The old seafaring town of Rauma is an historical gem of Finland’s west coast. In addition to a fun-filled dialect, it is known for the brilliantly preserved Old Rauma district, which has also been selected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The sea has always been an integral part of the city's development, so on the Rauma way you should visit the nearby lighthouse and fort islands.
It is worth spending your holidays in Rauma, especially during the summer season, as the city is teeming with life and events. Commence your stay at the lively Old Rauma, where you will find, in addition to the marketplace, dozens of small boutiques and cafés. Walking is the best way to see buildings dating from the 1700s, as well as the individual wooden houses. Participate in Lace Week, held in late July, which hosts a wide range of events in the region and culminates with Black Lace Night.
Each house has a story or two to tell, but most of the area of around 600 houses are used for private purposes, so the traveller can only admire them from the outside. This is why, when wandering around Old Rauma, you should go visit the Kirsti or Marela House. Immerse yourself in the history of these beautifully furnished museum houses which tell the story of the life of bygone days. Old Rauma houses are not just beautiful facades, but through the narrow streets you will get to know modern people's everyday life in historic surroundings.
In the old district, there is also the Holy Cross Church and Alfred Kordelin Chapel, so a city break in Rauma offers attractions for several days. Also check out the Rauma baroque-style Old Town Hall, which tells the history of lace-making. Rauma Art Museum is in the Pinnala property, which is an excellent example of a well-preserved Old Rauma house complex. Also get acquainted with the maritime traditions near the Old Town in the Rauma Maritime Museum.
The history of the Rauma area extends as far back as the Stone Age. While visiting Rauma, it is worth combining a tour to nearby Eura and pay a visit to the Kiukais ancient culture in the Paneli Museum. The stunning Bronze Age Sammallahdenmäki is about 20 kilometres from the centre of Rauma in the former municipality of Lapland. Be astonished by this burial site, which is on the World Heritage site list, and includes, among other things, the almost square Kirkonlaattia and Flute Ruins.
Holidaying in Rauma is not complete if you are only satisfied being a landlubber and do not check out the archipelago. Go by water bus, for example, to theKylmäpihlaja Lighthouse on the island, whose lighthouse is a tower of thrills directly overlooking the sea. Another traveller-friendly island is Kuuskajaskari, which was used by the armed forces during the time of shore cannons, shooting positions and trenches. Today, summer services for holidaying on the island and in the area are available for every occasion.
Rauma is a great summer destination, which is also makes for a delightful winter trip to the Christmas markets, for example. Old Rauma and its surroundings attract those who wise to get acquainted with history throughout the years. So muster the courage and venture into the labyrinthine alleys and corners of the archipelago.
