Some of the larger islands are inhabited – small fishing villages and scattered red wooden houses are visible from the sea. The maritime experience is framed by attractive and easily accessible starting and finishing ports: Turku, the gateway to the archipelago and cultural center on Finland's southern coast, and Helsinki, one of the most beautiful cities in Scandinavia.
Boarding here:
Turku is considered Finland's oldest city and was the country's political and cultural center until 1812. Founded in the 13th century, the city quickly developed into an important trading center on the Baltic Sea. The medieval Turku Castle and Turku Cathedral, considered a national shrine of Finland, still bear witness to this history.
Museums, cafes, and historic warehouses line the riverbanks. The Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova combines exposed medieval streets with modern art, vividly bringing the city's history to life. In the former prison complex of Kakola, industrial charm meets contemporary gastronomy. Turku is also the gateway to the Finnish archipelago, which we plan to explore on this sailing trip.
This is where you disembark:
Helsinki, Finland's capital on the Baltic Sea, combines clean Nordic architecture with abundant nature. The compact city center is easily explored on foot. The city's landmark is the snow-white cathedral on Senate Square, surrounded by neoclassical administrative buildings.
Nearby are the Esplanadi shopping street with its parks, boutiques, and cafes, and the lively market square at the South Harbor, where local specialties and crafts are sold. For impressive views over the city, head to the Ateljee Bar viewpoint at Hotel Torni or the platforms at Observatorioberget. Art and architecture enthusiasts can visit the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art or the Kampin Chapel of Silence. A trip to the Design District, with its Finnish design, galleries, and modern architecture, is also worthwhile.
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