Attractions and Places To See around Pornainen - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Pornainen, a small municipality in Southern Finland, offer a blend of natural features and local cultural sites. The area is characterized by its rural setting and the presence of the Mustijoki River. Pornainen has also earned the nickname "Hollywood of Finland" due to its history as a filming location. Visitors can explore historical sites, natural monuments, and dedicated cycling routes.
Best attractions and places to see around Pornainen
- The most popular attractions is Porvoo Cathedral, a religious building that serves as the episcopal church of the Swedish-speaking Evangelical Lutheran Diocese of Borgå. This historical site dates back to the 13th century and attracts around 200,000 tourists annually.
- Another must-see spot is Brobölentie–Hindsbyntie Road, a cycle way popular with cyclists due to its low traffic. Visitors can expect a route with rolling hills and varying asphalt conditions, offering a pleasant cycling experience.
- Visitors also love Lahankoski Waterfall, a waterfall on the Mustijoki River. This natural monument features a 3-meter high waterfall and remnants of an old sawmill and watermill, providing a glimpse into its industrial past.
- Pornainen is known for its waterfalls, historical sites, and cycling routes. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from natural landscapes to cultural heritage.
- The attractions around Pornainen are appreciated by the komoot community, with 43 upvotes and 40 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
Porvoo Cathedral
Highlight • Religious Site
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Lahankoski Waterfall
Highlight • Waterfall
The waterfall is formed, when the slowly flowing river pours down a rocky cliff, which extends across the whole width of the stream bed. Before the rapids the river flow is calm. The steepness of the cliff varies along the width of the waterfall, being at best, completely vertical. After the fall, the water to continues its way under the nearby road bridge, and from there to the reservoir of the hydroelectric power plant.
Lahankoski has reportedly got its name from the fact that in the past the river was used often for transporting. As the water level in the rapids was low, the boats had to be portaged along the shore past the waterfalls (portage is laahata in Finnish). Lahankoski has also played an important role in the history of the nearby Laha estate (which is more than 200 years old). On the west side of the first waterfall there has been a sawmill, which was operational until 1912. Below the fall, on the other hand, there has been a watermill of the nearby Kupsenkylä village. The concrete foundations of the mill are still visible in the river. In addition, some remnants of an old log floating flume can still be seen at the river, as log floating was practiced there until the 1950s.
The Laha estate watermill was built in 1892, in the lower part of the rapid, where it served as a small power station in addition to the normal milling activity. Electricity was produced with two generators for the use of the estate itself and the neighbouring houses. Power generation ended in the 1960s, when the turbines broke due to freezing. Lahankoski was then able to flow free until the year 2010, when the hydroelectric plant was renewed, and most of the rapids lost its natural water flow. Happily, however, the highest and steepest waterfall in the rapid was left outside of the hydropower production, even though it is said that at the early stages of the project that was also considered.
Lahankoski can be easily reached by car along the Meijerintie road, and there are several parking places near the rapids. The main waterfall is easy to admire from the wooden road bridge, from where you can see the fall straight ahead. Excluding the driest periods of the year, there is enough water to cover most of the rocky cliff, and the roar of the rapids is an impressive sound. The cultural landscape of the Laha estate around the waterfall is open and idyllic countryside. During the summer, a variety of events are arranged in the area, including exhibitions and film screenings in the renewed mill building. In addition, it is possible to ride or play tennis, if you like to.
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Porvoo Old Railway Station and Depot
Highlight • Historical Site
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Iso Linnamäki Castle Hill
Highlight • Historical Site
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Brobölentie–Hindsbyntie Road
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
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Tips from the Community
Brobölentie should be getting new asphalt from late September to early October update Oct 11th: no real work done yet, currently scheduled for the next two weeks
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It is somewhat unusual that the church tower is so far away from the church building.
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Site of an old castle, nowadays all that's left to see is a series of circular earthworks. Cycling is forbidden on the earthworks themselves.
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Perched high above the hustle and bustle of central Porvoo in peaceful Iso Linnamäki Park, it's hard to imagine that it was the scene of fierce battles during the Great Northern War in the 18th century. Half a millennium ago there was a castle dominating the entire Porvoo River Valley. It was probably built by the Swedes during their conquest of the East. The steep moats around the top of Linnamäki Hill are a reminder of the past.
