Turku
FinlandDfa
© OpenStreetMap, CARTO
Suomen vanhin kaupunki | Finland's oldest city
Why visit
Walk the Aura River through the heart of the city, where the medieval Cathedral and 13th-century Turku Castle anchor the two ends. The Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova Museum lets you walk through excavated medieval Turku underneath a contemporary art space. Take the Archipelago Trail by car or bike for a striking circular route through islands and ferries. The Christmas Peace declaration each December 24 (broadcast nationally since the 1320s) is uniquely atmospheric. Eat skärgårdsrökt fisk (smoked Baltic herring) and try Turku's active restaurant scene.
When to avoid
Winters are dark and cold, by December, daylight is just 6 hours. Driving requires winter tires and confidence on icy roads. Many archipelago restaurants and ferries close November through April. Finland is famously expensive, a beer can be 8€, a meal 25€+. Many shops close Sundays. Mosquitoes can be relentless near the archipelago in summer. Pack repellent.
