If there is one word to describe Porvoo, Finland it is charming! But I will forewarn you – it is also hard to resist pulling out the old credit card and buy, buy, buy!
Porvoo is a fairy tale village come to life. Colorful wooden cottages, crooked snow-covered cobblestone streets, beautiful old church on the top of the hill, an iced over river with forest trails one one side and the town on the other. I wandered from one little shop to another, each offering something different and unique. One had a maze of little rooms, each with a different theme; miniatures for dollhouses, pastel tulle dresses complete with wings for little ones to dress up in and pretend to fly, tools made for the little handyperson’s hands, cars, wooden trains, books, fluffy toy cats and trolls – it will bring out your inner child. Hmmm….was this Santa’s work-shop in disguise?
Down the narrow street is a shop with gourmet chocolates in unique flavors. I would have bought a few boxes for gifts, but I knew I would eat the lot before the day was done. This old broad needs to work on the self-control or buy a new micro wardrobe. Which brings me to fashion ….
If you have your own style, then this is the place for you. Local designers work in natural fibers, dyes and with minimalist styling. I had to keep reminding myself that my pack is already bursting at the seams and my budget does not allow for extra bag charges.
Hand knit socks, hats, scarves and sweaters. Water color paintings and prints. Ceramics and pottery. Soaps and oils and candles and floral arrangements. Antique and secondhand shops. I didn’t find a shop to buy the necessities for a knight in shining armor, but perhaps I missed a narrow alley or two.
There are several ways to make your way to this 14th century town, but in winter I would recommend taking the 45 to 60 minute bus ride from Kampi, Helsinki, which will drop you off right next to the small Christmas Market and a block from Old Town. It is a comfortable ride in a coach style bus which runs frequently through out the day. You can relax and enjoy the views of the winter wonderland without the white knuckle worries of driving in winter conditions.
After all the walking and shopping and ooh’ing and ah’ing, you may be a bit hungry. I know I was (what else is new?) A tasty -and inexpensive – late lunch can be had at Café Cabriole, which is located across the street from the bus depot and the Christmas Market.
And then have a food-coma nap on the bus ride back to Helsinki.