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Turku, Finland

Turku, Finland

Discover the historic city of Turku with Firebird Tours. Explore its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture. Let Firebird Tours plan your perfect Finnish adventure.

Turku

About Turku

Why Go on a Turku, Finland Vacation

Turku is Finland's oldest town settled in the 13th century and was once its capital. It lies on the Gulf of Bothnia in the area where the successors to the Swedish Vikings landed in the 12th century and set out to conquer what is now Finland. Turku was almost completely destroyed by fire in 1827 but is now the third-largest city of Finland.

Due to its location, the Port of Turku is a notable commercial and passenger year-round ice-free seaport with over 3 million passengers traveling each year to Stockholm and Mariehamn.

Traditionally considered to be the "gateway to Sweden", the influence of this country is significant: Turku is a bilingual city and about 5% of the population speak Swedish as a mother tongue.

Among the must-sees during a Turku tour are the famous 13th-century castle located on the west side of Turku near the harbor, which was built around 1300 on what was then an island at the mouth of the river. It was enlarged in the 16th-17th century and now houses the Turku Historical Museum.

Another sight to add to your Turku itinerary is doubtlessly the Cathedral which is considered to be the "mother church" in Finland. It is the only medieval cathedral in the country dating back to the year 1300. It is a massive brick church in Late Romanesque style with Gothic and Renaissance additions and a massive 97-meter high tower.

Best Tours to Turku

Highlights of Finland

Highlights of Finland

1 country, 3 cities

HelsinkiTurkuSavonlinna

7 days

Private tour template

From$2,869

Best Things to Do in Turku

Turku

There's so much to explore in Turku. Take a look at the list below and get inspired to plan your journey.

Visit the iconic Turku Castle, a medieval castle offering guided tours and exhibits on the city’s history and cultural heritage.
Explore the charming streets of the old town, with its historic buildings, shops, and cafes.
Discover the rich history at the Turku Art Museum, featuring a diverse collection of Finnish and international artworks.
Stroll through the picturesque Turku Archipelago, a beautiful area offering boat tours, hiking trails, and scenic views of the surrounding islands.
Visit the stunning Turku Cathedral, a historic church known for its impressive architecture and spiritual significance.
Experience the vibrant local culture and cuisine at the Turku Food and Wine Festival, celebrating Finnish dishes and local specialties.
Savor traditional Finnish dishes, including salmon soup and karjalanpiirakka, at local restaurants and cafes.
Take a day trip to the nearby town of Naantali, known for its charming old town and Moomin World theme park.
Explore the art and culture at the Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova, a museum complex featuring historical and contemporary art exhibitions.
Enjoy a scenic walk along the Aura River for views of Turku’s natural beauty and historic landmarks.