Finland: Wintertime magic of Porvoo
Old Porvoo is one of Finland’s most idyllic districts. The cobbled streets are lined with old, doll-house-like houses and on top of the hill a white stone church looks over the river valley. Wonderful in the summer, magical during wintertime. Only one hour East of Helsinki.
Covered in snow Old Porvoo treats all the visitors’ senses with its beautiful wooden buildings, historical sights, cozy shops, top notch restaurants and delightful cafés.
Winterly Porvoo is great for a photoshoot and shopping daytrip as well as for a longer getaway in the Finnish nature. The locals of Porvoo take in their lovely town by taking long walks, skiing, enjoying good meals and sitting in cafés for hours on end. It is not difficult to get into the Porvoo mode and fall in love with the place.
The best time to catch a beautiful Porvoo winter is between end of December and March.
Urban National Park
The National Scenery with red shore houses is part of the Urban National Park in Porvoo. The park continues about 10 kilometers south along the river to the Gulf of Finland covering forest preservation areas, nature trails, city parks, scenic points and a one internationally important birdlife protection area.
Along with all of this it is also in active recreational use year round giving time for mental relaxation, memories of historical activities and the Finnish natural beauty. The walks are easy and do not require hiking gear. If you are feeling more active you can try anything from down hill skiing and snow boarding to running and bicycling.
If the winter is cold enough the river and the sea freeze and suddenly one can walk or ski just about anywhere in the National Urban Park. There will be ski tracks on the ice filled with Sunday skiers with their backpacks with hot chocolate. A walk on the ice or ice fishing is always an experience.
However, beware that the ice conditions can change overnight and you are out at your own risk!
The National Urban Park also covers a ski centre looking over the town and making it easy to combine outdoor activities with an urban holiday. Trying downhill skiing for the first time or taking the family to the slopes for a day could not be easier. The slopes and the café are a convenient meeting place for local families and a nice way to get a glimpse of Finnish life.
Links
Source: visitfinland.com
