Private Medieval Porvoo by Car from Helsinki

Helsinki , Finland

Private Medieval Porvoo by Car from Helsinki

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

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.

Available options

Private Medieval Porvoo by Car from Helsinki

Pickup included

What's included

Nissan Qashqai car, Personalized route, Professional guide

Walking 2h and Driving 2h Combo

Bottled water and a Magnet Porvoo souvenir made by us

Pick-up and drop-off locations of your choosing :)

Advices for your own further Helsinki exploration: a list of tips

Detailed 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

What's not included

Snacks and drinks

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

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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

About Helsinki

Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is a vibrant city where modern design meets historic charm. Known for its stunning architecture, lively cultural scene, and proximity to nature, it offers a unique blend of urban and outdoor experiences. The city's design-forward ethos and high quality of life make it a must-visit destination in Northern Europe.

Top Attractions

Suomenlinna

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Suomenlinna is a sea fortress built in the 18th century. It offers a mix of history, nature, and cultural experiences.

Historical Half a day to a full day Free to explore, museums have entry fees

Helsinki Cathedral

An iconic landmark in the heart of Helsinki, the Helsinki Cathedral is known for its neoclassical architecture and white facade.

Architecture 30 minutes to an hour Free to enter

Temppeliaukio Church

Also known as the Rock Church, this unique church is built directly into solid rock and is famous for its stunning interior and acoustic qualities.

Architecture 1 hour Free entry, concerts may have tickets

Linnanmäki Amusement Park

One of the oldest amusement parks in the world, Linnanmäki offers a variety of rides, attractions, and entertainment for all ages.

Entertainment Half a day to a full day Entry is free, tickets required for rides

Ateneum

One of the three major art museums in Helsinki, Ateneum houses a vast collection of Finnish and international art.

Museum 1-2 hours €14 for adults, discounts available

Must-Try Local Dishes

Salmon Soup (Lohikeitto)

A creamy soup made with fresh salmon, potatoes, and dill. A comforting and flavorful dish.

Soup Contains fish, can be made gluten-free

Finnish Meat Pie (Karjalanpiirakka)

A traditional rye pastry filled with rice or barley. Often served with butter and eggs.

Snack Vegetarian, can be vegan without butter

Blood Sausage (Mustamakkara)

A traditional Finnish sausage made with pork blood, barley, and spices. Often served with lingonberry jam and mashed potatoes.

Main course Contains pork, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans

Pulla

A sweet cardamom-flavored bread, often served with coffee. A popular treat in Finnish cafes.

Dessert Vegetarian, contains dairy and eggs

Popular Activities

Hiking in Nuuksio National Park Kayaking in the Helsinki archipelago Visiting spas and saunas Enjoying coffee and pastries at a local café Exploring museums and art galleries Attending concerts and performances Swimming in the Helsinki archipelago Boat tours

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season with long daylight hours, festivals, and outdoor activities. The weather is pleasant, and the city comes alive with events and cultural activities.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Finnish, Swedish
Widely spoken: English, German, Russian
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+2 (EET)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Helsinki is generally a very safe city with low crime rates. However, as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
• Keep your valuables secure and out of sight

Getting there

By air

Helsinki-Vantaa Airport • 17 km (10.5 miles) from city center

By train

Helsinki Central Railway Station

By bus

Kamppi Bus Station, Helsinki Central Railway Station

Getting around

Public transport

Trams are a historic and scenic way to get around Helsinki. They are frequent and reliable.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Helsinki Taxi, Taksi Helsinki

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Kamppi Design District Kallio Ullanlinna

Day trips

Nuuksio National Park

25 km (15.5 miles) from Helsinki • Half a day to a full day

A beautiful national park offering hiking trails, lakes, and wildlife. Perfect for outdoor activities and nature lovers.

Porvoo

50 km (31 miles) from Helsinki • Full day

A charming medieval town with cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and a beautiful riverside setting.

Tallinn, Estonia

85 km (53 miles) from Helsinki • Full day to overnight

A historic city with a well-preserved medieval old town, offering a mix of history, culture, and modern attractions.

Festivals

Helsinki Festival • August to September Christmas Market • Late November to December

Pro tips

Visit the local markets for a taste of Finnish culture and to buy fresh, local produce
Try a traditional Finnish sauna for a unique and relaxing experience
Explore the city's design district for a glimpse into Finland's innovative design scene
Take a day trip to Nuuksio National Park for a dose of nature and outdoor activities
Visit the Helsinki Cathedral and Senate Square for a taste of the city's historic architecture