5-Day Southwest Finland Itinerary: Turku, Naantali, Uusikaupunki & Rauma
When people think about visiting Finland, Helsinki and Lapland usually steal the spotlight. But if you ask me, one of the most beautiful road trips in the country is along Finland’s southwest coast.
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This region is full of charming seaside towns, colourful wooden houses, peaceful harbours, cozy cafés, beautiful nature and some of the country’s most fascinating history. It’s the kind of place where you slow down, spend long summer evenings by the sea and discover places that many international visitors never even hear about.
I might be a little biased because this is my home region, but that’s also exactly why I wanted to create this Southwest Finland itinerary. I grew up here and have spent years exploring these towns, finding hidden cafés, unique places to stay, quiet beaches and local favorites that don’t always make it into traditional travel guides.
If you’re looking for a relaxed summer road trip filled with beautiful scenery, local culture and authentic Finnish experiences, I genuinely think this is one of the best routes you can take.
Over the next seven days we’ll explore four incredible destinations:
🏰 Turku = Finland’s oldest city, filled with history, riverside cafés, and beautiful parks.
🌊 Naantali = A postcard-perfect seaside town with colourful wooden houses and one of Finland’s prettiest harbours.
⚓ Uusikaupunki = One of Finland’s most underrated coastal towns, perfect for slower travel and discovering hidden gems.
🧵 Rauma = Home to the UNESCO-listed Old Rauma, one of the best-preserved wooden towns in the Nordic countries.
I’ll also share my favorite places to eat, where I’d recommend spending the night, and a few local tips that I think make this road trip even more special.
So let’s hit the road.
BEFORE YOU GO:
🌞 Best time to visit: May to September. The coastal towns are at their best during the summer months.
🚗 Getting around: Rent a car to explore at your own pace and discover hidden gems along the way. Buses also connect all of these destinations. → Compare rental car prices here.
🎟️ Book in advance: Summer is Finland’s busiest travel season, so book your accommodation early for the best selection.
Day 1: Arrive in Turku
Recommended stay: 2 nights
Turku is the perfect place to begin your Southwest Finland road trip. As Finland’s oldest city, it’s full of history, beautiful riverside scenery and some of my favorite cafés in the country. I always recommend spending at least two nights here, as there’s far more to see than most visitors expect.
HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS
🏨 Park Hotel Turku: A charming boutique hotel within walking distance of the city center. Every room has its own unique style, and the cozy interior is full of character.
🏨 Hotel Kakola: One of Turku’s most unique hotels. Once a historic prison, today it’s a luxury hotel where you can even stay in a converted prison cell.
🏨 Hiisi Hotel Turku Seaport: A modern self-service hotel near Turku Castle and the harbor. A great choice if you’re arriving by ferry or looking for a quieter area.
Looking for more accommodation options? Browse more hotels in Turku below:
Stroll along the Aura River
Once you’ve checked in, head straight to the Aura River. This is the heart of Turku, especially during summer when locals gather on the terraces, people picnic along the riverbanks and the whole area comes alive.
If you’re looking for a good coffee around Aura River, these are my personal favorites:
- Café Art. Probably Turku’s most iconic café, with one of the city’s most beautiful riverside terraces.
- Qwensel Café. A peaceful café tucked away in a beautiful historic courtyard that feels like stepping back in time.
- Café Ankka. A charming summer café on the opposite side of the river with a relaxed atmosphere. Don’t leave without trying one of their famous sugar-coated doughnuts.
Take your time walking along the river before continuing towards Turku City Library.
💡 Local tip: If you’re visiting in July or August, don’t rush through the Aura River area. The atmosphere completely changes in the evening as the restaurant terraces fill up and people gather by the river to enjoy the long summer nights.
Step inside Turku City Library
This might sound like an unusual recommendation, but trust me, it’s worth it.
The older section of Turku City Library is absolutely beautiful, with stunning architecture and a peaceful atmosphere. It’s one of those places many visitors completely overlook.
Visit Turku Cathedral
Turku Cathedral is one of Finland’s most important historic buildings and definitely worth visiting, even if you don’t usually visit churches.
During summer, don’t miss Kirkkopuiston Terassi, a large outdoor terrace located right in front of the cathedral. It’s a great place to stop for lunch, dinner or simply enjoy a drink while soaking up the atmosphere.
Wander through Luostarin Välikatu
One of my favorite streets in Turku is Luostarin Välikatu.
