Old Porvoo, why is it the most popular day-trip from Helsinki?

Yaaay! We are going for a day-trip to Porvoo in Finland! Why is this a lovely place? It has a cool colorful wooden old town. Which it is relatively big, big enough to fit lots of small design shops, restaurants, and cafeterias. It is an easy and the most popular of day-trips from Helsinki. And you can buy some fun stuff there!

That’s where we are going! This photo was a finalist of Wiki Loves Monuments competition and it is one of the places travel photographers should look for..

Why is Porvoo special?

Ok, so in Scandinavia, they like bringing old wooden houses to one place and organize some sort of open-air museum. They are all quite similar in all towns, and if you have seen one – you have seen them all. But this is not the case with Porvoo! It is the second oldest city in Finland, founded 1346 and it has a huge concentration of old wooden architecture (not from 1346).

Porvoo Old town — (according to tour guide) Porvoo is famous for this riverside houses. They were painted in red since 1700-something. But I personally find the overall atmosphere of the old town and shopping more interesting.

The city has done a fantastic job in preserving the atmosphere of old. Inside, there are stone-paved roads and a labyrinth of narrow streets. Colorful houses with worn-out paint and hand-made elements make a strong contrast with germ-free modern Finland. There aren’t many cars, but I saw a few classic ones. And on top of everything, there are no chain restaurants.

“It’s a place for shopping, good coffee and old atmosphere”

Shopping in Porvoo

This thing from Porvoo now hangs on my kitchen wall and people know they are safe.

Many handicrafts are locally produced and probably sold only there. The old town hosts about a hundred of small and unique places. I happened to visit Porvoo many times (where else to bring your guests in Helsinki?), and I’ve always found something fun to buy (or consider buying, Finland is pricey).

A welcoming shop owner (that photo proves that Finns actually smile)

Random shots from random shops 🙂

Mmm yes, and there is also a chocolate factory in Porvoo.

What’s around Old Porvoo

Next to the Old town, there are some nicely designed modern houses.

There is an old railroad and old railway station. Again, a fun place for shopping.

Don’t worry, it is safe. Trans don’t go anymore.

You can get on the hill across the river to see the old town. The view is lovely.

You can get to the castle hill – high rated sight on TripAdvisor. But remember, (surprise)… there is no freaking castle! It used to be there, but not anymore. Basically, you are visiting a high-rated hill (rediculous).

But the view from the hill isn’t that bad…

Rest of Porvoo is pretty similar to the rest of Finland.

Practical things

So, if I have convinced you to visit Porvoo, I would recommend reserving half of a day. Full day if you are really into shopping and overnight stay if you are willing to see something besides the old town. If you have decided to make a day-trip from Helsinki, you can go on a bus or take a ferry.

Share your pictures of Porvoo

Feel free to share yours, best ones would be posted on this blog post and on my page. Join the FB group “Finland in Pictures” and share the photo on the wall.

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