Things to do & places to visit in Southwest Finland, Finland

Southwest Finland #3 destination in Finland 2023. The average rating score is 4.40 based on 5.857 traveler reviews, of 216 attractions. Timezone: Europe/Helsinki, current date and time: Sunday, April 28, 2024, 7:22.

Top things to do (35)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Bengtskar Lighthouse (60 reviews)
- Superb Day Trip
Lighthouses

We visited on a gorgeous June day, taking the boat from the Kasnas resort. (This particular boat trip also stops at the Rosala Viking Center. The Center itself isn't much, but it is nice to walk around the island if the weather's good.) The staff were very friendly, helpful, and informative. Our guide spent over 45 minutes explaining the lighthouse's history, strategic importance, and infrastructure. It was fascinating. One thing to note, however. This may not be the best option for people who experience limited mobility. Getting into and out of the boat which transported us could be a huge challenge for anyone with physical limitations. While there are level areas around the lighthouse itself, one must climb steps from the dock to the lighthouse, then climb more stairs to get into the building. See more..
5.0 Adventure Park (34 reviews)
- Adventure Park is the best place for kids!
Spent < 1 hour Playgrounds

It has a great location, it is clean, safe and free. There are several parts for kids of different ages. In the summertime they have also workshops for kids and theatre (based on small fee). They also have some water elements in the summer. You can barbecue there or have a picnic. You can rent family bicycles to go around the park. There is also a little driving park for kids and pond for birds. You can spend there all day and have lots of fun! See more..
4.5 Turku Castle (1.147 reviews)
- Unique 700-year-old historical monument
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Castles • History Museums

In addition to the Turku Cathedral, this medieval castle is the second landmark in Turku. It is located next to the Port of Turku. There is so much to explore. We had just 1½ hour time and we had to hurry because the museum was closing at 18:00. Also, you have to be quite fit. There are so many stairs up and down. See more..
4.5 Turku Cathedral (690 reviews)
- Finland's most valuable historical monument
Historic Sites • Religious Sites • Educational sites

This medieval church is called the National Shrine of Finland. It is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and Finland's first bishop, St Henry. The oldest parts of the church go back to the 13th century. The church is 89 meters long, 38 meters wide, and 44.5 meters high. The height of the striking tower is 85.5 meters. Don't forget to visit the Cathedral Museum with a small entrance fee. It takes you on a journey through history from the early 1300s. See more..
4.5 Luostarinmäen Käsityöläismuseo (309 reviews)
- A very "real" museum!
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Luostarinmäki is the only continuous district of wooden houses that survived the fire of 1827 in Turku. These houses are over 200 years old and still standing in their original building sites. The houses have been furnished as craftsmen’s homes and workshops, representing over 30 different trades. The museum tells the story of pre-industrial urban craftsmanship. In the summertime craftsmen come to work in the workshops. The museum is open during summer from May to August, and for the Christmas Season in December. See more..
4.5 Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova (295 reviews)
- A unique centrally located museum
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours History Museums

The Best Museum Experience Ever! Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova combines history, archaeology and contemporary art with hands-on activities and professional guided tours. It is situated in Southwestern Finland, in Turku. The museum's guided tours introduce you to both the fascinating history of Turku, as well as the intriguing changing art exhibitions. In the summer season tours are included in the entrance fee, but they can also be reserved for groups throughout the year. The museum also provides a cosy cafeteria and a lovely gift shop. See more..
4.5 Turku City Library (259 reviews)
- The third library in Finland
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Libraries

Only Helsinki and Rauma had libraries before Turku. Turku Main Library consists of two buildings. The Dutch late Renaissance-style building was constructed in 1903. It resembles the House of Nobility in Stockholm. The interior is stunning. Next to the old one, a new library building was completed in 2007. The main material here was concrete and the building received the 2007 Concrete Construction Award. The two buildings are connected by a corridor that runs through the News Market where people can read newspapers. You can visit Café Sirius located in the former governor's office building. See more..
4.5 Forum Marinum Maritime Centre (235 reviews)
- Discover the smallest statues in the world and walk to feel the maritime atmosphere of Turku
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Military Museums • Ships • History Museums

Here you can walk for a couple of miles to feel the maritime history and atmosphere of Turku. While walking we learned about the old lighting wooden beacons in use since the 1220s! And of course we took photos with the monumental sculptures such as the giant chamomile flower. What we absolutely loved were these tiny bronze sculptures almost camouflaged and blended in with the nature and granite seating area of the port. We wish we knew the name of the artist! See more..
4.5 Turun Kauppahalli (223 reviews)
- The second oldest market hall in Finland
Shopping Malls

