Explore Turku, Finland's oldest city and historic former capital. Discover its rich medieval charm, vibrant Aura River culture, bustling port.
The city of Turku is a stunning coastal destination located in the southwestern part of Finland, right at the mouth of the Aura River. Thanks to its bustling port, it serves as a vital trade gateway connecting Finland to the rest of the world.
By the way, while older travel guides often list its population at around 175,000, the city has experienced a massive population boom lately officially surpassing the **210,000 resident milestone**!
Even though Helsinki is the modern capital and a primary hub for immigrants, Turku offers an incredibly creative, fresh, and youthful atmosphere. The moment you step into the city, you immediately sense its exceptional quality of life. Surrounded by nature and anchored by a highly respected university, it is a magnificent choice for both travelers and long term residents.
### A Deep Dive into Turku’s Storied History
The exact founding year of Turku is shrouded in a bit of historical mystery, but legends say it was established by the Swedes around 1157. However, its official history is traditionally tied to the year 1229, when Pope Gregory IX issued a letter permitting the transfer of the archbishop’s seat to the area. This makes Turku **the oldest city in Finland**.
Throughout the Middle Ages, Turku grew into the largest city in Finland and one of the most important cultural and economic centers of the entire Swedish Realm.
* **The Meaning of "Turku":** The name itself is derived from *tǔrgǔ*, an ancient Russian word meaning "marketplace," highlighting its roots as a trading hub.
* **The Vulnerability of Wood:** Historically, the city center grew around the Turku Cathedral. Because most homes and buildings were constructed from wood, the city suffered numerous devastating fires over the centuries.
* **The Role of the Castle:** Nearby Turku Castle stood as one of the most significant secular fortresses in Finnish history, protecting the region through countless medieval conflicts.
### The Shift to Russian Rule and Moving the Capital
By the 17th century, Turku was the Swedish Empire's official "Gateway to the East," prompting the creation of the Turku Court of Appeal in 1617 and the Royal Academy of Turku (Finland's very first university) in 1640.
Following the war of 1808–1809, Sweden ceded Finland to Russia. Turku was initially declared an autonomous capital under Russian citizenship laws. However, in 1812, Emperor Alexander I decided to move the capital to Helsinki, believing Turku was geographically too close to its former mother country, Sweden.
Following the historic and catastrophic **Great Fire of Turku in 1827**, the remaining central government offices and the university were permanently relocated to Helsinki. Architect Carl Ludvig Engel was then brought in to design a completely new grid plan for the recovering city.
### Arriving in Turku: By Sea or Rail
Because Turku is surrounded by a vast, breathtaking archipelago rather than sitting directly on the open ocean, arriving here is part of the adventure.
### Entering via the Sea
The Port of Turku is the second largest port in the country. Massive, elegant passenger ferries operated by the Silja and Viking Lines sail daily between Stockholm and Turku, navigating through a fairytale landscape of islands. Many locals choose to live full time on larger, serene nearby islands like **Ruissalo** and **Hirvensalo** to escape the faster pace of mainland urban life.
### Arriving by Train
If you arrive via Finland's efficient rail network, the absolute best place to start a walking tour is just southwest of the railway station in the historic **Port Arthur district**. This charming neighborhood is famous for its preserved 19th century wooden houses, cozy local cafés, creative boutique shops, and fine dining restaurants.
### Top Attractions: The Heart and Soul of the City
### Turku Market Hall
For over a century, the **Turku Market Hall** (located in the Eerikinkatu area) has served as the culinary heart of the city. Designed by architect Gustaf Nyström and opened in 1896, the building boasts beautiful, timeless architecture. Inside, around forty traditional stalls welcome roughly two million visitors annually, serving authentic Finnish dishes and local delicacies.
### The Vibrant Aura Riverfront
In the summer, local life completely revolves around the shores of the Aura River. Residents gather on the riverbanks to socialize, dine on floating restaurant boats, and enjoy seasonal events like the **July Food Festival**, where diverse culinary booths showcase their skills.
### Turku Cathedral
As you stroll along the river, the imposing silhouette of the **Turku Cathedral** dominates the horizon. Consecrated in the late 13th century, it stands as the oldest surviving building in the main part of Finland and serves as the national shrine for the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran faith. Though expanded and restored many times, it retains a deep, majestic authenticity.
### Local Housing, Transit, and Education
### Affordable Living
For holidaymakers and retirees, Turku offers a wide inventory of rental apartments and traditional wooden cabins. Because real estate is significantly more affordable here than in the capital region of Helsinki, it remains a preferred vacation and relocation destination. It is also an absolute paradise for hikers, fishermen, and cyclists looking to explore the surrounding wilderness and the nearby Åland Islands.
### Getting Around
Turku features a highly efficient public transportation network. City buses traverse every corner of the municipality, and passengers can easily pay fares using cash or a reloadable travel card purchased at local service points. The city is seamlessly connected to Helsinki and the rest of Finland via highways and trains, and the local Turku Airport handles both domestic and international flights.
### The University of Turku
The modern **University of Turku** commenced operations in 1920 and has grown to host over 20,300 students. Renowned for its high academic standards, it attracts a large community of international students.
While the vast majority of undergraduate programs are taught in Finnish, the university offers a wide variety of Master’s and Ph.D. level courses entirely in English, covering fields such as:
* Humanities and Law
* Medicine and Technology
* Economics and Business Administration