Rauma (Swedish: Raumo) is a Finnish city founded in 1442 in
southern Satakunta. It has a population of 39,015. The city covers
an area of 1,110.13 km², of which 496.02 km² is land, 13.71 km² is
inland waterways and 600.40 km² is sea. The Rauma region consists of
Eura, Eurajoki and Säkylä. At the end of 2009, the region had 65,794
inhabitants.
Rauma is located on the eastern shore of the
Bothnian Sea, surrounded by Eura, Eurajoki, Laitila and Pyhäranta.
The city is located 49 kilometers south of Pori and 94 kilometers
north of Turku.
Rauma is the fourth oldest city in Finland
after Turku, Porvoo and Ulvila (the fifth oldest if Vyborg is
included). Rauma is a port city, thanks to which the Rauma dialect
has been influenced especially by Sweden and England, but also by
France, Russia and Estonia. The Rauma dialect (“giäl”) is a
southwestern dialect that is clearly different from the Turku
dialect. Rauma is a monolingual Finnish-speaking municipality.
Rauma is the only one in Finland with two UNESCO World Heritage
Sites. Old Rauma, the largest unified and well-preserved old wooden
house area in the Nordic countries, which is a lively and beautiful
city center; full of museums, shops, restaurants and homes. Another
of the sites is the Bronze Age cemetery area Sammallahdenmäki.
Rauma is known for its dialect, lace-making, marine and forest
industry. Rauma received the City Center of the Year award in 2009
and the Cycling Association of the Year award in 2010.
Old Rauma
Old Rauma is the heart of the town, encompassing about
600 colorful wooden buildings spread across 28 hectares in the city
center. This area, dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries after a
devastating fire in 1682, represents the largest unified wooden town in
the Nordic countries and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since
1991 for its outstanding example of Nordic wooden architecture. The
narrow cobblestone streets, like Kuninkaankatu and Kauppakatu, are lined
with boutiques, cafes, and residences, many of which bear whimsical
names (e.g., "Kitukränn" or "Little Alley"). A quirky tradition here
involves dog figurines in windows: pointing inward means the man of the
house is home, outward means he's away at sea. Some houses also feature
external mirrors for discreetly observing passersby, a nod to the town's
seafaring past where privacy and vigilance were key. Visitors often
spend hours wandering, discovering hidden courtyards, lace workshops,
and street art. It's rated 4.4/5 on TripAdvisor with 307 reviews,
praised for its historic walking areas and photogenic charm, though it
can feel crowded in summer. In winter, the snow-dusted roofs create a
fairy-tale atmosphere, and events like the annual Lace Week in July
showcase bobbin lace-making demonstrations—historically a male craft in
Rauma, now mostly practiced by women.
Church of the Holy Cross
This medieval stone church, built around 1512 by Franciscan friars,
stands as one of Rauma's oldest structures and a testament to its
religious history. Originally Catholic, it transitioned to Lutheran
after the Reformation and features stunning interior frescoes from the
15th and 16th centuries depicting biblical scenes, saints, and even a
rare image of the Devil. The church's architecture blends Gothic and
Renaissance elements, with a tall spire visible from afar and ornate
wooden pulpits carved in the 17th century. It's still an active place of
worship, so visitors might encounter services or organ concerts—during
one reviewer's visit, a ongoing service limited exploration, but the
serene atmosphere was still appreciated. Rated 4.4/5 with 73 reviews,
it's lauded for its peaceful ambiance and historical significance,
especially the well-preserved murals that offer insights into medieval
Finnish art. Located near the market square, it's easily combined with a
stroll through Old Rauma.
Rauma Maritime Museum
Housed in a
19th-century former maritime academy building, this museum delves into
Rauma's seafaring legacy, which peaked in the 19th century when the town
boasted one of Finland's largest sailing fleets. Exhibits include ship
models, navigational tools, figureheads from old vessels, and artifacts
from global voyages, highlighting the town's shipbuilding history and
the lives of sailors. A standout feature is the interactive boating
simulator where visitors "pilot" a ship into Rauma's harbor, providing a
fun, educational experience. Current temporary exhibitions might cover
modern topics like the impact of pandemics on seafarers, drawing from
personal stories. Admission is around 9€ for adults, and it's rated
4.5/5 with 33 reviews for its genuine displays and engaging setup,
though some note it's compact and best for history buffs. The museum
also ties into the broader archipelago theme, with info on local
islands.
Kylmapihlaja Lighthouse Island
This remote island in
the Rauma archipelago, about a 50-minute boat ride from the mainland,
features a striking 36-meter lighthouse built in 1953, now converted
into a boutique hotel with rooms in the tower offering panoramic sea
views. The island itself is small and rugged, dotted with sea-buckthorn
bushes and wildflowers, ideal for birdwatching, hiking short trails, or
simply enjoying the Baltic Sea's isolation. There's a cafe and
restaurant serving fresh seafood, like acclaimed salmon soup, and modern
camping facilities for overnight stays. Historically, it served as a
pilot station for ships navigating the tricky coastal waters. Rated
4.2/5 with 17 reviews, visitors rave about the lighthouse hotel and
island's tranquility, though access depends on weather and seasonal boat
schedules (May to September). It's a perfect day trip for nature lovers
seeking a break from the town's bustle.
