Pori

The House of Mr Clutterbuck is based on the beloved books by Mauri Kunnas. Mr Clutterbuck’s house is located in Vammala, which is the town center of Sastamala, from where Mauri Kunnas is also from. The stories in Kunnas’ books bring to life a diverse world, and the House of Mr Clutterbuck brings those stories even more to life. So alive, in fact, that you can take part in them yourself! Mr Clutterbuck’s house has five different areas, where you can experience the world of Mauri Kunnas’ stories. During the summer season from May until the end of October Mr. Clutterbuck’s Fun on Wheels Yard is also open. The Home of Mr Clutterbuck invites you to play in Mr Clutterbuck’s kitchen, to get to know the ghosts of the haunted clock in the attic and to try out how it feels to descend from the lighthouse down the fireman’s pole. https://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/the-house-of-mr-clutterbuck/

he Sara Hildén Art Museum, which is the permanent home of the collection of modern art, Finnish and foreign, owned by the Sara Hildén Foundation, is maintained by the City of Tampere. Sara Hildén Foundation Collection currently amounts to some 4500 works. It is thus a comprehensive collection which presents a broad cross section of the development in modern art over the last forty years. https://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/sara-hilden-art-museum/

Näsinneula is an observation tower in the Särkänniemi Adventure Park in Tampere that overlooks Lake Näsijärvi. Designed by Pekka Ilveskoski, the tower was constructed in 1970-71 and is the tallest free-standing structure in Finland, as well as being the tallest observation tower in Scandanavia at a height of 168m. The tower features a rotating restaurant, like the one in the Puijo tower in Kuopio, which makes a full revolution in 45 minutes. An elevator brings visitors to a height of 120m where the Pilvilinna café is located, the restaurant, called Näsinneula, is one story higher. The elevator is the fastest in Finland, travelling at a rate of 6 metres per second, and reaches the café in 27 seconds. https://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/naesinneula-observation-tower/

Särkänniemi Adventure Park combines six very different experiences that together create a quality destination for all the family! There are some 34 different rides in Särkänniemi, offering wild whirls, gentle swaying or other fun experiences spiced with sprays of water, for example. This summer’s newest ride spins its passengers around like a tornado. The ride reaches a height of 15.6m when spinning. The upper part of the ride undergoes a maximum of 12 revolutions per minute with the arms spinning at 4 revolutions per minute. The ride features 24 seats, which spin freely, making each ride feel different. The height restriction for High Voltage is 130cm. The ride was manufactured by Italian company Antonio Zamperla S.p.A. https://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/saerkaenniemi-amusement-park/

The Tampere Art Museum was established in 1931. It was founded by the Tampere Art Society which had already been collecting art and arranging art exhibitions in Tampere since the beginning of the last century. The museum is renowned for its active exhibition policy, especially exhibitions presenting ancient cultures, wide-ranging publication activities, the Young Artist of the Year event and Moominvalley, which can be found in the city main library “Metso”. The Tampere Art Museum presents important themes from art history and phenomena of contemporary art in both its Finnish and international exhibitions. The museum’s collections consist mainly of domestic art from the early 19th century onwards. https://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/tampere-art-museum/

Alexander Church, built by Theodor Decker in 1880-1881, is one of the more beautiful churches in Tampere, and a fine example of the Neo-Gothic style, although there are also some elements of other architectural styles. During reconstruction in 1937, the church was badly damaged by fire, and in 1980 it underwent another major renovation. The magnificent altarpiece, “The Glorification of the Saviour”, is by Aleksandra Saltin, the motifs on the chancel walls are by Antti Salmenlinnan, the crucifix is by Ipi and Pekka Pyhältö, and the textiles throughout the church were designed by Anja Savolainen. The church was named Alexander Church to honour the 25th anniversary of the coronation of Czar Alexander II, as its foundation stone was laid on the anniversary date, 2nd of March 1880. The church was consecrated in December 1881. https://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/alexander-church-tampere/

The Tampere City Hall is a neo-renaissance building in Tampere, Finland, situated at the edge of the Tampere Central Square. The current city hall was built in 1890 and was designed by Georg Schreck. The palatial building has many halls and the city of Tampere holds many events there. During the Great Strike in 1905, the so-called “Red Manifesto” was read from the balcony of the Tampere City Hall. It was one of the last buildings to remain as part of the red base during the final stages of the civil war in 1918, and still shows signs of the battles of that time, including the main entrance and the main staircase where bullet holes are still visible. https://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/tampere-city-hall/

