SAEDNEWS: Turku is one of the largest and oldest cities in Finland. The cost of living in Turku is similar to that of Helsinki. The city has established four universities that offer educational opportunities for international students.
According to Saednews, Turku is a beautiful port city located in southwestern Finland, situated at the mouth of the Aura River along the Baltic Sea. With a population of approximately 195,000 residents, Turku is one of Finland’s largest and oldest cities.
Thanks to its active port, Turku has played an important role in connecting Finland’s trade and transportation networks with other countries. The city combines historical charm with modern urban life, offering visitors a unique blend of culture, architecture, nature, and gastronomy.
Turku is a bilingual city where both Finnish and Swedish are widely represented. It is home to universities for Swedish-speaking and Finnish-speaking communities, several specialized higher education institutions, art galleries, libraries, and museums. The city is also the official seat of the Archbishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland.
Turku, known as Åbo in Swedish, is located in southwestern Finland at the mouth of the Aura River, approximately northwest of Helsinki. The city has direct access to the Finnish Archipelago, one of the world’s largest archipelagos, consisting of thousands of islands and islets.
Turku was originally established as a trading center in the early 13th century and is considered the oldest city in Finland. It received its first known charter in 1525. The Court of Appeals was founded in Turku in 1623, and Finland’s first university was established there in 1640 before being relocated to Helsinki in 1828.
For centuries, Turku served as the capital of Finland under both Swedish and Russian rule until 1812. However, much of the city was destroyed by a devastating fire in 1827, after which Helsinki became the new capital.
A popular Finnish saying asks: “Why travel to Paris when you have Turku?”
As Finland’s oldest city, Turku offers a charming historic atmosphere combined with a lively modern cityscape. The city is rich in art, culture, design, and culinary experiences. It is also considered one of Finland’s best destinations for food lovers, featuring some of the country’s finest restaurants.
Visitors can explore the former capital of Finland and discover why Turku is often called “the Paris of Finland.”
Turku has approximately 195,000 residents, making it one of the most populated cities in Finland.
The city attracts both Finnish residents and international students due to its universities, employment opportunities, cultural activities, and high quality of life.
Turku is situated in the southwestern corner of Finland and serves as a gateway to the Finnish Archipelago.
Its location provides easy access to:
Helsinki and other Finnish cities
The Baltic Sea region
Sweden, especially Stockholm
The Åland Islands
The city’s coastal position has made it an important maritime and commercial center throughout Finnish history.
Turku is not far from Helsinki and can be reached easily by different transportation options.
The most convenient and environmentally friendly way to travel from Helsinki to Turku is by train.
Direct trains operate daily.
The journey takes less than two hours.
The railway connection provides comfortable and reliable transportation.
Driving from Helsinki to Turku takes approximately two hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions.
Because of its location near Sweden, Turku has strong maritime connections with Stockholm.
Ferry routes between Turku and Sweden usually include a stop at:
Mariehamn, located in the Åland Islands
These routes are popular among tourists and residents for traveling between Finland and Sweden while enjoying views of the Baltic Sea.
Turku is an easy city to explore thanks to its compact size and efficient transportation system.
The most common ways to move around the city include:
Walking
Public buses
Cycling, especially during summer
Local bus routes can be planned through the Föli travel service, and tickets can be purchased through the Föli mobile application.
During summer, renting a bicycle through the Föli system is one of the most convenient ways to explore the city.
The University of Turku is one of Finland’s leading universities and an important international education center.
Founded in 1920, the university has grown into a major academic institution with more than 20,000 students.
Popular fields of study include:
Humanities
Law
Medicine
Technology
Economics and Business
Natural Sciences
Social Sciences
Many undergraduate programs are offered in Finnish, while several advanced programs and international degrees are available in English, allowing international students to continue their studies in Turku.
The university’s strong academic reputation attracts students from around the world.
Turku Cathedral is one of the most important historical landmarks in Finland.
Standing in front of the cathedral, visitors immediately notice its impressive size and medieval architecture. The building dominates the city’s skyline and represents centuries of Finnish religious and cultural history.
Construction of the cathedral began at the end of the 13th century, making it the oldest surviving church building on mainland Finland.
Although it has been expanded and renovated throughout history, the cathedral has preserved its original character and remains the main church of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland.
Turku offers many historical and cultural attractions, including:
A medieval fortress that has been transformed into a museum. It is one of Finland’s most significant historical buildings and provides insight into the country’s royal and military history.
The most important religious monument in Finland and a symbol of the city.
Established in 1838, it represents the city’s Swedish-speaking cultural heritage.
Built in 1846, this historic church reflects the diversity of religious traditions in Turku.
Turku is generally considered more affordable than many major European cities, although housing costs vary depending on location and lifestyle.
Estimated monthly living expenses:
Approximately €3,455.90 per month
Excluding rent
Approximately €964.80 per month
Excluding rent
Rental prices in Turku are approximately 54.5% higher than in Tehran, although housing costs remain lower compared with some larger Nordic capitals.
Turku offers a high quality of life with a combination of:
Safe neighborhoods
Excellent education opportunities
Beautiful coastal landscapes
Efficient public transportation
Rich cultural activities
Modern healthcare services
Close access to nature
The city is especially attractive for students, families, researchers, and professionals seeking a balanced lifestyle.
Turku is a city where history and modern life exist together. From medieval castles and ancient churches to innovative universities, waterfront restaurants, and beautiful islands, the city provides a complete Finnish experience.
Whether exploring its historic streets, enjoying local cuisine, studying at one of its universities, or traveling through the Baltic Sea, Turku represents the cultural heart of southwestern Finland.
Turku is not only Finland’s oldest city — it is a place where tradition, innovation, and natural beauty meet.
