10 Of Finland's Top Markets

The high standards for craftsmanship and a strong emphasis on recycling mean that there are a wide range of markets in Finland for finding bargains on practically any product. These are some of the best markets from across the country.

Medieval Market of Turku

Turku’s riverfront plays host to many different markets throughout the year, but one of the most well-known and highly regarded is the Medieval Market. Held every July, it is essentially a Finnish Renaissance Faire with traditional costumes, crafts, food and beverages, games, and activities. Families come from all over the country for one of the most enjoyable days of the entire year.

Medieval Market of Turku, Turun Suurtorin keskiaika ry., Vanha Suurtori 3, 20500 Turku, +358 40 132 9992

Women in stocks at Turku Medieval market 2015

1. Old Market Hall

Market, Street Food

Every major Finnish city has at least one market hall, and they are an important part of Finnish tradition and commerce. The oldest and most famous is the Old Market Hall in Helsinki. Operating since 1889, it still contains merchant specialists selling all manners of food and drink. A popular meeting spot or a place to grab lunch, it is a good location to get a unique souvenir or a luxury treat as well.

2. Viking Market

Market

The small but stunningly beautiful island of Salvik is one of the only places in Finland to have a historic connection to the Vikings. With ancient sites and ruins still remaining (even the ferry line from Finland to Sweden is named ‘Viking’), the locals in the village of Kvarnbo homage this heritage by hosting the yearly Viking Market. Like the Medieval Market, it also features authentic costumes and crafts from Scandinavian, British, German, and Polish Vikings. There is even a reconstructed and lovingly-crafted Viking ship. It is worth making the journey to the island to experience this unique fair.

3. Hietalahti Flea Market

Market

Helsinki’s most-popular flea market operates in the Design District during the summer and has over 150 stalls selling bargains. The market mostly acts as a place for people to buy and sell used clothing, but rare gems can turn up as well. Patrons never know what they will find or who they will meet in a stroll through this market.

Finnish Craft & Design Fair

The epitome of Finnish art and culture can be found at the Finnish Craft & Design Fair in Tampere, which draws tens of thousands of visitors every year. Conditions for the fair are that each of the items for sale and the equipment used to make them must be produced in Finland. The 2017 fair, to be held in November, has additional special events planned for Finland’s 100-year anniversary.

Finnish Craft & Design Fair at the Tampere Exhibition and Sports Centre, Ilmailunkatu 20, 33900 Tampere, +358 207 701 222