Things to see and do Western Finland Province

For design enthusiasts, it's a must! Cradle of the national company known throughout the world for its famous orange scissors, Fiskars is the village that saw the creation of this small workers' bastion. The museum traces the history of the factory and its inhabitants from the 17th century to the present day. Fiskars is a foundry company founded in 1649. In 1832, they launched the country's first cutlery factory and in 1967, they made themselves known worldwide with their famous orange chisel. On site: museum, café and souvenir shop.

This oasis has been around for over a hundred years and is popular with families! It's a lovely setting for a picnic on sunny days, amidst flowers, the beach and farm animals. Viksu the friendly mascot is in charge of the animations. On site, there are many games for children to keep them busy, entertained and amused. The park is especially famous for hosting the popular Pori Jazz Festival which takes place every year in July.

Located in the old town of Naantali, the museum is spread over two wooden buildings dating from the 18th century. It reflects the bourgeois lifestyle of the small town and the trades of yesteryear. The first building houses the museum's ticket sales, an archaeological exhibition of the early days of Naantali and a miniature model of St. Bridget's Convent. The second takes visitors into 19th century interiors that show how the merchants of the small town lived. Beautiful garden with a rose garden. Count 1 hour for the visit.

An impact crater, 6 km in diameter. An impressive site, also enjoyed by migratory birds every autumn and spring, who invade it entirely to rest and feed. A permanent exhibition at the heart of the impact, run by volunteers, takes you on a journey back in time to 520 million years ago. The site also boasts a well-equipped astronomical observatory, a bird-watching tower and a miniature of our solar system... A must-see if you're drawn to the mysteries of the universe...

Magnificent summer villa built in 1939 by the famous Alvar Aalto for Mayor and Harry Gullichsen, a cut of industrialists passionate about art. Progressive and without prejudice, they were interested in modernist abstract art and utopian ideology. Alvar Aalto then had carte blanche to experiment without any restrictions and made sure that the construction would blend completely into nature. The interior of the villa was designed by Aino Aalto and now houses priceless works of art by Picasso, Braque and Modigliani.

A relatively small museum in terms of size, but impressive in terms of the breadth of exhibits on display, especially when said exhibits come straight from the mysterious world of espionage! You'll have the opportunity to discover new and unsuspected facets of an opaque world, learn about famous spies and even try to solve some mysteries: cryptography, Morse code and the secret chamber. Please note that photography is not permitted during the tour. Don't forget to ask for the tour booklet in French (a rarity in Finland)!

The desire of Consul Alfred Jacobsson and his wife Hélène to preserve their home in its original state to illustrate the life of the upper classes in Turku a century ago led to the creation of the very special Ett Hem Museum. One will appreciate the refined and original painted wooden furniture, typical of the region. The museum's collection also includes books by artists and sculptors of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as well as objects typical of the bourgeois interiors of the time.

One of the liveliest museums in Turku. It houses more than 700 instruments (16th-20th centuries), including some rare pieces and important archives of the great composer Sibelius, who has a whole section devoted to his work. The aim of the museum is to bring to life the history of Finnish music from the 18th century to the present day. For music lovers, this is the most comprehensive museum in the country! The advantages: concerts are given in a room with acoustics that are necessarily excellent for such a place (tickets from 4 € to 8 €).

An imposing building in the purest Art Nouveau style (1904) stands high above Vartiovuori Park. The first floor is devoted to temporary exhibitions featuring Finnish artists. Upstairs, it's more classical, with collections representing Finland's golden age in the ^19th and ^20th centuries, with works by Aleksis Gallèn-Kallela, Hugo Simberg, Wainö Aaltonen, and more contemporary artists such as Ellen Thesleff and Helena Schjerfbeck...

Turunlinna Castle was built in 1280 to defend the Hanseatic city of Turku. It is one of Finland's most important historical monuments. The passages, halls and chapels of the main castle bear witness to the fascinating history of Turku, Finland, Sweden and other Nordic countries.

The castle church dates back to the early ^18th century.

