Best things to do in Finnish Archipelago

Walk through the ruins of Finland's oldest city while at the same time viewing pieces of modern art at Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova, a museum of history and contemporary art. At its inception in the 1990s, the institution was meant to host only contemporary art. However, when the builders accidentally discovered an ancient town below ground, the world received this unconventional venue. Ask for a guided tour of the site to get a comprehensive overview of the collections, or walk through the medieval cellars and eccentric exhibit halls at your own pace. You will see works by masters such as Picasso and Warhol, as well as artwork by Finnish artists of the 20th century.

Named a World Heritage Site because of its traditional Nordic architecture, Old Rauma features some 600 buildings, from humble sheds to homes and churches, all made of wood. Along the town's narrow, winding roads you'll see buildings that date back to the 17th century, some of them housing shops and businesses, others belonging to families. Visit the homes of seamen (and women) that have become museums. You can peer into 200 wooden shops and see a 15th-century church adorned with vibrant medieval paintings. The site encompasses 29 hectares (72 acres), so wear good walking shoes to cover lots of ground.

Explore the medieval Turku Castle, a historical monument that has protected the Aura River since the 13th century. Built in the 1280s as a military fortress to provide protection to the surrounding area and river, this castle is one of the oldest buildings in Finland that is open to the public. View the imposing symbol of medieval architecture, which has survived centuries of sieges and different reigning groups. Experience the original grandeur of this fortress, completely renovated in 1993, with a guided tour that will outline the structure's architectural, cultural, and historical relevance to Finland and other Nordic countries.

In the urban oasis of Sapokka Water Garden, you'll encounter a popular park that has won prizes for lighting, stonework, and environmental structures. Notice the sculptures scattered throughout the landscape, including bronze rabbits, cats, and pheasants. The site features various microclimates to support a variety of plants. Stop for a photo at the 20 m (66 ft) tall waterfall, which, along with a small, white bridge, forms a pleasing backdrop.

Aland Maritime Museum reveals the stories of merchant voyages and artifacts from distant lands, and exhibits one of the world's only four-masted sailing ships still in its original condition. The exhibits include objects like a stolen 18th-century pirate flag and pots that the crew drank their tea from. Read logbooks and archives to find out about adventures at sea, pirate attacks, and talk of mythical creatures. You'll be able to browse through personal letters and diaries of successful brokers and weary sailors. The site features numerous family-friendly interactive stations, including a mast that kids can climb and a karaoke zone. Call in advance, as some sections of the museum require reservations. Note that you can use your ticket to visit the ship, or to return to the museum for a second visit.

Visit Turku Cathedral, the national shrine considered by many to be Finland's most important historical monument. This cathedral is the mother of the Lutheran Church of Finland dedicated to the Virgin Mary and St. Henry, Finland's first bishop. Visit the medieval structure, established in 1300, and see the immense work of renovations after the 1827 Great Fire of Turku. Tour the cathedral museum to learn about Finnish history since the 14th century. Listen to the church bells at noon as you walk along the Aura River.

Luostarinmaen Kasityolaismuseo features craftworks from pre-industrial times in an 18th-century open-air museum. When the Great Fire of 1827 destroyed 75 percent of the town, this area remained unharmed. Today you can wander through wooden homes decorated by colorful doors, windows, and chimneys. Note the grass on the roofs of some, while others feature barns and wooden stairs that lead to small attics. Inside the houses, you'll see old tools, furniture, and textiles. Throughout the site, artisans produce merchandise that you can purchase.

Learn about the country's maritime activities at Forum Marinum Maritime Centre, which features a collection of highly detailed model boats. Photographs and graphics cover everything from small boats and maritime tourism to hovercrafts and war history. You'll read stories about centuries-old navigation schools and see objects from a century-old engine factory. Once you've toured the interior of the museum, board the ships to see tidy wooden office quarters and snug passenger cabins. Take a guided tour for more in-depth information about the museum's collections.