Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Out of season Muumimaailma closes its gates, and the Old Town acquires the melan-
cholic air of an abandoned film set. But Naantali continues to work hard behind the scenes,
with Finland's third most-trafficked port, an oil refinery and an electricity power plant.
Sights & Activities
Surrounding the harbour, Naantali's photogenic Old Town is made up of old narrow
cobbled streets and wooden houses - many of which now house handicraft shops, art gal-
leries, antiques shops and cafes.
Muumimaailma
AMUSEMENT PARK
magic 1-day pass €18; summer season 10am-6pm early Jun-mid-Aug, noon-6pm late Aug, winter
magic 10am-4pm mid-Feb-late Feb)
Crossing the bridge from the Old Town to Kailo island takes you into the delightful world
of the
Moomins
. The focus is on hands-on activities and exploration, not rides; littlies love
the costumed characters wandering through the Moominhouse, Snork's Workshop (where
they can help with inventions) and other places from the topics and cartoons.
Older adventure seekers can rock climb and track down buccaneer relics at nearby pirate
11am-7pm early Jun-mid-Aug)
, reached by boats (included in admission) departing regu-
larly from Naantali.
Other Muumimaailma highlights include a swimming beach and Emma's Theatre (with
some mimed performances, so language isn't an issue).
Convent Church
CHURCH
Wed-Sun mid-May-end May, 10am-4pm Tue-Sun Jun-mid-Aug, noon-2pm Wed, 9am-noon Sun mid-
Aug-mid-May)
Medieval Naantali grew up around the Catholic Convent of the Order of Saint Birgitta,
which was dissolved after the 1527 Reformation. Towering above the harbour, the massive
Convent Church, completed in 1462, is all that remains; its baroque stone tower dates from
1797. Archaeological digs have unearthed some 2000 pieces of jewellery, coins and relics
now in the Naantali Museum.
