Turku: top attractions & road trip guide
Turku is Finland's oldest city and its former capital, straddling the Aura River near the southwest coast. It is known for Turku Castle guarding the river mouth, the medieval Turku Cathedral, and a lively riverside culture of cafés, boats, and museum ships moored along the banks.
On a road trip, Turku makes a natural loop with Helsinki along the southern coast or a gateway to the Åland archipelago by ferry. The surrounding region is flat and dotted with small towns and manor houses, making for easy, relaxed driving compared with routes further north.
Top attractions
Turku Castle
A medieval castle dating to the 13th century at the mouth of the Aura River, now housing historical exhibitions across its bailey and keep.
Turku Cathedral
The mother church of Finland's Lutheran faith, a brick Gothic cathedral consecrated in the 13th century and rebuilt after fires over the centuries.
Turku Archipelago
One of the world's largest archipelagos, thousands of islands and skerries reachable by bridge, ferry, and the scenic Archipelago Trail driving route.
Turku Market Hall
A historic indoor market hall from 1896 filled with food stalls, bakeries, and cafés, a popular stop for a taste of regional Finnish produce.
Ruissalo Island
A wooded island connected to Turku by bridge, known for its oak forests, botanical garden, sandy beaches, and 19th-century wooden villas.
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