With its colourful wooden houses and cobblestone streets, it feels like stepping back in time. This is in fact one of the oldest streets of Finland. During summer you’ll also find small courtyard restaurants tucked away behind the historic buildings, making it a lovely place to slow down for a while. If you have time, I highly recommend stopping by Sommar Bar for a drink or a bite to eat.
After exploring Luostarin Välikatu, continue your walk towards Vanha Suurtori (Old Great Square), the historic heart of Turku. This area was once the centre of the city and is surrounded by beautiful historic buildings, including Brinkhall House and the Old Town Hall. During summer, the square often comes alive with small events, markets and performances, making it one of the most atmospheric places to visit in Turku.
Don’t miss Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum
If I could recommend just one museum in Turku, it would be this one.
Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum is an open-air museum made up of original wooden houses that survived the Great Fire of Turku in 1827. Walking through the narrow streets gives you a glimpse of what everyday life looked like before most of the city was destroyed.
It’s easily one of my favorite places in Turku and somewhere I recommend to almost everyone visiting the city.
Head over to Abo Vetus
Another museum worth adding to your Turku itinerary is Aboa Vetus Ars Nova. This is where you can literally step below the modern city and discover the remains of medieval Turku hidden underground.
I highly recommend buying a ticket and exploring the Aboa Vetus side of the museum, where you can walk through the old streets of Turku, see medieval ruins and get a glimpse of what life was like hundreds of years ago.
Short on time? You can still peek inside the museum entrance and see part of the old cobblestone streets without buying a ticket. It is a small hidden piece of Turku that many visitors walk past without realizing what’s inside.
And don’t forget to stop by the museum shop before leaving. They have a lovely selection of locally made souvenirs and unique Finnish gifts that are much more special than typical tourist items.
Stop by at the market square
Before ending your day, take a stroll through Turku Market Square, the lively heart of the city. It’s where locals meet friends, grab a coffee, shop for fresh produce or simply pass through on their way home.
During summer, the square has a wonderful atmosphere. Alongside the regular market stalls selling fresh berries, flowers and local produce, you’ll often come across evening flea markets, food events, concerts and other seasonal happenings. If you’re visiting in the summer, it’s definitely worth checking what’s on, you might just stumble upon a local event you weren’t expecting.
Feeling like a sweet treat? During the summer season, stop by the iconic ice cream tram parked on the Market Square and grab an ice cream like a local.
💡 Before your visit: Take a look at the Turku Events Calendar to see what’s happening during your stay. There’s always something going on, especially in the summer.
If you’re in the mood for coffee or something sweet, here are two cafés I personally recommend:
- Café Eino. One of my go-to cafés at the market square. Inside, you’ll find a unique tent-inspired interior that makes it feel unlike any other café in Turku. During summer, they also have a beautiful outdoor terrace that’s perfect for taking a break and soaking up the atmosphere.
- Bageri Å. A cozy artisan bakery known for its freshly baked pastries, sourdough bread and excellent coffee. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a quality breakfast, lunch or an afternoon treat.
Finish your day at the river boats
After your coffee break, make your way back towards the Aura River and end your first day with dinner at one of the many riverside restaurants.
For an experience that’s especially Turku, book a table on one of the city’s famous restaurant boats, such as Svarte Rudolf. Enjoying dinner on the Aura River on a warm summer evening is one of my favorite ways to end the day.
Day 2: Explore more of Turku
Now, it’s time to explore some of Turku’s most iconic landmarks.
Start the morning at Turku Market Hall
For a breakfast spot, I recommend starting your day at Turku Market Hall. Under one roof, you’ll find many lovely cafés and local shops, making it the perfect place to get a taste of everyday Turku.
One place I especially recommend is Aschan Sininen Juna, which offers a great breakfast selection with fresh breads, croissants, smoothies and other delicious options to start your day. It’s also a great spot to return to later for lunch, as the market hall has plenty of places to enjoy local flavors.
While you’re there, take some time to explore the market hall itself. You’ll find small local shops, Finnish food products, unique souvenirs and plenty of hidden gems to discover before heading out to explore the rest of the city.
💡 Tip: Keep in mind that Turku Market Hall closes at 6 PM on weekdays and 4 PM on Saturdays, so starting your day here is a great way to make sure you have time to explore the market hall properly.
Spend time in Turku Castle
Next, take a local bus towards the harbour area, where you’ll find one of Finland’s most important historical landmarks: Turku Castle.
