15 tips for finding things to do in Rauma
Experience Old Rauma, island cruises and lively market life - all in one of the most beautiful cities in Finland!
City articles
12.12.2024
Rauma is a city that uniquely combines history, nature and modern life. With its UNESCO World Heritage Site Old Rauma, idyllic archipelago and rich cultural life, Rauma is an unforgettable destination. Whether your plans include a peaceful day in nature, enjoying the culture or discovering local delicacies, Rauma has something for everyone.
Nature lovers can enjoy the beautiful archipelago of Rauma and the opportunities offered by the Selkämeri National Park. Numerous nature trails, lighthouse island excursions and maritime landscapes provide a great setting for active outdoor activities and relaxation. The Rauma canal and the city's lush parks are the perfect setting for city walks and relaxing leisure activities.
For lovers of culture and history, Rauma has plenty to offer. The alleys, churches and museums of Old Rauma invite you to immerse yourself in the city's long and colourful history. In addition, Rauma's lively cultural events, such as the Lace Week and Rauma Blues, bring a special atmosphere to the city all year round.
Discover with us the best places to visit in Rauma!
There are excellent outdoor activities in the Rauma area. Nature trails and outdoor routes lead to the sea and beautiful forests. In winter, you can try traditional winter swimming, which combines the refreshment of cold water with the warmth of a sauna.
Island excursions are a great way to discover the maritime side of Rauma. For example, the Kylmäpihlaja lighthouse island offers great views, history and the chance to enjoy peace and quiet. In spring and autumn, birdwatchers can observe migratory birds that stop off at the area's beaches and archipelago.
The Rauma archipelago offers a magnificent view of the beauty of the Bothnian Sea National Park. The area offers lighthouse islands, hiking trails and peaceful swimming spots, all of which make for a varied visit.
It is also easy to get to the archipelago without your own boat. Island cruises from near Rauma city centre take visitors to places such as Kylmäpihlaja lighthouse island and Kuuskajaskari. These places combine unique nature and interesting history.
The lighthouse at Koldmäpihlaja offers stunning sea views and the possibility to stay in a lighthouse hotel or a landscape cottage. The island of Kuuskajaskari, on the other hand, is ideal for the adventurous as it showcases the military history of the area while offering hiking opportunities.
The archipelago has marked trails and nature trails suitable for all levels of walkers. The archipelago is also an excellent area for birdwatching or photography, so bring your camera.
In summer, cruises and archipelago destinations attract both peace-seekers and active outdoor enthusiasts. You can end the day's archipelago excursion in a scenic restaurant serving local delicacies.
Kuuskajaskari, a former military fortress island, is an interesting day trip destination in the Rauma archipelago. It is easily accessible by scheduled boats from the Marina Vista harbour.
On the island, you can visit old military buildings and defence equipment that tell the story of the island's history. Kuuskajaskari's varied nature provides a good setting for walks and admiring the scenery.
When planning your visit, check the timetables of the connecting boats and the services available on the island, such as the café and guided tours.
The Rauma Canal is a beautifully landscaped waterway running through the city, providing a peaceful environment for both walkers and cyclists. The route along the canal connects different parts of the city and offers green stops for recreation. The canal is surrounded by plantations and bridges, making it a favourite destination for photographers.
In summer, small boats and kayaks can be seen on the canal, bringing more life to the area. Along the route you will find benches and resting places where you can sit down and enjoy the sound of the water and the scenery. The canal also hosts events such as community events and walking tours that bring the history and stories of the city to life in a new way. The Rauma Canal is the perfect place for a peaceful stroll through the city and to enjoy the beauty of nature.
Old Rauma, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Finland's best preserved wooden towns. Its narrow alleys and colourful houses allow you to sense the layers of history and enjoy the special atmosphere of the area.
The area is full of boutiques, cafés and restaurants, making it an interesting place to visit for shopping and dining. It is also worth visiting the Tammela House, which presents the conservation and restoration work of Old Rauma. The lace exhibition in the Old Town Hall highlights Rauma's traditional lace-making.
A guided walking tour through the narrow alleys of Old Rauma is a great way to get to know this World Heritage Site. During the tour, a knowledgeable guide will tell you about the area's colourful history, traditions and life today.
The tour takes you along winding cobbled streets lined with historic wooden houses, artisan shops and cafés. The guide will draw attention to details such as the ornate windows and gates that tell the story of the area's long history.
Guided tours usually last about 1.5 hours and are organised regularly, especially during the summer season. You can also ask for group tours for your group if you want to learn more about the special features of Old Rauma.
The most popular tours may include additional information about, for example, the history of lace-making or Rauma's special local identity. Wear comfortable shoes for the tour, as walking through the narrow streets is an essential part of the experience.
The ruins of the Church of the Holy Trinity tell the story of medieval Rauma. Located on the edge of the Kalatori, the ruins are the remains of a stone church built in the 13th century, which was destroyed by fire in 1640.
The ruins are an interesting place to visit, where you can learn about Rauma's past and wonder what life was like in the medieval city. The ruins are easily accessible in the Old Rauma area, so you can combine them with other attractions in the city.
The historic site can be experienced independently or with a guide, and the peaceful atmosphere invites you to stop for a moment.