The powerful grey granite structure comprises two main buildings joined by two massive towers. On view is a large exhibition on the castle's chronology through the centuries, featuring medieval sculptures in the nuns' chapel and the Sturen church, royal visits, court pomp, the prison... Since 1881, the castle's secondary enclosure has housed a museum devoted to the history of the town and to popular arts and traditions between the ^17th and ^19th centuries. Also worth seeing is the collection of weapons and jewelry, as well as a series of beautiful period garments. Allow at least 2 hours for your visit, as the castle is huge (but you won't get lost, as many guides in medieval dress are on hand to help you). Children are not forgotten during the visit, with disguises available for them to play the squire. To better understand the history of the site and the town, we still recommend that you take the tour with a recommended guide. Audioguide in French (via smartphone). Temporary exhibitions. Café-restaurant on site.

Dating back to 1896, it features some 70 stalls selling fish, meats, cheeses, fruit and vegetables, pastries, ecological products and souvenirs. There are also numerous restaurants offering both international and Finnish cuisine. Among them, special mentions to Jascal TMII (Korean cuisine), Roots Kitchen (vegetarian cuisine) and Aschan (for its train carriages where you can sit and eat)! Ideal for a 100% local meal!

A slightly hidden tourist office, at the back of Turku's transport office (take a ticket from the machine at the entrance and wait to be called - it doesn't take long!). The friendly staff have a good stock of English-language documents, maps and other recommendations to help you organize your stay in Turku. Don't hesitate to ask their advice, especially on the best ways to get around and organize your stay. You can also buy the ritual local maps (transport and museums).

Aboard Finland's only remaining steamboat, you can explore the old town of Naantali (World of the Millennials, Ruissalo Island and Airisto). On beautiful summer evenings, you can also take part in a dinner and dance cruise to Loistokari Island. Night cruises in the middle of the summer are the best way to take full advantage of the long days, the scenery, the mild temperatures... We recommend it!

It's Northern Europe's largest wooden town, covering 28 hectares with cobbled streets and over 600 wooden houses of various colors from the ^18th and ^19th centuries. Some of the old houses have been converted into museums. You can also push on to the market square. The square itself is home to stalls known as pystcaffe, literally meaning "standing coffee". To the south, admire the old town hall, built in 1776. The site has been listed by Unesco since 1991 as an "outstanding example of a Nordic town built of wood".

Near the market square, in an empire-style building, is the city's Maritime Museum. The building was built by a wealthy shipowner to house, at the time, the sailmaking of the Wendelin shipping company. In the mid-19th century Kristinestad was one of the most important shipyard and port towns in Finland. From Kristinestad great ships set sail for all the seas of the world, even for Australia! Tar and wood were the most important export products.

At the Maison Lebell, come and discover the story of the life of a merchant family between the 18th and 19th centuries. This house was built in 1762 and became a museum in 1939. Inside, you will discover a unique baroque room. Ceilings and wall fabrics are original, and the superb green earthenware stove is certainly the oldest in the country! Next to the Lebell house is the Félenska gården house, built in 1841, which is used for conferences

We can start by taking a tour of the old town. It is one of the best preserved in Finland and dates back to the 17th century with its wooden houses and narrow streets. The town hall (1851) can also be admired. Then on to the Ulrika-Eleonora Church on Aitakatu, one of the oldest wooden religious buildings. Its ex-votos, in the form of model ships, implore the return of sailors who have gone to sea or thank for a wish granted. It is open from mid-May to August, Monday to Saturday from 9am to 4pm.

Built by J. Stenbäck at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, it was built in the Käppärä cemetery opened in 1884. Juselius, a city industrialist, commissioned the mausoleum in memory of his only child, his daughter Sigrid Juselius, who died at the age of 11. Construction began in 1901 and was completed two years later. The frescoes in the mausoleum are the work of Aleksis Gallèn-Kallela and were restored by his son. It's a nice visit if you're around.

