Pori Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Pori, Finland? Check out this comprehensive travel guide that covers everything from places to visit to cultural customs and safety tips.


Introduction to Pori

Pori is a charming city located on the west coast of Finland, surrounded by the Gulf of Bothnia and the stunning Pori archipelago. It has a rich cultural heritage, beautiful natural landscapes, and a bustling energy that makes it a must-visit destination in Finland. Whether you’re interested in exploring historical landmarks, hiking through pristine forests, or just soaking up the local culture, Pori has something for every type of traveler.

List of Places to Visit in Pori

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Pori has a rich history that is reflected in its many museums and landmarks. The following are some cultural attractions that everyone should visit:

  • Pori Art Museum: You can find this museum in the heart of the city and offers a fantastic collection of contemporary art. Its permanent collection comprises around 4000 works of different artists from Finland or visitors internationally.

  • Juselius Mausoleum: This beautiful mausoleum built-in 1903 is located in the local cemetery. The mausoleum was built as a tribute to the prominent industrialist F.A. Juselius, who was integral in the industrialization of Pori.

  • Seinäjoki Art Hall: Only fifteen minutes away from Pori, Seinäjoki Art Hall is a must-visit place for those who appreciate contemporary art. The museum occupies two exhibition halls and exhibits over 20 contemporary art in each exhibition.

Natural Attractions of Pori: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Pori has a thriving natural environment, with numerous parks, forests, and outdoor spaces that serve as ideal settings for a wide range of activities. The following are some must-visit natural attractions in Pori:

  • Yyteri Beach: This long, sandy beach is a natural gem and well known across the country. It is a prime location for sunbathing, swimming, and other beach-related activities.

  • Kirjurinluoto Central Park: This park is situated in the center and is the biggest green area in Pori, suitable for picnics, walking, and boating. There is also a statue of the national icon Väinämöinen in it.

  • Replot Bridge: Approximately 2 hours on the car from Pori near Vaasa is a stunning bridge that connects two islands, and it is the longest bridge in Finland.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Pori

Pori is an ideal place for exploring the great outdoors, and there are plenty of hiking and biking trails to choose from. Here are a few recommended routes:

  • Meri-Pori Nature Trail: This is a 3.5km walking trail that winds through the beautiful Meri-Pori forest. It has stops like fireplaces, birdwatching platforms, and benches.

  • Kokemäenjoki River Trail: This is an 11km bike trail that follows the Kokemäenjoki river, providing beautiful views of the Finnish countryside.

Best Things to Do in Pori: Activities and Tours

Pori’s many attractions make it an ideal destination for tourists to explore on foot or take a guided tour. Here are a few recommendations for things to do in Pori:

  • Visit Pori Jazz Festival: This festival is one of the oldest in Europe, dating back to 1966. The festival attracts the biggest names in the world of jazz, along with thousands of visitors every year.

  • Take a boat charter to the Pori Islands: The archipelago of Pori has many islands that are breathtaking. Visitors can hire a boat at the marina to enjoy the beautiful waters and visit the fantastic restaurants and cafes on the islands.

Week-Long Itinerary for Pori

Here is a suggested itinerary for a week-long stay in Pori:

  • Day 1: Explore Pori City Center to know about art, history, and cuisine
  • Day 2: Discover the beautiful coastline and historical landmarks in the Yyteri area.
  • Day 3: Enjoy the sunrise at Kokemäenjoki river; spend the afternoon in Kirjurinluoto Central Park.
  • Day 4: Visit the Replot Bridge. In the evening, catch a top-class jazz show.
  • Day 5: Go hiking or biking along the Meri-Pori Nature Trail.
  • Day 6: Take a boat charter to explore the Pori archipelago.
  • Day 7: Buy souvenirs and take some time to relax at the beach before leaving Pori.

Food and Drink Scene of Pori

Must-Try Dishes

Pori has a variety of restaurants that offer traditional Finnish dishes and international cuisine. Here are few must-try dishes:

  • Kalakukko: This is a pastry made with fish, bacon, and rye dough.

