Travel Buddies: Pete & Joan

Living the Dream, One Trip at a Time

Porvoo

Situated along the Porvoonjoki River just an hour’s drive from Helsinki, Porvoo is one of Finland’s most charming and historic towns. Its roots stretch back to the Middle Ages, and walking its cobbled streets was our mission!

A cobbled street lined with pastel-colored wooden houses and shops in Porvoo, Finland, under a clear blue sky.
Cobbled street lined with pastel-painted wooden houses in Porvoo, Finland, with people walking and shops visible.

The heart of Porvoo is its Old Town, a maze of pastel-painted wooden houses, boutiques, cafés, and art galleries. This old town has about a 30% Swedish-speaking population (although the country as a whole has @5% Swedish speakers)

Exterior of a charming shop in Porvoo, Finland, featuring a decorated door with a circular floral wreath and small outdoor seating.
A quaint shopfront in Porvoo, Finland, featuring pastel-colored wooden walls, a decorative door, and artistic displays including painted animals and festive decorations.
A cobblestone street in Porvoo, featuring pastel-painted wooden houses and a café with the sign 'Welmans'.
A picturesque view of Porvoo, Finland, showcasing a cobblestone square with historic pastel-colored buildings, including a prominent pink building with a clock tower. People are gathered in the square, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.

The red riverside warehouses—once used to store goods brought in by merchant ships—are now among the most photographed sights in Finland. They perfectly capture the town’s cozy atmosphere.

View of red riverside warehouses along the Porvoonjoki River in Porvoo, Finland, with greenery and historic buildings in the background.
A cobbled street in Porvoo, Finland, lined with red wooden buildings and greenery, leading down towards a river.

Porvoo Cathedral, dating from the 15th century, was another highlight. Despite fires and wars, it has endured as a symbol of resilience, with its whitewashed walls and steep shingled roof.

The exterior of Porvoo Cathedral, featuring whitewashed walls and a steep shingled roof under a blue sky.
A historic stone and brick church tower with a green copper roof, surrounded by cobblestones and trees under a blue sky in Porvoo, Finland.
Interior view of Porvoo Cathedral showcasing its arched ceilings, ornate decorations, and historic architecture.
Interior view of the organ in Porvoo Cathedral, featuring intricate golden details and an elegant chandelier above.
Statue of Alexander I inside a building, with historical documents displayed on the wall and chairs nearby.
A decorative model ship with sails hanging from the ceiling inside a building, showcasing a blend of historical maritime elements and architectural design.

Beyond history, Porvoo thrives as a cultural hub. The town has long attracted artists, poets, and writers. Finland’s national poet, J. L. Runeberg, lived here, and his home is now a museum where visitors can learn about his life.  We did not have time to do that… but we did sample the famous Runeberg Torte, a rum-flavored almond pastry.

Close-up of several Runeberg torte pastries with white icing and raspberry jam on top, arranged in a paper tray.

Porvoo offered a nice blend of history, culture, and beauty that felt authentically Finnish!

A couple stands on a bridge over the Porvoonjoki River in Porvoo, Finland, with scenic views of colorful wooden houses and the serene water.
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