Porvoo tours

Excursion to Porvoo – a tour you can’t miss! It’s a second oldest town in Finland, which remains from the 14^th century. Visit Porvoo, because it’s just eye-popping! Porvoo travel guide suggests traveling to little, but charming red shore houses to feel like in a fairytale! Are you feeling it? The spirit of the medieval trade city which now has became an inspiration for so many artists! Don’t forget to visit Porvoo’s famous Old Town and of course – take a tour to the Cathedral with breath-taking bell tower. There are many cozy shops, restaurants and museums – tourist and travelers love it. Visit Porvoo’s Albert Edelfelt Studio Museum, to see his drawings, photographs and belongings to the artist. Moreover, Porvoo tourism is offering to travel through the beautiful nature around the city area and feel relaxed like never before! Just don‘t forget to have a meal at the remarkable Haikko Manor! Visit Finland, fall in love with Porvoo and come back as soon as possible! Touring has never felt so amazing!

Population: 50,203 (2017)

Area:  654.42 km2

Density: 76.68 /km2

Postal code: 06100 – 06500

Area code: (+358) 19

Rank in the country: 21st in Finland

The Old Town is one of the most beautiful and historic part of the town that everyone simply have to explore. Its famous red warehouses that were painted back in the late 18th century in honor of King Gustav III visit. To get lost in those maze-like cobbled streets is no problem at all, because you will get a chance to wander and explore the idyllic parks of the old town, quiet narrow lines near the river and many of the restaurants, cafes and shops residing here, in the heart of the city. You are bound to feel the medieval magical atmosphere within just a few minutes of walking here and falling in love with this special place.   

The Cathedral of Porvoo dates back as far as the 15th century and is one of the top attractions and a pride of Porvoo. It is a charming church situated on the hill and beloved by the locals because it is a perfect romantic place to get married. So by visiting the cathedral, you might see what traditional Finnish weddings look like, or Finnish masses at the very least because the church is still active. After climbing the hill, you will also get a nice panoramic view of the beautiful and idyllic Porvoo so to visit the cathedral is one of the greatest things to do whichever way you look at it!

Porvoo Museum is one of the most important buildings situated in the Old Town of Porvoo. It has very rich historical value since over the time it served many different functions: it housed the town’s administrative court, the council, sometimes used by theatrical troupes and even as an infirmary. Now the museum displays both historical and art exhibits, you can see how a rich merchant family lived at the end of the 18th century, and a definite highlight of the museum – a lion wielding a sword!

Soderskar Majakka Lighthouse is among the top 5 places to visit in Porvoo because of the unusual and unique experiences it offers. Inside the lighthouse, there is an interesting exhibition showing how people who had to work in the lighthouse lived. If you wish, you can even spend a night here yourself if you pre-book the stay, and have the ultimate experience of this magical place. Once on on the top of the lighthouse, visitors can gaze at the fascinating views of sea and the surrounding islands. This should definitely be on everyone’s bucket list!

Iso Linnamäki Fortress is one of the biggest fortresses in the country. While visiting the fortress, visitors can walk around the area on top of wooden bridges and look around the fascinating nature while imagining what the fortress must have looked like in the old days. There is also a tall hill, from where you can see the amazing views of Porvoo as well as have some fun! During the winter, you can remember your childhood and go sledging down the hill, while during the warm seasons you can bring a blanket and some snacks and have a picnic while enjoying the beautiful views of Porvoo.

Haikko Manor is a highly recommended place to eat if you are a fan of great scenery and exquisite food. Friendly service and beautiful interior creates a great atmosphere that the rich menu only reinforces. Here you can find a wide variety of Nordic food, you can try amazingly cooked dishes with reindeer and salmon, enjoy the mouthwatering desserts and much much more.  

Porvoon Paahtimo is one of the top places to grab a drink and spend some quality time with your traveling buddies. The former storehouse has been reconstructed into a cool laid-back atmosphere kind of pub where you can get enjoy a cup of coffee or on-tap beer. During the warm season, there is a terrace and a boat deck open with some blankets if it gets chilly.

Meat District, as the name suggests, is a perfect place for meat lovers. They offer outstanding organic, grass-fed beef, their all time specialty is the dry-aged beef for two. It is definitely one of the greatest steakhouses in Porvoo, also offering some gluten-free options.

PetriS Chocolate Room is the place to go for any dessert enthusiast that has a sweet tooth for amazing chocolate. And if you’re not one of those people yet, that is very likely to change after visiting this place. Here, you will find one of the best handmade chocolates, fruit-flavoured sweets, a huge option for macarons and much more. Sounds yummy!

Wanha Laamanni is famous for its Finnish favourite meals as well as a six-course surprise menu. Inside, there is a huge fireplace that makes the atmosphere super cozy and outside you can sit on a terrace overviewing the river. The service here is fast and friendly, the prices reasonable and the food super delicious!

Explore the beautiful nature on a bike! You can go explore the Sikosaari Island that is just 30 minutes away and the views are sure to leave you breathless. Endless low and tall hills, beautiful pine and other trees and lakes will make you go further and further into the compelling nature of Finland. But that small island is not the only picturesque place in Porvoo, whichever route and way you choose to go from the old town will amaze you just as much!

Explore the archipelago because there are just few places in Finland that can beat the beauty of the Pellinski Archipelago. It can be reached by a boat, a ferry, by car or by a bus. Oh, but to go there by ferry is an experience on its own of course! The beautiful blue waters, interesting shore and rock formation and amazing shores will show you the real beauty of Porvoo and will give you a chance to take some amazing photos!

Go kayaking or canoeing in the rivers of Porvoo. It is one of the best things to do if you are a fan of active holidays. This way you can enjoy the nature of Porvoo from yet another side because kayaks and canoes can be delivered to any of your preferable shores. Visitors can also choose whether they are experienced enough to go on their own or whether they want a guided trip.  

Visit Walter Runeberg Sculpture Collection, which is situated just across the street from JL Runerberg’s former house now functioning as a museum. Walter Runeberg, a son of famous national poet JL Runerberg, has made around 150 sculptures that are now displayed in the gallery. Among them, visitors will get a chance to see the sculpture of his father that Walter has produced for the town. Definitely one of the best ways to learn more about the town and its treasures.

Visit Porvoo Toy and Doll Museum that is a charming tiny museum situated in the very heart of the old town. The museum displays various toys from the older times as well as some contemporary ones, and it is especially a good idea to visit it if you are travelling with kids because they will surely find the exhibits interesting!

• The best and most unique souvenirs here can be found in second hand and antique shops, so check them out if you get a chance and want to bring home something really special.
• Many of the sites are closed on Mondays, so make sure to plan your time accordingly.
• Make sure to pack some layers of warm clothing if you are traveling to Porvoo during the cold season because you will spending a lot of time outside and the weather tends to get quite chilly here.