Turku travel guide

Turku, one of the oldest cities in Finland, boasts a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early Middle Ages. Originally founded at the mouth of the Aura River, Turku quickly grew into a vital trading hub and became the most important city in Finland during the Swedish rule. The city was officially recognized in 1229, and its strategic location led to the establishment of the Turku Castle, which served as a military fortress and administrative center.

In the 13th century, the construction of the Turku Cathedral, now one of Finland's most iconic landmarks, began. The cathedral played a central role in the spiritual and cultural life of the region. Turku was the capital of Finland until 1812, when the capital was moved to Helsinki by the Russian authorities. Despite this, Turku remained an influential city, particularly in terms of education and culture, with the founding of the Royal Academy of Turku in 1640, the predecessor of the University of Helsinki.

Today, visitors can explore Turku's rich history through its well-preserved medieval buildings, museums, and annual events like the Medieval Market, which bring the city's storied past to life.

Turku, as one of Finland's oldest cities, is a vibrant blend of historical tradition and modern culture. The locals are known for their reserved yet friendly demeanor. It's common for Finns to appreciate personal space and a quiet, polite manner of interaction, so a respectful distance and a soft-spoken tone are appreciated.

In Turku, saunas are an integral part of life and visitors should experience this quintessential Finnish tradition. Public saunas are common, and it is customary to shower before entering. While nudity is normal in single-gender saunas, swimwear might be required in mixed-gender ones.

The city is also known for its love of coffee, with numerous cozy cafes dotting the streets. Joining a local for a coffee break, known as 'kahvihetki,' is a wonderful way to experience Finnish hospitality.

During the summer, Turku's archipelago offers festivals and events celebrating local music, art, and cuisine. Visitors can immerse themselves in these vibrant cultural expressions, enjoying traditional Finnish foods like 'karjalanpiirakka' (Karelian pasty) and fresh fish from the Baltic Sea.

Respect for nature is deeply ingrained in Finnish culture, and Turku's numerous parks and waterways reflect this ethos. Visitors are encouraged to explore these natural spaces while adhering to the principle of 'Jokamiehenoikeus' or 'Everyman's Right,' which allows free access to nature, provided it is respected and left undisturbed.

The best time to explore Turku is during the summer months from June to August when the weather is at its warmest, with temperatures ranging between 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). This period also coincides with the city's bustling festival season, including the renowned Medieval Market in July, offering a vibrant atmosphere and numerous cultural events. Summer days are long, thanks to the midnight sun, providing ample daylight to explore the city's historic sites, archipelago, and riverside attractions.

For those who prefer fewer crowds and milder weather, late spring (May) and early autumn (September) are also excellent times to visit. These shoulder seasons feature pleasant temperatures around 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), allowing for comfortable sightseeing and outdoor activities, such as hiking and boating, without the peak summer tourist influx.

Winter, from December to February, brings cold temperatures and shorter days, but Turku transforms into a winter wonderland with festive Christmas markets and ice skating rinks. However, travelers should be prepared for snow and chilly conditions. Regardless of when you visit, the best time to explore Turku depends on your weather preference and interest in seasonal events.

One insider tip for visiting Turku is to explore the city's hidden gem, the Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum. Often overlooked by tourists, this open-air museum offers a rare glimpse into 18th and 19th-century Finnish life. Wander through the preserved wooden houses and workshops where artisans still practice traditional crafts. This unique experience allows you to engage with local history in an immersive setting.

For an authentic taste of Turku, head to the Market Hall (Kauppahalli) and sample local delicacies like 'ruisleipä' (rye bread) and 'kalakukko' (fish pie). Locals recommend visiting in the morning when the market buzzes with activity, and you can enjoy freshly baked pastries and aromatic coffee. This little-known corner of Turku provides a genuine snapshot of Finnish culture, making your trip truly memorable.

On this page, you'll find all the top travel services in Turku, Finland. Enjoy the convenience of planning and booking every detail of your trip to Turku, including flights, accommodations, activities, and more, in one place.

Discover the cheapest and most popular flights offered by a variety of airlines that fly to Finland. Check out the best things to do in Turku. Compare the rates and services of the 7 types of stays and 3 car rental companies offering CDW insurance coverage.

Experience the best of Turku with an expertly curated and fully customizable itinerary. Get answers to questions about the routes and services offered in Turku from our free 24/7 customer support. We make it easy for you to find and book every detail of your trip to Turku with this travel guide.

Continue reading this Turku travel guide to learn how you can enjoy a stress-free and memorable vacation in the city of Turku!

With destinations such as Turku, a trip to Finland needs no further explanation. Spanning over 338,478 square kilometers, Finland is an expansive playground of discovery, offering a wealth of diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and captivating experiences awaiting exploration. From bustling metropolises to historic towns and modern urban hubs, Finland has something to enchant every traveler.

In Turku alone, travelers are spoiled for choice with an array of experiences and world-famous attractions such as Turku Castle, Kupittaa Park, and Turku Cathedral. Thus, a trip to Finland becomes essential. Whether you're drawn to historical sites, natural wonders, or vibrant cultural experiences, Finland offers an abundance of treasures waiting to be discovered.