It is the central church in Pori, a Lutheran church, the largest in the Satakunta region and one of the largest in Finland. It is a large and beautiful neo-Gothic red brick church built in 1863, which can accommodate 2,000 worshippers. Fully restored in 1995, it looks good in the middle of its park and on the banks of the river Kokemäenjoki. Its cast-iron bell tower is 72 m high. The interior is decorated in the romantic nationalist style and the paintings dating from 1898 are by architect August Krook.

Kirsti's house is a humble sailor's dwelling, built at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, and has become a museum. It shows how the inhabitants lived here from the 1800s to the 1970s. In the window recess, two tile hounds, whose significance goes beyond mere decoration, can be seen. Facing outwards, they indicated that the sailor was at sea, pointing inwards, this meant that the sailor was at home. The small enclosed courtyard includes the stable, the barn, the attic, the cellar and the well.

The centrally-located building, constructed in 1912, was converted into a museum in 1993. The Lönnström couple, notables of Swedish origin, had an interesting collection of art and period furniture. On site, the premises can be divided into two small museums: the Art Museum and the Home Museum.

Home Museum: this house became a museum in 1988. It is the home of the couple Teresia and Rafael Lönnström, with a fine collection of period objects and art.

Art Museum: showcases contemporary artists in painting, sculpture and more

This museum, located in the former maritime school that marked the city by training generations of sailors, is worth seeing! On the first floor: permanent exhibitions, temporary exhibitions, the museum shop but also the navigation simulator Jenny II. The permanent exhibition highlights the importance of the sea in the construction and history of Rauma with many period photos of the port, life on the ships, objects... As for the second floor and the tower, there are temporary and art exhibitions.

This museum was the splendid residence of a rich shipowner of the last century, whose sons squandered their fortune travelling. Furnished in the style of the period (large tiled stoves for heating and beautiful furniture), it gives a slightly better understanding of the life of the Nordic bourgeoisie at the beginning of the 20th century. The office and dining room are particularly eloquent. One discovers many paintings of the commercial fleet on all the walls. The Russian flag was in use at a time when Finland was dependent on the Tsar.

Housed in a beautiful late 18th century mansion, the temporary exhibitions change every month and are varied with for example: Anna Eriksson, Kirsi Kuusisto, local or national artists... Every two years, the Baltic Biennial exhibits contemporary art from all the countries around the Baltic Sea, including Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia. On the website you will find a list of upcoming exhibitions and events.

This former Franciscan monastery, built at the end of the 15th century and inaugurated in 1512, is a must see! After Luther's meeting with King Vasa of Sweden in 1538, the latter opted for the Reformation. The whole kingdom had to convert. The monks are thus driven out, but the church remains. In 1891, the church was restored and the medieval frescoes covered since the Reformation were discovered. In excellent condition, they give a very singular character to the place. Admire the medieval triptych, the altar imported from Germany, the 17th century chandelier and the organ at the end of the 18th century.

In an old warehouse on the Eteläranta, converted into a museum in 1981, it is located in the centre of the town on the Kokemäki River. Most of the works come from a collection of the Mayor Gullichsen Foundation. This museum of modern art is known for its exhibitions of international contemporary art. Since the beginning of the 1990s, the museum has also been developing art education based on contemporary art. Beautiful temporary exhibitions as well.

The Satakunta Museum presents a panorama of Finnish history and culture in the city and region from prehistoric times to the present day. The second floor features an interesting miniature reconstruction of old Pori. The on-site archives include no fewer than 300,000 photographs, maps and architectural drawings, and the collections include over 80,000 objects and items. This is an interesting and inspiring museum for young and old alike. There's also a gift store.

The University of Turku has a branch in Ruissalo, where you can find a magnificent botanical garden. On the spot, there are no less than 5,000 species, a beautiful living showcase of the biodiversity of the plant world with, in addition, vegetable gardens (aromatic and medicinal herbs), crossbreeding of new vegetables, fruits and berries. The neighbouring rose garden displays old-fashioned rosebushes, some of which were already in bloom in the 17th century!

