Medieval Turku: Castle & Old Town Guided Tour from Helsinki
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Medieval Turku: Castle & Old Town Guided Tour from Helsinki

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(6 reviews)
10h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Experience Finland’s oldest city on a relaxed, fully guided day trip from Helsinki. Step inside Turku Castle, the magnificent Turku Cathedral, the beautiful Orthodox Church, and the lively Market Square (Kauppatori), where your guide will share the stories and history that bring these landmarks to life.

Along the way, we’ll walk by the historic Market Hall, enjoy the atmosphere of riverside cafés and restaurants along the Aura River, pass through the vibrant Ars Nova Museum and soak up the charm of the Old Great Square. You’ll have time to take in the city’s atmosphere, snap photos, or pause for local treats as we explore.

It’s the perfect blend of discovery and relaxation—seamless, enriching, and full of unforgettable moments in Turku.

Available options

Medieval Turku: Castle & Old Town Guided Tour from Helsinki

What's included

Castle's entrance fee
Guia Turistico habla Español
Luostarinmäki Open Museum entrance fee
English-speaking local guide
Round-trip bus tickets

Detailed itinerary

1

Kamppi Shopping Centre is a vibrant hub combining a modern underground bus terminal and a metro station beneath its main building, alongside a large shopping mall. This dynamic development has transformed the area into a lively, prosperous destination. Your tour will begin in front of R Kioski on the E-level, close by the Shopping centre main entrance, where you’ll meet your guide.

2

You’ll travel to Porvoo by intercity bus from Helsinki—a comfortable journey of about 2 hours. Enjoy the scenic Finnish countryside from your window along the way.

3

Turku Castle is Finland’s largest medieval fortress, built at the end of the 13th century on the Aura River in Turku. Once a royal stronghold and later a Renaissance palace, it now welcomes visitors as a fascinating museum of Finnish history and culture. Explore its ancient walls, grand halls, and historic rooms—an unmissable landmark for all ages.

4

Forum Marinum is a national maritime museum in Turku, Finland, located by the Aura River. It features historic ships, naval exhibits, and interactive displays that showcase Finland’s rich seafaring and naval history. Open year-round, it's a must-see for maritime enthusiasts and families alike.

5

Turku Market Square is the lively center of Turku, filled with stalls, cafés, and events. A historic trading spot, it remains a popular place for shopping, dining, and experiencing local city life.

6

Turku Orthodox Church: Short Bio
Turku Orthodox Church is a striking neoclassical landmark by the Market Square, built in the 1840s. Known for its elegant dome and richly decorated interior, it serves as the main Orthodox church in Turku and welcomes visitors year-round.

7

Turku Market Hall, opened in 1896, is a historic food market in the city center. Known for its traditional atmosphere and wide range of local delicacies, it offers everything from fresh produce to artisanal treats and cozy cafés—making it a beloved stop for both locals and visitors.

8

Ars Nova is a contemporary art museum located along the Aura River in Turku's Old Town. Housed in a beautiful historic building, it features modern Finnish and international art, with rotating exhibitions and a focus on current artistic expression. It also hosts the Wäinö Aaltonen Foundation collection, celebrating one of Finland’s most famous sculptors. Ars Nova offers a fresh, creative contrast to Turku’s historic charm.

9

Old Great Square is Turku’s historic center, dating back to the 13th century. Surrounded by restored buildings, it now hosts cultural events, markets, and festivals, offering a glimpse into the city’s medieval past.

10

Turku Cathedral is Finland’s most important medieval church and a national landmark. Consecrated in 1300, it stands at the heart of Turku and serves as the seat of the Archbishop. With centuries of history, it remains a symbol of Finnish heritage and an active place of worship.

11

The bus will bring you back to Kamppi, where your tour concludes. Feel free to take a leisurely stroll through the city as you make your way back to your accommodation. We hope you had a wonderful day—enjoy a restful evening!

What's not included

Food and drinks
Any personal expenses

Available languages

Guide guide
EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0
6 reviews
5★
6
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Finland’s weather can change quickly, so we suggest packing a light jacket and umbrella in Summer. In Winter, temperatures may drop to -25°C, so warm coats, scarves, hats, and gloves are a must. We also recommend travel insurance for a worry-free trip.