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Porvoo Cathedral (Swedish Borgå domkyrka, Finnish Porvoon tuomiokirkko) in Porvoo, Finland (Swedish Borgå) is the episcopal church of the Swedish-speaking Evangelical Lutheran Diocese of Borgå. The brick gable is unplastered, the bell tower is free-standing. Around 200,000 tourists visit the cathedral every year. Next to the bell tower is a wooden church built in 1740 for the services of Finnish-speaking parishioners. The diocese was set up in 1723 after the Great Northern War, since Sweden had to cede Vyborg with the bishopric to Russia. The oldest parts of the cathedral - originally a wooden building - date from the 13th century. From 1410 the cathedral was expanded and rebuilt as a stone church. It was dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It was destroyed by fire several times: in 1508 by the Danish army, in 1571, 1590 and 1708 by Russian forces. Source: wikipedia.org
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Worth seeing station building made of wood
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We parked just outside of Porvoo and passed the old train station on our way to the center. It lies there as if in a slumber, slowly growing and decaying - a pity 😪 Here the railway enthusiast will find a turntable with a two-stall roundhouse (small) and another two-stall roundhouse with a water tower. The station building is repurposed and in good condition; the goods shed, on the other hand, could use some refurbishment. This also applies to the loading ramp and associated crane and all the rolling stock - a shame. With a lot of commitment, a beautiful railway museum could be created here. At least a museum train runs regularly => www.porvoonmuseorautatie.fi
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Former castle complex situated on a hill, which was probably laid out by the Swedes at the beginning of the 13th century
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural attractions can I explore in Pornainen?
The most prominent natural attraction is Lahankoski Waterfall on the Mustijoki River. This briskly flowing rapid features a three-meter-high waterfall and is surrounded by an idyllic countryside landscape. While some of the stream is used for hydropower, the main waterfall remains close to its natural state.
Are there any historical sites or cultural landmarks in Pornainen?
Yes, beyond the natural beauty, you can visit historical sites such as the Porvoo Cathedral, a significant religious building dating back to the 13th century. Near Lahankoski Waterfall, you'll find remnants of the over 200-year-old Laha estate, including an old sawmill and watermill, offering a glimpse into the area's industrial past. Additionally, Iso Linnamäki Castle Hill, though now only earthworks, marks the site of a former castle complex.
What makes Pornainen known as the "Hollywood of Finland"?
Pornainen earned the nickname "Hollywood of Finland" because movies and TV productions have been filmed in the area since the 1930s, highlighting its scenic and versatile landscapes for filmmakers.
Can I find family-friendly activities or attractions in Pornainen?
Several attractions are suitable for families. The Porvoo Cathedral, Lahankoski Waterfall, and Iso Linnamäki Castle Hill are all tagged as family-friendly. The Järvenpää–Jokela Bike Path also offers a family-friendly cycling option.
What cycling routes are available around Pornainen?
Pornainen offers several cycling opportunities. The Brobölentie–Hindsbyntie Road is popular with cyclists due to its low traffic, offering rolling hills and varying asphalt conditions. Another option is the Järvenpää–Jokela Bike Path. For more detailed routes, you can explore the cycling guides for the area, such as Cycling around Pornainen and Gravel biking around Pornainen.
Are there hiking opportunities near Pornainen's attractions?
Yes, you can find hiking opportunities around Pornainen. While specific trails directly at attractions might vary, the region offers several easy hiking loops, such as those starting from Lemmenlaakson luonnonsuojelualue or the Keravanjoki loop from Kellokoski. For a comprehensive list of trails, refer to the Hiking around Pornainen guide.
How can I get to Lahankoski Waterfall?
Lahankoski Waterfall is easily accessible by car along Meijerintie road. There are several parking places available near the rapids, and the main waterfall can be admired from a wooden road bridge.
What kind of landscape can I expect around Lahankoski Waterfall?
The landscape around Lahankoski Waterfall is characterized by open and idyllic countryside. The Mustijoki River flows calmly before pouring over a rocky cliff, creating the waterfall, and continues under a road bridge. The area also features historical remnants of old mills, blending natural beauty with cultural heritage.
What do visitors generally enjoy about the attractions in Pornainen?
Visitors appreciate the blend of natural beauty and historical insights. The Porvoo Cathedral is valued for its historical significance and architecture, while Lahankoski Waterfall offers an impressive natural spectacle, especially when the river is full. Cyclists particularly enjoy the low-traffic and varied terrain of routes like the Brobölentie–Hindsbyntie Road.
Are there any ancient castle ruins or historical fortifications to visit?
Yes, you can visit Iso Linnamäki Castle Hill. While the castle itself is no longer standing, the site features steep moats and circular earthworks, serving as a reminder of a former castle complex that once dominated the Porvoo River Valley, likely built by the Swedes in the 13th century.
What is the best time of year to visit Pornainen for outdoor activities?
The summer months are ideal for visiting Pornainen, especially for outdoor activities. During this time, the weather is generally pleasant for cycling and hiking. The Lahankoski Waterfall is also more impressive with higher water levels, and the renewed mill building in the Laha estate area hosts various events.
Are there any unique local events or cultural activities in Pornainen?
Pornainen actively supports cultural activities. During the summer, the renewed mill building in the Laha estate area, near Lahankoski Waterfall, hosts various events, including exhibitions and film screenings. The municipality aims to foster a vibrant cultural environment through art and local heritage.
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