Naantali

A charming medieval port town on the west coast known for its Old Town's narrow wooden streets, colorful buildings, and proximity to Moomin World. Perfect for seaside atmosphere, local restaurants, and exploring archipelago beauty.

Things to do

• Moomin World — An island theme park dedicated to Tove Jansson's beloved characters, featuring rides, attractions, and summer performances that delight families and fans of all ages.
• Old Town (Vanha kaupunki) — Wander narrow cobblestone streets lined with pastel-colored wooden houses dating back to the medieval period, home to local shops, galleries, and cafés.
• Church of Naantali — A striking white wooden church built in 1443, featuring distinctive architecture and located on a scenic peninsula overlooking the harbor.
• Archipelago boat tours — Explore the stunning Finnish archipelago with guided cruises departing from the harbor, offering views of islands, wildlife, and traditional summer cottages.
• Kultaranta Presidential residence gardens — Visit the official summer residence of the Finnish President with beautifully maintained gardens and historical exhibitions open to public tours during summer.
• Seili Island visit — Take a ferry to this nearby island to explore its medieval monastery ruins, museum, and pristine nature trails along the rocky coastline.

Food to try

• Fresh Baltic herring (Silakka) — Locally caught herring prepared simply grilled or pickled, a signature seafood tradition celebrated in Naantali's waterfront restaurants.
• Karelian pasties (Karjalanpiirakka) — Traditional rye pastries filled with rice or potato filling, often enjoyed as street food or snacks with a dollop of butter and boiled egg.
• Salmon soup (Lohikeitto) — A creamy Finnish classic made with fresh local salmon, potatoes, and dill, warming and quintessentially Nordic in flavor.
• Reindeer steak (Poronkäristys) — Sautéed tender reindeer meat served with lingonberry sauce and creamy mashed potatoes, a beloved Finnish delicacy in local restaurants.
• Cinnamon rolls (Kanelipulla) — Sweet, spiral pastries with cinnamon and cardamom filling, best enjoyed fresh from local bakeries with coffee or hot chocolate.

Local customs & good to know

• Embrace the sauna culture — Finns cherish their saunas as a ritual; many accommodations offer private saunas, and public saunas in town are social spaces where locals relax and socialize.
• Respect quiet hours and nature — Finnish culture values peace and privacy; keep noise levels low after 10 PM and follow marked trails in natural areas, leaving no trace behind.
• Summer cottage season peak — July is peak tourist season when locals enjoy their traditional summer cottages; expect crowded attractions and book accommodations well in advance.
• Cash and cards both accepted — While Sweden and modern Finland lean heavily on card payments, some smaller Naantali establishments still accept cash, so carrying both is practical.