Walk the cobbled streets of Naantali’s historic Old Town or follow the Aura River in Turku, Finland's oldest city full of Nordic culture and design.

Find Finnish happiness in Turku – a walkable city close to Saaristo, Finland’s vast archipelago, full of endearingly odd culture and events.
People sitting on the shore of Aurajoki

Established in 1229 along the river Aura, Turku is Finland’s oldest city and former capital, full of interesting history.

Here you can thrift a design classic in one of the many thrift shops, visit the Moomins in Naantali's Moominworld, have a dinner date in a riverboat, or go visit one of the area's 40,000 islands.

Stop at the Finnish Design Shop showroom just outside the city, or visit Järvelä to see local sauna culture up close.

The Turku castle.

The riverside is home to many interesting places. Pay a visit to the Turku Castle, then step into museums like Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova, the Wäinö Aaltonen Museum of Art, or maritime museum Forum Marinum. Along the way you’ll pass cafés, galleries, and the riverboats where locals spend their evenings.

Discover 7 Things to Do in Turku in a Day
Ruisrcok festival

©© Jaska Poikonen

Finns are known for being honest and sometimes shy, but they also know how to celebrate – at summer festivals, street markets, or long nights by the river. In summer, modern music festivals such as Kesärauha and Ruisrock are loved by the locals.

Two people biking

Turku truly has earned its name as Finland’s Food Capital. Visit Kaskis (1 Michelin Star) or Smör for authentically Finnish flavours, taste archipelago bread or fresh fish in the Market Hall, or try the local brewery on Kakola Hill.

Planning a trip to Saaristo? Find out more!