Turku

A bit of a background

Turku is on the South West coast of Finland and is Finland’s oldest city. Easily accessible by just about any method of transport. It was, until 1809 (when some not so friendly neighbors called by) the capital of Finland, remained it’s most populous city until 1840 and to this day id the countries 6th largest city.

Why Would I wanna Visit Turku Anyways?

Right, so we know that Turku is Finland’s oldest city – well what comes with age? Culture (and hairy shoulders) that’s what! The city has culture coming out of its Aura.

Museums

Exterior profile of Turku Cathedral Inside Turku Cathedral Turku Castle as it stands today

Not your thing? That’s cool, there’s also Theater, galleries, music festivals and a bar that lets you read comics and play board games for free!

Bars and Restaurants

Getting to Turku

One thing I always notice about Finland is the quality of there public transport. There is a myriad of ways to get to Turku, with limited hassle. A bus from Helsinki will take around 3 hours. Or if you’re feeling more adventurous, you can fly in to Stockholm and take this beautiful ferry from as little as 15 euro.

Bus

Onni Bus are the only bus company I use in Finland. They have hundreds of connections, comfortable buses, free wi-fi, charging points…. The list goes on. And they’re cheap. They have buses going from Helsinki-Turku roughly every hour and starting at just 3 euro.

Boat

There’s not better way to arrive in Turku than by boat. I did it not so long ago and it was one of the most beautiful boat trips I’ve taken. From Stockholm it takes around 9 hours or slow sailing by small wooded islands. Again, surprisingly cheap starting at just 15 euro, when booked in advance here.

Plane

Turku has a small airport.Served well domestically but not as easily accessible international. There are regular flights from Stockholm and Riga, that’s about it. Consider maybe flying in to to Stockholm and staking the boat.

Where To Stay

Are you poor? Excellent, me too. I do not have many recommendations for accommodation in Turku, or anywhere in Finland for that matter. Finland is expensive and accommodation too. I have heard tell of a very cool hostel in an old ship on the banks of the river. Airbnb is also a viable option and a quick search tells me there is places starting from 20 euro per person .

Summary

Finland is a big country. Very big.

It seems a shame that so many people visiting settle for seeing for Helsinki. Ask any Finn and they will tell you that Helsinki is not the real Finland. Sure there are a couple of nice buildings like the train station and the cathedral. There is also a fine zoo. And a harbor full of cruise ships. But there is nothing uniquely Finnish about Helsinki, as a city she shows the relics of former oppressors and remains a capital city, modern but with that certain socialist flair.

If you want to truly experience Finland you have to leave Helsinki. Go anywhere. Anywhere at all. Except perhaps Vantaa or Espoo and you will see the real Finland. The true beauty of this unassuming gem.