The black sailing ship, the Sigyn, launched in 1887 in Gothenburg, was bought by Finland in 1927. It is the only cargo ship with wooden sails (oak and pine) still in existence. Other ships are to be seen, such as the Suomen Joutsen (literally the "Swan of Finland"). This ship came out in 1902 from the French shipyards of Saint-Nazaire under the name of Laennec. After having circumnavigated the world 9 times, she was used as a training ship for future sailors.

The President of Finland spends his summer holidays in Naantali, enjoying the park and the beautiful rose garden (650 m²) in the Kultaranta Gardens. Every year the site attracts about 20,000 visitors. Today it is one of Finland's built cultural sites of national interest. The building belonged to Alfred Kordelin, who had it built in the early 1910s, and later belonged to the University of Turku before it was taken over by the state.

Tove Jansson originally invented the Moumines (Muumi in Finnish) during the Second World War, so that children could escape to a lighter world. It was originally a comic book that was all the rage in the Nordic countries, and then the Moumines developed into a television programme. The Finns have recreated the world of these characters with attractions and shows in Naantali, on the island of Kailo. The Japanese love... But you too will be seduced by these endearing hippopotamus-looking characters!

In the heart of a beautiful park, the beautiful church with exposed pink granite stones, built between 1443 and 1462, slightly overlooks the surrounding waters. Built at the base to serve the order of Sainte-Brigitte, it is today the only vestige of the convent of the brigitinnes. It is also one of the oldest medieval constructions in the country. Belfry late 18th century of Baroque inspiration. During the ruska (autumn and its bright colours), the colours are splendid. On summer evenings, vespers are announced at 8 pm by a trumpet.

Built below the large 1861 Samppalinna windmill (one of Turku's most typical sights) and surrounded by greenery. A modern white stone building presenting a panorama of various trends in contemporary painting and architecture. The national figure of sculptor Aaltonen (1894-1966) dominates the ensemble. In particular, he celebrated in stone the patriots and heroes of the young, independent Finland (see the statue of the national sportsman, Paavo Nurmi, in Helsinki or The Wooden Floaters in Tampere).

It is full of treasures for sporty hikes. The most impressive site is certainly Helvetinkoulu, a deep break through which one reaches the lake from the top of the cliff. There are many facilities for camping and preparing meals, including one by the beach. The landscape is diverse, with rocks, cliffs, lakes, rivers, swamps, dense forests, and even a beach. In summer and winter, the park has incredible and magnificent landscapes. We love it!

The Taideomuseo, the museum of fine arts, offers temporary exhibitions only. They change every two months. They focus mainly on the exhibition of contemporary art, printmaking and Central Finnish art. On the first floor, the main Taika room is used for various workshops and public courses. For information about the various workshops and other events, please visit their website.

This open-air museum reconstructs a traditional village with its various wooden houses (granary, mills, grocery store) and exhibits old-fashioned crafts. You will discover and learn about the rural life of Virrant between the 19th and 20th centuries, but also about the life of the loggers and other forestry work in the 1950s and 1960s. You can then shop in the small souvenir shop or/and have a lunch break in the restaurant.

In a brand-new building, entitled Alto², visitors will be able to contemplate the site's two permanent exhibitions: the first, entitled "Exploring central Finland", and the second, "AALTO, work and life", obviously dedicated to Alvar Aalto. Numerous temporary exhibitions are already planned for the coming years, promising a cultural and artistic revival worthy of the genius of this unique Finnish architect. Not to be missed if you're in the area, and to be combined with the museum of the same name (near Helsinki).

Completed in 1966 to designs by Reima Pietilä, it's certainly one of the country's most impressive churches. Its fish-inspired exterior initially gives the impression of a large, boring high-rise building. Once inside, however, what a surprise to discover no pillars at all! As for the exceptional acoustics, combined with the incredible luminosity and purity of lines, the result is a great sense of freedom! A benchmark in contemporary sacred architecture, it can accommodate 1,120 worshippers.

Built in 1907 according to the plans of the architect Lars Sonck (1870-1956). It is one of the most representative examples of the Finnish National Romantic style with its grey granite and spectacular open nave. The other frescoes depict twelve naked boys wearing a garland of roses symbolizing the weight of the earthly miseries. On the ceiling, angel wings, the flag bearers of goodness, flutter around an apple snake, symbol of evil. Amazing and quite rare.

