Porvoo is the second oldest city in Finland and one of the country's most charming day trips from Helsinki, just 50 kilometres away. Its well-preserved medieval core features narrow cobblestone streets and the iconic row of red wooden warehouses lining the river. The city is closely associated with Johan Ludvig Runeberg, Finland's national poet, who lived here for much of his life and wrote Finland's national anthem in the town. Porvoo can be reached by bus year-round or by steamboat in summer.
The old town rewards slow exploration on foot. Porvoo Cathedral stands on the ridge above the town and was the site of the 1809 Diet where Finland became an autonomous Grand Duchy. Runeberg's home is preserved as a museum and its cafe serves Runebergintorttu, the pastry named for the poet. The Porvoo Museum in the old town hall covers the city's history from medieval times.