Dating back to the late 1200s, it’s one of the oldest medieval castles still standing in Finland and, in my opinion, one of the most interesting museums in the country. The castle is much larger than it looks from the outside, with grand halls, hidden corridors and centuries of history to explore.
I highly recommend buying a ticket and exploring the inside, but even if museums aren’t usually your thing, it’s still worth visiting the castle grounds. The surrounding area is beautiful for a walk, and on a sunny day it’s also a lovely place to enjoy a picnic.
Visit Forum Marinum
Just a short walk from the castle you’ll find Forum Marinum, Finland’s national maritime museum.
If you’re interested in Finland’s seafaring history, it’s well worth stepping inside. The museum features historic ships, exhibitions and stories about Finland’s close connection to the sea.
Even if you decide not to visit the museum itself, I still recommend walking through the area.
Right outside you’ll find Suomen Joutsen (The Finnish Swan), one of Finland’s most iconic historic sailing ships. With a Forum Marinum ticket, you can also step aboard the ship and explore it from the inside. But even if you simply admire it from the waterfront, it’s one of those sights that’s definitely worth adding to your Turku itinerary.
💡 Local tip: One of the most local things you can do in Turku is simply hop on Föri, a tiny orange ferry that has been crossing the Aura River for over 100 years. The best part? It’s completely free.
End the day with sunset at COSMA
If you’re visiting during the summer, finish your day at COSMA, a new observation terrace located at the foot of the Vartiovuori Observatory. Grab a drink, find a seat and enjoy one of the best sunset views over Turku. On a warm summer evening, it’s the perfect place to slow down after a day of exploring.
Day 3: Discover the Charm of Naantali
🚗 From Turku: around 20 minutes (16 km)
Today we’re leaving Turku behind and heading to one of my favourite summer towns in Finland.
Just a 20-minute drive from Turku, Naantali is one of Finland’s most beautiful wooden towns.
Colorful houses, tiny cobblestone streets, cosy cafés and a picturesque harbour make it the perfect place to slow down and simply enjoy the atmosphere. Unlike larger cities, Naantali isn’t about rushing from one attraction to the next. It’s the kind of place where the best plan is to wander.
Explore the old town
Spend your morning exploring the charming Old Town, browsing the small independent boutiques and admiring the colorful wooden houses that have made Naantali one of Finland’s most loved summer destinations.
One shop I always like to visit is Nostalgia. While I don’t usually recommend those generic souvenir shops, this one feels a little different. Instead of the usual tourist souvenirs, you’ll find nostalgic Finnish items, gifts and home décor that make it a fun place to explore.
Stop for a coffee
No visit to Naantali is complete without taking a break by the harbour.
One of my favourite cafés is Amandis, famous for its delicious waffles. If you’re visiting on a warm summer day, grab a table outside and enjoy the beautiful seaside views while watching the boats come and go. For a more unique café experience, stop by Eriskummallinen Kahvila, a charming café inspired by the world of the Moomins. Inside, you can admire a beautiful collection of Moomin mugs and artwork made from the original Moomin animation.
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy a drink, Naantalin Kaivohuone is a summer classic. Located right by the waterfront, it’s one of the liveliest places in town during the warmer months and a great spot to soak up the atmosphere.
✨ If you want to add more Moomin magic to your visit, Moominworld is just a short walk from Naantali’s old town and makes a fun addition to your itinerary.
Lunch by the harbour
For lunch or dinner, I’d recommend Hasta la Pasta. It’s one of my favourite restaurants in Naantali, serving fresh pasta in a relaxed setting just a short walk from the harbour.
After lunch, don’t rush away. One of the best things about Naantali is simply taking your time, wander along the waterfront, enjoy an ice cream or find a bench by the sea and watch the boats drift past. Sometimes those quiet moments become the most memorable part of the trip.
A unique overnight stay in the Archipelago
If you’re looking for a stay that’s unlike anywhere else in Finland, I recommend leaving Naantali in the afternoon and driving about 30 minutes into the archipelago to Herrankukkaro.
This is more than just accommodation, it’s a true Finnish archipelago experience. You can spend your evening relaxing in the sea, warming up in the worlds largest smoke sauna, enjoying the peaceful surroundings and experiencing the unique atmosphere of this one-of-a-kind place.
👉 Read my full guide to Herrankukkaro here.
💡 Tip: I always recommend checking availability or reaching out to Herrankukkaro directly before planning your stay. Their availability for individual travellers can vary, as they also welcome many groups and private events.
