Southwest Finland

Moomin World

Moomin World is a theme park based on the popular children's book series by Finnish author Tove Jansson. It is located on the island of Kailo, just off the coast of Naantali.

Ruissalo Island

Ruissalo Island is a popular recreation area just outside of Turku. It is known for its beautiful beaches, lush forests, and historic villas.

WELCOME TO Southwest Finland

Region Overview

Main city

Turku

AREA

10,850.46 km²

POPULATION

480,000

Main language

Finnish

Popular

Geography and Tourist Attractions

Information about the province's tourist attractions, including popular destinations, events, and activities.

Turku

Turku is a city located in the region of Southwest Finland in Finland. It is the oldest city in the country, with a history dating back to the 13th century. The city is situated at the mouth of the Aura River, with many beautiful parks and historical landmarks, including Turku Castle and Turku Cathedral. Turku is also a major educational and cultural center, with numerous universities, museums, galleries, and festivals.

Archipelago National Park

Archipelago National Park is located in the Turku Archipelago, along the southwest coast of Finland. The park consists of more than 40,000 islands, islets and rocks, and offers stunning natural beauty, ranging from rugged rocky shores to peaceful coves and meadows. Visitors can explore the park by hiking, boating or kayaking, and enjoy activities such as fishing, birdwatching and camping. The park also has several historical sites, such as the 18th-century lighthouse on Bengtskär Island and the ruins of the Katanpää fortress. The unique landscape and rich cultural heritage of Archipelago National Park make it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

Naantali

Naantali is a picturesque coastal town located in Southwest Finland. Known for its historic Old Town, charming waterfront, and scenic archipelago, Naantali is a popular destination for both domestic and international visitors. The town is also home to the famous Moomin World theme park, which attracts families with young children. In addition to tourism, Naantali has a strong maritime and industrial economy, with several large companies based in the area. The town is also a popular summer destination for Finnish vacationers, who flock to the local beaches and waterfront cafes to enjoy the long, sunny days.

Political

Economy and Government

Southwest Finland is an economically vibrant region in Finland. It is the third-largest region in the country in terms of the size of its economy. The region is dominated by the services sector, which accounts for a significant share of the economy. The main industries in the region include manufacturing, construction, and trade. Major companies in the region include Meyer Turku, which is a shipyard and marine engineering company, and Valmet Automotive, which manufactures cars and components for the automotive industry.

The regional government of Southwest Finland is responsible for managing local affairs in the region. It is responsible for areas such as education, social welfare, and regional development. The regional council is made up of elected officials from the municipalities in the region. The council sets the policies and priorities for the region and oversees their implementation.

The city of Turku is the largest city in the region and is a significant economic center. The city has a diverse economy with a focus on the services sector. The Port of Turku is one of the largest ports in Finland and is an important hub for trade and shipping in the region. The city is also home to several universities and research institutions, which contribute to the region's innovation and knowledge-based economy.

History

History and Culture

Southwest Finland, or Varsinais-Suomi in Finnish, has a rich history and culture that date back to ancient times. The region has been inhabited for thousands of years, with evidence of human settlements from the Stone Age. During the Middle Ages, Southwest Finland was a center of the Finnish Kingdom, and Turku, the main city of the region, was its capital. Turku has a fascinating history, with many historic buildings and landmarks, such as Turku Castle and the Turku Cathedral.

The region also has a strong maritime culture, thanks to its location along the Baltic Sea. The archipelago of Southwest Finland is home to many fishing villages and maritime museums, such as the Maritime Museum of Finland in Kotka.

In terms of modern culture, Southwest Finland is home to many artists, musicians, and writers. Turku is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, with many museums, galleries, and festivals throughout the year. The region is also famous for its food culture, with a focus on local and organic produce. The city of Salo, for example, is known for its annual Strawberry Festival, where visitors can enjoy all kinds of strawberry-themed delicacies.

Overall, Southwest Finland is a region with a rich and diverse cultural heritage that spans centuries, from ancient times to the present day.

HOTELS

Ruissalo Spa Hotel

Located on the picturesque island of Ruissalo near Turku, this hotel offers a spa, wellness center, and beautiful views of the archipelago. Guests can also enjoy hiking trails and a beach nearby.

Scandic Julia

This modern hotel is located in the heart of Turku, within walking distance of many attractions, restaurants, and shops. It offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, sauna, and fitness center.

Naantali Spa Hotel

This charming hotel is located in the seaside town of Naantali, known for its beautiful old town and Moomin World theme park. The hotel offers a spa, pool, restaurant, and beautiful sea views.

RESTAURANTS

Smör

Located in the heart of Turku, Smör offers a modern Nordic cuisine that highlights local ingredients. The restaurant has received numerous awards and recognition, including a Michelin star.

Mami

A cozy and charming restaurant in Turku, Mami serves creative and innovative dishes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Their menu features a mix of Finnish and international flavors.

Rantamakasiini

Situated on the island of Ruissalo in Turku, Rantamakasiini offers a scenic waterfront setting and a menu that emphasizes locally-sourced and sustainable ingredients. The restaurant specializes in seafood and Finnish cuisine, and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists.