- Turku was the capital of Finland until 1812, when the Russian administration moved the seat of government to Helsinki to distance the administration from Swedish influence.
- The city is home to the oldest university in Finland, the Royal Academy of Turku, which was founded in 1640.
- A unique local custom is the 'Declaration of Christmas Peace', a tradition broadcast nationally from the Brinkkala Mansion balcony every December 24th.
- Turku follows a strict 'Kiss My Turku' branding, reflecting a local penchant for self-deprecating humor and a fierce pride in the city's status as the nation's original hub.
- The city's urban layout was largely reset after the Great Fire of Turku in 1827, which destroyed nearly three-quarters of the wooden structures in the town center.
About Turku
Turku is Finland’s oldest city and former capital, uniquely defined by its medieval heritage and position along the Aura River. It serves as a gateway to the vast Archipelago Sea and maintains a strong dual-language identity with both Finnish and Swedish. Visitors can explore the 13th-century Turku Castle or experience the historical preservation of the Luostarinmäki Open-Air Museum. The city landscape blends ancient stone architecture like the Turku Cathedral with modern cultural institutions such as the Aboa Vetus Ars Nova museum.
Highlights of Turku
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Historical places
This fortress features massive stone halls and displays covering centuries of regional history.
Temples
This national shrine serves as the mother church of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland.
Museums
This museum preserves original wooden buildings in their authentic, pre-fire locations.
Museums
Visitors can walk through excavated medieval street ruins located beneath contemporary art galleries.
Museums
The museum displays a massive collection of maritime artifacts inside a historic harbor warehouse.
Museums
The collection features significant works from the Finnish Golden Age of art within an iconic hilltop building.
Historical places
The former provincial prison has been transformed into a residential and boutique hotel district.
Parks
These gardens maintain a diverse collection of sub-tropical plants and unique Finnish flora.
Top things to do in Turku
The 146 highest-rated places in Turku, ranked by travellers.
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Historical places
Turku Castle is the oldest building in Finland still in use, with foundations dating back to the 1280s. The site evolved...
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Temples
Turku Cathedral is the Mother Church of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland and the national shrine of the countr...
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Parks
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Parks
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Historical places
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Museums
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Museums
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Parks
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Venues
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Museums
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Museums
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Places of interest
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Historical places
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Museums
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Parks
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Places of interest
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Museums
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Amusement parks
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Parks
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Venues
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Parks
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Venues
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Places of interest
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Parks
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Beaches and ponds
27
Beaches and ponds
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Temples
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Parks
30
Museums
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Turku on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Turku
June to August, when the Baltic climate is at its mildest and the city's riverfront life is in full activity.
2-3 days to explore the river banks, museum district, and take a short ferry trip into the archipelago.
The city center is compact and highly walkable, supplemented by an extensive local bus network.
Stay in the riverside district near the city center for proximity to major attractions and dining, or choose the Kakolanmäki area for unique, repurposed historic lodging.
Mid-to-high range; Finland generally has high service and dining costs.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 146 curated attractions in and around Turku, ranked by traveller ratings.
Turku Castle is the highest-rated place to visit in Turku right now.
The largest category is parks, with 39 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Helsinki, Tampere, Jyväskylä.
Explore more of Finland
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
