Population 39,000 / 61 degrees north

Rauma, Finland

Rauma – a coastal gem on Finland’s west coast – is a city where medieval charm meets modern life. Famed for its UNESCO-listed Old Rauma with colourful wooden houses and lace-making heritage, Rauma offers something in every season. During the summer, lively festivals and sunny archipelago adventures abound, while winter blankets the old town in snow, transforming it into a tranquil wonderland. 

About Rauma

Latitude: 61 degrees north

Population: 39,000

Rauma municipality

In this Travel Guide...

Map of Rauma

Uniquely Rauma

UNESCO World Heritage

Here are some things that you must do and try in Rauma

Rauma Old Town

The crown jewel of Rauma is Old Rauma (Vanha Rauma) – a 29-hectare historic wooden town centre recognised by UNESCO for its unique preservation. Wandering these streets feels like stepping back in time. Over 600 pastel-painted wooden buildings line a network of cobblestone lanes and courtyards, yet this area is no museum – it’s a living town where around 800 residents reside amid boutiques, cafés, and artisans’ workshops.

Old Rauma is full of museums that bring its past to life. Within a few blocks, you can visit four preserved wooden homes that are part of the Rauma Museum’s network. 

  • Marela (Kauppakatu 24) – a beautiful 19th-century shipowner’s residence with period furnishings, depicting the affluent life of a captain’s family at the height of Rauma’s sailing era. 

  • Kirsti (Pohjankatu 3) – a simpler 18th-century home that belonged to sailors and craftsmen. It displays the everyday life of 19th-century Rauma folk, including a lace-maker’s workshop in the old days. 

  • Rauma Art Museum (Kuninkaankatu 37) – set in a former merchant’s house (Pinnala), it hosts changing exhibitions of Finnish and international art, often with connections to Rauma’s culture or the Baltic Sea region. The courtyard here is one of the best-preserved in town.

  • Old Town Hall Museum (Kalatori square) – as mentioned, exhibits local history and often special displays (sometimes also called the Lönnström Museum if hosting contemporary art projects)

  • Additionally, you can look into the Potter’s Workshop (Nummenkatu 12) – an early 1900s ceramics workshop turned small museum – and Tammela House (Eteläpitkäkatu 17), a renovation centre showing how these heritage wooden houses are preserved today
Rauma UNESCO

Things to See & Do

Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Rauma.

Historic Church

Church of the Holy Cross

This 15th-century grey-stone church (the former monastery church) is the oldest building in town and features remarkable medieval wall frescoes inside. Its slender white clock tower once guided ships into port, and you can still climb the tower (in summer) for a lovely view. The church grounds and the nearby old cemetery are peaceful spots to relax on a bench. 

Church of the Holy Cross
UNESCO World Heritage

Sammallahdenmäki

A 20 km drive inland from Rauma takes you to Sammallahdenmäki, a UNESCO World Heritage site of Bronze Age burial cairns. This is an intriguing excursion for both history and nature lovers. The site is essentially a collection of 36 stone burial mounds, dating back over 3,000 years (roughly 1500–500 B.C.).

Scattered across heathland and pine woods, the cairns vary in size – the largest, called the Churchman’s Cork (Kiukkuharju), is an enormous pile of rocks 24m long. There are marked paths connecting the cairns, and informational signs (in English, Finnish, and French) explaining their significance. The area exudes a tranquil atmosphere, especially on a summer evening when the sun casts long shadows over the stones.

UNESCO Website

Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences

Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are my recommendations!

Archipelago

Rauma Archipelago & Islands

Kylmäpihlaja Island: A rugged outer islet about 10 km offshore, home to the iconic Kylmäpihlaja Lighthouse. This 1953 lighthouse is now a combined hotel and restaurant, and has an observation deck open to the public. Scheduled boats run daily in summer from Poroholma marina to Kylmäpihlaja (about a 50-minute scenic voyage). On the island, you can picnic on smooth coastal rocks, watch seabirds, and enjoy sea views in every direction. The lighthouse café serves fresh seafood chowder and coffee – there’s nothing like sipping a hot drink 36 metres above the waves. You can also overnight at the Lighthouse Hotel for a truly unique experience. 