Meeting point

1. We will meet you in front of R Kioski Kamppi (E-level, Kamppi Shopping Centre).
2. Please arrive at least 5 minutes before the scheduled start time. Thanks!
3. Your guide will be holding a sign with our company logo. If you have trouble finding your guide, please call us at the number provided.

About Helsinki

Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is a vibrant city where modern design meets historic charm. Known for its stunning architecture, lively cultural scene, and proximity to nature, it offers a unique blend of urban and outdoor experiences. The city's design-forward ethos and high quality of life make it a must-visit destination in Northern Europe.

Top Attractions

Suomenlinna

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Suomenlinna is a sea fortress built in the 18th century. It offers a mix of history, nature, and cultural experiences.

Historical Half a day to a full day Free to explore, museums have entry fees

Helsinki Cathedral

An iconic landmark in the heart of Helsinki, the Helsinki Cathedral is known for its neoclassical architecture and white facade.

Architecture 30 minutes to an hour Free to enter

Temppeliaukio Church

Also known as the Rock Church, this unique church is built directly into solid rock and is famous for its stunning interior and acoustic qualities.

Architecture 1 hour Free entry, concerts may have tickets

Linnanmäki Amusement Park

One of the oldest amusement parks in the world, Linnanmäki offers a variety of rides, attractions, and entertainment for all ages.

Entertainment Half a day to a full day Entry is free, tickets required for rides

Ateneum

One of the three major art museums in Helsinki, Ateneum houses a vast collection of Finnish and international art.

Museum 1-2 hours €14 for adults, discounts available

Must-Try Local Dishes

Salmon Soup (Lohikeitto)

A creamy soup made with fresh salmon, potatoes, and dill. A comforting and flavorful dish.

Soup Contains fish, can be made gluten-free

Finnish Meat Pie (Karjalanpiirakka)

A traditional rye pastry filled with rice or barley. Often served with butter and eggs.

Snack Vegetarian, can be vegan without butter

Blood Sausage (Mustamakkara)

A traditional Finnish sausage made with pork blood, barley, and spices. Often served with lingonberry jam and mashed potatoes.

Main course Contains pork, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans

Pulla

A sweet cardamom-flavored bread, often served with coffee. A popular treat in Finnish cafes.

Dessert Vegetarian, contains dairy and eggs

Popular Activities

Hiking in Nuuksio National Park Kayaking in the Helsinki archipelago Visiting spas and saunas Enjoying coffee and pastries at a local café Exploring museums and art galleries Attending concerts and performances Swimming in the Helsinki archipelago Boat tours

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season with long daylight hours, festivals, and outdoor activities. The weather is pleasant, and the city comes alive with events and cultural activities.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Finnish, Swedish
  • Widely spoken: English, German, Russian
  • English: Widely spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+2 (EET)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Helsinki is generally a very safe city with low crime rates. However, as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions.

Important Precautions:
  • • Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
  • • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
  • • Keep your valuables secure and out of sight

Getting there

By air
  • Helsinki-Vantaa Airport • 17 km (10.5 miles) from city center
By train

Helsinki Central Railway Station

By bus

Kamppi Bus Station, Helsinki Central Railway Station

Getting around

Public transport

Trams are a historic and scenic way to get around Helsinki. They are frequent and reliable.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Helsinki Taxi, Taksi Helsinki

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Kamppi Design District Kallio Ullanlinna

Day trips

Nuuksio National Park
25 km (15.5 miles) from Helsinki • Half a day to a full day

A beautiful national park offering hiking trails, lakes, and wildlife. Perfect for outdoor activities and nature lovers.

Porvoo
50 km (31 miles) from Helsinki • Full day

A charming medieval town with cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and a beautiful riverside setting.

Tallinn, Estonia
85 km (53 miles) from Helsinki • Full day to overnight

A historic city with a well-preserved medieval old town, offering a mix of history, culture, and modern attractions.

Festivals

Helsinki Festival • August to September Christmas Market • Late November to December

Pro tips

  • Visit the local markets for a taste of Finnish culture and to buy fresh, local produce
  • Try a traditional Finnish sauna for a unique and relaxing experience
  • Explore the city's design district for a glimpse into Finland's innovative design scene
  • Take a day trip to Nuuksio National Park for a dose of nature and outdoor activities
  • Visit the Helsinki Cathedral and Senate Square for a taste of the city's historic architecture
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 13-99
1
Childs
Age 3-12
0
Infants
Age 0-2
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 9
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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