10 Enchanting Year-Round Things to Do in Turku Finland

Key Takeaways:

• Turku seamlessly blends medieval charm with modern art, food, and outdoor escapes for a dynamic year-round experience.

• From riverside saunas to fortress islands and Nordic festivals, Turku offers an unexpected mix of history, nature, and local culture.

• Whether it’s snow-covered streets or summer sailing, Turku is a top pick for travelers who want Finland beyond Helsinki.

Turku, Finland’s oldest city, is a coastal gem steeped in centuries of history and crowned with Nordic charm. Once the country’s capital, it remains a cultural powerhouse known for its medieval castle, buzzing riverfront, and thriving arts scene. Located in southwestern Finland on the edge of the Baltic Sea, Turku is the gateway to the stunning archipelago and a favorite among both locals and European travelers.

People love Turku for its laid-back atmosphere, vibrant student energy, and ability to stay cozy in winter and cool in summer. Whether you’re walking cobbled streets under twinkling lights or island-hopping in the archipelago, Turku offers four-season magic. With its compact city center, easy walkability, and endless cultural happenings, it’s a destination full of character — and completely underrated.

Table of Contents

• Walk the Aura River and Experience the Riverboats

• Explore the Turku Castle

• Relax at a Riverside Sauna and Ice Dip

• Discover the Turku Art Museum

• Take a Ferry to Ruissalo Island

• Visit the Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova Museum

• Attend the Medieval Market in Old Great Square

• Hike the Kurjenrahka National Park Trails

• Shop and Dine at Turku Market Hall

• Cruise the Archipelago Trail by Bike or Boat

1. Walk the Aura River and Experience the Riverboats

The Aura River is the lifeline of Turku — a scenic waterway flanked by pedestrian paths, cafés, art installations, and floating riverboats. Walking along the river is one of the best ways to soak up the city’s laid-back energy. In summer, boat restaurants and bars dock along the water, serving everything from smoked salmon sandwiches to locally brewed beer. In winter, the river path becomes a fairy-lit wonderland for bundled-up strollers.

Locals and visitors use the river as a year-round gathering place. Artists busk along the stone bridges in summer, and cozy lights illuminate the banks in the darker months. Stop for coffee aboard the boat-turned-café “Café Donna” or catch an event at the theatre ship S/S Bore. It’s the perfect intro to the city’s vibe — casual, creative, and flowing with history.

2. Explore the Turku Castle

Turku Castle has stood tall since the 1200s, guarding the harbor and serving as Finland’s most iconic medieval landmark. Step inside to explore grand halls, eerie dungeons, and exhibitions detailing everything from royal life to war and witch trials. The museum spans centuries of Finnish and Nordic history, with immersive displays and well-preserved architecture that makes you feel like you’ve time-traveled.

The castle is open year-round and particularly cozy in winter, when the stone walls echo with history and candlelight flickers in its corridors. For families, there’s a hands-on children’s section where little ones can dress up as knights or queens. Guided tours offer deeper stories and hidden gems throughout the fortress. It’s a must-see whether you’re into history or just craving dramatic photo ops.

3. Relax at a Riverside Sauna and Ice Dip

No trip to Finland is complete without a sauna, and Turku’s riverside saunas take the experience to the next level. The most famous is “Sauna Rikala,” perched right on the Aura River with direct access to the water for ice dipping. In summer, you can plunge into the river to cool down; in winter, brave the frozen dip hole like the locals do — then sip a hot drink by the fire.

Sauna culture here is deeply communal, calming, and surprisingly energizing. Whether you’re sweating out the stress of travel or making new friends in the steam, the sauna scene in Turku is both traditional and trendy. Many of these saunas offer panoramic views, herbal infusions, and after-sauna meals. It’s a soothing year-round ritual that connects you to Finnish wellness at its core.

4. Discover the Turku Art Museum

Set atop a hill in a grand granite building, the Turku Art Museum showcases a rich collection of Finnish and international works. From golden-age classics to bold contemporary installations, it’s a space where tradition and experimentation meet. Rotating exhibitions ensure there’s always something new to experience, and the museum café is a charming spot for post-art fika.

The museum is open in all seasons and often features themed shows tied to Finnish identity, nature, or social commentary. Even if you’re not a die-hard art lover, the museum’s layout, architecture, and city views make it worth visiting. It’s both a visual feast and a peaceful cultural pause in your Turku itinerary.

5. Take a Ferry to Ruissalo Island

Ruissalo Island is a nature escape just minutes from the city — and it’s easily reached by ferry from the riverfront during warmer months. The island is known for its lush forests, 19th-century villas, pebbled beaches, and miles of walking and cycling paths. In summer, you can swim, picnic, and attend music festivals; in fall and winter, it becomes a tranquil haven for frosty hikes and photography.

