Things to Do in Turku Finland: A Beautiful Spring and Summer Destination

WHY TURKU, FINLAND IS THE BEST SPRING AND SUMMER DESTINATION

Finland is rising in popularity as a stunning winter destination. It’s the official home of Santa Claus, you stand a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights, and there are myriad outdoor winter activities you can participate in.

However, Finland is wildly underrated as a spring and summer destination. The Finnish people have a deep appreciation for the outdoors and nature, so when the weather is sunny and warm you can bet they are outside enjoying it!

I grew up in the midwestern United States, and being in Finland in July reminded me so much of how much Midwesterners love summer. After months of darkness, cold, and snow, we soak in the sun and spend every waking moment out socializing.

Finns are much the same way, and there is a certain energy in the air during the warm months in Finland. Add to the equation the midnight sun (the time in Finland when the sun never sets), and you’ve got a recipe for the most wonderful vacation full of simple pleasures.

WHERE TO GO IN FINLAND IN SUMMER

Turku, Finland is a medieval city on the southwest coast of Finland set along the stunning archipelago. History meets modern day with cobblestone streets, a castle, a cathedral and a market square representing Turku’s ancient roots, and foodie culture, live music, and a children’s theme park adding a modern twist.

Turku is a quintessential European city combined with a classic Finnish love of nature.

It’s island hopping, berry picking and biking country trails combined with bustling markets, innovative restaurants, and live events.

Turku is everything you could want in a family-friendly European destination during the spring and summer months.

Disclosure: My trip to Finland was completely hosted by Visit Finland, Visit Archipelago, and Visit Turku. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

WHAT TO DO IN TURKU, FINLAND ON A FAMILY VACATION

Though I visited Turku on a press trip without my kids, I found it to be an idyllic spot for a family vacation. The city is small and walkable with plenty of kid-friendly activities and the beautiful setting encourages families to spend time together in nature.

Here are some of the top family-friendly activities in Turku to try on your vacation.

1. ISLAND HOP THROUGH THE ARCHIPELAGO

Exploring the Archipelago could be an entire vacation unto itself. The beauty of visiting this group of islands in Southwest Finland is that you can create your own itinerary based on which islands interest you most.

Boat routes operate out of Turku, so you’ll easily be able to add a day (or two or three) exploring the Archipelago on to your trip.

Our group began our Archipelago journey by driving from our hotel in Naantali to Pargas, a small Archipelago city. It’s a great spot to stop at a cafe and try some local food, or you can stay longer and explore the outdoors by hiking, biking, or kayaking.

Kopmans Restaurant Archipelago in Finland.JPG

Pike Burger in Finland's Archipelago.JPG

From Pargas we took the ferry to Nagu. We got to eat at Kopmans, an adorable cafe/bed & breakfast with outdoor seating straight out of a fairytale. There’s a small play area outside where kids can keep busy while parents sip their coffee and wait for the food to come out. I tried the pike burger, a local specialty, and was blown away by how delicious it was (not too “fishy” if you’re not a big seafood fan).

After lunch, we wandered over to the guest harbor which was bustling with activity. Shops and restaurants lined the shore, and families were out and about enjoying the sunshine. After ducking in and out of shops, we boarded the ferry M/S Östern to Hanka where we took a bus back to Naantali.

The Östern ferry departs every 15 minutes or so, which means you can take your time exploring the guest harbor, people watching, and eating ice cream along the shore. The ferry also has 2 cafes on board in case you get hungry or thirsty during your journey. (Or the kids need a snack - we all know how that goes).

Our island-hopping journey was short and sweet, but enough to get a taste of the Archipelago life. I love that you can really put together your own itinerary and explore for half a day or spend a week in the islands. It’s totally up to you, and easy to find the information you need at VisitArchipelago.com.

2. STROLL NAANTALI

This lovely seaside town is a favorite tourist destination for both Finns and foreigners thanks to its sunshine, charming Old Town, proximity to Moominworld, and lovely harbor views.

I would highly recommend setting aside some time to tour Naantali as a family. You can grab a meal at one of the restaurants along the harbor, take a guided tour of Kultaranta Garden (the summer residence of Finnish presidents), or simply walk the cobblestone streets of Old Town.

3. VISIT MOOMINWORLD

Moomin House at Moominworld in Turku Finland.JPG

Metre Liquorice at Moominworld in Turku Finland.JPG

While you’re in Naantali, cross the bridge to the island of Kailo, the home of Moominworld. Moominworld is a theme park based on the lovable trolls from the Moomin book series by Tove Jansson.

