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Trip Report

Unveiling the Treasures of Turku: A Journey Through History, Culture, and Enchanting Landscapes

Come see Finland's most beautiful archipelago

  • Naantali+ 7
  • Turku
  • Turku
  • Unveiling the Treasures of Turku: A Journey Through History, Culture, and Enchanting Landscapes
petrahellman
About Me:Hey! Im 25-year-old woman, originally from Finland, and I love traveling more than anything. I would say I am a full time traveler now, nomad, always chasing the sun. I have been living abroad for 5 years now and 2020 we bought a piece of ... read more

EuropeFinland, Sweden3 days / June 2019

Highs & Lows

Long summer nights! Also Turku is one of the best restaurant towns in Finland.

Little bit expensive acconmendation.

Itinerary Overview

Turku is my home town so I wanted to share how lovely a place it is and the best things to do there. Feel free to ask anything about my town! I planned this trip so it is suitable for travelers with kids or without. Turku is a town with lot of history and many delicious restaurants and bars. The town is located next to river and ocean which opens many possibility's for activities. 

  • 1 Night: Turku
    Delve into the Past: Guided Tours and Self-Exploration at Hotel Kakola
  • 2 Nights: Naantali
    Muumi world and a beautiful archipelago
  • Day trip: Turku harbour
    Day drinking and eating on the ocean
Turku - Delve into the Past: Guided Tours and Self-Exploration at Hotel Kakola
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Turku Delve into the Past: Guided Tours and Self-Exploration at Hotel Kakola

Turku - Delve into the Past: Guided Tours and Self-Exploration at Hotel Kakola - null
Turku - Delve into the Past: Guided Tours and Self-Exploration at Hotel Kakola - null
Turku - Delve into the Past: Guided Tours and Self-Exploration at Hotel Kakola - null1+

Hotel Kakola: Kakola was a prison a long time ago and now its turned in to a hotel. If you don't feel like staying in this old prison you can also take tours and see how it was before. There is also a nice restaurant to enjoy a lovely meal. 

Turku Castle: Go Explore the history of Turku Castle and also enjoy many exhibitions what they offer. Guided tours are available or you can walk around at your own pace. Outside of the castle there is a nice cafe to go enjoy a cold drink after the tour. Average time is about 3h to see the whole castle.

Turun Tuomiokirkko (Church):  Beautiful church in the heart of Turku on the riverside. This church is open every day from 9am to 6pm. Turku Cathedral is considered to be the most valuable historical building in Finland. The Cathedral Museum in the south gallery of the church takes you back to the 14th century. 

Turun Jokilaivat/Riverboats: There are many restaurants and bars on different boats along the river to choose from. Each boat has a different theme and style of food. This is definitely my favorite place to go have a cold drink during the hot summer days! There is also a boat (s/s Bore) what offers accommodation in the original cabins. 

Aboa Vetus and Ars Nova Museum: Museum of Archaeology and Contemporary Art for art lovers! 

 

Naantali - Muumi world and a beautiful archipelago
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Naantali Muumi world and a beautiful archipelago

Naantali - Muumi world and a beautiful archipelago - null
Naantali - Muumi world and a beautiful archipelago - null
Naantali - Muumi world and a beautiful archipelago - null

The Archipelago trail: Rent a bicycle for a few hours or several days and explore Naantali and the magnificent archipelago. The shortest route is a little bit over 100 kilometers long and it can take one to three days to ride. You can choose different places where to start this route if you don't want to do the whole loop.

Naantali old town: Idyllic Naantali Old town is a beautiful place to walk around and see the historic buildings and get a feel for Finland in days past. Go enjoy the lovely restaurants that are located by the ocean.

Muumimaailma/Muumi World: Muumi World is an island just off the coasts from Naantali accessible by bridge. This is a must see if you travel with kids. There is so much to see and do that you can spend there several days if you want.  

Naantali Spa Hotel: This is a best option if you want to leave kids in Muumi World and go treat yourself. Go enjoy the lovely spa and restaurant.

Turku harbour - Day drinking and eating on the ocean
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Turku harbour Day drinking and eating on the ocean

Turku harbour - Day drinking and eating on the ocean - null
Turku harbour - Day drinking and eating on the ocean - null
Turku harbour - Day drinking and eating on the ocean - null

Spend a relaxing day drinking and eating in the boat as you watch the archipelago to go by. There is a couple of company's who offer these day cruises from Turku to Stockholm for very cheap. If you want you can also pay little bit more and get a room in the boat where you can put all the stuff you have and rest, if you need to. This cruise is perfect if you want to taste some delicious buffets and relax with beautiful views. Many times cruises offer good performers and different events, make sure you book tickets in time! If you travel with kids, there are many activities for younger people. There are also tax free shops where you can buy all kinds of stuff for much cheaper and spa to go and relax. Enjoy!

Q & A

  • Restaurant recommendations?

    Kakolanruusu is a very lovely restaurant in Turku. If you go do the archipelago loop, stop in a lovely Sattmarks Cafe.
  • Tips you would give a friend?

    Go have a drink in the river boats! Best place to hang out suring the summer time.
  • Packing tips?

    It might get little bit chilly at nights so pack couple sweaters!
  • Transportation Tips?

    If you do the archipelago loop, remember to look what time ferry's go so you dont have to wait a long time.
  • Any surprises?

    Old architecture many times surprises travelers. Turku protects all the old buildings what you can see everywhere while walking in the city.

Lodging

  • The city's historic and disused Kakola prison was turned into a hotel that is a beautiful and exciting place to stay.

  • Naantali Spa Hotel is a beautiful and relaxing place in a good location.