Turun linna

About the museum

Construction of Turku Castle began in the late 13th century on a rocky island at the mouth of the River Aura. The site was chosen because it allowed the river and the traffic passing through Turku to be monitored. The castle was one of Finland’s first stone castles and served as the administrative and military centre of the province.

The castle grew in stages: new sections were built around the original defensive structure, which is why its passages, bricked-up openings and steep staircases form a labyrinthine whole. In the early 14th century the castle was home to the knightly governor Mats Kettilmundsson, and in the 15th century it was an important fortress in the eastern part of the Kalmar Union. Court life reached its height during the time of Duke John in the 1550s and 1560s. In the 17th century the castle was the residence of the governor, in the 18th century it was used as a barracks and storehouse, and in the 19th century the outer castle was converted into a prison.

The main castle was badly damaged in bombing in 1941. Repair and restoration work was completed in 1961. A museum was established in the castle as early as 1885, and today it is one of the sites of the Turun kaupunginmuseo (Turku City Museum). The exhibitions present the castle’s history, its residents and the objects in its collections.

Highlights

• Medieval main castle and outer castle
• Kruunun väkeä exhibition in the Great Castle Hall
• The castle chapel and halls
• Turun linnan historia (History of Turku Castle) exhibition in the outer castle
• Views of the mouth of the River Aura and the port of Turku

Permanent exhibition

• Turun linnan historia – The outer castle presents the stages of the castle’s history.

Founded

1885

Operated by

Turun kaupunki, Turun kaupunginmuseo

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Free admission on Friday afternoons 14:00–17:00: 25 September, 30 October and 27 November 2026

The Museokortti (Finnish Museum Card) is accepted. Free admission also for ICOM members, media representatives, travel guides, the driver of a group, and assistants. Payment methods: cash, bank and credit cards, as well as Smartum, ePassi and Edenred benefits. Filming permit: €10 (incl. VAT), non-commercial use €39 per hour and commercial filming €68 per hour.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials
• Audio description: no information

The step-free entrance is through the western tower; to reach the ticket desk, ring the bell at the top of the courtyard ramp, and staff will guide you to the lift. The lift serves the Great Castle Hall (second floor) and the castle chapel (third floor). Not all areas are accessible by wheelchair; the inner courtyard is unevenly paved and the stairs are steep. The entrance through the western tower may be closed in heavy snowfall or during summer events. Guide dogs and assistance dogs are welcome. Tours are available for special groups, including in easy-read language. There are two step-free parking spaces next to the western gate.

Kids & families

• Stroller-friendly: not available
• Baby changing facilities

Pushchairs cannot be used in the castle, as the paving is uneven and the stairs are steep. The museum toilets have a changing table. The family ticket covers 1–2 adults and 2–4 children.

Getting there & parking

It is about 3 km from the Kauppatori to the castle along the banks of the River Aura. By car, the step-free entrance is reached via Nuottasaarenkatu and Satamakatu.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop
• Coat check

The Juhana-herttuan kellari (Duke John’s Cellar) in the outer castle, to the right of the main gate, serves coffee, sandwiches and, on weekdays, lunch. Large bags, umbrellas and long objects can be left in storage. Museum shop.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Spaces are rented by the hour, for example the foyer, the King’s Hall and the castle courtyard.

Plan your visit