Vapriikki is housed in what used to be the engineering works of Tampella Ltd. on the banks of the Tammerkoski Rapids. With a picturesque location beside the Tammerkoski rapids, Vapriikki is a museum centre that offers things to see and do for the whole family. We host about a dozen exhibitions, with varied themes, including history, technology, and natural sciences. Vapriikki is also home to the Natural History Museum of Tampere, the Finnish Hockey Hall of Fame, the Shoe Museum, and the Doll Museum. In autumn 2014, the Postal Museum and the Tampere Mineral Museum will also open their doors at Vapriikki. Our visitors are served by museum restaurant Valssi and the Vapriikki museum shop, which offers a wide selection of books, gifts, and souvenirs. https://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/museum-centre-vapriikki/

Take a little virtual tour of the museum. It takes you to some of the houses on the block and informs you of the museum’s construction process. You will also be told how the workers’ residential are Amuri came into existence. http://www.museokortteli.fi/en/

The Moomin Museum brings a touch of magic from Tove Jansson’s Moominland Midwinter to Terminal 1 at Tampere-Pirkkala airport. https://muumimuseo.fi/en/

The city of Tampere bought the building and named it Näsilinnaksi. It was handed over to the oldest museum in Tampere, the Häme Museum. The first exhibitions opened in 1908. http://museomilavida.fi/museo-milavida/milavida/

Moominworld is an enchanting blend of authentic archipelago nature and the fairytale creations of Tove Jansson. All visitors are invited to come and embrace the magic, with the Moomins’ island home offering enough activities, attractions and experiences for several days of adventure. We recommend you dedicate at least a day for your visit – there is so much to see and do. From the Moomins’ blue tower house, Snork’s Workshop, Theatre Emma performances and the Fairytale Trail, to the swimming beach, Moominpappa’s Boat and other fun places and activities to keep everyone busy. The daily schedule includes performances at Theatre Emma as well as many interactive shows throughout Moomin Valley. The two Theatre Emma presentations include Moomin’s Great Book of Popular Songs as well as Moomintroll and the Last Dragon on Earth. There are a great variety of activities on offer in Moomin Valley, from Little My’s song adventure to Stinky and the thrilling clue. Delicious treats are available every day, from Moominmamma’s Doughnut House, Fillyjonk’s Waffles as well as Thingumy and Bob’s Ice Cream Bar, will keep the hunger at bay. In addition to Mamma’s Kitchen, there’s also Pizza & Pasta and Burger, from where you can enjoy some lunch before continuing your adventure. http://www.visitturku.fi/en/moomin-world_

Koroistenniemi is the original site of ancient Turku. The large white cross marks the cradle of early medieval culture. Before Turku settled in its present position, Koroistenniemi, located just off the Aura River, was a bustling centre of commerce, culture and religion. A wide variety of ruins remain as a testament to that age, including the stone foundation for a wooden church from the mid-1200s. Indeed, Finland's first extensive, modern archaeological excavations were done here in 1898-1902. The National Board of Antiquities has named Koroinen one of Finland's most important Built Heritage sites. The site is marked by a large white memorial cross, which can be seen when arriving by train from Helsinki. http://www.visitturku.fi/en/ancient-ruins-of-koroinen_en

Venture only a few kilometres from Turku centre up a stream of the River Aura, and you will come to the splendid Halistenkoski Rapids. The Halistenkoski Rapids is a popular fishing spot from which fly-fishermen are able to snare Trout, Rainbow Trout or Atlantic Salmon. Here you can also begin a canoe ride and see the cultural landscape of the River Aura, a highly recommended activity. Close to the Halinen bridge is the Miller's House where you’ll find the River Aura Information Centre. Here you can rent a canoe, collect brochures, buy a fishing license and souvenirs, or just enjoy a cup of coffee and explore the river environment. http://www.visitturku.fi/en/halistenkoski-rapids_en

