Tourist Attractions in Turku

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Turku

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Turku

The Finnish city of Turku dates back to the 13th century. It is the oldest city in the country and its first capital. Turku and its surroundings are uniquely charming due to the Aura River, the vastness of the sea, the archipelago of several thousand islands, and the organic interweaving of historical and modern buildings.

Invaluable architectural monuments include the national shrine – the majestic Cathedral, the Old Square, the medieval Abo Castle. The city is rich in museums and exhibition centres. The most popular are the Pharmacy Museum in the Quensel House, museums of music, crafts, navigation, the Biological Museum, the combined complex of archaeology and modern art. In summertime, ferries take you to numerous islands. On one of them there is the valley of mummy trolls, which is a delight for children and adults.

Top-20 Tourist Attractions in Turku

Turku Castle

 4.5/5

8854 reviews

One of the largest buildings of the Middle Ages. It was built as a defence fortress in 1280. Subsequently, it was rebuilt many times. In the 16th century it turned into a luxurious Renaissance palace. Today there is a historical museum on the territory of the castle. Of interest are the observation towers, prison cells, ducal chambers, as well as the ceremonial halls, which are used for ceremonial events. The castle chapel is a popular place for wedding ceremonies.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

The Old Great Square

 4.3/5

2004 reviews

The historical part of Turku – Vanha Suutori – is located next to the Cathedral. It has been known since the 13th century. It houses the Swedish Lyceum, the old mansions of Juselius, Brinkkala and Hjelt, the Abo Academy, the old Town Hall and two public gardens. The square serves as a place for fairs, exhibitions and theatrical performances. From the balcony of Brinkkala House, the “Christmas Peace” is traditionally proclaimed, after which Christmas celebrations begin. In July, the Medieval Days are held here.

Open time

Opiskelijayhdistys Trade ry

 5/5

1 reviews

A popular tourist attraction in the city centre. Known since the 19th century. Frequently rebuilt, a number of buildings were demolished in the post-war period to make way for more modern buildings. The main objects located on the square today are an Orthodox church, the Swedish Theatre, a hotel, shopping centres, cafes. In the morning hours, the square is used to sell clothes, flowers, and agricultural products brought by farmers and private producers from the surrounding regions.

Open time

Monday: 11:45 AM – 12:15 PM
Tuesday: 11:45 AM – 12:15 PM
Wednesday: 11:45 AM – 12:15 PM
Thursday: 11:45 AM – 12:15 PM
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Turku Cathedral

 4.6/5

3845 reviews

The grandiose Gothic-style church was erected in 1258 and consecrated as a cathedral 4 decades later. Most of the interior was rebuilt in 1830, after a massive fire in Turku. It was then that the 100 metre high tower, which has become a symbol of the city, was built. The bells of the cathedral ring every day at noon on the radio for the whole country. A museum of the history of church life is opened at the cathedral, where sacred vessels, statues of saints, and a collection of clothes are kept.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Michael´s Church

 4.6/5

872 reviews

Located on a hill in the centre of the city. It is a magnificent red-brick building in the neo-Gothic style. The beginning of construction dates back to 1899. The opening and consecration of the church took place in 1905. The height of the tower with the spire is 77 metres. The hall can accommodate 1250 parishioners and is often used for concerts and wedding ceremonies. The organ of the cathedral, after restoration and improvement in 2002, is considered the largest in the country.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Orthodox Church of the Holy Martyr Empress Alexandra

 4.3/5

149 reviews

It was built in 1838-1846 as a garrison church for the Russian military. It is located on the Trade Square. The building is made in the late Empire style, has the form of a rotunda decorated with 16 decorative columns. The sub-dome space is represented in the form of blue sky with golden stars. Later the bell tower was completed. Today the church is recognised as an architectural monument. Services are held in Finnish and once a month in Church Slavonic.

Open time

Monday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:15 PM
Sunday: 9:30 – 11:30 AM

Åbo Svenska Teater

 4.5/5

359 reviews

Located on the Trade Square. It is considered the oldest in the country. The building was constructed in 1839. Its own troupe was formed by the end of the XIX century. It has three chamber stages – for 350, 120 and 100 spectators. Specialises in musical productions for adults and children. Every season several new productions are released. In addition, the theatre hosts conferences, presentations, and in the restaurant – festive meetings and banquets. Tours of the backstage area are organised.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 3:00 – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 3:00 – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 3:00 – 6:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 3:00 – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 3:00 – 6:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Turku Art Museum

 4.4/5

1270 reviews

The majestic granite castle with a glass roof in the Romantic style rises above the city on Puolalanmäki Hill, next to the Trade Square. It was built in 1904 and was originally intended as a building for an art museum. It now houses more than 6000 works of art, including collections of early and modern Finnish paintings, wooden sculptures, graphics, antique weapons, numismatics and others. The museum has a souvenir shop and a cosy café.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Sibeliusmuseum

 4.3/5

261 reviews

Date of foundation – 1928. The only museum of its kind in the country. The modern building was erected in 1968, not far from the Cathedral. It presents a collection of historical musical instruments collected from all over the world. A separate exhibition is dedicated to the life and creative path of composer J. Sibelius. The museum’s funds contain audio recordings, photo documents, manuscripts, concert programmes and collections of sheet music. Creative meetings and concerts are organised.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Aboa Vetus Ars Nova