There's so much to explore and uncover in Finland. Click or tap the link below to discover more about Finland and its offers.

Expect an exhilarating journey through Turku, a haven brimming with attractions to suit every traveler’s taste. From historical landmarks to natural wonders, and delectable cuisine, Turku offers an abundance of experiences waiting to be discovered. Dive into this ultimate Turku travel guide to uncover must-visit spots and get the scoop on what makes the city so special.

Booking a vacation package to Turku means spending less time planning and more time enjoying your vacation. A vacation package includes everything from flight tickets, accommodation, and a rental car to 24/7 personal travel support and a carefully planned travel itinerary. You can also take your vacation in Turku to the next level by adding tours, tickets, and activities to each day of your trip.

Apart from providing everything you need to travel comfortably, travel packages to Turku also offer full customization. In other words, you can add or remove services at your own convenience to create the perfect vacation for you and your travel companions.

Continue to the next section of this complete Turku travel guide to explore further details about the vacation options available for your trip to the city.

International travelers can fly to Turku by booking flights with SAS, airBaltic, Wizz Air, Wizz Air Malta, and populAir, offering flights to Turku Airport. From the arrival airport, travelers can choose from various public and private transfer options to Turku.

For those seeking the best flight ticket deals to Turku, knowing the cheapest travel times and which airlines offer the most affordable flights is helpful. Luckily, we provide this information to help you discover the cheapest and most popular flights to Turku.

An essential factor to consider when traveling to a new place or country is accommodation. While visiting a city as fantastic as Turku is always exciting, any avid traveler knows that accommodations often make or break the vacation experience. The best place to stay in Turku usually depends on travelers' needs and preferences. However, booking accommodations in central Turku offers a ton of benefits.

Staying in the heart of the city allows you to easily walk to many of the top sights and dining areas in Turku and cut down on your travel expenses. Centrally located accommodations are also an excellent choice for travelers in Turku planning to go on a quick tour or drive to the neighboring regions.

In Turku, you'll find 7 different types of places to stay, catering to every taste, budget, and reason for travel. For example, honeymooners or travelers on a romantic getaway in Finland can experience the ultimate relaxation at one of the luxury hotels in Turku. Travelers whose purpose is sightseeing can also find plenty of mid-range and budget-friendly hotels in the city, allowing access to many of the top attractions in Turku.

Learn more about the most popular places to stay and the top-rated hotels in Turku in the following sections.

To navigate Turku effortlessly, renting a car is an excellent choice. With your own wheels, you can explore every nook and cranny of the destination without relying on public transportation and even venture off the beaten path. On our website, you'll discover a selection of over 3 car rental companies in Turku, ready to provide you with the perfect vehicle for your travels.

Automatic cars for rent in Turku start at 30 EUR per day or 213 EUR per week. The cheapest automatic rental car is a Volkswagen Golf. If you prefer driving a manual car, you'll find multiple options for rent in Turku, starting at 26 EUR per day or 185 EUR per week. The cheapest manual rental car is a Toyota Aygo.

Learn more about the different types of cars you can rent in Turku, Finland below.

Turku offers a variety of transportation options that cater to both residents and visitors. The city’s public transit system, operated by Föli, is efficient and extensive, featuring buses that connect various parts of the city and surrounding areas. Tickets can be purchased via mobile app, at ticket machines, or directly from bus drivers. For those who prefer a more private mode of transportation, taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street, booked by phone, or ordered through various mobile apps.

Rental cars are another convenient option, with several agencies located throughout the city and at Turku Airport. This allows visitors the flexibility to explore the region at their own pace. Additionally, Turku’s compact city center makes it ideal for walking or cycling. The city provides numerous bike rental stations and well-maintained cycling paths, making it easy and enjoyable to navigate on two wheels. During the summer months, the Föri ferry offers a unique local experience, transporting pedestrians and cyclists across the Aura River. Whether you prefer the convenience of public transit, the flexibility of a rental car, or the charm of local transport options, getting around Turku is straightforward and enjoyable.

The city of Turku is just one of the many unique and scenic destinations you can visit in Finland. So if you're itching for another cultural adventure, a relaxing road trip, an action-filled city break, or a memorable weekend getaway, know that Finland has it all.

Each destination in Finland offers something unique to experience! Take the opportunity to visit other captivating places in Finland that are as magical as the city of Turku. The most popular travel destinations in Finland are listed below. Click on the name of the place you want to explore next to learn more about it.

Experience the authentic charm of Finland by expanding your travels beyond the boundaries of Turku. Explore other destinations around Finland with a domestic flight. A domestic flight is typically a short-haul flight, with the longest duration not exceeding two hours. To find the best flights from Turku to other amazing locations in Finland, add the required details below and select 'Search' to view the best domestic flights in Finland for your chosen dates. You can also jump to the last section of this travel guide to find the most popular domestic flights from Turku.