Discover Porvoo
Accommodation in Porvoo
In Porvoo, a historic Old Town and the National Urban Park shape the cityscape in a distinctive way: the park preserves urban nature and built cultural landscapes as a unified whole. Those looking to take in both culture and nature during their trip will find different sides of the city here—from cobbled lanes to landscapes stretching towards the river mouth and archipelago.
Old Town, riverbanks and urban park
Old Porvoo is known for its colourful wooden houses and winding, cobbled streets. Red-ochre-painted warehouses stand on the riverbank; together with the Old Town, they are among Finland’s most photographed national landscapes. The National Urban Park was established in 2010. From Old Porvoo, it stretches about 10 kilometres south across the river mouth to the archipelago, as well as 8 kilometres east.
From the centre of Porvoo, the National Urban Park can be reached on foot, by bicycle or by paddling a SUP board. There, scenic views and natural attractions are open to everyone. This makes it possible to combine a visit to the city with a desire for exercise or time in nature. Those who prefer to stroll through historic streets can admire the wooden houses and explore the winding lanes of Old Porvoo.
Art, history and gardens
Galleria Vanha Kappalaisentalo hosts art exhibitions in an impressive 18th-century building. It is located in the heart of Old Porvoo, on the edge of Raatihuoneentori; admission is free. Porvoo Cathedral took its current form at the end of the 15th century. The city therefore offers a range of cultural points of interest: a gallery in a historic building and a cathedral whose form dates back to the Middle Ages.
Fredrika’s Garden is part of the J. L. Runeberg Home. In summer, roses, mock orange bushes and fruit trees fill the air with their fragrance. Brunberg also adds to Porvoo’s culinary appeal: the confectionery factory is Finland’s oldest still-operating factory of its kind, with a history of more than 150 years. Its factory shops in Old Porvoo and Tarmola sell chocolate kisses, fresh liquorice, handmade jams and truffles.
Cycling, winter sports and getting there
For a longer cycling tour, South by Cycle is another way to include Porvoo in a trip. The bikepacking route passes through the coastal landscapes of southern Finland, crosses 13 municipalities and covers a total of 900 kilometres. The terrain ranges from gravel roads and forest paths to open fields, riverbanks and sea coasts. Along the route, visitors can see the red-ochre warehouses on the riverbank in Old Porvoo and the cathedral.
Winter sports are also among the activities on offer in the city: Porvoo Ski Centre has five illuminated slopes as well as a halfpipe or street area. Those weighing these options alongside Old Town and nature experiences can decide which activities to focus on based on their own travel interests. Porvoo can be reached by car, bus or boat.
Other place pages you can discover on this portal include Myrskylä, Sipoo, Sammatti, Nurmijärvi, Savijoki, Pernå and Åminnefors.
For the wider travel overview: Uusimaa.
More about the destination
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