Suomen Joutsen
Board the historic 1902 frigate Suomen Joutsen, a living museum on Turku's Aura River, offering a glimpse into global maritime adventures.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
More events and lively atmosphere
Suomen Joutsen
Best Time
More events and lively atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Board the historic 1902 frigate Suomen Joutsen, a living museum on Turku's Aura River, offering a glimpse into global maritime adventures.
"Step aboard the 'Swan of Finland' for an impressive and educational journey into the challenging life of sailors."
🎟️ Multi-Museum Ticket
Save money by purchasing a multi-ticket to explore other maritime exhibits alongside the ship.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on decks and climbing stairs, so sturdy footwear is a must for exploring.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Suomen Joutsen Frigate
Aura River, Turku
Board a 1902 frigate, a living museum that sailed the seven seas. Experience maritime history firsthand.
Sailor's Life Exhibition
Onboard Suomen Joutsen
Understand the harsh realities and daily work of sailors on long, arduous voyages.
Knot Tying Demonstrations
Onboard Suomen Joutsen
Witness intricate knot tying, a vital skill for sailors, often showcased during events.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Boarding the Swan of Finland
A Voyage Through Time
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Multi-Museum Ticket
Save money by purchasing a multi-ticket to explore other maritime exhibits alongside the ship.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on decks and climbing stairs, so sturdy footwear is a must for exploring.
🕰️ Allow Ample Time
To truly appreciate the ship's history and exhibits, dedicate at least a couple of hours.
🇫🇷 French Origins
Discover the surprising fact that this 'Swan of Finland' was originally built in France.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Multi-Museum Ticket
Save money by purchasing a multi-ticket to explore other maritime exhibits alongside the ship.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on decks and climbing stairs, so sturdy footwear is a must for exploring.
🕰️ Allow Ample Time
To truly appreciate the ship's history and exhibits, dedicate at least a couple of hours.
🇫🇷 French Origins
Discover the surprising fact that this 'Swan of Finland' was originally built in France.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Suomen Joutsen as an impressive and historically significant frigate, offering an engaging 'living museum' experience. Many appreciate the opportunity to step aboard and learn about the challenging lives of sailors. Some note that it's part of a larger maritime museum complex, suggesting a multi-ticket option for a fuller experience.
"Part of maritime museum. You can buy ticket just to see this ship or buy multi ticket and see all museum"
Erik Ocvirk
"It’s not every day you get to board a 101-meter/330-feet-long frigate from 1902 that has sailed the seven seas. At Forum Marinum, you can step aboard the frigate Suomen Joutsen. It’s quite an impressive sight and a true landmark on the Aura River in Turku."
Jan Rosenberg
"A ship with an interesting historical story, which is a living museum. A wonderful experience of wandering, playing, researching and experimenting for children and adults."
Einat Schreibman Fainholtz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Suomen Joutsen is prominently located on the Aura River in Turku, easily accessible by foot from the city center. Public transport options are also available, with bus stops near the Forum Marinum maritime center.
Limited parking may be available near the Forum Marinum, but it's often best to use public transport or walk, as the ship is a central landmark.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be purchased for the Suomen Joutsen alone or as part of a multi-museum ticket that includes other Forum Marinum exhibits. Check the official Forum Marinum website for current pricing.
Opening hours vary seasonally and may differ from the main Forum Marinum museum. It's advisable to check the official website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Yes, purchasing tickets online in advance is often recommended, especially during peak season, to save time and guarantee entry.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the decks, cabins, and engine rooms of the historic frigate, learning about its voyages and the daily lives of sailors. Interactive exhibits cater to both adults and children.
Absolutely! The ship is designed as a living museum with interactive elements, making it a wonderful and educational experience for children to explore and learn.
To fully appreciate the ship and its exhibits, plan for at least 1-2 hours. If you have a multi-museum ticket, you could easily spend half a day exploring the entire maritime complex.
Information on guided tours can usually be found on the Forum Marinum website or by inquiring at the ticket office upon arrival.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots from the riverbanks looking towards the ship, or from its decks looking out over Turku. The intricate details of the rigging and the ship's architecture are also highly photogenic.
Photography is generally permitted inside the ship for personal use, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions in certain areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look out for interactive exhibits that cater specifically to younger visitors, allowing them to learn about knot tying, navigation, and the daily routines of life at sea in a fun and accessible way. The sheer size of the frigate is often awe-inspiring for kids, providing plenty of space to explore and burn off energy while learning about maritime history.
⚓ History Buffs
Consider purchasing the multi-museum ticket to gain a broader context of Finland's maritime heritage at the Forum Marinum. This allows for a more comprehensive understanding of naval history, shipbuilding, and the lives of those who worked on the seas.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Suomen Joutsen
Today, the Suomen Joutsen serves as a living museum at the Forum Marinum in Turku, Finland. It offers visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience what life was like for sailors aboard such a vessel. The ship's impressive 101-meter length and its historical significance make it a true landmark on the Aura River.
Visitors can explore various parts of the ship, from the crew quarters to the captain's cabin, gaining insight into the challenging and dangerous daily work of sailors. The ship's ability to reach speeds of up to 20 knots powered solely by wind is a testament to its engineering and the skill of its crew, who navigated worldwide using only astronomical navigation.
Experiencing Life at Sea
The exhibits onboard highlight the arduous and often dangerous work undertaken by sailors. You'll learn about the long periods spent at sea, sometimes a year or more, and the reliance on wind power for propulsion. The sheer scale of the ship and the complexity of its rigging offer a tangible understanding of the challenges faced by those who navigated the globe in an era before modern technology.
Special events, like the International Guild of Knot Tyers' visit on Turku Day 2022, showcase specific maritime skills and traditions. These events add another layer to the visitor experience, demonstrating the practical knowledge and craftsmanship essential to seafaring life. It’s a chance to see historical skills brought to life and appreciate the ingenuity required for global navigation.
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