Location: Porvoo
Top Things to do in Porvoo
Top 10 Things to do in Porvoo, Finland
Porvoo (Finnish pronunciation: [ˈporʋoː]; Swedish: Borgå [ˈbɔrɡo]) is a city and a municipality situated on the southern coast of Finland approximately 50 kilometres (30 mi) east of Helsinki. It is one of the six medieval towns in Finland, first mentioned as a city in texts from 14th century. Porvoo is the seat of the Swedish-speaking Diocese of Borgå of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland.
Restaurants in Porvoo
1. Porvoo Old Town
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 681 reviews
Reviewed By Josecito357 - Cordoba, Argentina
Beautiful town, not just the old part of it, but the whole town is magic, coloured and quiet. And very close to Helsinki, you can just take a regular bus from Helsinki centre and you will be there in a little more than an hour. The town is surrounded by the woods and spreaded all around. The "old town" has lots of coffee shops and nice places to have a coffee, beer or lunch under the sun (at least if you are going in summer like I did)
2. Brunberg Candy Factory Shop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 145 reviews
Reviewed By Delbe M - Joshua
If you like creamy chocolate that melts in your mouth - stop in for free samples. The have a great variety of dark, milk and other varieties of sweets. The chocolates I brought back as gifts were quickly consumed and were pronounced as being very...MoreThank you for the positive feedback and welcome back once more!
3. Cathedral of Porvoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 274 reviews
Reviewed By permia - Ireland
From all perspectives the Cathedral presents attractive facades and viewpoints. We first glimpsed it from across the river and looked forward to visiting it.
On entering the grounds the frontage was delightful. Mostly white interspersed with brickwork and three recessed tall windows. The adjacent tower was tremendous, looking superb against the blue of the sky.
Stepping in was most impressive. Viewing along the nave to the altar was wonderful and tranquil. The latter was relatively unadorned adding to the atmosphere of calm and prayer. The pulpit and its canopy looked beautiful.
A fine organ in its elevated position was splendid and we imagined the sonorous music emanating when in full play.
4. The Runeberg Home
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By permia - Ireland
It's in a lovely setting on a tranquil tree-lined street. It was interesting to learn that it is the oldest house museum in Finland, opening in 1882, about five years after his death.
Walking around the rooms we got a fascinating insight into middle-class life in the mid 19th century. The art works and furnishing were delightful.
5. Porvoo Museum/Holm House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By permia - Ireland
In the charming setting of the delightful cobbled square these two buildings are the ideal home for the museum of Porvoo. Dating from the mid 18th century the houses are fine exhibits in their own right.
The items on display are interesting and varied. They give a valuable portrayal of life in the past, both local and further afield.
6. Soderskar Majakka (LIGHTHOUSE)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By IrmaLiberty - Helsinki, Finland
This lighthouse is located between Porvoo and Helsinki. We had a charter tour from Helsinki. What a beautiful sea place with interesting history. The lighthouse has also one room you can book and stay overnight. Charming experience. The island has a cafe as well. Do take camera with.
7. Castle Hill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By KLsWanderlust - Houston, Texas
Linnamaki Hillfort, aka Castle Hill, from which Porvo acquired it's name according to Wikipedia: 'The town received its name from a Swedish earth fortress near the river Porvoonjoki which flows through the town. The name Porvoo is the Fennicised version of the Swedish name (Borgå) and its parts of borg meaning "castle" and å "river" ' and is one of the earliest Finnish towns known.
The interpretation board on-site says, in part: 'The Linnamaki Hillfort, Around the mid-13th century at the latest a wooden fortification was built at this location. Archaelogical excavations in 1886 and 1971 revealed remains of dwellings and artifacts such as weapons and tools. The eastward route of the Vikings extended from Hereby in Denmark and Birka in Sweden to the eastern end of the Gulf of Finland and from there along the river routes of Russia to the Black Sea.'
The hillfort still has it's earthworks: deep ditches and high ramparts but is easily walked due to modern wooden Bridges, in places one can catch a view of the little town by the river Porvoonjoki. There were no signposts in the town, we could see there was a hillfort and saw some paths across a field, so we went to investigate as we've been to many similar looking hillforts in the UK. We were glad we did as it is part and parcel of Porvoo's ancient history.
8. Porvoo Doll and Toy Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By Buda2011 - -
Wide collection of different kind of toys. Historical ones and a bit newer as well. Maybe you can find your own toys from childhood. Interesting atmosphere. Nice location from the main shopping street.
9. Runeberg Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 24 reviews
10. Bosgard Organic Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By beachstone2c - Helsinki, Finland
We didn't check their opening hours and ended visiting the place on a Sunday - and they are closed on Sundays. We were able to look and walk around though. Looks very interesting and definitely different than the usual tourist attractions closer to Helsinki. Will be back.
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