This historic market hall was opened in 1896 at Eerikinkatu near the marketplace. It offers a unique atmosphere. All the roof and hallway structures are original. You can currently find approximately 40 different merchants and restaurants. See more..
4.5 Naantali Old Town (179 reviews)
- attractive local town
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 2-3 hours Neighborhoods • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Though small, Naantali is worth going. This small local town is quiet but beautiful. You can spend an hour or so walking along the coastline, enjoying the marvellous sight. Otherwise take a short break in the park or in one of the restaurants, while waiting for the sunset. See more..
4.5 Turku Art Museum (154 reviews)
- The best art museum in Turku
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Art Museums

Just the sight of the granite-stone castle atop Puolalanmäki hill gives a promising indication of the treasures inside. Turku Art Museum is a jewel of the city, where, in alternating collection exhibitions visitors can spot the brushstrokes of famous Finnish painters such Helene Schjerfbeck and Akseli Gallen-Kallela. Diverse and high-quality temporal exhibitions introduce the fascinating world of art, from classics to the freshest contemporary art but museum offers also many other activities as well as beautiful atmosphere to meet and socialise. Take a seat in the museum’s super-lovely Café Victor, and enjoy the charming porcelain and warm service! See more..
4.5 Pharmacy Museum and Qwensel House (115 reviews)
- Nice and quick museum to visit
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums

The Qwensel House is the oldest bourgeois housing from the autarchic times in Turku. The house was built approximately in the year 1700 to an area that was reserved for the nobility. Check for opening times online. See more..
4.5 Turku University Botanical Garden (77 reviews)
- Relaxing visit
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Parks • Gardens • Scenic Walking Areas

Experience both Finnish nature and the tropical rainforest throughout the year! The collection of over 5,000 plant species is a living display of the diversity of the plant kingdom. In the 6 greenhouses, you will experience the heat and scents of the tropics and see species ranging from tiny groundcover plants to the highest trees of the rainforest. Ornamental subtropical plants bring a breath of Mediterranean air, living fossils take you to the past, and the drought-resistant succulents surprise with their ability to adapt. In the outdoor gardens (23 hectares), the landscape changes with the four seasons. There are flowering plants from April to November but, in the autumn, leaves change color and winters are amazing, too. Free entrance to the outdoor gardens! See more..
4.5 Archangel Michael's church (59 reviews)
- More prettier than the cathedral
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Churches & Cathedrals

A bit on the edge of the inner city but worth the walk. Beautiful inside and out, some decorative features See more..
4.5 Föri (50 reviews)
- a Turku must-do
Spent < 1 hour Ferries

The Fori is a free ferry that crosses the Aura furthest west in Turku, towards the Turku harbor. It runs constantly and one needn't wait but fifteen minutes for the next crossing. I'm not sure how necessary the ferry is because there are so many other bridges a little further east, but it's a fun and iconic way to get across the Aura. See more..
4.5 Arctic Museum Nanoq (46 reviews)
- Just wonderful
Speciality Museums

Have you a trip to Finland? Then take a stop at Nanoq Arctic Museum in Jakobstad / Pietarsaari.... Arctic museums exists not so many in the world. Here you can learn about nature, lifestyle, animals, Arctic explorers and their tours...etc. Art, tools, gods, igloos, balloons...many exhibitions. .a lot to explore! I really recommend it. See more..
4.5 The Archipelago Trail (43 reviews)
- Love cycling? Ride this.
Hiking Trails

If you love travelling with bike, if you love nature, sea and seeing new places this is the thing you should do. Take your time to plan the trip carefully and check the schedules of the ferries in advance. You can go short trip for about 120 km or long trip of about 200 km or some variation of these. We have done long and short with our full suspension mtb’s and it has been a lot of fun. Book a airbnb on the way and spend some nice time in for example in island Nagu and all it’s restaurants. See more..
4.5 Kupittaa Park (42 reviews)
- Adventure park and lido
Parks

The lido (summer only) was a great hit with my youngest visitor from England There’s a huge slide (into shallow water) and a ‘snake slide’ into a pool (good with arm bands)... the water is warm and the showers hot. Toilets are free to use and clean. Changing rooms basic (old fashioned) The cafe is quite good (though the coffee should be hotter) ... nice ice creams and some snacks for sale. You can also do as we did and take your own picnic (no alcohol or glass) Please shower before and after swim to keep the pool clean We took own floats, but there are some to borrow if you forget them! You need 50c for locker for valuables ...refunded when you return key Entry is inexpensive adults 5e children/pensioners/students 3e ...no time limit but you can’t renter once you leave Easy to access by local bus ... the adventure park (free) is near by too. See more..
4.5 Kauppakeskus Mylly (37 reviews)
- Great for kids
Spent More than 3 hours Shopping Malls

Me and my small son had an awsome day here! Loved it! Many shops and restaurants even in toilets there was places to play for my son very close to Turku See more..
4.5 Abo Svenska Teater (34 reviews)
- Beautiful
Theaters

