Private Medieval Porvoo by Car from Helsinki
Description
Let us welcome you in Finland and take you on a journey to the charming town of Porvoo, just 45 km from Helsinki. As the second-oldest city in Finland, Porvoo offers a unique glimpse into the past with its four parallel cobblestone streets and a majestic cathedral dating back to the 1450s. This tour invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and discover the heart of Finnish life. Walk through historic streets, take in the scent of tarred wood, listen to birdsong, and hear stories about Porvoo's past. With a cozy stop at a local café and plenty of wooden houses to admire, you will better understand Finnish character and see an authentic side of Finland many travelers miss. Please note: Porvoo’s cobblestone streets are uneven—comfortable walking shoes are recommended; not suitable to wheelchairs and strollers. We’ll finish the tour back in Helsinki, at a location of your choice. A perfect walking (2.5h) and driving (1.5h) combo.
Tour Options
Itinerary
After 40 min drive to Porvoo we park at the entrance into Porvoo Old town. This is where the King's road went through. Here starts your 2h walk in Finland 2nd oldest city. Let's travel back in time and enjoy Swedish heritage Medieval city.
Ex-catholic, now lutheran church from Medieval times. Probably, stone church was already built in 1450s and the surface under the church was a graveyard for Porvoo citizens for centuries. Look at the old paintings on the wall, find the dates on the lanterns, know the purpose of a ship under the ceiling, get puzzled by Alexander I statue in the church and admire old Christian church Finland is particularly proud of. Visit depends on opening hours.
Let's walk to Chapter House, the border of old town, see the first house where J.L. Runeberg lived and get to the devil's stairs! There is nothing about the devil, really, however, these stairs were not made by man, but ny nature itself. Feel the stillness of Porvoo and see how Finns live and understand Finnish character a bit better.
Edelfelt had an eye for Porvoo and enjoy painting one street after another. Paintings without a story, pure picture of life from 19 century.
Let's enter a house from 1763 and see a temporary exhibition by Finnish artists. Have a look at the inner yard and see how was organized the business in Porvoo in 18th century. Visit is subject to opening hours.
Here we walk Jokikatu and Valikatu, enter souvenir shops, admire old houses and have time for quick shopping. We walk the new bridge and admire Old city view from the other side, have a look at Simolin house and local coffee roastery.
A time and place to enjoy local specialty - Runeberg's cake and local coffee blend! Or a bite of salmon quiche? Price: 10-15 euros
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We contact you 1 day prior the tour via WhatsApp --> please give a valid PHONE number, we will use it. Hotel --> at reception. Airport --> in Arrival hall by the stone garden. Port --> after security zone. Another address --> at the street.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(2)
Did the tour today with Petr. He was very knowledgeable, friendly and nice. He adapted the tour to us, taking us through Porvoo at our pace and giving us all the interesting facts. He also gave us some tips of where to go while in Helsinki. Would recommend them to anyone!
Our guide, Tatiana, was amazing and made the trip amazing for the kids and me. She had a lot of patience with the kids' never-ending questions and made Porvoo interesting and fun in the pouring rain.