Kylämäki Village in Kurala is made up of four farms with buildings still standing at their original sites. The village has been inhabited since the 7th century. Nowadays, Kurala is a village of living history where visitors can travel back in time to a typical Southwest Finnish farm of the 1950s, complete with authentic scents and rural atmosphere. During summer in the Iso-Kohmo kitchen, oven-baked treats prepared to Grandma’s recipes are warming on the wood-burning stove. The farmer’s wife tells of everyday activities from the old days, whilst also giving handy tips on things such as making juice. http://www.visitturku.fi/en/kylamaki-village-of-living-history_

Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova is a unique combination of history, archaeology and contemporary art in the centre of Turku. http://www.visitturku.fi/en/aboa-vetus-ars-nova_en-1

Finland’s most legendary prison vacated its former residence on Kakolanmäki in 2007, allowing the neighbourhood to enter a new and more auspicious age. It is an increasingly popular ‘Kakola Before and After’ tours, in which participants will explore the former prison buildings as well as the locations of the most exciting and audacious escapes of all time. The tour then continues on to Kakolan Sali, the hall that served as the prison church, where visitors will view a slideshow of the cells and hear stories of daily life for Kakola’s inmates. The two-hour tour is complete after a delicious serving of cakes and coffee. Public tours are held from 15th May to 5th September. Detailed times will be published on Kakola's website and Kakola's Facebook page later in the spring. The 2-hour tour costs €20 and includes coffee and cake. http://www.visitturku.fi/en/kakola

The Turku Biological Museum is a Diorama-Museum that resides in a beautiful Art Nouveau building. The museum is a great experience for all those interested in nature and cultural history. http://www.visitturku.fi/en/biological-museum_en

The Turku University Botanical Garden operating on the Island of Ruissalo is both a centre for scientific research and a public showcase for the fascinating world of plants. The outdoor and indoor gardens display over 5000 species and varieties of plants. In the greenhouses are a wide range of succulent plants and a collection of tropical species. Flourishing in the outdoor garden are rhododendrons, peonies, annuals, economic plants, meadow flowers, exotic trees and shrubs, to name a few. A distinguishing feature of the new landscape is the three ponds containing colourful water lilies and other wetland plants. Here it is possible to hold meetings, training sessions and private events held in the outdoor gardens, greenhouses, seminar hall and cafeteria (which is also available for dining). http://www.visitturku.fi/en/botanical-garden_en

Forum Marinum, a National Specialist Museum for Finnish maritime and naval history standing next to Turku Castle, is a nautical experience suitable for all ages. http://www.visitturku.fi/en/forum-marinum-maritime-centre_en

St. Henry's Ecumenical Art Chapel on the island of Hirvensalo is also a pilgrimage for lovers of architecture. The mystical landscape sculpture was completed on the fringe of the archipelago nature in 2005. In addition to the ecclesiastical events the chapel also holds art exhibitions, tours and a variety of events from concerts to special celebrations. http://www.visitturku.fi/en/ecumenical-art-chapel_

The Brinkhall Manor, located in Turku on the island of Kakskerta, can trace its history back to the 16th century. The existing neoclassical buildings, completed in 1793, are surrounded by a rich natural and cultural landscape with parks and gardens going back many hundreds of years. The grounds are well known from the Finnish TV series Hovimäki. Brinkhall Manor has a Café, where you can also find the Interior Museum and exhibitions during the café’s opening hours. Manor tours as well as a variety of events, from concerts to parties and seminars can be arranged on request. http://www.visitturku.fi/en/brinkhall-manor_en

A visit to the medieval castle at Kastelholm in Sund makes for an exciting outing for the whole family. It was mentioned for the first time in writing in an estate inventory for Bo Johnsson Grip in 1388. http://www.visitaland.com/en/articles/kastelholm-castle/

The Archipelago National Park is located just 60 kilometres from Turku. Visitors can reach the park via Kimito and Pargas. Nature in the region is fascinating the whole year-round. The region is comprised of a rugged archipelago ecosystem and ancient bedrock, where the juniper and curling pine grow. Thanks to grazing livestock and long-term land management, the region also boasts beautiful, verdant traditional landscapes. Archipelago National Park is one of the most species-rich regions in Finland. Visitors can also experience archipelago life and culture within the park as well as in co-operation areas outside it. The Archipelago National Park is part of the Archipelago Sea Biosphere Reserve, which was established by UNESCO. http://www.visitturku.fi/en/archipelago-national-park_en

The museum that shows and lives in Finland-Finnish culture. http://vasabrage.fi/sv/

