Visit Porvoo
I visited Porvoo – the second oldest city in Helsinki, Finland on September ,2023. Its known for its Old Wooden Town, charming cafés and boutiques, and the painted red-ochre riverside warehouses. The cobbled streets lined with old dollhouse-like houses are embedded with excellent restaurants, handcraft and home ware shops, and galleries. It is one of the most photographed spots in Finland.
The most interesting fact about it is Finland’s national poet Johan Ludvig Runeberg whose home can still be visited there today. If you want to escape from the city life of Helsink, then Porvoo is definitely the best place to be because it has a old vibe which connects us to our roots and gives us a break from our monotonous life.
Get There
Its just an hour drive from Helsinki if you have your personal car. Other than that there are bus from the central bus station in Helsinki which has its terminal in Porvoo. You can also get linked up with travel companies, get a train, boat, bicycle too.
A Guided Day Trip
For those preferring not to arrange transportation independently, guided bus day trips from Helsinki to Porvoo are available, providing an insightful exploration. Opting for a well-regarded 4-hour group tour ensures a knowledgeable guide accompanies you on a bus journey to and from Porvoo, with a meeting point in Helsinki. Alternatively, a private half-day tour offers the convenience of a local guide and private transportation from Helsinki or Vantaa, with the option of hotel pick-up for added comfort.It can be a easy option for the newbees.
BEST FOR COFFEE LOVERS!
The city smells like Coffee and it’s the best smell even if you’re not a coffee lover.
Porvoon Paahtimo takes pride in roasting their coffee in small batches to highlight the distinct qualities of various coffee beans. The roasting process occurs nearly every day, featuring two main blends: Coffee and Espresso. Furthermore, they expertly roast Java Blue Mountain, one of the world’s esteemed coffees, and occasionally prepare other unique coffee varieties. Sourced from various regions globally, the coffee blending and roasting methods employed by Porvoo Paahtimo remain closely guarded secrets.
Must eat in Porvoo
The FAMOUS Runeberg’s cake – pastry
- Named in honor of Finland’s national poet J. L. Runeberg, this pastry is infused with the flavors of almonds and arrack or rum. Typically adorned with a ring of icing surrounding raspberry jam on top, it is traditionally enjoyed near the poet’s birthday on February 5. However, given Runeberg’s longtime residence in Porvoo, the cake is available throughout the year at local cafes such as Café Helmi and Café Fanny in Old Porvoo.
Things to do during visiting
- Walk Around The Historic Old Town:
- Porvoo attracts tourists primarily due to its charming historical city center, characterized by a vibrant downtown with picturesque cobbled streets, making it easy to lose oneself amid numerous wooden huts and UNESCO-listed buildings.
Visit Porvoo Cathedral:
Perched atop the historic city, the immense Porvoo Cathedral serves as the focal point. As the headquarters of the Evangelical-Lutheran Church in Finland, it predominantly caters to the Swedish community. In 2006, a deliberate act set the church ablaze, yet it has since been meticulously restored to its original splendor.
Visit The home of Runeberg:
Johan Ludvig Runeberg, a celebrated writer and poet of both Finnish and Swedish descent, authored the Finnish national anthem. Spending his entire life in Porvoo, his former residence has been transformed into a museum, welcoming admirers to explore his legacy.
Shoppping:
Exploring the array of boutiques is a favored pastime in Old Porvoo, given its tourist-centric nature. While a few establishments offer mass-produced souvenirs, the majority showcase handcrafted Finnish products, spanning clothing, jewelry, home decor, toys, kitchenware, and various other items.
Visit the chocolate factory:
In Porvoo, you’ll discover Brunberg, Finland’s oldest chocolate factory established in 1871. Within the Old Town, they run a factory store offering a range of options, from cost-effective bulk items to chocolates presented in appealing souvenir packaging.
Climb the Ancient Iso Linnamäki Fortress Hill for Nature and a Great View:
North of Porvoo’s Old Town, prominent hills reveal significant ancient archaeological sites, including Iso Linnamäki (Great Castle Hill), hosting one of Finland’s largest ancient fortresses, and Pikku Linnamäki (Lesser Castle Hill), which holds an Iron Age burial site. Accessible through various paths, featuring wooden bridges and former moats, the ascent offers a pleasant short hike with stunning views of the river and the Old Town. This scenic panorama, famously depicted by local artist Albert Edelfelt in his painting “Porvoo seen from Linnamäki,” provides a captivating glimpse of the natural surroundings. The journey up unfolds as an enjoyable way to appreciate both historical remnants and the beauty of the landscape.
Visit Söderskär Majakka:
Perched on a rocky expanse along the Porvoonjoki river, the Porvoo lighthouse, with its pastel hues, historically guided boats safely ashore. Despite modern advancements making it obsolete, this charming structure remains a noteworthy visit.
Visit Castle Hill:
Porvoo, the second oldest city in the Finnish empire, conceals traces of a bygone era on the adjacent hill to the historic center. While the remnants of a grand wooden fort that once governed the region may not be visible amid the now tree-covered landscape, informative signs and a touch of imagination vividly recreate its historical significance. Whether a history enthusiast or not, a stroll on this hill promises a refreshing breath of fresh air.
Cross the River to Experience Modern Porvoo:
Porvoo offers a captivating blend of the historic Old Town and a more modern facet across the river on the west bank, where contemporary apartment buildings and businesses thrive. The Art Factory, situated by the Aleksanterinkatu Bridge, stands as a dynamic hub, tracing its history from industrial applications to a cultural center. Since its opening in 2012, the Art Factory has transformed into a multifaceted space, hosting art exhibitions, concerts, a cinema, boutiques, and Bistro Sinne, a local food venue. The facility, also housing the Porvoo City Tourist Office, has become a vibrant source of cultural experiences for both locals and visitors, offering access to art exhibitions and events. During a visit, we explored a free contemporary art exhibition and noted the tempting menu at the bistro, contributing to the area’s excitement.
The Takeaway
Porvoo makes for an ideal day excursion from Helsinki, conveniently reachable through public transportation. The Old Town provides a serene and charming backdrop for sightseeing, shopping, and dining. Fond recollections of my time in Finland include leisurely walks along cobblestone streets , watching people catching fishes , a calm moment on the lake side with a drink in one hand.
