Turku Castle
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Why go
- The setting of Zachris Topelius’s 1849 fairy tale The Tomten in Åbo Castle.
Opening hours
Today10:00 – 18:00Show all
Don't miss
- Medieval keepThe square keep has two square gateway towers and walls five metres thick at the base.Old section of the castle
- Renaissance baileyIts wooden buildings were replaced with brick between 1575 and 1588.Outer castle
- Renaissance FloorDuke John and Catherine Jagellon added the King’s and Queen’s halls.Renaissance Floor
Know before you go
- Open daily from 10:00 to 18:00.
With kids
- The castle offers workshops and tours for children.
Tips for your visit
- Follow the separate routes through the old medieval and 16th-century sections and the newer section.
- The courtyard has a restaurant and souvenir shop.
Interesting facts4
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40 rooms
After rebuilding, the castle had about 40 rooms and a chapel.
Burg Turku - Wikipedia -
A moat once linked the castle to the Aura River, making it essentially an island.
Turku Castle - Wikipedia -
Land uplift later joined the small island at the mouth of the Aurajoki to the mainland.
Burg Turku - Wikipedia -
The castle protected the medieval town around the cathedral, more than three kilometres away on the opposite riverbank.
Burg Turku - Wikipedia
Shorts
History
The castle served as a military stronghold and administrative centre until the early 19th century. It was caught up in power struggles within Sweden and the Kalmar Union. Its position helped it withstand sieges and control river traffic and the sea route to Sweden.
- c. 1280Construction began as a fortified camp on an islet at the mouth of the Aurajoki.
- 1310sThe walls and towers were raised, and the entrance moved to the eastern gate tower.
- 1365Following a prolonged siege, the damaged castle surrendered to the new king.
- 1556–1570Duke John of Finland lived at the castle; after Erik XIV captured Turku in 1563, he imprisoned his brother Johann there. Johann later held Erik captive at the castle.
- 1614A fire nearly destroyed the wooden structures in the old parts.
Show all
- 1776The castle began serving as a prison.
- 1881A historical museum was established in part of the castle.
- 1987Decades of restoration were completed.
How to get there
- BusBus 1 serves Turku Castle at Linnankatu 80.
Accessibility
- Mobility The old section has many steep, narrow staircases and few shortcuts.
Sources: Turku Castle - Wikipedia · Turku - Wikivoyage (see) · Burg Turku - Wikipedia · Turun linna - Wikipedia · Château de Turku - Wikipedia · checked 27 Sep 2026
- Website
- turunlinna.fi/
- Phone
- +35822620300
Questions and answers
Did Swedish kings stay at Turku Castle?
Gustav I Wasa stayed at Turku Castle during visits to Turku in 1530 and 1555.
Which royal brothers were imprisoned at Turku Castle?
Erik XIV imprisoned his brother John there in 1563. John later held Erik captive at the castle in 1570.
Can Turku Castle host celebrations?
The Renaissance halls can be hired for celebrations, and the castle church is used as a wedding venue.
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