45km from Helsinki is located the 2nd oldest city in Finland, Porvoo! Let's drive there together, walk cobble streets, enter Cathedral, have a look at local souvenirs, eat local pastry and breathe the lifestyle of Swedish Finland from 18th century. Peace, wooden houses, picturesque views and no cars... this is what a dream place in Finland is like.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Hotel, port, airport or another address in Helsinki, Espoo or Vantaa.
- Completely up to you. I will be at the spot 5 min prior the tour.
Porvoo
We park at the Old bridge and start our Porvoo adventure. We spend appr. 2-2.5h in Porvoo walking cobble streets, admiring the houses and enjoying this UNESCO sight.
Porvoo Cathedral
Medieval church that has seen too much through its history: multiple fires, bomb in the roof, pirates, bankrupt Swedish king and even Russian emperor, Alexander I. Lutheran now, this church has many histories to tell. (Entrance depending on opening times, Mon - closed).
Old school, Runeberg's house
At the city border you will see the Lyceum where a ball was held in honor of Alexander I and the biggest occasion in Finland in 19th century - the Diet of Porvoo. This building could be a secret to extensive rights and freedom Finland had being a part a Russian Empire.
Here we also see a house where the first Finnish national poet, J.L. Runeberg, lived. The trick was... he never wrote in Finnish. In his honor we have a local pastry - a must-try in Porvoo.
Porvoo square
Surrounded by houses from 1763, market square is charming and very small. Here you can see the oldest cityhall Finland has, hear the story of devastating fire and salmon soup. Christmas peace is annually announced from the stairs, and the Christmas tree attracts many children.
Streets and Souvenirs
Lets stroll down the streets, enter old houses, have a look at local souvenirs and get to a new bridge. From here you will have another view to the old city, smell locally brewed coffee and will be happy to hide in old city streets from the hustle and bustle of cars.
Coffee and Local pastry
A 15min break from walking and exploring in one of the cosiest cafes I have ever seen in Finland. Runeberg's cake by the recipe of his wife is a must-try in Porvoo.
Ending Point
Helsinki, the place of your choosing: hotel, restaurant, museum...
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Pick up, drop off - your choosing
Guide fee, private Nissan Qashqai
Gasoline, parking fee
Water bottle
List of tips for your personal Helsinki after-tour adventures
Food and drinks
Off-the-route museum tickets
Weather could be unpredictable --> please dress warmly
Cobble streets --> no heels, not accessible for wheelchairs and strollers
Porvoo has a picturesque hill that I love going to, however, subject to weather conditions
Several cozy museums --> Runeberg's house, Cityhall (upon request)
The preferrable time for the tours is mornings, as we have the biggest chance to see what you like, however please contact and tell about your preferences and I will make my best to make your wishes come true.
Welcome to my short bio! Finland is the country that is now my home and inspiration. Over the past decade I have had the privilege of sharing history and culture of this country with hundreds of visitors from all over the world. I moved to Finland in 2010, graduated from Helsinki University, enjoyed a year in Germany and understood that Finland with its granite and infinite sea is the happiest country in the world for a reason.
I specialize in Helsinki and Porvoo and it would be my pleasure to show you the most significant and beautiful places of this capital region! As a local I have tips and ideas from grilling to gardens and museums! Write a message and let's make your time in Helsinki memorable and to your taste.
$510/ per group