Cities
Finland Turku Southwest Finland Historical Landmark

Brinkkala House

About

Brinkkala House is one of the most atmospheric historic buildings in Turku, standing on Vanha Suurtori and known above all for its role in the annual Declaration of Christmas Peace, proclaimed from its balcony since 1886. The building’s origins reach back to the 16th century, when it served as the townhouse of the owners of Brinkhall Manor, and over the centuries it has functioned as a hotel, town hall, residence of the Russian Governor General, and even a police station. After the Great Fire of 1827, Brinkkala was rebuilt and later renovated in the 1880s, when its famous balcony was added. Today, the house is a lively cultural venue hosting art exhibitions, events, and the popular Turku Medieval Market in its courtyard. Its restored interiors, historic Magistrate’s Court, and charming surroundings make Brinkkala House a distinctive landmark where Turku’s layered history and contemporary urban culture meet.

Turku Finland
Brinkkala House
Location

Brinkkala House is located at Vanha Suurtori 3, 20500 Turku, Finland, on the edge of the historic Old Great Square in the city center, just a short walk uphill from Turku Cathedral and the Aura River waterfront. This elegant 19th-century mansion, once a town hall, hotel, and police station, now hosts art galleries, craft boutiques, a cozy courtyard café, and the famous Christmas Peace Declaration balcony, with easy pedestrian access, nearby street parking, and bus stops close by. Nearby attractions include the majestic Turku Cathedral dominating the skyline mere minutes away, charming museums like Ett Hem and Sibelius Museum across the square, Vartiovuori Observatory atop its scenic hill with panoramic views, the vibrant Turku Market Square downhill toward the river, and riverside paths leading to Pharmacy Museum, Qwensel House, and Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum—all creating a compact hub of history, art, and culture perfect for exploration.

Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova Museum Turku Art Museum Turku Art Museum Museum Wäinö Aaltonen Museum of Art Wäinö Aaltonen Museum of Art Museum Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum Museum Turku Biological Museum Turku Biological Museum Museum Forum Marinum Forum Marinum Museum Ett Hem Museum Ett Hem Museum Museum Sibelius Museum Sibelius Museum Museum Pharmacy Museum and Qwensel House Pharmacy Museum and Qwensel House Museum Kylämäki Village of Living History Kylämäki Village of Living History Museum Turku Castle Turku Castle Castle Turku Cathedral Turku Cathedral Cathedral Finnish Scout Museum Finnish Scout Museum Museum Turku Health Care Museum Turku Health Care Museum Museum St. Michael’s Church St. Michael’s Church Church St. Catherine’s Church Turku St. Catherine’s Church Turku Church St. Mary's Church Turku St. Mary's Church Turku Church Turku Orthodox Church Turku Orthodox Church Church Turku City Theatre Turku City Theatre Theatre Åbo Svenska Teater Åbo Svenska Teater Theatre Vartiovuori Observatory Vartiovuori Observatory Observatory Iso-Heikkilä Observatory Iso-Heikkilä Observatory Observatory Turun Kauppatori Turun Kauppatori Market Botanical Garden of the University of Turku Botanical Garden of the University of Turku Botanical Garden