A miniature microcosm of the country, Porvoo is well worth a visit: Just a 50-kilometer drive from Helsinki and another 50 kilometers into the archipelago gives you a clear idea of what Finland is all about.
Right on the south coast of Finland, Porvoo may be Finland's best kept secret: Small, but picturesque, the most iconic view is surely of the old town on the river, with its wooden boathouses in the foreground. You won't find a view like this anywhere else in Finland. Throughout the centuries, Porvoo has attracted and inspired cultural figures. The most famous of these is undoubtedly Tove Jansson, creator of the Moomins.
Porvoo's Old Town is small and boast an impressive variety of architecture. Seeing it all with your own eyes is a beautiful experience. However, spending a few nights is a far more immersive and lasting experience. Despite only having roughly 50,000 residents, Porvoo spoils you for choice when it comes to accommodations. Even the names of the establishments are evocative.
This charming and cozy little property is the perfect choice for gourmets, with just four rooms and a separate suite in a small cottage in the back. Most importantly, the property also houses the Sicapelle restaurant, with the bed and breakfast primarily accommodating restaurant guests who decide to spend the night.
Located right next to Porvoo's cathedral, the idyllic wooden house with its picturesque courtyard offers an atmosphere reminiscent of decades past. The house dinner service is a key part of the special experience. Modern food and drinks served in a historic setting are nothing new; but Onni and Sicapelle have their own unique way of executing it.
Built a hundred years ago as a bank, the Runo now offers state-of-the-art amenities and Nordic minimalist charm. While the Onni, located just a few hundred meters away, offers a more rustic ambiance, Hotel Runo is undoubtedly a more urban experience, with its rooftop sauna a key part of its charm.
The hotel's breakfast has been recognized as one of the best in Finland. The vast variety of breads baked in-house have made the hotel's breakfasts and brunches also popular with locals.
Despite both being in the Old Town, the two different experiences offered by Onni and Runo are as different as night and day. But you can add at least two other vastly opposite experiences: The boutique hotel Pariisin Ville (Ville from Paris) is named after a snobby sculptor who once lived in the city. Upon returning home from Paris, he sought to bring the grandeur of the City of Light to Porvoo. The hotel now offers small-town elegance from the last century. Conversely, those who want to live in a postcard-perfect Nordic setting, can stay at the Ida Maria Bed & Breakfast, located in one of the city's iconic boathouses.
Just a few minutes' drive away in a quiet cove, Haikko Manor is a spa hotel with truly impressive archtecture.
The manor house and its adjoining modern spa have become symbols of hedonistic leisure in Finland. The accommodations are in two completely different styles: The former exudes the grandeur of yesteryear, while the latter offers modern standards of tranquility and comfort. Nearly every Finn has relaxed at Haikko at some points, and those who want to experience Finnish uniqueness should definitely include it in their travel plans.
Finland is known as the Land of a Thousand Lakes, but its number of islands is equally impressive, boasting more than 224,000! Life on the islands and on the mainland is very different. Visit Pellinge Island, located 30 kilometers from Porvoo, to see this for yourself.
Transportation between the islands is well organized – you can easily travel between them by car. The shorter distances are covered by cable ferries, which run around the clock. Slightly further away, a few minutes' sail to Pellinge is a real sea trip and sets the right mood for Pellinge Marina.
It was once the home of a fishing family and has since been converted into a boutique accommodation with a restaurant. Pellinge's two villas offer stunning views of the sea and the nearby islands. Villa Berg is particularly exclusive, as it is built on a granite cliff, which is incorporated into the walls of several rooms and even the sauna.
You can experience authentic Finnish local life in Porvoo and the surrounding area in four to five days, and the drive to see Finland in a nutshell takes just minutes. The rest of the time can be spent exploring the local color – and some of the best restaurants in the country. You can read all about Falstaff's top five picks here!
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