City: Southwest Finland
Top Things to do in Southwest Finland
Top Restaurants in Southwest Finland
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What to do and see in Southwest Finland, Finland: The Best History Museums
Southwest Finland, also known as Finland Proper (Finnish: Varsinais-Suomi, Swedish: Egentliga Finland) is a region in the south-west of Finland. It borders the regions of Satakunta and Tavastia Proper. The region’s capital and most populous city is Turku.
Restaurants in Southwest Finland
1. Paimio Sanatorium
2. Casa Haartman
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
3. Sa-int Maanpuolustusmuseo
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By joaedm - Turku, Finland
It's like HopLop for adults ! Really professional guide who very skillfully gave us a personal tour of the museum. Also a very educational museum for getting a hands on experience on weapons development. Spent around 3h in the museum, so reserve enough time.
4. Turku Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,126 reviews
Reviewed By Lilli_Hoi - Finland, null
Turku Castle was an important bastion and administrative centre when Finland was under the Swedish rule. All Finnish kids remember mid-16th century period and the reign of Duke John and Catherine Jagellon from the history books. Castle was badly damaged during the years (Fire, WWII etc) but has been lovingly restored. It is relatively sparsely furnished but displays an interesting collection of artefacts from the different periods of its history up in the ‘attic’ and has a temporary exhibition space, too. Current exhibition is about merchant etc women of Turku, very interesting. Castle is about 2.5km away from the city centre, very leisurely and family friendly bike ride along the river Aura (pre-register for Föli city bikes, from EUR 5 / day). Guided tour in English recommended as an introduction to the history, most rooms have also helpful and knowledgable attendants (dressed in historical costumes) who are happy to explain the background to the paintings and furniture not covered on the tour. All signage in English and Swedish as well. Highlight for our nine year old boy was the opportunities to dress up in historical costumes. We all have new appreciation for the Knights after having tried on their full, heavy armour! Lots of steps up and down so do wear comfortable shoes. Allow minimum 2 hours for the visit with the tour, it took us 4 hours with dressing up and a game of chess. Shop has nice souvenirs, coffee and snacks tasty in the restaurant. Highly recommended!
5. Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 289 reviews
The Best Museum Experience Ever! Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova combines history, archaeology and contemporary art with hands-on activities and professional guided tours. It is situated in Southwestern Finland, in Turku. The museum's guided tours introduce you to both the fascinating history of Turku, as well as the intriguing changing art exhibitions. In the summer season tours are included in the entrance fee, but they can also be reserved for groups throughout the year. The museum also provides a cosy cafeteria and a lovely gift shop.
Reviewed By Guide08573947614 - Finland, null
This place is a very unique experience. You can join a guided tour, or stroll through the exhibition all by yourself and learn a lot about the people and their lives in the Middle Ages. A real archaeological excavation to be explored! Also, they have modern art exhibitions, a shop with lots of fun items for sale, and the restaurant / cafeteria is worth visiting too.
6. Pharmacy Museum and Qwensel House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 110 reviews
The Qwensel House is the oldest bourgeois housing from the autarchic times in Turku. The house was built approximately in the year 1700 to an area that was reserved for the nobility. Check for opening times online.
Reviewed By lady5000 - Sydney, Australia
I had lunch at the cafe indoors (smoked Reindeer quiche and fresh cherry juice), a visit to museum, the cake outside afterwards at the cafe again. A delightful spot to relax with friendly staff at both. The House and Pharmacy museum has a small brochure but take the book offered as it has quite a lot of information about the furnishings. I went around and asked questions if the guide but then flicked through the book at reception and revisited the rooms. The hair pictures by the daughter in the bedroom are fascinating and the special chair for ladies to sit with the bustles on their long dresses is interesting. The pharmacy section interesting too with the types of ingredients used and drying room for herbs and plants. Half price for retirees too at 3 euro so if you are retired, don't buy the museum card as cheaper to buy individually.
7. Forum Marinum Maritime Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 233 reviews
Reviewed By hongnhung28
We were a bit on a rush on that day so didn't manage to check out all the boats and the inside museum. Easily reachable by bus or the city bike. It is a bit far to walk from the city center. They have a nice selection boats/ships here. Very nice to visit on a sunny summer day and have some ice-cream afterwards by the river.
8. Soderlangvik Gard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Soderlangvik Manor is one of the most impressive visitor’s attractions on the Kimito island. The manor’s main building has since 1965 served as an art and personal history museum. You can get acquainted with Amos Anderson's impressive life and extensive art collection. Changing art exhibitions are also available in connection with the restaurant. The manor's operations consist of apple gardens, forestry, lodging, restaurant services and various events. Here you can celebrate weddings and other parties, and for businesses the manor serves as an inspiring conference or recreation venue in a unique archipelago environment. Soderlangvik Manor is a vibrant entity that manages a valuable cultural heritage and actively develops new functions.
9. Ett Hem Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
The museum Ett Hem is a reconstruction displaying the late 19th and early 20th century interiors of a now demolished house at Hameenkatu in Turku. The owner of the house Alfred Jacobsson made a career as an industrial entrepeneur, while his wife Helene acquired a small collection of paintings and decorative artworks. The museum displays a collection of art and furnishings from the couples home. The museum Ett Hem is open during the summer from May to September, and for the Christmas Season in December. Groups can visit the museum also outside the opening hours, guided tours should be booked at latest one week in advance.
Reviewed By 231eijap - Akaa, Finland
This lovely museum displays collections of art and furnishings in various styles. The collection of paintings and decorative artworks is stunning. There are seven rooms to be explored, each room is full of beautiful objects, paintings and decorative details.The two gems I enjoyed the most were an amazingly pretty fireplace and a breathtakingly beaufiful painting, called Summer night, by Albert Edelfelt. The entrance fee was only 5 euros. Highly recommended !
