Porvoo Old Town
Porvoo, Finland
A medieval town on the Porvoonjoki river, known for its red-painted wooden storehouses along the water and the cobbled lanes up to the cathedral. About an hour east of Helsinki by car; visit the riverside and then browse the small shops.
Porvoo lies on Finland's south coast, about 35 km east of Helsinki. The town received its town rights around 1380 (possibly as early as 1347), making it one of the oldest towns in the country. The old town is known for its wooden houses from the 18th and 19th centuries. The cathedral, whose oldest parts date from the Middle Ages, was completed in the 15th century. Finland's first Diet met here in 1809; on 29 March the Estates swore their oath to Tsar Alexander I as Grand Duke of Finland, making Finland an autonomous grand duchy.
The national poet Johan Ludvig Runeberg lived in Porvoo from 1837; his home is now a museum, and the Runeberg torte originates from the town. Allow half a day for the old town, cathedral and riverbank. From Helsinki, Porvoo makes an easy day trip.
- Nearest town
- Porvoo, Finland
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 60.3952, 25.6651
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in September. Cold, short days in November–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Finland: No motorway tolls for cars. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Camping | Joensuun tilaMotorhome stopover23 km from Porvoo Old Town · 32 pitchesTentsMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
All campsites in Finland · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Porvoo Old Town?
Porvoo Old Town is in Porvoo, Finland, at GPS 60.3952, 25.6651. It is about 47 km from Helsinki.
Can you camp near Porvoo Old Town?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Camping | Joensuun tila, about 23 km away; within 25 km there are 1 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Porvoo Old Town?
Places worth a stop nearby: Suomenlinna (47 km), Temppeliaukio Church (48 km), Nuuksio National Park (65 km) and Repovesi National Park (110 km).
When is the best time to visit Porvoo Old Town?
The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)