Kuuskajaskari Island: A former military fort island closer to shore. In summer, a ferry brings visitors to Kuuskajaskari, where you can explore old coastal artillery bunkers, walk nature trails and even stay in simple barracks-style accommodation. The island has a small summer restaurant and often hosts adventure activities like paintball or mini-golf with a military twist. It’s great for families or history buffs curious about Finland’s coastal defenses – there are still cannons and trenches from the WWII era to discover.

Reksaari & Nurmes: These are smaller forested islands in the Rauma archipelago, prized for hiking and camping. Reksaari has marked nature trails and a lean-to shelter for picnickers. You can reach Reksaari by borrowing a rowboat from the mainland trailhead at Omenapuumaa (there’s a free boat for public use to cross a short channel), or via hired boat. Nurmes island is a bit further out; it’s mostly untouched nature – boaters and kayakers love to stop at its sheltered coves. If you’re keen on kayaking, rentals are available at Poroholma; a guided kayak tour through the archipelago, weaving between rocky skerries, is an unforgettable way to experience the Baltic Sea up close.

Road-Trips

Follow my road-trip guides for scenic trips around Rauma.

Self-Guided Walks

Here are my self-guided walks for Rauma.

Rauma on YouTube

Watch my YouTube videos featuring Rauma.

History of Rauma

Rauma is one of Finland’s oldest towns, officially founded in 1442 under Swedish rule. It grew around a 15th-century Franciscan monastery, whose Church of the Holy Cross still stands today as a medieval landmark. In its early years, Rauma flourished as a seaport – medieval “salmon men” exported fish, furs and seal oil across the Baltic to Stockholm, Tallinn and the Hanseatic cities.

The town became renowned for bobbin lace-making by the 1700s, a tradition that earned Rauma the nickname “Lace Town”. Like many wooden cities, Rauma was ravaged by fires in 1640 and 1682, after which it was rebuilt in the distinctive Nordic wooden style that is still visible today.

By the late 19th century, Rauma had become a maritime powerhouse – in 1897, it boasted Finland’s largest sailing fleet, comprising 57 ships, which traded timber and tar to Europe. This seafaring prosperity is reflected in the ornate Neo-Renaissance wooden architecture of the homes in Old Rauma. Over the centuries, Rauma evolved from a medieval port into a thriving industrial city. Yet, its historic core remains beautifully preserved, earning UNESCO World Heritage status in 1991 for being the largest intact wooden old town in the Nordic countries. 

Rauma Today

Today, Rauma is a vibrant small city of approximately 40,000 residents, striking a balance between its rich heritage and modern industry. The local economy thrives on paper milling, metalworking and shipbuilding – the town is home to one of Finland’s busiest ports and a revived shipyard. Just outside town in Eurajoki is the Olkiluoto nuclear power plant, another major employer in the region. Despite its industrial side, Rauma’s modern infrastructure ensures a high quality of life, with excellent public services, schools, and a new Karin Kampus area (an education and culture campus) supporting the community.

Travel Information

Getting Here

Fly: The closest airports are Pori Airport and Turku Airport, with Turku offering more flights (including some international routes)

Drive: Helsinki is about 240 km to the east, Turku 90 km south, Pori 50 km north, and Tampere 140 km east. The most convenient way to arrive is often by coach: there are direct long-distance buses to Rauma from major cities including Helsinki (3.5 hours), Turku (1.5 hours) and Tampere (2.5 hours), with frequent departures throughout the day

Train: The nearest train station is in Pori (50 km away), which can be reached by train from Tampere or Helsinki, and then continued by bus to Rauma. Other nearby rail stops with bus links include Kokemäki and Turku.

