Stroll Through Turku | Discover Nordic Winter Romance

Explore Turku, Finland: A Winter Wonderland of History and Nature In southwestern Finland, a city quietly whispers tales of time—Turku. As Finland's oldest city, it exudes a unique charm, attracting countless visitors to explore its treasures. Best Time to Visit Turku experiences distinct seasons, each with its own unique flavor. Summer, from June to September, boasts average temperatures of 15–20°C, offering sunny days perfect for admiring the natural scenery🌞. Winter, from December to February, sees average temperatures of -5–0°C. Though cold, the city transforms into a fairytale wonderland blanketed in snow, providing opportunities for winter activities like skiing and ice fishing. Must-See Attractions - Turku Castle: Built in 1280, it stands as one of the best-preserved large castles in Northern Europe. Constructed from rock, this ancient and majestic castle rises several stories high. It once served as the most important military fortress during Sweden's rule over Finland, and 14 Swedish kings called it their palace. Today, the castle houses a museum showcasing royal treasures, prisoner dungeons, and staff dressed in medieval attire, transporting you back centuries. - Turku Cathedral: Dating back to the early 13th century, this renowned medieval cathedral serves as the main church of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. Its interior is tall and narrow, with rows of black wooden chairs, exquisite murals behind the altar, and a grand pipe organ at the other end. Small chapels on either side house the remains of historical figures, including Queen Karin, consort of King Eric of Sweden, and the first Bishop of Finland. - Market Square: This is the liveliest spot in Turku, brimming with Nordic market charm. On weekdays, locals sell fruits, vegetables, flowers, fresh fish from the Baltic Sea, and handcrafted jewelry. Every Christmas afternoon, the Mayor of Turku reads a peace declaration to Finland here, creating a rich Christmas atmosphere🎄. Nearby Food - Finnish Doughnuts (Munkki): This local delicacy is sold in small wooden huts by the river, open only during summer. Freshly baked, these doughnuts are coated in white sugar, offering a crispy exterior and a soft, moist interior with a subtle sweetness. - Snow-Smoked Salmon: A unique Finnish dish, fresh salmon is pinned to a wooden plank and smoked over a specially lit fire. This method results in slightly charred skin and tender, flavorful flesh infused with a distinct smoky aroma. Things to Note - Turku residents value etiquette when interacting with foreigners. Maintain a distance of approximately 1.2 meters during conversations, avoid getting too close, and refrain from removing shoes or picking teeth in public. - Tipping is not customary in Finland, as service charges are included in the price. - When visiting in winter, dress warmly in layers, including down jackets, thermal pants, snow boots, gloves, and hats🧣.