The Port of Rauma is the centre of the city's maritime identity. In the harbour area you can see a wide range of vessels, from fishing boats to large cargo ships. A walk around the harbour is a refreshing moment and a chance to enjoy the proximity of the sea.
There are also cafés and restaurants in the area where you can stop for refreshments or local fish dishes. The harbour is a popular starting point for island cruises, which take you to explore the archipelago around Rauma.
The harbour's landscapes and maritime sounds make it a pleasant place for photography or a short walk.
Rauma Theatre offers a wide range of plays from classics to new plays. The programme also includes musicals, comedies and shows for the whole family.
Summer theatre performances are particularly popular, attracting audiences to outdoor theatres in beautiful settings. For these, it's worth booking your tickets early.
A visit to the theatre is a great way to spend an evening in the city and get to know the local culture at the same time. For up-to-date programme and ticket information, visit the Rauma Theatre website.
Rauma has many museums where you can immerse yourself in the history and culture of the city. The Old Town Hall in the heart of Old Rauma offers exhibitions on the history and traditions of the city. It's a great place to start exploring Rauma's past.
At the Marela Home Museum, a former shipowner's home, you can see what life was like in the late 19th century. The atmospheric rooms of the bourgeois house are decorated in the style of the period and convey the spirit of urban life of the time.
The Rauma Art Museum is perfect for art lovers. There are both permanent and temporary exhibitions of both classical and modern art. A visit to the museum offers a peaceful and inspiring moment while touring the city.
The Rauma Maritime Museum tells the story of the city's long history of seafaring and seamanship. The museum's exhibitions present the era of sailing ships, maritime education and the life of sailors. On display are decorative bow pictures, navigational instruments and traditional sailor's paraphernalia. A key highlight is a section on the Cape Horn circumnavigators, highlighting the challenges and heroes of seafaring.
The museums are not limited to traditional exhibitions - they also offer fascinating insights into the maritime and lace-making industries that are an important part of Rauma's identity.
Kylmäpihlaja lighthouse is located in the outer Rauma Sea archipelago and is a great place to visit for a day trip or a longer stay. The top of the lighthouse offers impressive views of the scenery of the Bothnian Sea National Park, and the tranquillity of the island provides the perfect setting for relaxation.
On the island you have the option of staying in lighthouse hotel rooms or in scenic huts. Day visitors can enjoy the restaurant or the beach café. The island also has a sauna and hot tubs for relaxation.
The Kylmäpihlaja lighthouse is accessible by boat in summer, and the guest boat dock offers services for those with their own boat. The lighthouse is open from May to September, but it's worth planning ahead as the site is popular with locals and tourists alike.
The Bronze Age burial mounds of Sammallahdenmäki are located about 20 kilometres from the centre of Rauma. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Finland's most important prehistoric sites.
There are 36 gravestones of varying sizes in the area, including the particularly famous Churchyard. The routes are well marked and suitable for all outdoor walkers. When visiting, remember to stick to the trails to keep the area in good condition.
Sammallahdenmäki offers a unique combination of history and nature. It is ideal for both history enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful outdoor experience.
Located in the centre of Rauma, the Iso-Hannu Cinema is part of the city's cultural offerings and provides a diverse cinema experience for both new releases and classics. The historic theatre has been modernised to meet the demands of today's cinema technology, and its atmospheric auditoriums make going to the cinema a special experience.
Iso-Hannu is not only a place for films, but also for events and special screenings, such as documentaries and thematic screenings. The theatre has a cosy café where you can enjoy refreshments before or after the film. Whether you are a tourist or a local, the Iso-Hannu offers the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy culture in a comfortable environment.
Rauma is known for its vibrant cultural life and diverse events that attract visitors all year round. Rauma Lace Week, an event held in July, celebrates the city's traditional lace-making culture. During the week, the city hosts markets, craft fairs, exhibitions and evening events.
For music lovers, Rauma offers Rauma Blues, which brings together top performers from Finland and around the world. Rauma Festivo, a classical music festival, also brings high-quality concerts and masterclasses to the city.
Outside the summer, Rauma's Christmas market and Night of the Arts enliven the city. These cultural events offer both experiences and a chance to discover the city's community spirit and traditions.
The shopping opportunities in Rauma offer something for everyone. Old Rauma is a particularly attractive shopping destination with its unique boutiques and speciality shops. Personalised clothing shops, interior design stores and gift shops are all tempting to explore the area's offerings.
The centre of Rauma also has more modern shopping destinations, such as well-known chain stores and department stores. If you're looking for local food or handicrafts, Rauma Market Hall and Rauma Market are great places to go.
Shopping in Rauma offers a great mix of traditional and modern - whether it's small gifts, fashionable clothes or delicious food.
Rauma Market is a lively and cosy meeting place where you can enjoy the delicacies of local producers and feel the atmosphere of the city. Fresh vegetables, fruit and pastries tempt you to shop, and friendly vendors are happy to tell you all about their products.
In the summer, the market is bustling, and the market cafés are a great place to sit down for a coffee and watch life go by. At Christmas time, the market turns into an atmospheric Christmas market where you can do your Christmas shopping and enjoy seasonal delicacies.
The market also hosts events throughout the year, so it's worth checking what's on during your visit. As well as being a shopping destination, Rauma Market is a chance to get to know the locals and their way of life.