 4.3/5

2033 reviews

A fascinating complex that combines a collection of contemporary art and a historical museum. The expositions are housed in the mansion of the factory owner Rettig. Nearby, archaeologists have discovered a part of the medieval town, represented today by the ruins of 6 stone houses and a street running between them. These are fragments of the historic Monastery Quarter, where mainly rich merchants and craftsmen used to live. Excavations continue.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Pharmacy Museum and Qwensel house

 4.5/5

783 reviews

One of the oldest bourgeois houses was built at the dawn of the 18th century. Its luxurious interiors – expensive parquet, mouldings, chandeliers, mirrors – give an idea of the lords’ dwellings of that time. One of the rooms recreates a pharmacy of the early XX century. Here you can see pharmacy utensils, furniture, medical instruments, jars with potions. In the courtyard, visitors are offered pastries, herbal drinks and teas prepared according to ancient recipes.

Open time

WAM Turun kaupungin taidemuseo

 4.2/5

1139 reviews

Opened in 1967 on the Aura embankment. It is dedicated to contemporary art and, in particular, to the work of sculptor V. Aaltonen. The collection of his works donated to the museum served as the basis for the first exhibitions. The sculptor personally took part in designing the interior of the museum building. In the foyer there is an aquarium with fish and the largest sculpture of the collection – the Virgin of Finland, 4 metres high. The museum also features works of art by other contemporary masters.

Open time

Luostarinmäki Open-Air Museum

 4.5/5

1746 reviews

It was opened in 1940 and comprises 18 neighbourhoods consisting of old wooden buildings from the 19th century. These are dwellings and workshops of Finnish craftsmen. They are unique in that they were not imported from different regions, but stand where they were originally built. There is a potter’s workshop, a carpenter’s workshop, a shoemaker’s workshop, a watchmaker’s workshop, a post office, a bakery and a print shop. Every summer, the City of Masters hosts a world-class event – the Days of Crafts.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Forum Marinum

 4.4/5

1151 reviews

The exhibits at this maritime centre show visitors the history of shipbuilding and navigation in Finland. The most interesting objects are the ancient and modern ships moored along the Aura quay. These include a sailing ship, a passenger ship, a corvette, a barque, a police boat, a river ferry and others. It is possible to board any of them. There is also a maritime museum, restoration workshops, a restaurant and a souvenir shop on the territory of the forum.

Open time

Turku Market Hall

 4.6/5

2450 reviews

Located in a historical building of the 19th century – a cultural heritage object. The wooden interior of the market has been preserved. Citizens and tourists come here to buy fresh local products – bread, vegetables, fish, dairy and meat products. They also sell alcohol, spices, teas and souvenirs. The market is also famous for its excellent cookery. Here you can savour Japanese, Mexican, Vietnamese, vegetarian cuisine and sweets from the famous Mbakery bakery.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Kupittaa Park

 4.4/5

4548 reviews

One of the oldest and largest parks in Finland. It was founded in the early 19th century. It is located in the city centre and covers an area of 24 hectares. It is a popular place for active recreation for the whole family. It includes a summer aqua complex with a swimming pool and slides, a children’s amusement park, a car park with bicycle cars, sports grounds, stadiums and an indoor gym, sports equipment hire, picnic areas, a pond with birds, a restaurant and a summer cafe.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Botanic Garden of University of Turku

 4.5/5

2327 reviews

Located in the suburbs, on the island of Ruissalo. It was founded in 1924. The area is 21 hectares, of which 6 hectares are occupied by ornamental and collection plants. The rest of the territory is oak trees, meadows, artificial water bodies with lilies. The greenhouse complex consists of 6 rooms where exotic plants, ferns, evergreen succulents, etc. grow. In general, the collection of the garden has about 6 thousand species of plants. Excursions are organised for everyone.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Vepsä

 4.3/5

92 reviews

National Natural Park with an area of 500 km2, consisting of several thousand rock formations and islands. The largest of them are inhabited and connected to the mainland. The number of permanent residents is about 1000 people. The date of foundation of the park is 1983. It is a UNESCO reserve. Along with the magnificent pristine nature, the park has a number of cultural and historical sights – churches, lighthouses, fragments of fortifications.

Turku Archipelago

 4.3/5

23 reviews

It is a 250 kilometre long circular tourist route that passes through the natural and cultural attractions of the island archipelago. The journey can be made by car, bicycle and on foot. The route starts in the city of Turku. It passes through villages, nature trails, Kaarina, Pargas, Nagu, Naantali and other settlements. It includes 8 ferry journeys lasting from a few minutes to an hour. The route is only open in summer.

Moomin World

 4.3/5

3948 reviews

One of the best theme parks in the world. Based on the funny stories of Tove Jansson. Located on a small island in the vicinity of Naantali. It includes a mummy trolls’ house with 5 floors, a free train, a forest maze, a fairytale witch’s swamp, a beach, a cafe, a marina with a ship, a theatre and other entertainment. Everywhere children are accompanied by fairy-tale characters. While kids get to know the world of their favourite characters, adults can relax in gazebos with hammocks.

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