Ferry: No ferry access

Getting Around

Rauma is compact and easy to navigate. The Old Rauma district and city centre are best explored on foot – you can stroll end-to-end through atmospheric pedestrian streets in 15–20 minutes.

For longer distances or if you want to explore the outskirts, Rauma has a local bus network operated by Satakunnan Liikenne/Koiviston Auto. Buses aren’t very frequent but do connect the centre with the suburbs and shopping areas.

Shops

Places to Eat

Cafes & Bakeries

Rauma’s café culture is lovely – try Café Sali on the square or Kontion Konditoria for coffee and cake. Wähä Talbo Café (in an old villa) offers homemade pies. Don’t miss local specialties: Rauman giäl cookies (with funny local sayings iced on) and pitsileipä (lace cookies). A coffee and pulla (cinnamon bun) will cost you approximately €5–6.

Mid-range & Casual Dining

Wanhan Rauman Kellari: A beloved restaurant located in an atmospheric cellar of an 18th-century building. Serves Finnish and European dishes – think creamy salmon soup, pepper steak, local beer on tap. Mains ~€18–€25. Cosy vibe with vaulted brick ceilings. Very popular for dinner – reservations recommended on weekends.

Restaurant Savila: A charming bistro in Old Rauma, known for using fresh local ingredients. The menu is seasonal: you might find buttery fried perch with new potatoes in summer, or game meats in autumn. Lunch specials on weekdays (€12) and elegant dinners (€25 mains). Intimate setting with a street view – a top choice for foodies.

Osteria da Filippo: Authentic Italian trattoria with a Finnish twist. Run by an Italian chef, the restaurant offers wood-fired pizzas, homemade pasta, and classic desserts, including tiramisu. Pizzas ~€14 and pastas ~€15. The cosy interior and aroma of basil and garlic make it a little slice of Italy in Rauma. Great for families or a casual night out (they have a kids’ menu too).

High End & Unique Eats

Kylmäpihlaja Lighthouse Restaurant: Worth the trip – open daily in summer, this unique restaurant serves fresh seafood and Finnish classics with a view. Enjoy smoked salmon, creamy lohikeitto (salmon soup), or island foraged mushroom risotto. Prices ~€18–€25. The sunset dinners here are spectacular. Note: reachable by ferry, and only open June–mid-August

Places to Stay

Hostels & Camping

Poroholma Camping & Resort (Otanlahti): Budget Beachside camping area open May–Aug, offering tent pitches, caravan spots, cabins, and a small hostel. Dorm beds and simple cabins from ~€20–€50. Facilities include seafront sauna, summer restaurant, mini-golf, and access to boat tours. Great for families and backpackers in summer.

B&Bs & Guesthouses

Rauma has a couple of small guesthouses and B&B-style hostels (e.g. Hostel Vanha Rauma if operating, or local Airbnb apartments). Expect simple rooms around €40–€60. These are limited in number but offer a cosy stay in wooden town surroundings.

Haus Anna Bed and Breakfast: Charming B&B in a 19th-century wooden house. A few individually decorated rooms, shared facilities, and a hearty breakfast. Rates ~€80–€100. Friendly hosts and a cozy Finnish atmosphere, conveniently located near all sights.

Chains & Mid-Range

Hotel Vanha Rauma: A boutique hotel right in the heart of the old town (in a historic building at Kalatori). Rooms are furnished in classic style; some have views of the market square. On-site Restaurant Kalatori serves Finnish fare. Approx €110–€130/night including breakfast. You’re literally surrounded by UNESCO heritage when you stay here.

Hotel Raumanlinna: A well-regarded 3 star hotel in a 1930s functionalist building downtown. Modern rooms (~€100–€120) with A/C. Includes Mr. Jones Bar (pub) and often a summer nightclub, so it’s popular with business travellers and those seeking a bit of nightlife. Walking distance to Old Rauma. Free parking available.