Turku is Finland's oldest city and, until 1812, its capital — a distinction locals haven't quite let go of. After a catastrophic fire in 1828 destroyed most of the city, Turku rebuilt itself and evolved into a lively university town with two universities and a student population that keeps the restaurants, bars and riverside terraces buzzing year-round.
The Aura River cuts through the heart of the city and is the best place to orient yourself. Cafe boats moored along its banks are a local institution in summer. On the western bank stands Turku Castle, a medieval fortress dating from the 1280s that now houses the Historical Museum of Turku — one of the most comprehensive history museums in Finland. Nearby, Turku Cathedral has been the mother church of Finnish Christianity since the 13th century.
The Forum Marinum maritime museum by the river has a fine collection of vessels, including a full-rigged sailing ship moored outside. The Sibelius Museum has the world's largest collection of instruments and memorabilia related to Jean Sibelius.
Turku is also the gateway to the Finnish Archipelago, one of the world's largest — tens of thousands of islands stretching south and west into the Baltic. Day trips by ferry are easy and rewarding. The city also carries its "Christmas Town" title seriously, with a formal Santa Claus declaration each December that kicks off the Finnish festive season.