[photo source]

Turku (also known as Abo in Swedish) is at its most attractive in the summer. It's the only time when the whole city that is built around the mouth of the river Aura comes alive as festivals and fairs liven up the southwest coast of Finland.

An average tourist in Turku should probably see the following: the well-preserved Turku Castle and its interesting historical exhibitions, the red brown bricks of the Turku cathedral, the The Aboa Vetus Ars Nova which hosts both historical artifacts and modern art.

Want a break from all the history? Play a round of golf at the Ruissalon Golf or relax at the Holiday Club Caribia.

Or, you can time your visit during Ruisrock, the oldest rock festival in the world.

If you want to rock this summer, Turku is for you.