The museum presents the living conditions of the workers in the 1880s. You can visit more than thirty dwellings such as the cooperative, the paper mill, the bakery, the shoemaker's workshop, the wood shed and the traditional sauna. After the visit, you can have a drink in the café of the Amurin Helmi Museum (open even in winter) or in the Amurin café where it is possible to have lunch. Guided tours are also available.

A combination of exhibitions, workshops and expertise are on display in the Museum of Crafts and Clothing. Three permanent exhibitions are installed and explore the techniques and skills of Finnish craftsmen between tradition and modernity. Festive costumes from the past are also on display, especially those from the 18th and 19th centuries. These objects are often successful, especially in terms of designwhere, once again, the country shows real talent.

The Finnish Air Force has taken over the place. Opened in 1979, it officially became the Finnish Air Force Museum in 1987. On the spot, enthusiasts of old cuckoo clocks and newer fighter aircraft will be served. The evolution of air armament since the country's independence also speaks of the economic take-off in Finland in a century. The plus: the possibility of flying on a simulator. Cafeteria and shop on site. Events are regularly organised, more information on the website.

Gallery Becker houses temporary collections of modern art that are renewed every three weeks. For lovers of Finnish art (in photography as well as in painting or sculpture...), works are for sale or to rent for the time of your stay if you are not decided to buy! Don't hesitate to take a tour if you pass by, it's always interesting and it's the opportunity to discover small local, national and sometimes even international artists. And if you are one yourself, why not rent a place?

In the town of Vaasa, located on the ground floor of the Ostrobothnia Museum, the Terranova Centre is dedicated to the Kvarken archipelago. In addition to various models, you will also find information about the four nature trails and two hiking trails in the national park (with the Ojen trail from Vaasa, the Panike trail in Korsnäs and the Västerö trail in Maxmo). For those who don't want to hike, take a look at the national park from the Replot Island Bridge, Finland's longest bridge, which is 1,045 metres long.

With friends or family, Vaasa Water Park is the perfect place to unwind and have fun for a day. There are slides for everyone: small and calm for the children, big ones with a sensation of free fall for the more adventurous, long and not too steep for the whole family? You can also take advantage of the whirlpools, the outdoor swimming pools heated to 28°, the solarium areas to relax and sunbathe...

The open-air museum of Brage (Bragegarden) was founded in 1933, in the middle of nature, a few kilometres from the city centre of Vaasa. A dozen houses illustrate the farming traditions and rural settlement in the Swedish-speaking regions of the 19th century. The main building includes a richly decorated Ostrobothnian bridal chamber. There is also a seal hunting museum and a former smoke sauna. On the beach, the Virgin's Round is a stone maze, a faithful replica of the one in the Kvarken archipelago.

If you have a car, you can start, to connect Jakobstad and Kokkola, 40 km away, by opting for the beautiful Route des Sept-Ponts (road no. 749). It winds its way through the archipelago of the Gulf of Bothnia, going deep into the heart of a wild and grandiose site. Then on Isokatu 2-4, towards the city museum. In a rich old house, this museum retraces the prestigious past of the city. Good plan: Wednesdays from 6pm to 8pm, it's free! Then the Nanoq museum introduces you to the way of life and culture of the primitive Arctic peoples.

You will be spoilt for choice between the popular beach in Andra Sjörn, a few kilometres outside the city centre, the beach of Storsnd, the beach of Monäs, the beach of Munsala and the fishing port in Vexala.

Permanent exhibition, shop and restaurant. Here you will find all the heritage and natural information of the park.

The Archipelago Trail (literally saariston rengastie) is a sumptuous patchwork of thousands of islands! This 230 km loop around the archipelago begins and ends in Turku. It will take you through magnificent natural and cultural landscapes where you will encounter 12 bridges, 9 ferries and numerous parishes.
By car, you can certainly cover the road in one day, but why hurry? Biking and hiking are great options for discovering the region at your own pace!