Discover Southwest Finland: Archipelago, Architecture and Culture

In Southwest Finland, shallow, labyrinthine sea areas, rocky skerries, wooded islands and open expanses of water shape the Archipelago Sea region. This landscape offers several possible ways to focus your trip: you can take your cue from the islands and forests, or put culture and architecture at the centre. So when looking for a holiday rental, it helps to decide first which experience will guide your choice of location.

Island Nature on Seili

On Seili, the island character comes into focus: the island is accessible only by boat. A 1.7-kilometre nature trail leads through herb-rich forests, valuable cultural landscapes and rugged coniferous forests. Its length and varied scenery offer a clearly defined nature-focused outing without requiring a longer hike. Since Seili can only be reached by boat, check the available travel options before your visit. If the island is the main focus of your trip, take this into account from the outset when planning your travel and accommodation.

Over a short distance, the trail links several distinct landscape types: herb-rich forests sit alongside cultural landscapes and rugged coniferous forests. This contrast makes Seili especially interesting for travellers who want to experience nature not only as open water, but also as a wooded island setting. The stated length of 1.7 kilometres also gives you a specific point of reference for including this nature outing in your plans.

Architecture in Paimio

The Paimio Sanatorium was designed by Aino and Alvar Aalto and built in 1933. This functionalist architectural complex is set in a pine forest. Here, a clearly defined architectural theme meets a natural setting, making it particularly easy to include the visit in your itinerary if architecture matters as much to you as the landscape.

The grounds of the sanatorium are open to explore freely. An architecture trail also leads around the building, with information available via QR codes and other facts. This allows you to discover the complex not just as a single building, but also through the trail and accompanying information. Check the latest visitor information before your visit if you are making specific plans.

Culture and History in Turku

Turku brings together several different cultural themes. The Luostarinmäki Museum Quarter offers themed tours exploring the history of Luostarinmäki. Aboa Vetus Ars Nova is part of the city’s museum and art scene. Turku Castle has stood by the Aura River since the 1280s; during the time of Duke Juhana, it became a setting for court life. Architecture, urban history and art each offer a distinct focus for a culturally oriented stay.

Turku Cathedral is another important historical destination: it is Finland’s national shrine. Due to renovation work, it is closed from 9 February 2026 to 2 December 2028. The Cathedral Museum, in the cathedral’s south gallery, traces its history from the early 14th century. If the cathedral is of interest to you, take the closure period into account when planning. This helps distinguish the site’s historical significance from its current visitor status.

Turku’s cultural destinations offer specific points of reference when choosing where to stay: Luostarinmäki, Aboa Vetus Ars Nova, the castle and the cathedral are all part of the city’s cultural and historical offering. Paimio, by contrast, is a destination for visiting a functionalist architectural complex, while Seili combines access to an island with a nature trail. These different focuses help you organise your trip around your interests, without turning the destinations into a set itinerary.

Travelling via Turku

Ferries from Stockholm serve Turku daily. The terminals are close to the city centre and connected to public transport. Schedules and operators may change, so check the current service before travelling. This travel information can be useful when planning a stay focused on Turku, while travelling by boat to Seili requires separate planning.

Discover More Destinations

Turku, Naantali, Uusikaupunki, Nagu, Merimasku, Dragsfjärd, Somero, Västanfjärd, Loimaa, Pargas, Salo, Kaarina, Harjattula, Raisio, Kustavi, Härkälä, Rymättylä, Koski, Uro, Korppoo, Askainen, Taivassalo, Sauvo, Somerniemi, Kiviniemi, Yläne, Perniö, Lieto, Pöytyä, Kimitoön, Marttila, Laitila, Mynämäki and Masku.

For the broader travel overview: Finland.