Perfect day trips from Turku
There’s plenty to love about Turku. Take the enormous daisy beside the Aura River, the blueberry macarons at Manna Leipomo, or the Medieval Market, when minstrels, jesters, and artisans suddenly appear in the Old Great Square. And then there’s the fact that it’s the perfect base for day trips into the archipelago. Check out these suggestions for your next adventure!
Get back to nature
There’s a simple reason why Turku locals go on (and on) about Ruissalo: it’s stunning. Flora and fauna thrive here, and there are well-marked trails every which way, so you can easily enjoy the island’s natural beauty. Download the Nomadi app (search for Ruissalo cultural exercise) and follow the Kuuva route to Kuuvannokka to see seabirds soaring over the water. Your other option is the Kansanpuisto route, which will lead you to the Botanical Garden and its collection of 5,000 plant species. Need another incentive? Both routes will take you past the popular Honkapirtti, where you can sample the classic Finnish combo: pea soup and oven pancakes.
How to get there
Getting to Ruissalo is straightforward. It’s only a few kilometres from Turku, so why not stop by Carfield Bike Rental and ride there? If you’re not a cycling fan, hop aboard Föli bus #8, straight from the city centre, or take the Föli water bus in summertime.
Hug a Moomin
If you’re travelling with kids (or you’re a big kid yourself), Moominworld should be on your list. Visiting this whimsical world is like stepping into the pages of Tove Jansson’s beloved books. You’ll find Edvard the Booble swimming next to the pier, Snufkin sharing stories by the campfire, and the Hattifatteners lurking in a cave. Of course, there’s also the iconic Moominhouse, which stands tall and blue in the centre of the park. There are no rides here, but there’s more than enough activities to do, performances to see, and Moomin characters to hug. The Moomins are adored in this part of the world, so remember to book your tickets early and online.
How to get there
You’ll find Moominworld in Naantali, less than a 30-minute drive from Turku. It takes an extra half an hour, but you can also get there on Föli bus #6 or #7. Come summertime, s/s Ukkopekka cruises between Turku and Naantali and a Moomin bus runs between Holiday Club Caribia and Moominworld.
Hop on your bike
Southwest Finland is a very bike-friendly place and you don’t need to recreate the Tour de France to experience the archipelago’s charms. From the city centre, pedal along the Aura River, over the Hirvensalonsilta Bridge and towards Ekvalla Beach on the island of Satava. It’s only 10 kilometres, it’s mostly flat, and there are ice cream kiosks strategically positioned along the way. Don’t forget to make a pit stop at St Henry’s Ecumenical Art Chapel: it’s like no church you’ve ever seen. If you’re still friends with your legs at this point, keep riding to Brinkhall Manor on the island of Kakskerta. It’s an extra nine kilometres, but it’s worth the effort.
How to get there
Pick up a bike from Carfield Bike Rental or 10bikes and head on your way! But if you’d like a more leisurely option, you can also take Föli bus #14 or #15 from the city centre. And if you want more cycling tips, check out this article here!
