Northern Europe

The Turku University Botanical Garden operating on the Island of Ruissalo is both a centre for scientific research and a public showcase for the fascinating world of plants. The outdoor and indoor gardens display over 5000 species and varieties of plants. In the greenhouses are a wide range of succulent plants and a collection of tropical species. Flourishing in the outdoor garden are rhododendrons, peonies, annuals, economic plants, meadow flowers, exotic trees and shrubs, to name a few. A distinguishing feature of the new landscape is the three ponds containing colourful water lilies and other wetland plants. Here it is possible to hold meetings, training sessions and private events held in the outdoor gardens, greenhouses, seminar hall and cafeteria (which is also available for dining). http://www.visitturku.fi/en/botanical-garden_en

Moominworld is an enchanting blend of authentic archipelago nature and the fairytale creations of Tove Jansson. All visitors are invited to come and embrace the magic, with the Moomins’ island home offering enough activities, attractions and experiences for several days of adventure. We recommend you dedicate at least a day for your visit – there is so much to see and do. From the Moomins’ blue tower house, Snork’s Workshop, Theatre Emma performances and the Fairytale Trail, to the swimming beach, Moominpappa’s Boat and other fun places and activities to keep everyone busy. The daily schedule includes performances at Theatre Emma as well as many interactive shows throughout Moomin Valley. The two Theatre Emma presentations include Moomin’s Great Book of Popular Songs as well as Moomintroll and the Last Dragon on Earth. There are a great variety of activities on offer in Moomin Valley, from Little My’s song adventure to Stinky and the thrilling clue. Delicious treats are available every day, from Moominmamma’s Doughnut House, Fillyjonk’s Waffles as well as Thingumy and Bob’s Ice Cream Bar, will keep the hunger at bay. In addition to Mamma’s Kitchen, there’s also Pizza & Pasta and Burger, from where you can enjoy some lunch before continuing your adventure. http://www.visitturku.fi/en/moomin-world_

The Archipelago National Park is located just 60 kilometres from Turku. Visitors can reach the park via Kimito and Pargas. Nature in the region is fascinating the whole year-round. The region is comprised of a rugged archipelago ecosystem and ancient bedrock, where the juniper and curling pine grow. Thanks to grazing livestock and long-term land management, the region also boasts beautiful, verdant traditional landscapes. Archipelago National Park is one of the most species-rich regions in Finland. Visitors can also experience archipelago life and culture within the park as well as in co-operation areas outside it. The Archipelago National Park is part of the Archipelago Sea Biosphere Reserve, which was established by UNESCO. http://www.visitturku.fi/en/archipelago-national-park_en

The Brinkhall Manor, located in Turku on the island of Kakskerta, can trace its history back to the 16th century. The existing neoclassical buildings, completed in 1793, are surrounded by a rich natural and cultural landscape with parks and gardens going back many hundreds of years. The grounds are well known from the Finnish TV series Hovimäki. Brinkhall Manor has a Café, where you can also find the Interior Museum and exhibitions during the café’s opening hours. Manor tours as well as a variety of events, from concerts to parties and seminars can be arranged on request. http://www.visitturku.fi/en/brinkhall-manor_en

Koroistenniemi is the original site of ancient Turku. The large white cross marks the cradle of early medieval culture. Before Turku settled in its present position, Koroistenniemi, located just off the Aura River, was a bustling centre of commerce, culture and religion. A wide variety of ruins remain as a testament to that age, including the stone foundation for a wooden church from the mid-1200s. Indeed, Finland's first extensive, modern archaeological excavations were done here in 1898-1902. The National Board of Antiquities has named Koroinen one of Finland's most important Built Heritage sites. The site is marked by a large white memorial cross, which can be seen when arriving by train from Helsinki. http://www.visitturku.fi/en/ancient-ruins-of-koroinen_en

Kylämäki Village in Kurala is made up of four farms with buildings still standing at their original sites. The village has been inhabited since the 7th century. Nowadays, Kurala is a village of living history where visitors can travel back in time to a typical Southwest Finnish farm of the 1950s, complete with authentic scents and rural atmosphere. During summer in the Iso-Kohmo kitchen, oven-baked treats prepared to Grandma’s recipes are warming on the wood-burning stove. The farmer’s wife tells of everyday activities from the old days, whilst also giving handy tips on things such as making juice. http://www.visitturku.fi/en/kylamaki-village-of-living-history_

Venture only a few kilometres from Turku centre up a stream of the River Aura, and you will come to the splendid Halistenkoski Rapids. The Halistenkoski Rapids is a popular fishing spot from which fly-fishermen are able to snare Trout, Rainbow Trout or Atlantic Salmon. Here you can also begin a canoe ride and see the cultural landscape of the River Aura, a highly recommended activity. Close to the Halinen bridge is the Miller's House where you’ll find the River Aura Information Centre. Here you can rent a canoe, collect brochures, buy a fishing license and souvenirs, or just enjoy a cup of coffee and explore the river environment. http://www.visitturku.fi/en/halistenkoski-rapids_en

Finland’s most legendary prison vacated its former residence on Kakolanmäki in 2007, allowing the neighbourhood to enter a new and more auspicious age. It is an increasingly popular ‘Kakola Before and After’ tours, in which participants will explore the former prison buildings as well as the locations of the most exciting and audacious escapes of all time. The tour then continues on to Kakolan Sali, the hall that served as the prison church, where visitors will view a slideshow of the cells and hear stories of daily life for Kakola’s inmates. The two-hour tour is complete after a delicious serving of cakes and coffee. Public tours are held from 15th May to 5th September. Detailed times will be published on Kakola's website and Kakola's Facebook page later in the spring. The 2-hour tour costs €20 and includes coffee and cake. http://www.visitturku.fi/en/kakola

St. Henry's Ecumenical Art Chapel on the island of Hirvensalo is also a pilgrimage for lovers of architecture. The mystical landscape sculpture was completed on the fringe of the archipelago nature in 2005. In addition to the ecclesiastical events the chapel also holds art exhibitions, tours and a variety of events from concerts to special celebrations. http://www.visitturku.fi/en/ecumenical-art-chapel_

Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova is a unique combination of history, archaeology and contemporary art in the centre of Turku. http://www.visitturku.fi/en/aboa-vetus-ars-nova_en-1

The Turku Biological Museum is a Diorama-Museum that resides in a beautiful Art Nouveau building. The museum is a great experience for all those interested in nature and cultural history. http://www.visitturku.fi/en/biological-museum_en

Forum Marinum, a National Specialist Museum for Finnish maritime and naval history standing next to Turku Castle, is a nautical experience suitable for all ages. http://www.visitturku.fi/en/forum-marinum-maritime-centre_en