Porvoo between art, history and the riverside

Porvoo brings together historic streetscapes, ever-changing art, a striking riverside setting and an urban nature park. In Old Porvoo, winding, cobbled streets lead past colourful wooden houses. Exhibitions, historic homes and outdoor activities add further points of interest. When planning your trip, it is worth first considering whether culture and the Old Town or nature and outdoor activities should take priority.

Porvoo at a glance

• Galleria Vanha Kappalaisentalo presents art exhibitions in a distinguished 18th-century building; admission is free.
• Exhibitions of contemporary art at Porvoo Art Hall change every six weeks.
• Porvoo Cathedral acquired its present form at the end of the 15th century.
• The National Urban Park was established in 2010 and preserves urban nature and built cultural landscapes as a unified whole.
• Porvoo has 32 kilometres of cross-country ski trails; the ski centre has five illuminated downhill runs.

Old Town, art and history

The red waterfront warehouses on the banks of the Porvoonjoki River define the scenery of Old Porvoo. Most were built in the 1760s and served, among other things, as warehouses. Together with the colourful wooden houses and cobbled streets, they give the Old Town its distinctive character; the waterfront buildings are among Finland’s most photographed national landscapes.

The art venues also differ considerably. Galleria Vanha Kappalaisentalo is located in the heart of Old Porvoo, on the edge of Raatihuoneentori. Its exhibition venue is a distinguished 18th-century building, and admission is free. Porvoo Art Hall is dedicated to contemporary art in its various forms and presents work by both established and emerging artists. Exhibitions change every six weeks. The collection also includes works from 1890 to 1984 by Yrjö A. Jäntti; its display may change.

Historic buildings tell more stories, each in its own way. Built in 1763, Holm House gives visitors a sense of how a wealthy merchant family lived towards the end of the 18th century. The Postimäki Museum preserves an area of crofters’ cottages dating from the 19th century; almost all the buildings remain in their original locations. Together with the cathedral, which acquired its present form at the end of the 15th century, these places offer different ways to explore Porvoo’s past.

Riverside, garden and National Urban Park

The National Urban Park brings urban nature and built cultural landscapes together as a unified whole. From Old Porvoo, it extends about ten kilometres south, across the river estuary to the archipelago, and eight kilometres east. The park thus encompasses a broad area where nature and urban landscapes are protected together.

From the centre of Porvoo, the park’s viewpoints and natural attractions can be reached on foot, by bicycle or by paddling a SUP board; they are open to everyone. Conditions may vary depending on the season. Fredrika’s Garden offers a quieter, seasonal experience: in summer, roses, mock orange and fruit trees fill the air with their fragrance.

Activities in every season

Porvoo’s cycling routes pass through the city centre, to beaches and natural areas, and through rural villages. Cycling offers a different way to experience the city and its surrounding landscapes than walking along the cobbled lanes of Old Porvoo. Conditions on the routes may change.

In winter, cross-country skiing and downhill runs take centre stage. Porvoo has 32 kilometres of illuminated cross-country ski trails. Examples include Kokonniemi at five kilometres, Humla at seven, Joonaanmäki at three and Haikkoo at two kilometres. Lighting and trail access may vary seasonally. Porvoo Ski Centre offers five illuminated downhill runs as well as a halfpipe or street area; seasonal operations may also vary.

Sweet treats from Porvoo and finding the right accommodation

Brunberg is Finland’s oldest confectionery still in operation and is more than 150 years old. Its factory shops in Old Porvoo and Tarmola sell chocolate kisses, fresh liquorice, handmade jams and truffles. Alongside art, history and nature, local sweets are among the distinctive discoveries Porvoo has to offer.

Porvoo can be reached by car, bus or boat. You can choose a hotel in Porvoo to suit the experiences that matter to you, without limiting your stay to just one side of the city.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Hermala, Siuntio, Mörskom, Nurmijärvi, Åminnefors, Kerava, Ingå.

Frequently asked questions about Porvoo

What is special about the warehouses by the river?

Most of the red waterfront buildings on the Porvoonjoki River were built in the 1760s and used, among other things, as warehouses. They are among Finland’s most photographed national landscapes.

What art can you see in Porvoo?

Galleria Vanha Kappalaisentalo presents art exhibitions with free admission. Contemporary art takes centre stage at Porvoo Art Hall, where exhibitions change every six weeks.

How can you experience the National Urban Park?

Its viewpoints and natural attractions can be reached from the centre on foot, by bicycle or by paddling a SUP board. Seasonal conditions may vary.

What winter activities are available?

Porvoo has 32 kilometres of cross-country ski trails, including the routes at Kokonniemi, Humla, Joonaanmäki and Haikkoo. The ski centre also has illuminated downhill runs and a halfpipe or street area; operations depend on the season.

For the main travel overview: Uusimaa.