Original Sokos Hotel Wiklund, Turku
Things to see and do in Turku
Things to see and do in Turku
.Under one roof
The renewed Hyvä Olo salon welcomes customers on the third floor of Wiklund.
Our popular salon offers relaxation after a workday, a fine start for a holiday, or, for instance, a surprise for your friend!
Book a time in advance here and ensure your wellbeing.
Sokos Turku Wiklund
Shopping could not be easier! Everything can be found under one roof, and you can visit our restaurants whenever you want.
As a hotel guest, you will get a discount of 10%.
Kakolanmäki hill
Turku certainly has no shortage of national heritage landscapes, one of them being the view from the Aura river to Kakolanmäki, which was formerly the home of prisoners. Kakolanmäki is one of seven hills in Turku. Until 2007, the hill was the location of the Turku Provincial Prison. The National Board of Antiquities has named Kakolanmäki Hill one of Finland's most important Built Heritage sites. There is a summer café in the old prison warden's house and summer restaurant Kakolanruusu is located on the ground floor of the main building. There are plans to convert the old prison area into residential and business areas.
Ruissalo
Ruissalo's oak forests, charming 19th-century villas, National Park, the Ruisrock rock festival, the famous pea soup served in the Honkapirtti restaurant, and the Botanical Gardens have contributed to making the island famous. Scenic and well-maintained bike paths offer comfortable distances for all. The rocky outcrops, beautiful beach, unique nature, rolling fields and pretty gardens will lead to love at first sight for all who visit the island. In the winter, you can take a refreshing dip in a hole in the ice!
Turku Market Hall
Turku Market Hall maintains local culinary traditions – and introduces new trends. The Market Hall is the place to fill your picnic basket or buy treats to take home: take your pick of traditional delicacies, organic food, local produce or new culinary trends. Take a break from shopping and enjoy a lovely lunch or cup of coffee. Finland's tiniest Alko (off-licence) and best bakery shop are also located in the Market Hall.
Aura river
The Aura and its surroundings are important to the inhabitants of Turku, who enjoy the riverbanks at all times of the year. A 3.5 km walk from the Cathedral to the Castle gives an excellent overview of the history and present day of the city. Bridges, history, river boats, idyllic restaurants, bars and cafés... There's something for everyone!
Föri
Finland's only city ferry, Föri takes passengers from Turku to Åbo and back again, free of charge. During the two-minute crossing, you will have a marvellous view of the river. Föri operates around the year.
Experience history
The Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum, which survived the Great Fire of Turku in 1827, takes you several hundred years back in time. The houses with grass roofs have been furnished into historical artisans' homes and workshops. During the summer, artisans work at the workshops, offering visitors the chance to see the traditional professions in action. The Luostarinmäki area also has its own post office and two shops. You can buy, for instance, traditional sweets packed in a cone to take with you
The history of Turku Castle begins in the 1280's. During the centuries the fortification gradually changed into a grand greystone palace.
In 1556, King Gustav Vasa named his son Johan Duke of Finland. The era of Johan marked a new phase in the construction of the Castle. The renaissance halls were built during this period, which also marked the beginning of the reneissance era in Finland.
In the 17th century, the Governor General of Finland Per Brahe held court in the Bailey. Gradually the administrative centre moved out of the by then old castle, and gave way to a prison. It also served as a storehouse and as barracks.
In the 1941 bombings the castle was left in ruins. After the end of the war restaurations began. Nowadays the periods of construction can be seen in labyrinthine passages, walled up doors and windows and in mysterious staircases.