Porvoo
Old Town, Riverside Storehouses, Porvoo Cathedral, Cafes and Bakeries, Runeberg Torte, Archipelago, Day Trips from Helsinki, Design Shops
Porvoo is one of Finland's oldest towns, set on the Porvoo River around 50 kilometres east of Helsinki. Its Old Town is a picture-perfect maze of cobbled lanes and colourful wooden houses, and the row of red storehouses along the riverbank is one of the most photographed sights in the country.
Above the town stands Porvoo Cathedral, a medieval stone church with a long history at the heart of Finnish life. Porvoo was also home to Johan Ludvig Runeberg, Finland's national poet, whose house is now a museum and whose name lives on in the Runeberg torte, a pastry traditionally eaten on 5 February.
Today the town is known for its cafes, chocolate makers, design shops and galleries, and for its location on the edge of a beautiful archipelago. In summer, a historic steamship sails between Helsinki and Porvoo.
Top Reasons to Visit Porvoo
1. The Old Town
Wander cobbled streets lined with wooden houses, courtyards and small shops, best enjoyed slowly on foot.
2. The Riverside Storehouses
Admire the red wooden storehouses from the old bridge or the opposite riverbank, especially in the evening light.
3. Porvoo Cathedral
Visit the medieval cathedral on the hill above the Old Town, a place of great significance in Finnish history.
4. Runeberg and Sweet Treats
Tour the Runeberg Home and try a Runeberg torte, along with local chocolate and pastries in the town's cafes.
5. The Archipelago
Explore the islands and coastline around Porvoo by boat, bike or kayak in the summer months.