You won’t find rides at Moominworld, but you will find the 3-story Moominhouse where you can play and explore at your leisure, plenty of opportunities to meet the Moomins, theater performances, a promenade with candy shops and souvenirs, trails, gardens, lookout spots, and many other activities to inspire kids’ imaginations.

I would highly recommend buying a few flavored liquorice sticks. They were absolutely delightful! I think my favorite flavor would have to be Tutti Frutti.

Visit the website for ticket prices and theme park hours.

4. STOP AT THE LIBRARY

While we were in Turku, we stopped at the public library to look around. There were so many fun and creative spots for little kids, making it the perfect FREE activity for families needing a break from sightseeing or a refuge from rainy weather.

There were reading nooks, play areas with toys, and rows and rows of children’s books to browse, including an English language section.

5. ENJOY THE AURA RIVER

The River Aura runs through the heart of Turku and is the perfect spot to relax and take in the sights and people of the city.

There are lovely riverside cafés, bike paths, walking paths, shops, and historical sites.

You can also hire a riverboat to get a different view of Turku. There are dinner cruises and sightseeing cruises, or you can rent your own picnic boat to leisurely float along the River Aura with snacks and music.

6. GO SHOPPING

There are so many unique shops and boutiques around Turku. Even though I’m not much of a shopper, and I don’t buy many souvenirs, I would still recommend browsing the shops for a taste of Finnish design and culture.

My favorite shop was KUI Design, where I was VERY tempted to buy some of their adorable and stylish baby clothes. I had just discovered I was pregnant with my 4th baby before my visit, so it was fresh on my mind! They also have cute handbags, home decor items, and adult clothes. Even if you leave without making a purchase, I guarantee you’ll enjoy the atmosphere!

Overall, I just love the simplicity and creativity of Finnish design, so I found the shops truly inspirational as I thought about decorating my own home.

7. VISIT THE TURKU HANDICRAFTS MUSEUM

In 1827 the Great Fire of Turku destroyed much of the city, but the old quarter of Luostarinmäki survived. Now it’s the Turku Handicrafts Museum where guests can walk through a pre-industrial village and learn about the different professions people had during that time period.

Each building houses a different profession or handicraft, some with actors who can tell you a bit more about what life was like for people back then. I was fascinated by how small the beds and furniture were, and as an avid student of history, I loved the opportunity to picture a bygone period come to life.

8. SEE THE CATHEDRAL

The Turku Cathedral was built in the late 1200s and consecrated in 1300. Over the years it has expanded considerably and is now the mother church of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland.

It’s free to visit, and the inside is absolutely breathtaking. The church also houses the Turku Cathedral Museum where you can learn more about the history of the cathedral and religion in Finland.

It’s a great spot to stop for some quiet reflection.

9. VISIT THE ABOA VETUS & ARS NOVA MUSEUM

The Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova Musem, otherwise known as the Museum of History and Contemporary Art, is a fascinating look at Old Turku.

The basement of the museum houses archaeological ruins of buildings from the 14th and 15th centuries. If you’re visiting with young children there are even hands-on activity areas to help keep their interest.

Our group didn’t spend much time looking at the art exhibits, but there is plenty to see there if art is something that interests your family!

We actually really enjoyed browsing the museum shop where we found souvenirs, candy, postcards, and tons of kid-friendly toys and activities.

10. HAVE DINNER AT KAKOLANRUUSU - A FORMER PRISON TURNED RESTAURANT

Kakolan Ruusu Restaurant Turku Finland.jpeg

Kakolanrussu used to be a prison, but now it’s an incredible restaurant with craft cocktails and traditional Finnish food.

This restaurant is known for its sharable feasts. Each person pays a set amount and dish after dish is brought out to the table to share. This way everyone gets to try a bit of everything!

There are also a la carte items or big shareable entrees if that’s what you’re looking for.

To get to Kakolanruusu, you can take a funicular up the hill, which adds to the experience! It’s a very unique atmosphere, and I would highly recommend giving this restaurant a try. Keep in mind the service is intentionally leisurely, so don’t plan on a quick meal. You can bring kids, but if you do, I would make earlier reservations - maybe even lunch instead of dinner.

OTHER RESOURCES TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR TRIP TO FINLAND

WHERE WE STAYED

We were hosted at Naantali Spa Hotel just outside of Turku. It was a beautiful and quiet location where we could rest and recharge at the end of a long day of exploring! The buffet breakfast at Le Soleil restaurant was one of the best parts of our stay (even though I was suffering from terrible morning sickness at 8 weeks pregnant at the time).