Located on the southwest coast of Finland at the mouth of the Aura River is this beautiful small city, Turku. Declared once the official Christmas City of Finland & also designated the European Capital of Culture in 2011, this lovely & unique holiday destination would stay in your heart for ever. Turku, a wonder destination.
The River Aura is the heart and soul of this city, which happens to be the oldest city in Finland & also at one time the Capital city for hundreds of years. Talk of any European city from the Middle Ages & it would surely have a riverfront, a market square, a castle & a cathedral. And so does this wonder destination.
Those who love to walk, you would love to be here as all the attractions are in close proximity. The Old Great Square, as it is known as, has the Turku Castle, the Turku Cathedral, the Aura Riverfront, the Forum Marinum Maritime Museum, the Turku Port, the historic Market Square, the Turku Art Museum, Luostarinmaki Handicrafts Museum, Aboe Vetus & Ars Nova – Museum of History & Contemporary Arts, Turku Biological Museum, Turku Orthodox Church & St. Michael’s Church.
Another landmark is the Turku Market Hall built in 1896 by the famous Finnish Architect, Gustaf Nystrom which also has the distinction of being the second oldest market hall in Finland. You of course cannot miss visiting & enjoying ‘Vartiovuorenmaki’, a beautiful seven hectares park right in the heart of the city. Once done, just lie down in the park opposite the Cathedral or on the benches along the river, relaxing & soaking in the majestic beauty of the surroundings or reading a book & enjoying the chill & the sun.
Turku, a wonder destination – Visiting Loistokari
All said & done, the aura of Turku revolves around River Aura & this is where you got to be. Go for an Archipelago trip or sail to Naantali on an afternoon cruise with or without lunch. But then, one of your evenings should be reserved for this one & only super trip. An evening Dinner Cruise to Loistokari Island..aboard one of the oldest Steamship, s/s Ukkopekka. An unforgettable experience. Come let’s head there.
Turku, the city has been built on seven hills & hence the streets are up & down, giving you the feel of a hill station. Walking down the streets itself is a revelation as each building seems to be an Architectural masterpiece.
You must keep a day though for Naantali, a lovely city just 14 kms from Turku. See the beautiful landmarks, visit Kultaranta the summer residence of the President of Finland, Saaronniemi beach & in case your kids are traveling with you, Moomin World – the cartoon based kids theme park.
I love visiting castle. This makes me feel close to history. I am definitely adding turku in my wish list.
Wow where will you all go next. I enjoy your blogs so many great places I never thought to visit.
Croatia, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Belgium & Netherlands are in our plan this year Kiwi 😊
Turku looks amazing! I haven’t been here physically but your digital tour makes me want to go now! Wow!
that seafood buffet looks delicious.
I love your writing.It makes Sundays special.Thank you.
Nilanjan Basu
Thank you Nilanjan. Your positive encouragement makes my day too.
Turku is wonderful historical town. A boat trip to Loistokari seem a perfect evening activity. The dinner buffet looks delicious!
Yes Natascha it was such a refreshing trip.
We got only a small taste of Finland when we visited. The small city of Turku certainly looks like a spot to visit when we plan a longer visit. It is not surprising it was named the European Capital of Culture in 2011. The boat trip looks like a fun way to see a different perspective.
Yes Turku was truly fascinating. Everything about it.
Thank you for introducing me to this hidden gem! I really get the sense of the community spirit as you take us along your adventures. I would love to visit Finland one day and always seek out lesser known places just like Turku!
You would love Turku very much Renee. It’s a small town which you can just walk around, sit by the river, go for a cruise. Just loved it.
I haven’t heard of Turku but you had me at official city of Christmas! An evening dinner cruise is one of my favorite things to do when traveling, the live music is a bonus!
Yes Sherrianne it has also been a favorite of ours too.
Seeing these landmarks, make me imagine the trade that happened back then. Lovely scenery of the archipelago! It looks like the weather was cooperative on that day.
Yes wonderful weather all through Trisha.