Turku Things to Do

Beautiful covered market full of smells… Real nice atmosphere. You'll find a lot of fish to buy, of course, but also specialties of the the country. For everyone who likes strolling through the different stalls of a market, the Market Hall is a place worth going to !

Turunlina is today the most important historical monument of Finland. This massive grey stone castle dating back from 1280 has changed a lot along its 700 years of existence. It nowadays houses a museum and a permanent exhibition explaining the history of the city. Unfortunately, we didn't have the time to visit it...

At the Sibelius Museum, I stumbled into this caricature of Sibelius, Finland's most famous composer.

If you've seen pictures of Sibelius, you'll notice he had many suspending needles (vertical lines between the eyebrows above the base of the nose). Sibelius had 7 such lines. The joke in this caricature is that each symphony contributed to each line.

Sibelius wrote of course 7 symphonies.

This is one of the museums that I always wanted to visit but never manage to yet. In my last visit I was even invited by the Museum director which I know well, but I did not wanted to spend the sunny day inside walls. I guess I have to visit Turku during the winter for that.

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The Turku castle is over 700 years old. Its maybe the main attraction in this city. There is some museum inside to see and also nice souvenir shop for buying any related items. If you find something you like I recommend buying it here in the castle as it might cost you more in the city

If you come by ferry from Stockholm, you will already have seen much of it, but from a huuuuge ferry. Try going on a trip by boat from the quays of the river Aura, there are trips to nearby Naantali (see page) and evening cruises to deserted islands...The most famous boat is the steamer Ukkopekka (see Sabsi's page and link below), but the tourist office can also help if you want to rent your own boat.

We never went in as we strolled along the river, but I would have liked to as I love the sea. This maritime centre not only displays some lovely ships (see HORSCHECK's page) but also tells you of customs and excise, merchant marines, pilots and shipping lanes. The museum is open all year round but to go on board the ships, you need to visit summertime.

Built in the 1280s, this impressive castle reminded me of Nyköping Castle in Sweden, which is hardly surprising since they are from the same time and (then) the same nation. The 16th centrury was the most exiting time in the castle, with the royal Duke Johan of Sweden and his court in action. In fact, Turku was at this time Sweden's second city.

I never had time to visit the castle this time as my prime goal was Naantali, but if you want a good description, look at Sabsi's or lys d'or's Turku pages. The castle is full of exhibitions of Turku history and shows clothing, cooking ware and weapons amongs other things. There is also a special exhibition for children with dolls and toys, and childrens activities around Christmas and on special medieval days in summer.