Ruissalo is also home to a botanical garden and several cozy cafés where you can warm up with soup and cinnamon buns after exploring. Bike rentals are available seasonally, and the ferry ride itself offers great views of the city and surrounding archipelago. Whether you’re a nature buff or just craving a calm afternoon, Ruissalo delivers year-round magic.

6. Visit the Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova Museum

This dual museum blends the past and present perfectly — with Aboa Vetus showcasing underground medieval ruins and Ars Nova featuring contemporary art. Walk through the preserved streets of old Turku beneath modern buildings, where archeological remains reveal how people lived, worked, and worshipped centuries ago. Then ascend into bright gallery spaces filled with thought-provoking contemporary installations.

It’s an unexpected pairing that works brilliantly, offering something for history lovers and modern art fans alike. The museum is open all year and often hosts workshops, film screenings, and temporary exhibits. It’s also centrally located, making it easy to add to your itinerary between coffee stops or riverside strolls. Few places capture Turku’s layered identity better than this museum.

7. Attend the Medieval Market in Old Great Square

Every July, Turku transforms its Old Great Square into a bustling medieval village for Finland’s largest historical fair. The Medieval Market features hundreds of costumed performers, craft vendors, knights, blacksmiths, musicians, and theatrical storytellers. It’s immersive, lively, and completely free to enter.

Even if you miss the July event, the square itself is worth visiting. Lined with 18th-century buildings and cobblestones, it’s the city’s most picturesque historic district and often used for Christmas markets and public performances. If you’re lucky enough to attend the Medieval Market, come hungry — traditional food stalls serve fresh rye bread, honey-roasted meats, and local mead.

8. Hike the Kurjenrahka National Park Trails

About a 40-minute drive from Turku, Kurjenrahka National Park offers pristine wilderness where raised bogs, pine forests, and scenic boardwalks await. Trails vary in length and difficulty, from quick loops to multi-hour treks ideal for birdwatchers and nature lovers. The peacefulness of the area is a true balm for city-weary travelers.

The park is open year-round, and winter visitors often snowshoe or hike along frosty paths while keeping an eye out for elk tracks. In summer, the bogs bloom with wildflowers and the scent of pine fills the air. Whether you visit for a sunrise hike or a weekend retreat, Kurjenrahka shows off Finland’s wild side just outside the city limits.

9. Shop and Dine at Turku Market Hall

Turku Market Hall has been serving locals since 1896 — and it’s still the tastiest place in town to sample Finnish flavors. Inside the historic wooden structure, you’ll find stalls selling smoked fish, cheeses, licorice, reindeer meat, fresh pastries, and regional specialties like lohikeitto (salmon soup).

There are also cafés and bistros that blend old-world charm with modern tastes, like local favorite “Kaffa Roastery.” Whether you’re grabbing a snack, shopping for edible souvenirs, or sitting down for a hearty lunch, the market is a feast for all the senses. It’s warm in winter, bustling in summer, and always full of delicious discovery.

10. Cruise the Archipelago Trail by Bike or Boat

The Archipelago Trail is one of Finland’s most scenic routes, looping through dozens of islands connected by bridges and ferries. Starting from Turku, you can tackle the trail by bike or car, staying in cozy guesthouses and enjoying seafood dinners along the way. Summer is the most popular time, with long daylight hours, sailing regattas, and blooming meadows.

However, many parts of the route — especially the nearby islands like Naantali — are beautiful and accessible year-round. Winter visits offer icy seascapes, peaceful harbor towns, and cozy lodges with fireside saunas. Whether you do the full circuit or just a weekend segment, the Archipelago Trail is pure coastal Finnish bliss.

What to do if you have kids?

Turku is fantastic for families. The city’s compact size makes it walkable with strollers, and attractions like the Turku Castle and Aboa Vetus Museum offer interactive exhibits for young explorers. Kids will love Ruissalo’s beaches in summer and snow-dusted playgrounds in winter, while the Market Hall has plenty of treats for little foodies. Several family cafés offer play areas, and public transport is free for kids under seven. With friendly locals, safe streets, and tons of nature nearby, Turku is an easy win for traveling families.

Where can I find free events in Turku Finland taking place this weekend?

To uncover the best free events happening in Turku this weekend — from art exhibitions and local gigs to riverside markets and cultural pop-ups — check out https://planmyweekend.ai. Our AI-powered platform curates up-to-date listings based on your interests and helps you explore the city without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a tourist or a local looking for new plans, Plan My Weekend makes discovering Turku’s hidden gems quick and easy.

Final Thoughts on Planning a Trip to Turku

Turku might not always be Finland’s first stop — but it’s often the one travelers remember most. With a vibrant blend of medieval history, artistic flair, archipelago charm, and deeply rooted Nordic traditions, Turku rewards those who take the time to wander its riverside paths and island trails. From castle walls to steaming saunas, this city offers comfort, curiosity, and culture in every season. Add it to your itinerary — then thank yourself later.