Porvoo

Most visitors to Finland consider the country’s second-oldest town to be the most beautiful. Just an hour’s drive, or a few hours by a relaxing cruise through the archipelago, from Helsinki, Porvoo’s unique charms number its delightful waterfront of red ochre sheds, the medieval cobblestoned streets and alleys, and the charm of Old Porvoo where you’ll find the beautiful Porvoo Cathedral.

Another popular site for visitors is the museum of J.L. Runeberg, the national poet of Finland. Porvoo is one of Finland’s most popular travel destinations, less than an hour’s drive from Helsinki. The idyllic Old Porvoo is known for its ochre waterfront boatsheds, colourful wooden houses, medieval cobbled streets, and charming little shops. You can also get to Porvoo by boat, on the historic m/s J.L. Runeberg from Helsinki Market Square, or even by cycling along the Old Porvoontie road. Old Porvoo is unique as a historic urban setting. Its landmark is Porvoo Cathedral, which is worth a visit.

The Runeberg Home Museum in Porvoo is the oldest in Finland. It is the house-museum of Finland’s national poet Johan Ludvig Runeberg and his wife Fredrika Runeberg, who lived there with their children. The museum’s distinctive atmosphere is created by the furniture, artworks, and old houseplants which belonged to the family. Frederika was a keen gardener; many of the plants here have been grown from cuttings of her original flowers, and in the summer, guests can explore her restored garden.