Porvoo is the largest city in Finland not served by passenger trains. In summer, tourist trains usually run on the Helsinki–Porvoo route, but for example in 2025 the service was suspended. The city is easily accessible by bus from Helsinki. Porvoo is also one of the most beautiful Finnish towns. The town center is built up with wooden houses connected by cobblestone streets. It is no wonder that the city is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. The population of Porvoo is more than 50,000. The town was founded in the mid-14th century as a small fishing settlement.
The most important monuments of the city are located in the Porvoo Old Town district. The city center is known for its well-preserved 18th- and 19th-century buildings. It is worth knowing that in the 19th century there were plans to demolish the entire Old Town and build a new city with wide squares and boulevards. Eventually, however, the new town was built adjacent to the Old Town, following a grid plan.
The medieval stone-and-brick Porvoo Cathedral from the 15th century is the city’s symbol. In 1809, Tsar Alexander I proclaimed Finland a Grand Duchy of Russia in the cathedral. In May 2006, the cathedral was partially destroyed by a fire started by a drunken young man. It was rebuilt soon after the fire.
Lovers of Finnish history and literature should visit the home of Johan Ludvig Runeberg. The teacher, regarded as Finland’s national poet, lived in this house from 1852. Inside, visitors can see the poet’s stylish interiors as well as a beautiful garden.
The small Porvoo Museum presents the city’s history, though many tourists are discouraged by the high ticket prices.
A must-see in Porvoo are the wooden riverside warehouses along the river flowing through the city. At the end of the 18th century, they were painted in their characteristic red color in honor of King Gustav III of Sweden’s visit to Porvoo. The buildings are best photographed from the opposite bank of the river. In recent years, they have been renovated.
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