Porvoo Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, places to visit, food and drink scene, local culture, safety and health, transportation options, and nearby excursions in Porvoo, Finland.


Porvoo is a charming small city located in the Uusimaa region of Southern Finland. The city is known for its colorful wooden houses, cobblestone streets, and historical landmarks. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you on a journey to discover the best things to do, places to visit, food and drink scene, local culture, safety and health, transportation options, and nearby excursions in Porvoo, Finland.

Introduction to Porvoo

Porvoo is one of the oldest cities in Finland, founded in the 13th century. The city is located by the Porvoo River, just 50 kilometers east of Helsinki. Porvoo has a rich history, and you can see that in the city’s architecture and landmarks, including the Porvoo Cathedral, the Old Town Hall, and the Old Bridge. Porvoo is also a popular destination for foodies, offering a wide variety of local delicacies and cuisine.

List of Places to Visit in Porvoo

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Porvoo has a wealth of museums and historical places to explore, including:

  • Porvoo Cathedral: dating back to the 15th century, the Porvoo Cathedral is one of the most popular landmarks in Porvoo. The cathedral is located on a hill overlooking the city and the Porvoo River.
  • The Old Town Hall: built in 1764, the Old Town Hall is located in the heart of Porvoo’s Old Town. This beautiful building houses an exhibition on the city’s history and also serves as a venue for concerts and events.
  • The Porvoo Museum: located in the heart of Old Porvoo, the Porvoo Museum provides an insight into the city’s history and the life of its inhabitants.
  • The Runeberg Home: The home of Finland’s national poet, Johan Ludvig Runeberg, is located in Porvoo. The house is now a museum that showcases the life and works of the poet.

Natural Attractions of Porvoo: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Porvoo is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, and you can take in the fresh air and natural beauty by visiting these outdoor attractions:

  • Porvoo Archipelago: take a boat trip to the Porvoo Archipelago and explore the beautiful islands that surround the city.
  • Porvoo Riverside Walk: Explore the Porvoo River by foot along the city’s riverside path and enjoy the scenic views.
  • Linnamäki Hill: Climb to the top of Linnamäki Hill, located on the eastern side of Porvoo, and enjoy the stunning views of the city and the surrounding countryside.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Porvoo

Porvoo is an excellent destination for hiking and biking, and you can explore the city and its surroundings by following these routes:

  • Porvoo City Trail: This 7 kilometer trail takes you through the heart of Porvoo’s Old Town and along the Porvoo River.
  • King’s Road Trail: This trail follows the ancient King’s Road, a historic trade route that connected Russia and Sweden. The trail takes you through the beautiful Finnish countryside.
  • Pellinge Archipelago Trail: This trail takes you through the Pellinge Archipelago, located to the east of Porvoo. The trail offers stunning views of the archipelago and is an excellent place for birdwatching.

Best Things to Do in Porvoo: Activities and Tours

Porvoo offers a range of activities and tours that provide a unique glimpse into the city’s culture and history, including:

  • Porvoo Food Walk: Take a guided tour of Porvoo’s food scene and sample local delicacies, including Finnish smoked salmon, Karelian pies, and cloudberry jam.
  • Porvoo Walking Tour: Take a guided walking tour of Porvoo’s Old Town and learn about the city’s history and culture.
  • Porvoo River Cruise: Take a leisurely boat ride along the Porvoo River and enjoy the stunning views of the city.

Week-Long Itinerary for Porvoo

If you’re planning to spend a week in Porvoo, here’s a suggested itinerary:

Day Activity
Day 1 Arrive in Porvoo and check into your accommodations. Relax and explore the city on foot.
Day 2 Take a guided walking tour of Porvoo’s Old Town and visit the Porvoo Cathedral and the Old Town Hall.
Day 3 Explore the natural attractions of Porvoo, including the Porvoo Archipelago and the Porvoo Riverside Walk.
Day 4 Take a day trip to Helsinki, Finland’s capital city.
Day 5 Cycle or hike along the King’s Road Trail.
Day 6 Take the Porvoo River Cruise and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Day 7 Spend the day exploring the city’s museums and galleries, or enjoy some shopping in Old Porvoo. Depart Porvoo.

Food and Drink Scene of Porvoo

Must-Try Dishes

Porvoo is known for its delicious local cuisine, and here are some must-try dishes:

  • Karelian pies: a traditional Finnish pastry filled with rice porridge or potatoes.
  • Smoked salmon: Porvoo is known for its high-quality smoked salmon, which is often served with rye bread and dill.
  • Cloudberry jam: a sweet and tangy jam made with wild Finnish cloudberries.
  • Ruisleipä: a traditional Finnish rye bread that is hearty and flavorful.

