Finland's Official 'Christmas City' | Turku Finland

The country’s original capital is its oldest city, and the very name Finland used to refer only to southern area around Turku. Today, it is Finland’s third-largest city and hive of activity, being the country’s most important year-round ice-free port, handling millions of passengers and huge quantities of freight. As a traditional ‘gateway to Sweden’, Swedish influence is significant with the language widely spoken and one of the two universities teaching in Swedish.

Turku Finland

Following a common Scandinavian pattern, the city has been extensively redeveloped over the years, often starting when the old wooden town went up in flames. In this case, Turku was almost completely destroyed by fire in 1827, with few buildings surviving. Turku Cathedral did, but was damaged and rebuilt. There is an exceptional 13th century castle overlooking the harbour that has seen much military action over the centuries and now a handicrafts museum.

Turku Cathedral | Turku Finland

For all its commercial and economic importance, Turku is a restful place. The River Aura winds through the city centre, crossed by nine bridges, lined with small boats and surrounded by green parks. The river also passes some of the best modern buildings – the Sibelius Museum, City Theatre and Waino Aaltonen Museum of Art, dedicated to Finland’s most famous sculptor. These are a formal expression of the city’s vibrant cultural life, with its emphasis on music and theatre. Indeed, Turku is pitching to become a European Capital of culture in 2011.

But More mundane needs are not neglected, with plenty of good restaurants, coffe houses and bars. A morning market is held on the big square at Kauppatori, a flea market in Aninkaistentori and a lively Medical market festival is held every July.

Population of Turku Finland

175,000 (2006)

When to go to Turku Finland

Jully, for the Medieval Market festival (and because it’s the warmest month).

Don’t Miss at Turku Finland

Two three-masted museum ships, Suomen Joutsen and Sigyn (this is also the name of the glass-walled modern concert hall in town).

The Aboa Vetus Museum, built over archeological site in the 1990s, and the adjoining Ars Nova modern art museum.

A ride on the small passenger ferry Fori across the Aura River. Ruissalo Island in the Archipelago Sea, with ancient oak forests and the University of Turku’s botanical garden. The diverse Hansa shopping mall in the center of town, for everything you could ever want to buy.

You Should Know at Turku Finland

Turku is Finland is official ‘Christmas City’ and the traditional Declaration of Christmas Peace is made there every Christmas Eve at noon.

See Also

• Natural Beauty At Stockholm Sweden
• House of Hans Christian Andersen | Odense Denmark
• Spectacular Northern Lights At Tromso Norway
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