OTHER ACCOMMODATION RECOMMENDATIONS IN NAANTALI:
🏨Naantali Spa Hotel: A classic seaside hotel with a relaxing spa atmosphere, located right by the waterfront. A great choice if you’re looking for a comfortable stay with wellness, restaurants and beautiful sea views nearby.
🏨Hotel Bridget Inn: A charming hotel located in the heart of Naantali’s old town. With its historic atmosphere and cosy rooms, it’s a lovely option if you want to stay close to the colourful wooden houses, cafés and harbour.
Day 4: Continue to Uusikaupunki
🚗 From Naantali: around 1 hour (70 km)
There’s no need to rush this morning.
Take your time enjoying breakfast at Herrankukkaro, go for one last walk around the property and soak in the peaceful atmosphere before continuing your journey along the coast.
Your next stop is Uusikaupunki, one of Finland’s most underrated coastal towns.
I’ve been visiting Uusikaupunki almost every summer for the past 20 years, and it’s one of those places I never get tired of returning to. It isn’t packed with famous attractions, and I think that’s exactly what makes it so special. The colourful wooden houses, quiet streets, charming harbour and relaxed atmosphere make it the perfect place to slow down and enjoy a different side of Finland.
Spend the afternoon wandering through the old town, browsing small local boutiques and walking along the waterfront. Unlike many larger destinations, Uusikaupunki is a place where you don’t need a packed itinerary, simply exploring at your own pace is part of the experience.
Where to eat and grab a coffee
Here are a few of my personal favorites:
- Bistro Bay. A great choice for lunch or dinner with beautiful views over the harbour.
- Pakkahuoneen Vierassataman Kahvila. A local favorite by the guest harbour. Perfect for coffee, pastries or a light lunch while watching the boats.
- Café Aitta. A cosy waterfront café that’s ideal for an afternoon coffee and something sweet.
Museum stop
If you have time for one museum while you’re in Uusikaupunki, I’d recommend Bonk Museum.
This isn’t your typical museum. Built around the fictional Bonk Business Inc, it’s filled with imaginative inventions, quirky machines and humorous exhibits that make it one of the most unique museums I’ve visited in Finland. Whether you’re travelling with kids or simply enjoy discovering unusual places, it’s definitely worth adding to your itinerary.
💡 Tip: If you’re planning your road trip for early September, try to time your visit with the Uusikaupungin Vanhat Talot event. During the event, many of the town’s beautiful historic homes and private courtyards open to visitors, with charming pop-up cafés, exhibitions and plenty of local atmosphere.
After spending the afternoon exploring Uusikaupunki, it’s time to continue your journey to the final destination on this road trip: Rauma.
The drive takes less than an hour, making it an easy and scenic journey along Finland’s southwest coast.
I’d recommend arriving in Rauma in the early evening, checking into your accommodation and then heading straight out for a walk through Old Rauma. As many day visitors have already left, the narrow cobblestone streets become quieter, the cafés and restaurants feel more relaxed, and the whole area takes on a completely different atmosphere.
There’s no need to tick off every attraction tonight. Simply wander through the colourful wooden streets, enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants and soak in the charm of one of Finland’s most beautiful towns.
Tomorrow, you’ll have a full day to explore Rauma at a slower pace.
WHERE TO STAY IN RAUMA:
🏨Hotel Vanha Rauma: Located right next to the UNESCO-listed Old Rauma, this charming boutique hotel is my top recommendation for first-time visitors. You’ll be just steps away from the colourful wooden houses, cafés, restaurants, and boutique shops that make Old Rauma so special.
🏨Loft Hotel Rauma: If you’re looking for a more modern boutique experience, Loft Hotel Rauma offers beautifully designed rooms in the heart of the city. It’s an excellent choice for couples or anyone wanting a comfortable and stylish stay close to all the main sights.
Day 5: Explore Old Rauma
🚗 From Uusikaupunki: around 50 minutes (52 km)
One of the best things about staying overnight in Rauma is that you get to experience Old Rauma before it becomes busier later in the day. Grab a coffee from a local café and simply wander through the colorful wooden streets. Honestly, getting lost here is part of the experience.
Old Rauma is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and in my opinion, one of the most beautiful wooden town areas in Finland. When I first visited, I was not only blown away by how pretty it is, but also by how big it is. Just when you think you’ve discovered all the charming little streets, you turn another corner and find a new one and somehow it’s even prettier than the last.
