A Summer Budget Walk Through Turku: Castle, City, and Sea

#summerbudgettrip Finland isn’t usually the first place that comes to mind for a budget trip—but if you go in summer and travel smart, Turku (or Åbo, its Swedish name) offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and calm Baltic beauty. With good shoes, a sandwich, and a day’s curiosity, I walked the whole city—from medieval fortress to sea breeze—without spending more than a few euros. Starting at the Castle My walk began at Turun Linna (Turku Castle), a stone fortress dating back to the 13th century. While the full museum tour requires a ticket, you can admire the dramatic walls and surrounding park for free. It stands right by the Aura River, and the green lawns nearby are ideal for a quiet breakfast if, like me, you’ve brought along a budget bakery bun. Following the Aura River From the castle, I followed the riverside path, which leads straight into the city center. It’s one of the best urban walks in the Nordics—lined with old boats, shaded by trees, and dotted with floating cafés and art installations. Locals cycle past with effortless ease, and swans glide quietly along the water. Soon, the riverwalk brought me to Turku Cathedral, one of Finland’s oldest churches. Entry is free, and stepping inside offers a moment of cool silence and Gothic architecture. Outside, the bell tower watches over the whole city. City Life, Budget Style Turku’s center is small but lively. I passed through the main square and market, grabbed a coffee for a few euros, and found a bench near the Turku Library, a surprisingly peaceful (and free) spot with Wi-Fi, water refill stations, and clean restrooms. No metro, no Uber—just walking. That’s the magic of Turku in summer: endless daylight and everything close enough for your own two feet.