Cycling Through the City

On arrival, the streets were buzzing with activity. A fast paced, high energy cycling event was taking place across the centre, with many roads closed for vehicles but fine for a walk on foot.  There were no podiums, and it felt as though this was a long distance event, such as a triathlon, with the city used as a turning point before heading back into the countryside. Although I can’t pin down the exact event, it was clear that this is a city that values cycling as a sport as well as a lifestyle choice. More on this later.

Market Snacks and Local Flavours

My rumbling tummy calling, I walked over to Turun Kauppahalli, the old market hall near the central square. I have become all too familiar with this style of street food in Scandinavia. Inside, you will find a calm atmosphere, queues for coffee, fresh bread and traditional Finnish pastries. This could also be used as a supermarket for locals, with butchers, cheese and fish mongers and greengrocers. I picked up a ‘Omena Wiener’ – a crunchy apple tartlet and watched enjoyed my favourite pass time, people watching! The lunchtime crowd gathers at the counter and catches up with friends. This place is clearly part of the daily rhythm, and left me feeling a little envious I don’t have such a options like this in rural Suffolk.

Turku Cathedral

At the edge of the centre, Turku Cathedral stood with its distinctive brickwork and calm presence. With a stroke of good luck, as I entered the cathedral, a concert had just started. Lingering at the back of the stalls and listening to traditional Finish folk songs. It felt like such a stolen opportunity of being in the right place at the right time.

A Note on Where to Eat

If you are looking for someone to grab lunch in Turku, it would be Restaurant Oobu. Although I didn’t have time to stop myself, our Travel Consultant Yasmin returned from Turku in June 2025 and made a glowing review. From the street, it’s easy to miss. The only thing visible is a staircase leading up to the dining room. Behind the doors is an elegant space overlooking the Aura River. The menu focuses on locally sourced ingredients with a traditional archipelago flare. Think Skagen toast, smoked salmon soup, and generous salads, all gluten and lactose free, as well as a four-course vegan menu. Yasmin raves about the meat stew, while others swore by the salmon soup. It’s clearly a popular spot with locals too.

Easy Connections: Turku and Helsinki

Turku is well connected to Helsinki by train, with journeys taking roughly two hours. This makes Turku a perfect day trip for those based in the capital, or an excellent addition to a Finnish cycling itinerary. After exploring Helsinki, you can take the train west to explore Turku’s historic streets, markets and riverside before continuing your ride along the Archipelago Trail or returning to the capital by train. It’s a manageable and rewarding way to combine urban culture with coastal adventure.

Local Life on Two Wheels

Though my own cycling was limited to dodging spokes in the street, it’s clear that Turku is built for it. The event I stumbled upon was just a small glimpse. If I’d had more time, I’d have liked to follow the river out of the centre and join one of the many trails that lead towards the coast.

From Turku, it’s possible to cycle the Archipelago Trail, a circular route linking a series of islands through bridges and ferries. The scenery shifts from cityscape to pine forest, and then to quiet harbours and open sea. There are chances to stop overnight in small inns, explore old fishing villages, and swim in hidden coves. It’s not a fast ride, but it’s rich in atmosphere.

For those tempted to return with more than just a few hours to spare, the cycling the archipelago trail is one of the best ways to experience life along the Finnish coast, slow, scenic and deeply local.

Reflections
Turku gave me a compact but colourful slice of Finnish life. For a few hours, I had the sense of a place that lives at a gentle rhythm, one that invites you to stay a little longer next time. It certainly needed more time and two wheels to explore this city and the extended coastal hidden spots and highlights.