A person admiring the Bengtskär lighthouse.

Sights and Culture

Discover sights and culture in Saaristo and Turku, from museums to the Turku Castle and the wonders of Moominworld. Explore city spots or venture out into the archipelago for adventures like music festivals on the islands — or visit the Nordic's tallest lighthouse, Bengtskär.

Turku city library with cherry blossoms.

A concert in the Turku Cathedral.

A horse rider on the yard of the Turku Castle.

Medieval tournament in Turku Castle.

Turku Art Museum.

Museums

In Turku, you’ll find some of Finland’s most known museums. From contemporary art to maritime history, the city offers a mix of old and new. The Turku Castle stands by the river as a reminder of centuries past, while museums like Aboa Vetus Ars Nova take you both underground and into modern art at the same time.

On the islands museums are often smaller, but closer to their surroundings. Old pilot stations, island homesteads, and local collections give insight into the way people have inhabited these lanscapes for millenia.

Don’t miss these spots

The city centre's riverside is packed with experiences: step into a museum, visit the Turku Castle or take a sightseeing tour on the river by boat. Along the way, you might come across something unexpected — like the local celebrity, the giant Posankka sculpture, a pink hybrid of a duck and a pig watching over the city.

For something different, head to Naantali and visit Moominworld, a favourite of families and literature lovers – you could even get to meet the Moomins! Or take a ferry out to the islands and go on an adventure among small fishermans villages and their historic trails.

New in 2026: Fuuga Music Hall

In Autumn 2026, Finland will gain a new crown jewel in its music venue scene: Turku's Fuuga concert hall will offer world-class acoustics developed in collaboration with leading international designers, ensuring the best possible listening experience from every seat. At Fuuga, you can experience concerts where the music fully surrounds the audience, creating an unforgettable and immersive experience. The halls' architecture, interior design, and carefully curated restaurant services complete the experience, making it a destination in its own right.

This brand new concert hall opens its doors in November 2026, and tickets are available for the opening. Check what’s on when you visit: Some moments are worth planning your trip around.

Music festivals

Located on Ruissalo island near Turku, Ruisrock is one of Europe’s oldest rock and pop festivals and thousands of people to the Baltic Sea coastline each year in July.

Another favourite is Kesärauha, taking place every June — a modern city festival built around alternative and indie music, set in the historic environment of the Turku Castle.

Then there is Archipelago Sea Jazz: not a single event, but a series of four festivals spread across the region in spring, summer, and autumn. Each location brings its own setting — from small island harbors to maritime museums.

Turku Music Festival brings a longer tradition into the mix. Founded in 1960, it is Finland’s oldest continuously running music festival. In August it takes over concert halls and historical venues around Turku.