Marela Museum House
This beautifully preserved 19th-century merchant's home offers a glimpse
into affluent life during Rauma's shipping boom. Owned by the Granlund
family, a prominent shipowner, the house features original furnishings,
wallpapers, and artifacts like porcelain collections and antique clocks,
reflecting the era's opulence. Guided tours highlight details such as
the ornate stoves and family portraits, emphasizing how trade with
Europe influenced local tastes. Rated 4.4/5 with 30 reviews, it's
appreciated as a speciality museum for its authenticity and intimate
scale, making it feel like stepping back in time. Located in Old Rauma,
it's often visited alongside nearby museums.
Sammallahdenmäki
Burial Site
About 20 km from Rauma, this Bronze Age (1500–500 BC)
site is another UNESCO World Heritage gem, featuring 36 granite cairns
across 36 hectares—the most varied and complete collection in
Scandinavia. The largest, known as the "Church Floor," is a rectangular
stone enclosure possibly used for rituals, surrounded by forested paths
that blend archaeology with nature. Guided tours are recommended to spot
subtle details like alignments with celestial events. Rated 3.8/5 with
26 reviews, it's noted for its impressive scale and serene setting,
though paths can be tricky—watch for tree markers. It's an excellent
stop for history enthusiasts en route to or from Rauma.
Other
Notable Sights
Rauma Water Tower: A 1950s structure offering free
panoramic views over the town, sea, and Old Rauma from its observation
deck. It includes a restaurant for meals with a vista, rated 3.9/5 with
21 reviews for its lookout appeal.
Kirsti Sailor's Home Museum:
Recreates a 19th-century sailor's dwelling with authentic yard
buildings, evoking old-time life. Rated 4.5/5 with 12 reviews for its
immersive feel.
Market Square: Bustling in summer with local vendors
selling produce, Italian goods, and early-morning coffee. It's a social
hub for observing Rauma's quirks and chatting with friendly locals.
Kiikartorni: A wooden observation tower overlooking Syväraumanlahti bay,
perfect for scenic views and birdwatching. It doubles as a town landmark
with a 5.0/5 rating from limited reviews.
Lace Shops like Pits-Priia:
Workshops where you can watch artisans create intricate bobbin lace, a
Rauma specialty, and purchase unique souvenirs.
The city of Rauma is considered to have been founded
on April 15, 1442, when Charles Knuutinpoika Bonde granted the
bourgeoisie of Rauma the right to trade and enjoy all the benefits,
privileges and freedoms afforded by law and justice to the burghers
of Turku on behalf of the then King of the Kalmar Union, Christopher
Bavaria. Rauma had already been the commercial and religious center
of the region before the privileges were granted. The church of the
Holy Cross and the ruins of the Church of the Holy Trinity,
originally built as the church of the Franciscan monastery in Rauma,
remain from this period.
In 1550, King Gustav Vaasa founded
the city of Helsinki. The king and his advisers thought that a few
large growth centers would be better than several small towns for
the kingdom, so the bourgeoisie from Rauma was also ordered to move
to Helsinki. Part of the bourgeoisie obeyed the king's order, but
many remained in Rauma; especially when only men moved to Helsinki.
Drunken burghers from Rauma were chased for several years from
around Rauma, most of them were fined and the most awkward were
threatened with the death penalty. The situation calmed down
considerably after the bourgeoisie received permission to return in
1557.
In the 16th century, the city burned down many times,
but nonetheless, shipping was worthwhile and Rauma bourgeois and
sailors traded with their own ships in Sweden, Germany and the
Baltics, as well as in the North Sea. Timber and tableware were
exported, and salt, fabrics, and beverages were imported on the
return ships. From the end of the 16th century to the 18th century,
the development of the city was at a standstill due to the policy of
centralizing the Swedish Empire. Among other things, foreign sailing
was banned for 130 years, starting in 1636, when goods could only be
exported to Stockholm and Turku. In addition, competing cities were
established at the same time, such as Uusikaupunki south of Rauma
and eight other cities in Ostrobothnia. The last fire that destroyed
almost the entire city took place in 1682.
Rauma's sailing
ship period was at its best in the 19th century, when its sailing
fleet was the largest in Finland. Most of the wooden houses in Old
Rauma also date from the same period. At the end of the 19th
century, Rauma invested funds received from the sea in development:
a railway was built from the city to Kokemäki and a museum and a
teacher's seminar were established in the city.
In the 20th
century, Rauma changed from a shipping and school city to an
industrial city, as a result of which there were no more sailing
ships there after the 1950s. Industrial and population development
was rapid, especially after World War II. As a result of rapid
growth, at the turn of the 1960s and 1970s, almost the entire old
wooden house area was threatened with demolition. In the end,
however, only one building on the edge of the market square was
demolished and replaced by a new brick house. Old Rauma was added to
the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1991.
In 1821, a spa was
established in Rauma in connection with a well-known health source
in the previous century, where traditional water treatments were
given. The Rauma spa was still popular in the 1830s, but the
dilapidated buildings were demolished in 1857.
A spa hotel is
planned for the Fåfänga area, with the design phase ending in summer
2015.