Turku

Just a two-hour drive from both Helsinki and Hanko, the historic city of Turku is worth heading for to visit the imposing castle, explore the cobbled streets, and get a taste for the oldest city in Finland.

Situated on the mouth of the Aura River in the southwest of Finland, the city has played a central role in Finland’s history. Archaeological findings date back to the Stone Age, with Iron Age relics showing the area has been inhabited continuously since.

SENSE THE HISTORY

During the Middle Ages, it became part of the Hanseatic League, and Finland’s first university was founded here in 1640. Turku was even the Finnish capital between 1809 and 1812.

For nearly 750 years, Turun Linna (Turku Castle) has guarded the city and its people. Built in 1280AD and still standing proud, guided tours take in the well-reserved banqueting halls, medieval dungeons and a museum.

The city continues to celebrate its historic importance and cultural significance in a string of museums and galleries, including Aboa Vetus which unearths Turku’s archaeological past, and Ars Nova which displays contemporary art at the same location.

TASTE THE CITY

A fantastic way to get a sense of the city is to follow the river and its ten bridges from the castle to the striking Turku Cathedral, enjoying the riverside cafes and restaurants along the way. Often likened to Parisienne café culture, Turku’s gastronomical reputation puts it firmly on the foodie’s map.

TAKE A PRISON BREAK

For a more sinister experience, spend time in Kakolanmäki, which once served as a prison for the area’s most notorious lawbreakers. The hilltop museum tells their stories, and the area is now popular with the city’s trendsetters who love its new hotels, restaurants, brewery and coffee roastery.

Hotel Kakola embraces this legacy, with jail-themed rooms and the opportunity to bed down in a former solitary confinement cell for the night.

EXPLORE THE TURKU ARCHIPELAGO

If you come to Turku, it is more than likely you will be here to enjoy the never-ending chain of islands and inlets that counter city life. There are more than 20,000 islands in total, and they are a haven for kayakers, bird watchers and dreamers alike.

Go wherever the next boat takes you or follow the official Turku Archipelago Trail - a 250km circular network linking national parks, rural villages and empty bays, making it a pleasure to explore by car or cycle.

WHAT ELSE TO SEE

For families, make sure to visit Moomin World on Väski Island, near to Naantali. The voyage there and back is included in the ticket price. And art lovers may be surprised to find a Salvador Dali private exhibition at Art Bank gallery in Pargas.

But outside the culture rich city of Turku, this area is all about quiet villages, marine wildlife and sea views. Find old churches, maritime heritage, cleverly converted saunas and friendly locals along the way.