Abo Svenska Teater (the Swedish theatre in Turku), inaugurated in 1839, is the oldest theatre building in Finland. The theatre is renowned for its high-quality musicals and interesting dramas. See more..
4.5 Louhisaari Manor (30 reviews)
- Very pleasant
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Points of Interest & Landmarks

After belonging to the Fleming family since the 15th century, Louhisaari was in 1795 bought by the Mannerheim family, which owned it until 1903. The Marshal of Finland C. G. E. Mannerheim was born at Louhisaari in 1867. The main building dates from 1655 and is one of the rare examples of palatial architecture in Finland. The festive floor and the service floor are in 17th-century style and furnished to match. The middle floor, where the actual living quarters were, was modernised during the 18th and 19th centuries, and the rooms in this part of the castle reflect the interior-decoration styles of that time. The castle is surrounded by an English landscape park. The main building of Louhisaari Manor was opened to public on 1st of June 1967. Louhisaari Manor is located on the southwest coast of Finland 30 km North of Turku. Louhisaari is now closed but we are open again from May 15th 2016. See more..
4.5 Vaski Adventure Island (30 reviews)
- The Väski island
Amusement & Theme Parks

The Väski adventure island is closed for the year 2019. The pier is open for boats but all activity on the island has ended. See more..
4.5 Oro (28 reviews)
- Great iceland with excellent service
Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

We came to the island with our own boat. The friendly staff received us and directed us to the right place. The island is great and the service excellent. I suggest to everyone! See more..
4.5 Bonk Museum (27 reviews)
- Most interesting experience in UKI
Speciality Museums

Bonk museum consists of just two rooms in main building and one barn for children workshop during summer, and packed of items with an unbelivable story about incredible machines. It's like walking in 1930's but looking ahead in future. Opened daily from 10-18, it deserve seening! Learned also new things, which today we take it for granted, but back in those days were only dreams. See more..
4.5 Salon Taidemuseo Veturitalli (27 reviews)
- Herb Ritts exhibition
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Concerts • Art Museums

The building of the Salo Art Museum is an old locomotive shed. The exhibitons halls and also the museum office are located in the same building. Space at the Salo Art Museum is also for different occasions and concerts. See more..
4.5 Nagu Church (25 reviews)
- A medieval church with a rare 18th century organ
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Churches & Cathedrals

Nagu church is a beautiful medieval, gothic style stone church, the building of which dates back to the early 15th century. The church has been dedicated to St Olaf, a 10th century Norwegian king who became the most popular saint in the Nordic countries in the middle ages. Originally this was a Catholic church but since reformation it has been the church of the Evangelican-Lutheran congregation of Nagu. Nagu church has the largest and the only restorated 18th century organ in Finland. Other things to pay attention to are the painting by the first professional Finnish artist, R. W. Ekman, in the small chapel on the west side of the church, the glass paintings of saints Olaf and Erik and the primitive paintings in the ceiling. Nagu church is located in the centre of the Nagu village, right beside the Archipelago Ringroute and just about 400 meters from the Nagu guest harbour, so it is convenient to reach by car, bike, bus or boat. There is plenty of parking space beside the church. See more..
4.5 JukuPark Turku (24 reviews)
- Fun and Safe for kids!
Water Parks

I was impressed by the thoughtful design in the different slides. Some water slides are winding, some are dark and so forth. I was never bored. Also, the height of each slide is carefully determined, so that there is not too maný stairs to climb each time, Each ride in the higher water slides are supervised by an employee. Visitors should be aware that many of the slides has a minimum 120 cm limit. There is an unsupervised "Pirate Island" area for younger kids, though. The staff was polite, also at the restaurant. Also, the hamburgers were tasty! Despite it was our our first trip to Turku, we managed to find a public bus that took us to a nearby crossroad. See more..
4.5 Mathildedalin Kylapanimo (23 reviews)
- What Gem in a charming village!
Spent 1-2 hours Breweries

Stopped by here with the family on a local road trip. Delicious beers and fresh baked bread from the bakery next-door that uses some of the spent grain from the brewery itself. This place is out-of-the-way but worth the visit. See more..
4.5 Kylamaki Village of Living History (23 reviews)
- Good place to see old style farm life
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Kylamaki Village of Living History is an outdoors museum, where the old tools and utensils are still in use. The area consists of four country houses with their barns and fields. Meet the lady of Iso-Kohmo house, busy in the kitchen. Enjoy the peace of Finnish countryside, only four kilometers from central Turku. Easy access by bus. See more..
4.5 Aspegrens Rosenlund (20 reviews)
- Amazing place
Parks • Gardens

The place is known for varieties of flowers, plants and vegetables. A small cafe is a good addition to the site. Lovely display of gradening with so many colourful flowers everywhere. One my favourite place in Jakobstad. See more..