What makes Old Rauma even more special is that it’s not just a historic area preserved for visitors. It’s still a living town where people actually live, work and go about their everyday lives. With around 600 historic wooden buildings, it’s also one of the largest preserved wooden towns in the Nordic countries.
So take your time here, look beyond the main streets and let yourself wander, that’s when you’ll discover the real magic of Old Rauma.
Visit local boutiques
One thing that surprised me about Old Rauma was how many small local boutiques you can find along its main streets. The last time I visited, we kept saying to each other: “There are so many clothing stores here!” and not just regular shops, but charming local boutiques filled with unique finds.
This is something Rauma does really well. Instead of chain stores, you’ll find small design shops, artisan stores, local clothing boutiques and gift shops, making it a lovely place to browse and find something special to bring home.
One place I recommend visiting is Nyplääjät ry, where you can admire beautiful handmade lace creations and buy local souvenirs while supporting the lace makers. I bought the cutest lace keychain as a little memory from Rauma, and it’s one of those small souvenirs that feels much more meaningful because it connects back to the place and its traditions.
Cafes & lunch recommendations
During our visit, we stopped by Café Prassen, mainly because its lovely outdoor terrace drew us in. Located along one of the main streets of Old Rauma, it’s the perfect spot for people-watching while enjoying a coffee and watching the town go by.
While sitting there, we even saw the Rauma Kraken sightseeing train pass by as it drove visitors through the city. One thing I can definitely recommend trying is their ham and cheese pie, it was one of the best I’ve tasted!
Other lovely café stops in Old Rauma include Café Sali and Kontion Kahvila, which is especially known for its delicious vanilla doughnuts.
For lunch, we found the perfect spot: Wanhan Rauman Kellari. What made it extra special was the peaceful outdoor terrace located on the second floor, giving you a lovely view over the town while enjoying your meal away from the busiest streets. The lunch options were excellent, and it was such a relaxing place to take a break during your Old Rauma exploration.
What not to miss in Old Rauma + photo spots
There are a few iconic spots in Old Rauma that you shouldn’t miss before you leave.
- Rauma Flikk statue. The iconic Rauma Flikk statue is one of the most famous photo spots in Old Rauma. Located in the market square, take a seat next to her and capture a photo with this beloved local character.
- Kitukränn street. One of the most charming streets in Old Rauma, Kitukränn is known as one of the narrowest streets in Finland. Running between Kuninkaankatu and Kauppakatu, it’s a beautiful spot to wander through and take photos.
- Rauma Town Hall. You don’t necessarily need to go inside, the beautiful yellow Town Hall building itself is already worth stopping for. It’s one of the most recognizable buildings in Old Rauma and a great photo spot.
- Marela Museum. Step inside one of Old Rauma’s beautiful merchant houses and discover what life was like for a wealthy shipowner family in the 1800s. The carefully preserved rooms give you a glimpse into the history behind the wooden houses you’re walking past.
- Rauma Art Museum. Located in the beautiful Pinnala House in the heart of Old Rauma, the Rauma Art Museum is worth a visit not only for its exhibitions but also for the charming museum buildings and idyllic courtyard. It’s a lovely place to combine art, history and the unique atmosphere of Old Rauma.
- Ruins of the Holy Trinity Church. A quiet and atmospheric stop where you can see the remains of one of Rauma’s medieval churches.
- Church of the Holy Cross. End your Old Rauma walk at this beautiful medieval church, known for its impressive frescoes and long history.
Final thoughts
I hope this itinerary has shown you that there’s so much more to Finland than Helsinki.
The Southwest Coast has been my home my whole life, and it’s a part of Finland I never get tired of exploring. From colourful wooden towns and peaceful harbours to unique places to stay and cosy cafés, this region offers the kind of experiences that make you slow down and truly enjoy the journey.
Of course, this isn’t the only way to explore the Southwest Coast. There are countless small villages, islands, nature trails and hidden gems that didn’t fit into this itinerary, but hopefully this gives you a great starting point for planning your own adventure.
My biggest tip? Don’t rush through this part of Finland. Leave some room for unexpected stops, quiet moments by the sea and those little places you discover along the way. Those are often the memories you end up bringing home with you.
I hope you enjoy exploring the Southwest Coast as much as I have.
Keep planning your Finland trip:
- Your Ultimate Summer Bucket List for Finland
- This is why your Finland trip needs a summer cottage experience
- One of Finland’s most unique places to stay