Turku has a lot to offer to design lovers. Many Turku-based design brands produce only small samples of their designs, which means that each product is different and unique from the next. Check out this article and read more about design brands in Turku!

The courtyard of Turku castle will be the finish line for Nordic Islands Adventure Race 16.-18.8. The race kicks off in Stockholm on August 12th with 23 teams. The teams will travel through Åland and Turku archipelago by climbing, mountain biking, paddling, swimming and running. During this 600 kilometer long route athletes will stop at check points. The location of these check points will not be revealed until the race is already ongoing. The non-stop competition requires not only top-notch physical strength, but also tactics when planning the routes and the amount of sleep the athletes can get. You can follow the Nordic Islands Adventure Race throughout the competition with the hashtag #nordicislandsar and by following @nordicislandsar. Photo: Fredrik Wannerstedt.

Challenge Turku is an international family of competitions of which the Challenge Turku triathlon race is a new addition. This year, the race is held 10.-12-8. The swimming part of the triathlon is done in Aura river, which gives the audience a brilliant chance to follow the race in the riverfront. ‍ You can also observe the triathlon's running and biking right in the city centre. Over 800 participants have signed up for the triathlon. ‍

Finnish castles may not be as grand as their central European counterparts, but nonetheless they are worth visiting. Here's what's best: they will offer you something new and different! Culture Trip wrote about Finland's castles and included in the article is of course our Turku castle.

Biking in Turku: it's easy both in the city and in the neighbouring areas! One thought-worthy option is to rent bikes from the Visit Turku tourist information and explore the island of Ruissalo, which hosts an amazing nature, beautiful old oak forests and idyllic cafes perfect for a little rest. Isn't this a lovely way to spend the day? #pieceofturku

In the oak forest of Ruissalo Island you might find several idyllic cafés for everyone. Wouldn’t you like to have a cup of coffee with this view?

Nathan from the blog Foodie Flashpacker was along at the post tour that was organized alongside PING Festival. He provided us with international opinion of our restaurant culture. Five brilliant restaurants qualified for the article. Take a closer look what’s on the list!

When thinking about Turku, the old capital city of Finland, most people vision the river Aura, the cosy cafes, the Cathedral and other famous sights. But what if you have already seen everything in the city and you’d like to go somewhere near and easily reachable? Our Tourist Information has picked up five island destinations which are reachable either by bus, water bus/vessel or by car. 1. Ruissalo Island The Ruissalo Island is about 5-6 km from the city centre and is easily reachable by bus number 8, by car and by water bus. The island is mostly known for its beautiful nature, the Botanical Garden that is owned by the University of Turku, the Ruissalo Spa Hotel, the National Park of the island, the cosy cafés and villas and last but definitely not least, the annual music festival that seems to grow in popularity each year more and more: The Ruisrock festival. 2. Vepsä Island The island of Vepsä is located in the middle of Airisto and is easily reached by water bus. The island is now known as the perfect day trip destination during the summer months. For those who want to stay for longer than just for the day, there are cottages that can be rented. The island has a sandy beach, a mini-golf course, a cafe-restaurant and also saunas, boats and canoes to hire for those who want the whole experience. The island has an interesting history as a hiding place for smugglers. 3. Seili Island Seili is a small island with a rich and dark history. In the 17th century a leper hospital was built by the order of King Gustaf II Adolf on the island due to its remote location and in the early 19th century after the last leper patient had been buried, a mental asylum was built shortly after. When the mental asylum was closed in 1962, the buildings were taken over by the University of Turku and the island is now a popular day trip destination. 4. Nauvo Island Nauvo is one of the islands in the popular Archipelago trail. In addition to the two main islands, there are also about 3000 smaller islands and skerries, that all together make up Nauvo’s Archipelago. The island has lots of activities to provide and beautiful nature to calm the mind. You can reach Nauvo by car, by bus or by M/S Fanny. 5. Loistokari Islet This old islet is in the stunning northern side of the Airisto. The only building on the islet is the cottage, where the hosts stay at. The cottage is protected by the National Board of Antiquities and the cruisers are welcome to stop by inside. Loistokari islet is accessible only by S/S Ukkopekka’s cruise ship and their charter vessels.

Experience the Finnish Archipelago Sea by Sea Kayak! Aavameri sea kayaking is organized with highly skillful guides and the trips are suitable for both beginners and for those who already have experience. There are many different options from day trips to a 6-day kayaking experience. Here are some options: on Mondays an organized day trip with a kayak, from Tuesdays to Thursdays hidden gems of archipelago sea – a three day sea kayaking adventure, and on Fridays an evening trip on a kayak. If these options don’t do it for you, you can plan a trip with your own wishes with the guides. Aavameri has received extremely positive feedback from customers and has been awarded by Visit Finland. Happy kayaking!

Despite the city's bustle and lively streets, we also have countless places in Turku, Finland with untouched nature. That’s why we want to introduce you now some of the beautiful nature and our original inhabitants. -- These three photos have been posted on Instagram with the hashtag #visitturku. Take a closer look at this hashtag to explore more and of course, remember to follow us @visitturku.

It is a common joke, that Summer in Finland is short and it hardly snows, but in reality summer is the best time of the year in Finland and especially in Turku! During summer time the nature comes to life in countless ways. And yes, it is true that summer in Finland is short but it’s also even more rewarding. The streets are filled with people, nice terraces, flowers and all the hustle and bustle. This is something you don’t want to miss, especially with a weather like we have this summer!

Now it’s possible to see beautiful classic sailing yachts in Turku, Finland! The Airisto Classic Regatta begins on 25th July and lasts until 29th July at the Turku Boatyard. The event is a part of the Baltic Classic Masters cup. The best way to admire these yachts is at Airisto during daytime and after the competitions at the pier of Ruissalo (Turku Boatyard). So if you can’t find boats from Ruissalo dock, they are competing at the Airisto archipelago race. Photo: Studio Kukka