  • Baltic herring: The Baltic herring is an iconic fish for Finland, and in Pori is a must-try dish.

Local Beverages

  • Sahti: A Finnish traditional beer made of malted barley, rye, and wheat with juniper berries, no hops, and is fermented typically at room temperature

  • Koskenkorva: The traditional Finnish vodka. Available in many different flavors.

Where to Stay in Pori

Pori has numerous options for accommodation, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Here are a few options based on your budget:

  • Scandic Pori Hotel: Located in the city center, Scandic Pori Hotel is a fantastic option for those looking for a luxurious stay.

  • Hostel River: With a prime location, close to the Kokemäenjoki river, this hostel offers the best value for your money.

  • Opisto Guest House: This is a great option for budget-friendly travelers who still accommodation with clean rooms and amenities.

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

Here are a few gift ideas that you can buy in Pori:

  • Marimekko: Marimekko is a world-renowned Finnish design brand that started here in Finland. They have a store in Pori where you can buy their unique design, which usually has bold, bright colors and prints.

  • Pori Kehräämö: If you want authentic Finnish wool goods, visit Pori Kehräämö to buy locally produced yarns and fabrics.

Local Culture and Customs of Pori

The people of Pori value their independence and straightforward attitude. They are direct, honest, and expect the same from others. Finnish people are quiet compared to other parts of the world and don’t engage in small talks, however, they are always happy to help visitors.

Best Time to Visit Pori

The best time to visit Pori is during the summer months (June-August), when the weather is mild, and the days are long.

Do’s and Don’ts of Pori

Do:

  • Remember to respect the culture and customs of the local people.

  • Take off your shoes when entering someone else’s home.

  • Reuse and recycle.

Don’t:

  • Talk loudly on public transport.

  • Make a lot of eye contact with strangers, as it may be considered impolite.

  • Leave your trash behind.

Safety and Health

Safety in Pori

Pori is a safe city, but visitors should still take normal precautions to keep themselves and their belongings safe. Avoid straying into unfamiliar areas, especially at night, and keep a close eye on your valuables.

Health in Pori

Finland has high-quality health care, and many clinics accept foreign patients. Finland has strict anti-smoking and alcohol laws, and local authorities enforce them.

Getting to Pori: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Pori

Pori has a local airport known as Pori Airport. Visitors can take direct flights from Helsinki operated by Finnair. Other airports nearby include Tampere-Pirkkala Airport (2h away) and Turku Airport (2,5h away).

Bus Stations Near Pori

Pori has two main bus stations: Pori Matkakeskus and Pori Bus Station, that provide connections to other cities in Western Finland.

Other Options

Visitors can rent a car and drive from Tampere or Turku to Pori as it is a scenic drive, without any hectic traffic.

How to Get Around in Pori

The best way to get around Pori is by biking, walking, or using public transport. There are various options such as buses, taxis, and bikes in the city center. Car rental services are also available in the city, but traffic could be confusing for first-timers.

Where to Go Next from Pori: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have time and decide to explore more of what western Finland has to offer, here are a few destinations located nearby:

  • Vaasa: Vaasa is a vibrant city by the Gulf of Bothnia, famous for its breathtaking scenery and iconic archipelago.

  • Rauma: Known as the wooden city, Rauma has a beautiful old town, OId Rauma, that has been protected by UNESCO as a world heritage site.

Conclusion

Pori is a city full of surprises, with a vibrant culture and natural beauty that is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits. This comprehensive travel guide to Pori should help you plan your next trip with ease, giving you all the information you need to have a fantastic vacation in this wonderful Finnish city.

Pori town hall Pori town hall ''The Bear of Satakunta'' (''Satakunnan karhu'') in front of Pori City Hall ''The Bear of Satakunta'' (''Satakunnan karhu'') in front of Pori City Hall