For a completely relaxed holiday of two or three days, if you are around in Europe then, you must head to this destination. Turku the Christmas Capital, Finland. Christmas is not far away and what could be better than being there. Enjoying your Christmas like never before, in Turku.
River Aura
The aura of this lovely Finnish capital of olden days truly revolves around its River Aura. Because that’s where the charm of this pretty city lies pretty much when it is flowing. Furthermore it’s a city which you can walk entirely on foot going up and down the hilly streets. And you’ll love the endless relaxed encounters with the river. Moreover it’s small and it’s beautiful. It’s Turku.
How to reach Turku?
Turku Airport connects Helsinki, Stockholm, Talinn and other airports in Scandinavia and European countries through direct and indirect flights. And the airport is just 8 kms from the city center. But when you are traveling within Finland, trains and buses are the best options. Therefore we decided to take the Omnibus from Helsinki to Turku. Moreover a distance of 150 kms covered in just two and a half hours. It was a lovely journey through the green.
Helsinki – Turku
The Helsinki Bus Station
Situated in the Kamppi Shopping Centre, Helsinki Bus Station is truly one of the most modern and busiest in the world. Because around 700 long distance buses depart from there daily and the same number arrive from around Finland. There is a direct connection from the bus station to the metro and the Espoo region bus terminal without going outside the building. Moreover there is also an underground connection from Kamppi to the Helsinki railway station.
As we depart on our ‘Omnibus’
The Journey
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We are in Turku
Turku
At the Turun linja-autoasema Bus Station, Turku
Turku the Christmas Capital – But why?
Turku has a long history as being Finland’s oldest city, the largest city two centuries back and the country’s first capital. Originally, the word Finland referred only to the area around Turku. In 1996, it was declared the official Christmas City of Finland.
The best time to spend a vacation in Turku apart from the lovely summer months would be during the Yuletide holidays starting 21st December this year till 1st January 2022. The city would be celebrating the Yuletide season by holding a number of events and festivities, which are of course, open to all tourists. Turku would also be holding the yearly official Christmas Declaration ceremony during Christmas eve at the Old Great Square, once the bells of the Turku Cathedral have tolled midday.
“He who breaks this peace and violates the peace of Christmas by any illegal or improper behavior shall under aggravating circumstances be guilty and punished”.
Let the celebrations begin. In fact they have already begun with Down by the Laituri – A festival at the heart of Turku. It’s an open-minded line-up of Artists & Pop-Up Restaurants which have taken over the square of Turku Cathedral on this last weekend of July.
Turku the Christmas Capital – A Summer holiday
Summer has its own attractions. While River Aura freezes during the winter, when you could do some skiing, summer is about living around the river. And that’s just awesome.
We had put up in this nice hotel named Hesehotelli opposite the Turku Bus Terminal. It is a very clean place and a spacious room was allotted to us. Moreover it had a Hesburger restaurant on the ground floor, making our breakfast option so very convenient. In fact one night we had our dinner there too with more than just burger options. Also a Mcdonald’s outlet is located just on the opposite side of the highway. The location was great with all landmarks, city square, the restaurants, Turku Market Hall and the river all within close walking distance. A great option for staying on a budget.
Turku – Lovely landmarks
The Orthodox Church of Saint Alexandra
The Orthodox Church of Saint Alexandra
Turku Orthodox Church, also called the Church of the Holy Martyr Empress Alexandra is the main church of the Turku orthodox parish located on the northeast corner of Turku Market Square. It looked beautiful with the blue sky in the background.
Turku Cathedral
Turku Cathedral is the previous Catholic cathedral of Finland, today the Mother Church of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. It is the central church of the Lutheran Archdiocese of Turku and the seat of the Lutheran Archbishop of Finland.
The Cathedral
The cathedral has hosted many important events in the nation’s history and is therefore considered as the city’s most recognizable symbols. It is situated in the heart of the city and next to the Old Great Square, by the river Aura. The adjoining gardens are a delight for any traveler. Let me show you why.
The mesmerizing green
And a lovely place to chill out with River Aura for company
Turku Castle
As we walk to the Castle
Turku Castle
Turku Castle is a medieval building in the city of Turku in Finland. Together with Turku Cathedral, the castle is one of the oldest buildings still in use and the largest surviving medieval building in Finland. Standing on the banks of the Aura River, it was founded in the late 13th century. The adjoining grounds and the exhibit homes of historical days are a delight. Let us take you around this charming location.
