Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Turku & the South Coast
Why Go?
Anchoring the country's southwest is Finland's former capital, Turku. This striking seafar-
ing city stretches along a broad river from its Gothic cathedral to the medieval castle and
vibrant harbour, and challenges Helsinki's cultural cred with excellent galleries, museums,
restaurants and rocking music festivals that electrify the summer air. Just northwest,
charming Naantali makes an easy side trip or atmospheric alternative base.
Throughout the south, the coastline is strung with characterful little towns. The Swedish
and Russian empires fought for centuries over the area's ports and today they're command-
eered by castles and fortresses that seem at odds with the sunshine and sailing boats. In-
land, charming
bruk
(ironworks precinct) villages offer an insight into the area's industrial
past. Scattered offshore, islands provide yachting opportunities, sea-salt retreats and a sea
full of stepping stones across to Åland and Sweden.
