Turku

Recommended Attractions • Turku Castle: Founded in 1280, it is one of the best-preserved large castles in Northern Europe. It once served as a military fortress and royal palace when Sweden ruled Finland. Inside the castle, there is a museum showcasing the treasures of royalty and the dungeons of prisoners. The staff dressed in medieval costumes make you feel like you've traveled back in time. • Turku Cathedral: The main cathedral of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland and the most famous medieval cathedral in Finland, it was founded in 1229. There is a small museum inside the cathedral displaying some of the cultural relics preserved in the cathedral. The main hall of the cathedral is tall and narrow, with exquisite murals and a massive pipe organ. • Turku Handicrafts Museum: Built from wooden houses that survived the great fire of 1927, it officially opened to the public in 1940. There are more than 30 handicraft workshops, such as shoemakers, instrument makers, and coppersmiths. During the peak tourist season in summer, artisans will perform traditional handicraft making. • Maritime Museum: Located near the Aura River bank and Turku Castle, it consists of two buildings. It is Turku's newest tourist attraction and an active maritime research center. Approximately 3,500 exhibits showcase the history of Finnish maritime commerce and the history of the Finnish Navy. • Market Square: The liveliest place in Turku, here you can experience the authentic Nordic folk customs and buy fruits, vegetables, flowers, fresh fish from the Baltic Sea, and handmade ornaments sold by artisans. Recommended Food • Finnish Seafood Soup: A blend of various seafood with a rich creamy flavor, it is a perfect choice for warming up in winter. • Finnish Meatballs: As a Finnish national dish, it is made with high-quality beef, served with mashed potatoes and pickled cucumbers. Simple yet delicious. • Smoked Salmon: One of Finland's specialties, the salmon is smoked to a tender texture with a unique smoky flavor. Accommodation Recommendations • Radisson Blu Marina Palace Hotel, Turku: Conveniently located near Turku Station, it offers easy access to sightseeing spots and beautiful views from the windows. It also features a conference hall, gym, and sauna. • Original Sokos Hotel Turun Seurahuone: Also close to Turku Station, it offers fresh ingredients, friendly staff, and amenities such as a sauna, coffee maker, gym, conference hall, bar, and breakfast buffet. • Ruissalo Spa Hotel: Suitable for vacation tourism, it boasts a golf course, children's play area, gym, tennis court, spa, and game room. Transportation Guide • External Transportation: You can first arrive in Helsinki and then take a train or bus to Turku. You can also choose to take a ferry from Stockholm, Sweden, and other cities to Turku. • Internal Transportation: Turku is not a large city, and most of the attractions are concentrated in and around the city center, within walking distance. Alternatively, you can take a bus. The main bus station is located at the Market Square.