Old Porvoo is one of the most picturesque towns in Finland originating from medieval times. These are the top 10 spots to go see there.
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On our trip from Eastern Finland to Helsinki we stopped in Porvoo as I wanted to show my family the wooden buildings of the old town there. Old Porvoo is considered to be one the national landscapes of Finland and is also one of the most known medieval towns in the country.
We Finns learn about Old Porvoo and the importance of the historical events that happened there early in school. Walking around inside the old town area is like you’re walking back in the time.
If you are visiting during the summer months, then make sure to make all the reservations you need as early as possible, as Old Porvoo is the most popular day trip you can make from Helsinki.
Why you should visit Old Porvoo while in Finland
Porvoo is one of the oldest cities in Finland. The first mentions about it are from the 14th century. There are many historic things that happened in Old Porvoo including the beginning of Finland’s road to autonomy.
Old Porvoo is a perfect place to spend a day. You can stroll around all the historic buildings and learn a great deal about Finland’s history. Or you can enjoy some great cafes, restaurants and do some shopping in the small boutiques.
All the cobble stone roads, small alleys, old stone buildings and the red riverside warehouses make it a perfectly picturesque area that is definitely worth a visit.
Porvoo makes a perfect day trip for those staying in Helsinki as it is less than an hour drive from there.
What to see in Old Porvoo
Porvoo Cathedral
Porvoo Cathedral has had a big role in the history of Finland. It was built in the 15th century even though its oldest parts are from the 13th century. It also survived several fires and wars.
In 1809 the Porvoo Diet was opened in the cathedral by the Russian Tsar Alexanter I, and the sovereign pledge took place. Alexander I subsequently promised to govern Finland.
The cathedral was almost burned down by an arson in 2006 but luckily only the roof burned. It did suffer some damage from the smoke though.
The church is said to be one of the most important medieval buildings in Finland.
Are you looking for a place to stay in Old Porvoo? This is our favourite hotel.
Riverside Warehouses
Porvoo’s red-ochre painted riverside warehouses are the icon of the town and known all over in Finland. They are one of the most photographed places in the country.
In the old days they served as cigarette and coffee storage, but now some of them are apartments. One of the warehouses operates as a summer restaurant.
The warehouses were painted red in the 18th century when the King of Sweden, Gustav III visited Porvoo.
Town Hall Square; Old Town Hall and the Holm residence
Town Hall Square is the heart of the Old Porvoo and has been that way ever since the 18th century when farmers came there to sell their products.
On the south corner of the square, you have the Old Town Hall that dates back to 1760. It replaced the original town hall on the same spot that was destroyed by fire.
Old Town Hall serves now as a museum and showcases mostly art. The white stone building next to it is part of the museum complex and is Johan Holm’s residence built in 1763.
The Chapter House
The Chapter House is the second oldest building in Porvoo right after the Porvoo Cathedral. It was built in 1759. on The building now houses the chapter of the diocese of Porvoo.
The building was first used as a school, but it has also served as a hospital during the war. It plays a big role in Finnish history, since this is where the Emperor Alexander I held his speech during the Diet of Porvoo in 1809 and opened the doors for Finland’s autonomy.
The Devil’s Stairs
When you travel with kids something unexpected always happens. While we were walking in the cobble stone streets of Old Porvoo, our older daughter fell down on her stomach.
First we were convinced that we must have been at the famous Devil’s Stairs and that is why it happened. But we later found the actual spot right around the corner.
According to the old folk tale the Devil himself created this natural stone staircase. Another story says though, it got the name from so many accidents happening on these rocks during the rain and winter conditions. This path is not maintained in winter by the way, so if you plan to head there, then exercise extreme caution.
After cleaning and patching our daughters injured knees at the hotel we returned to Old Porvoo to enjoy our day.
The Devil’s Stairs are located at Koulukuja.
Bishop’s House
The bishopric was moved from Vyborg, Russia (Viipuri) to Porvoo already in 1723. But when they decided to also establish a Swedish bishopric for Finland in 1923, they also needed a building to house the new bishop.
The Bishop’s House was finally built in the Old Porvoo area in 1927 and it is owned by the city of Porvoo.
Poet’s Home
Poet’s Home is one of the most beautiful houses in Old Porvoo. It was built in 1765 by the architect Gotthard Flensborg, and the people of Porvoo called it simply “the beautiful house”.
Flensborg used it first as his apartment and office, but later it has been everything from a bar to a pharmacy.
Today it is owned by the local poet club and ever since 1923 it has been home to poets and writers.
Brunberg Candy shop
If you are looking for something to take home with you or otherwise like sweets, make sure to stop at Brunberg Old Town Shop on Välikatu. The area has long traditions in candy making as the A. W. Lindfors candy and marmelade factory operated there over 100 years before Brunberg moved in.
Brunberg is the oldest candy manufacturer in Finland and it has always operated from Porvoo. Also their factory store is in Porvoo, but you will find all the same candies in the Old Town Shop.
These little stores in Old Porvoo are the best places to buy souvenirs and we always get lots of candy from Finland before head back home to California. Both, Finnish chocolates and pick ‘n’ mix candies are amazing!
PetriS Chocolate
There are many great cafeterias in the Old Porvoo area but one our favourites is the PetriS Chocolate. Among the delicious coffee drinks they also have handmade chocolate treats and truffles that have won many awards.
The chocolates are made without any preservatives and they also have some chocolate cakes. We loved sitting on their patio, tasting chocolate and watching people walking by.
How to get to Porvoo
The easiest way to get to Porvoo is by car. If you have a rental car and you are exploring Finland then Porvoo is only less than an hour’s drive from Helsinki. It is an easy drive along the E18, but if you want to do a more scenic route then try the Old King’s Road.
You can also hop on a bus from Helsinki and let someone else do the driving. It is easy and cheap; a one way ticket costs less than €10. There are several buses going to Porvoo every day and you can search the timetables from here.
If you would rather do a guided tour there, then there are many options to choose from. There are many tour companies with different kinds of schedules:
Where to stay in Porvoo
Our favourite hotel in Porvoo is Hotel Onni which is located right by the Porvoo Cathedral in Old Town. The location for a hotel couldn’t be better and they have a really nice complimentary breakfast.
For couples and people traveling alone, I would recommend Pariisin Ville which is also in the Old Porvoo area. Unfortunately though, they don’t have any family rooms, but this boutique hotel is otherwise really nice.
If you have a rental car and you don’t mind being a little further away from Old Porvoo, then Haikko Manor is great. The manor itself is gorgeous and they also have a spa.
All the Hurriganes fans and people who otherwise love rock music should consider staying at Remuganes Suite in Porvoo Castle. It is an old apartment of Hurriganes singer Remu Aaltonen located in Old Porvoo. The suite still has Remu’s old furniture and a lot of memorabilia.
We once stayed in a Rockn’ Rose Room in Helsinki that was designed by Remu Aaltonen and it was a fun experience. Hopefully someday we will be able to check out the Remuganes Suite as well.
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There are several old wooden towns like this in Finland and they are all very unique and interesting. The biggest one of them is Old Town Rauma on the west coast of Finland. It is also one of Finland’s seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
But Old Porvoo is the most compact of the wooden towns and historically the most notable. It is also closer to Helsinki which makes it a perfect day trip to do from the capital area.
If you are looking for other day trips to do from Helsinki then I definitely recommend taking a ferry to Tallinn, Estonia and visit their medieval Old Town as well. You can also take a ferry to Suomenlinna Fortress or even to Stockholm, Sweden.
Out of all these great options though, I think Old Porvoo is the easiest one to do and the most beautiful!
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