Local Beverages

Porvoo is also known for its unique local beverages, including:

  • Lonkero: a Finnish long drink made with gin and grapefruit soda. This is a popular drink in Porvoo.
  • Koskenkorva: a Finnish vodka that is often served as a shot with rye bread and pickled herring.

Where to Stay in Porvoo: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Porvoo has a range of accommodations to suit every budget and taste, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Here are some recommended options:

  • Hotel Sparre: a 4-star hotel located in the heart of Old Porvoo, with stylish rooms, a restaurant, and a sauna.
  • Porvoo Hostel: a budget-friendly hostel located in Porvoo’s Old Town, with private and shared rooms.
  • The Porvoo Guesthouse: a cozy guesthouse located in the heart of Old Porvoo, with comfortable rooms and a shared kitchen.

What to Buy in Porvoo: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Porvoo has a range of unique local products and souvenirs to bring home, including:

  • Porvoo Artisan Chocolate: a locally made chocolate that comes in a variety of flavors, including cloudberry and sea buckthorn.
  • Porvoo Porcelain: a traditional Finnish porcelain that is known for its beautiful design and high quality.
  • Ligula Candles: handmade candles that come in a variety of shapes and sizes, perfect for gifts or home decor.
  • Marimekko Products: Marimekko is a popular Finnish design brand that produces high-quality fabrics, clothing, and home decor. The Porvoo Marimekko outlet is an excellent place to find unique products at discounted prices.

Local Culture and Customs of Porvoo

Porvoo has a rich cultural heritage, and it’s important to respect the city’s customs and traditions. Here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Finnish Sauna Culture: Saunas are an essential part of Finnish culture, and many guesthouses and hotels in Porvoo have saunas available for guests. It’s important to follow the sauna etiquette and customs, which include showering beforehand and being respectful of other sauna users.
  • Respect for Nature: Finland is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, and it’s essential to respect the environment by avoiding littering and staying on designated trails.
  • Punctuality: Finnish people appreciate punctuality and arriving on time. If you’re meeting with someone, it’s important to arrive on time or inform them in advance if you’ll be late.

Best Time to Visit Porvoo

The best time to visit Porvoo is in the summer months, from May to September, when the weather is pleasant and the days are long. This is also the peak season, so expect higher prices for accommodations and activities. In the winter months, Porvoo is covered in snow, and it’s a beautiful time to visit if you enjoy winter sports and activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Porvoo

Do:

  • Do book accommodations in advance, especially in the peak season.
  • Do try local Finnish delicacies and cuisine.
  • Do explore the city on foot to discover hidden gems and local attractions.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or damage the city’s natural and cultural heritage.
  • Don’t be late for appointments or meetings.
  • Don’t forget to respect the Finnish sauna culture.

Safety and Health

Safety in Porvoo

Porvoo is generally a safe city, and crime rates are low. However, it’s essential to take the usual precautions and be aware of pickpockets and scams, especially in tourist areas. Keep your belongings secure and be cautious when using public transport or ATM machines.

Health in Porvoo

Finland has a high standard of healthcare, and there are several healthcare facilities in Porvoo. It’s essential to have travel insurance, as medical costs can be high.

Getting to Porvoo: Transportation Options and Logistics

Porvoo is located 50 kilometers east of Helsinki, and there are several transportation options available to reach the city:

Airports Near Porvoo

The closest airport to Porvoo is Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, which is located 45 kilometers west of the city. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Porvoo.

Bus Stations Near Porvoo

Porvoo has a bus station located in the city center, with regular services connecting Porvoo to Helsinki and other nearby cities.

Other Options

You can also reach Porvoo by car or taxi, or by taking a train to Helsinki and then connecting to Porvoo by bus.

How to Get Around in Porvoo

Porvoo is a small city, and the best way to explore it is on foot. However, if you need to travel further, there are several transportation options available, including buses and taxis.

Where to Go Next from Porvoo: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are several nearby destinations and excursions that you can take from Porvoo, including:

  • Helsinki: Finland’s capital city, located just 50 kilometers west of Porvoo.
  • Tallinn: The capital of Estonia, located across the Gulf of Finland. A ferry service operates from Helsinki to Tallinn.
  • Nuuksio National Park: a beautiful national park located just 30 kilometers from Porvoo, known for its hiking trails and scenic beauty.

Conclusion

Porvoo is a charming and historic city located in Southern Finland. With its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and delicious cuisine, Porvoo is an excellent destination for anyone looking for an authentic Finnish experience. We hope this comprehensive guide has provided you with all the information you need to plan your visit to Porvoo, Finland.

Kayaking past Old Porvoo Kayaking past Old Porvoo Porvoo Railway Station Porvoo Railway Station Buggy parking in front of the Cathedral Buggy parking in front of the Cathedral The former town hall The former town hall Klovharun out in the sea, with Tove Jansson's Spartan summer cottage Klovharun out in the sea, with Tove Jansson's Spartan summer cottage