomin-trolls”.
The number and variety of subjects of museums in Turku is amazing. Here are located as traditional museums – the sea, art, estate museums, and very unusual exhibition – a museum, pharmacy, a museum “The World of Moomintrolls”. The latter is located 16 km from the city center, but nevertheless, this is the most popular museum of Turku.
Land of Mumi-Trolls is a revived pages of the book by Tove Jansson. To get to the museum you can take a bus route to Naantale number 11 and number 110, and then cross the bridge to the island of Kailo. Visitors to the island are greeted friendly by the inhabitants of the museum town, they give a tour of the huts, show how the blue castle is arranged, organize noisy children’s games in the clearing, organize theatrical performances. The museum is open only in summertime, daily 10:00-18:00, ticket price: 2 hours – 22 €, whole day – 29 €, children under 3 years old are free of charge.
Entertainment in Turku
The tourist attraction of Turku is explained by the variety of entertainment on offer. In summer, visitors prefer sightseeing tours through the ancient streets of the city, cruises on the Baltic Sea, biking and fishing.
In winter, tourists are attracted by winter Finnish entertainment – ice fishing, skiing, motor-sledding, ice skating. Peak attendance in Turku is experienced, unlike many other places in Finland just in winter. Turku is called the “Christmas City” – the name of Turku, and it is here that the main Christmas tree of the country is set up.
Shopping in Turku
Many travelers combine sightseeing in Turku with local shopping. In the ancient port city, in the best traditions of the trading center of the country, is located Market Square (Kauppatori). Here is the best selection of food brought here from the farms, and the greatest variety of craft shops. The special atmosphere of the old shopping aisles, the aroma of fresh pastries and spices – here you can just walk around and get energized by the general lively mood.
Goods of popular European brands and Finnish design things in a wide range are presented in large shopping centers of the city. Of the foodstuffs, dairy products and, of course, fish delicacies are highly valued by the city’s visitors.