WORDS & PICTURES: Abi Prowse
Overlooked by many travellers visiting Finland, the tiny coastal town of Turku hides a rich history and culture beneath its quaint, sleepy surface. Renowned as Finland’s oldest city, Turku remains one of the most culturally significant locations in the country, its South-Western location rendering it an ideal gateway into the rest of Scandinavia. Among its wide, elegant streets and sophisticated Renaissance-style architecture, locals cycle slowly along the river; the city is celebrated for its laid-back pace and relaxed lifestyle, in such stark contrast from Finland’s current capital. Despite its historically intrinsic ties with Swedish culture, Turku is home to a large number of Russian natives – an aftershock, perhaps, of the agreement signed with the Soviet Union during the 1960s. Evidence of this Eastern influence can still be found within the spattering of Orthodox architecture throughout Turku.
Many Turku residents are bilingual, speaking both Finnish and Swedish; in fact, much of this influence from the country’s Westernmost neighbours can be traced across the city. Turku, unlike Helsinki, feels decidedly Scandinavian, its marine links to both Stockholm and Mariehamn ensuring that ties to Swedish culture remain intact. This deep-rooted Swedishness manifests within Turku’s sleekly-designed coffee houses and its well-manicured cycle paths, its elegant bakeries teeming with sugar-dusted buns and pastries.
The Aura River runs through the heart of Turku, separating the commercial and residential halves of the city. Whilst the Northern bank is home to most stores, bars, and offices, the Southern bank houses Turku’s imposing cathedral, which dates back to 1300, nestled into the gently rolling slopes of the Vartiovuori gardens. A short walk from the tuomiokirkko lies a collection of the city’s prized museums, each depicting a different aspect of Turku’s unique culture. These include a Biological Museum, the Wäinö Aaltonen Art Museum, and the Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum, which is housed within the warren of old wooden dwellings which miraculously survived the Great Fire of Turku in 1827.
Wondering where to eat in Turku, Finland? Check out our Fontana Café guide!
COSY CAFES
With the temperamental nature of Finnish weather, it seems unsurprising that Turku’s streets are dotted with cosy coffee houses. During the winter months, locals take shelter within these well-designed havens, where the scent of coffee beans wafts out into the crisp air with the arrival of each new customer. Café Art, settled beside the banks of the river Aura, is a neighbourhood favourite, dedicating its interior to Turku’s history and culture. Just around the corner, the modern, Scandi-inspired Fontana is a bright, spacious brunch spot for locals. In fact, in recent years, it has emerged that Finland consumes the largest amount of coffee worldwide, with each Finnish resident drinking around 12kg per year. Within Turku’s laid-back lifestyle, café culture plays an intrinsic role in providing locals with a place to seek solace, and relax from the stresses of everyday life.
RIVERSIDE STROLLS
The River Aura runs through the heart of Turku, Finland, and out towards the Baltic Sea, reminding visitors of the natural beauty which surrounds all Finnish towns and cities. By following the gentle curve of the river as it bends northwards, the city seems to disappear behind you, the only sounds the rush of water and the rustling of wildlife. Encouraging nature-lovers to enjoy the tranquil banks of the Aura, a wooden walkway has been built along the northern side, snaking through lush greenery and gently-waving reeds. A number of the city’s most picturesque sights can be found along the river, including the cathedral, the Sibelius Museum and the library, whose original architecture dates back to 1903.
SECOND-HAND SHOPPING
Located near the centre of Turku’s main shopping area, Maanantaimarket is a vintage clothing store with a flair for all things bohemian. With its funky music, cosy window-side seating area and brightly-tiled coffee bar, this hip hangout wouldn’t look out of place in the streets of Bali. The clothing racks are teeming with fabrics and colours, each piece carefully organised and well looked-after. Maanantaimarket houses a huge range of brands, including designer labels, high-street names, and smaller boutiques, ensuring there is something on offer for everyone.
Try Café Art on the riverside promenade of Turku, Finland
HEARTY MEALS
While Finland isn’t necessarily renowned for its food culture, their meals are guaranteed to be traditional, hearty, and largely centred around local produce. Turku itself is home to a number of upmarket restaurants, celebrated for their haute-cuisine dishes using classic Finnish ingredients, such as reindeer meat and sharp, tangy lingonberries. Foodies from across the country flock to Turku in search of a unique dining experience; restaurants such as Tintå and Smör are known for their sophisticated décor, innovative dishes, and extensive wine lists. Whilst the majority of Turku’s restaurants are spattered along the banks of the Aura, the city’s brewery, Panimoravintola Koulu, is tucked a little further back into the town centre; here, hungry visitors can find hearty, traditional meals, to be paired with some of Turku’s locally-brewed lager.