Björkö village church was built in 1859 and was named Maria, after the wife of Alexander II. The gallery was built in 1907, and the first organ was purchased a couple of years later. Before the village had its own church, the bible study cottage was used as a chapel. http://www.visitvaasa.fi/en/search/pages/sites.aspx?paikka=&pakti=1&a1akti=53

The Huutoniemi Church, designed by Professor Aarno Ruusuvuori, was built in 1964 and represents the 1960s modernism, minimalist architecture. The church was renovated in 2001. https://www.vaasaevl.fi/tilat/kirkot/huutoniemen-kirkko

The Kuntsi Museum of Modern Art was opened to the public in February 2007. The museum is situated in a former customs warehouse in the Inner Harbour of Vaasa. The building has 2,000 m² of space, which has been planned exclusively for museum activities. Thanks to the museum, both national and international exhibitions of modern and contemporary art are now a permanent feature of Vaasa’s artistic life. The base collection in the Kuntsi Museum of Modern Art is the Kuntsi Foundation’s art collection – one of the most important classic collections of contemporary art in Finland covering pop art, kinetic art as well as committed art, informalism, surrealism, new expressionism, postmodernism… The more than 900 works forming the collection are a cross-section of modern art history, from international modernists to the Finnish artists of today. But most of all, it is the classic collection of Finnish contemporary art created in the 1950s and onward. The Kuntsi Collection is constantly growing and other nationally remarkable private collections are both deposited and donated in connection with it. Donations and depositions continue the work started by Consul Simo Kuntsi, and increase the importance of Vaasa in the modern and contemporary art world. Regular cooperation with other museums, artists and collectors in Finland and abroad further expands the museum’s operation as well as the exhibition offerings of the most topical art. https://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/kuntsi-museum-of-modern-art/

In Terranova you can explore and experience the beautiful archipelago of the Kvarken area with all your senses. You can admire and listen to the sounds of all common birds singing, tap a seal and have a peek at our virtual aquarium, where you will see fishes of all sizes. The mosquitoes are buzzing in the insect room, where you will also find all the beautiful butterflies of the area. All the birds and mammals of the Kvarken area are found in the scientific collections of the nature centre. In the auditorium, you may look at nature films, including a film about the Ice Age and the local phenomenon of rising land, explained to you in a clear and fascinating way. Terranova also provides information about nature tourism and special interest activities in this unique landscape. You can look around by yourself or make a reservation for a guided tour beforehand. https://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/terranova-kvarken-nature-centre/

Saint George’s church in Mariehamn is the only Åland mother church without a medieval background. It lies in the crossing of the Northern and Western Esplanades, facing north, thereby adversing from normal liturgical praxis. http://www.kyrkor.ax/churches/mariehamn-church/

Senses is a privately owned visit garden. It is Birgitta´s dream come true thanks to Marcus special skills as a designer and gardener. He fulfils her dream of heaven of scents, sights and tranquillity, located in the lovely archipelago of Åland. The garden is still young but the goal is set high. We aim to become the best garden in Finland. Highlights of the season are: Spectacular spring bloom, maybe the best in Finland. Impressive summer bloom with Peonies, Roses, Lavandula, Lillies and lots of perennials. The breathtaking colour explosion marks the end of the season in autumn. https://www.senses-aland.com/441608140

The greatly expanded Maritime Museum of Åland can be found in the town of Mariehamn. It represents a must-see for anyone interested in sea travel or the unique history of Finland’s autonomous Åland Islands. https://finland.fi/life-society/aland-treasures-maritime-memories/

The Åland Hunting and Fishing museum is situated in a choice location by the sea at Eckerö Käringsund, next to the old fishing village and grey boathouses. The Åland Hunting and Fishing Museum is a museum for the whole family. The museum describes the Ålanders’ day-to-day life in former times – how people who were hunters and fishermen put food on the table and provided for their families. The exhibitions include everything to do with hunting, fishing and life in the archipelago, such as nets, barrels, sumps, boats, rya rugs, engines, sport fishing equipment, motor sledges, decoys, weapons, traps and trophies. Black and white photographs and texts complement the exhibits and describe life in a fishing village and market – how people hunted seals and fished with a seine. The museum also has a large collection of stuffed birds and animals representing Åland’s fauna. https://www2.visitaland.com/en/to-do/1128012/%C3%A5land-hunting-fishing-museum-entrance/showdetails?sorting=aa