Inside the Castle
The Castle & the grounds
Back side of the Castle
A side view
A Hutment 
And another one
Venue of ‘Turku Castle Medieval Tournament Jousting Championship’ every year
Aboa Vetus Ars Nova Museum
Aboa Vetus and Ars Nova is a museum housed in a building known as the Rettig Palace, originally built in 1928. Portions of the city dating back to medieval times is displayed in Aboa Vetus, while Ars Nova is a museum of contemporary art.
Turku Art Museum
The National Romantic granite building of Turku Art Museum is a monument in itself. It was designed by Professor Gustaf Nystrom and was completed in 1904. It’s a landmark Museum showing Nordic Art. The gardens around are a great place to unwind.
Turku Art Museum
Another view
Garden Art Museum
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Turku Market Square
Market Square
The Market Square is a city square and is generally considered the city’s central square. Moreover it hosts a lively market on weekdays and there are several cafés, restaurants and buildings which are architectural masterpieces in the square.
Turku – A walk by the river
A Boat Ride in the evening
Loistokari Dinner Cruise – A Summer Special
Your summer holiday in Turku must include this wonderful Dinner Cruise to Loistokari Island aboard one of the oldest steamship, s/s Ukkopekka. Because it’s a one of its kind experience. Therefore here is a glimpse.
Also enjoy the complete experience – The Magic of Loistokari
Finland is fun land. And Turku? Likewise, just fabulous. Because it has all the charms of a laid back yet exciting holiday. Be it Summer or Christmas.
Turku is a nice city indeed for short vacation. I have visited few times,I enjoy the walk by the river Aura very much. In Helsinki I miss the river like Aura.
Yes Somdatta.Turku has a charm which is unique.
We had a short visit to Finland and sadly did not get to see Turku. It sounds like we should plan to visit over the holidays and enjoy this Christmas Capitol. Although I must admit to preferring to stroll the pretty streets when it is warm and sunny. We would definitely plan an evening boat trip for sunset.
Turku is beautiful and I think it’s much more a summer town than a Christmas capital. In fact, the Christmas market in Helsinki is much better than in Turku. But it got this title because they do the Declaration of Christmas Peace in Turku every year. I hope you were able to visit Aboa Vetus which takes you to underground and to the old, historical town they found from there. It is one of my favorite places in Turku among the Turku Castle.
Yes Paula agree. Our summer holidays was so much fun.
I had never heard of turku before so it’s great to find a new exciting place, especially for Christmas! The art museum and the turku Castle both look like interesting things to do too. Thanks for the tips.
My pleasure Kerry. Happy you found Turku an interesting place.
I didn’t know that Turku was declared as the official Christmas city! I only visited Helsinki on a business trip and haven’t had much time to explore around, but definitely would love to see Turku. The Cathedral, the Castle and the museum surely capture my interest. A walk along the river sounds lovely as well.
Yes Ha Turku is a lovely place walking around.
I have Finland high up on my list and I want to travel to the country as soon as possible. I will definitely add Turku to my list and would love to visit the Christmas capital. I think I will plan during the Christmas itself so I can experience how Christmas actually looks like. I would like walking through the streets in the town and watching all the cathedrals and churches.
I didn’t know that Turku is the official Christmas City of Finland. Interesting! Though the pictures show the summer season, I can’t help but hear those sleigh bells ringing and visualize snow while reading this post. I look forward to your post of Turku during the Yuletide season.
I’ve never been in Finland, but now that I’ve read about Turku I’d love to visit the country during the Holiday Season. The city looks lovely during summer time as well, but I’m sure there must be something really special about it at Christmas. I wonder how Turku Castle must be in winter. It looks like a lovely place to visit.
I would have thought a Christmas city might be found in Canada! I would love to visit Finland one day. I would love to walk along the river, maybe take a nighttime cruise and definitely visit that castle.
Ah! I really need to head to Europe during Christmastime. I have always wanted to go and have never considered Finland during the holidays. What a fabulous idea!!
Go for it Jennifer 😊