Turku
Turku is the oldest city and first capital of Finland, situated on the southwestern coast by a unique and splendid archipelago of over 20,000 islands. The port is in a sheltered place at the mouth of the river Aura, which runs through the city. Right next to the port is the medieval Turku castle. Downtown is only 3 km away - a nice walk along the river. The riverbanks are a popular recreational area for both locals and guests - full of sights, shops, restaurants, pubs and happenings. Turku, the cultural city of Finland, offers a wide variety of museums and events. Popular ones are the Sibelius museum (dedicated to the Finnish composer Jean Sibelius), Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova museum that combines history archaeology and contemporary art, the annual Medieval Market, the Night of Art and Turku music festival. Ruisrock, the oldest open-air festival in Europe, beautiful nature and manor houses in and around Turku attract visitors, too.