Old Rauma is a must-see destination in Finland and a much-loved classic – what’s it like?
As colourful as a palette, as beautiful as a postcard and as sweet as a wonderful assortment of marshmallows – Old Rauma with its centuries-old wooden houses is all of these things! It’s a place that everyone visiting Finland should visit, no matter what time of year it is. Even in August, when the European holiday season is in its golden age, you can find real peace and quiet on its streets at the weekend.
How to get to Old Rauma?
You can easily get here either by car (signs direct you to the car park) or by bus from Helsinki or Turku for instace. From Rauma bus station, it’s just a three-minute walk to Old Rauma. From the bus station, you first reach the large Church of the Holy Cross, near the churchyard, where Old Rauma begins on the other side of the narrow and, in summer, picturesque green canal.
There are of course also a variety of accommodation options in the area, which you should take advantage of to make your stay longer!
Where is Old Rauma?
Old Rauma rises in the small town of Rauma on the south-west coast of Finland, on the shores of the Bothnian Sea National Park, as the largest coherently preserved timber town in the Nordic Region. It is still the heart of the city, a place where people live and go about their daily lives. There are up to more than 600 buildings in the area, most of which are owned by private individuals. As you walk through the streets, the narrow alleys with their lovely houses seem to go on forever in every direction.
This is what it is like to visit Old Rauma
We visited Old Rauma on a Sunday afternoon in August 2023. The streets were quiet and tidy, and the town had a peaceful, homely atmosphere. The colourful and well-kept old houses created a beautiful street scene, and red geraniums blooming on the windowsills added to the charm.
Old Rauma’s narrow alleys follow lines dating back as far as the Middle Ages, and are lined with houses, most of which date back to the 17th century. The building stock has evolved over several centuries and is a magnificent record of different layers of history. The sailing era of the late 19th century has left a particularly strong mark on the area. Many of the buildings on the main streets were given ornate façades in the neo-renaissance style.
The parking lot was right on the edge of Old Rauma, so it was easy for us to dive into the postcard from there. Judging by the number plates on the cars, this was the case not only for other Finns but also for at least German and Slovak travellers.
We walked along narrow cobbled streets with few people around.
The peace of the city gave us the opportunity to immerse ourselves in its beauty. Along our walk, we decided to stop at a café called KaffeBar. When we entered, we were greeted by the smell of coffee. The display case had a colourful selection of lovely treats, including vegan options, of which I chose the heavenly lingonberry pie.
After coffee, we headed to the flea market on the same street (Kuninkaankatu), where there was all sorts of interesting stuff on offer. As we wandered around, we found old books, jewellery and nostalgic items. Although we didn’t buy anything this time, I always like to visit flea markets when I visit a city that is new to me. Surely I’m not the only one? When you visit a flea market, you get a real sense of place.
As we walked further, we decided to visit the magnificent church of Old Rauma. The impressive Church of the Holy Cross is the main church of the Rauma parish, and was built by the Franciscans in the 1500s.
Old Rauma is worth a visit at a good time, without being in a hurry. Let your curiosity and appetites lead you from one street and café to another, pop into boutiques and eateries, and sit on a bench in the crowds just to watch life on the streets. Notice how clean and tidy everything is – you’ll be part of the good local habit of always putting your rubbish in the bin and not poking or carving your fingerprints anywhere. Thank you <3
When should you experience Old Rauma?
This historic city offers unforgettable experiences and atmospheres all year round, and each season brings its own charm.
In spring and summer, when the sun warms up, Old Rauma comes alive. The narrow alleys are filled with colourful flowers and the sun creates a play of light on the facades of the old houses. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the cobbled streets, sit in charming cafés and enjoy sitting outside in the beautiful surroundings. The Old Rauma area also offers a wide range of places to visit, including museums and boutiques.
Autumn brings with it its own magic as the leaves turn red and yellow. This is a time to enjoy walks in the cool weather and admire the beautiful city scenery in the autumn sunshine. The atmosphere is peaceful and romantic, with cafés offering warm drinks and treats to brighten up autumn days.
In winter, Old Rauma becomes an enchanting fairytale world. If you manage to visit the city when snow covers the streets and houses, you will experience a magical sight. Lights glow from the windows, and the colourful and ornate facades of the houses contrast beautifully with the white blanket of snow. Christmas markets and traditional events add to the atmosphere, and tourists can feel the magic of an old-fashioned Christmas.
All these seasons offer a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of Old Rauma in a different light. Travellers can feel the breath of history in the narrow alleys, immerse themselves in the local culture and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Whatever the season, Old Rauma offers travellers an unforgettable experience and the chance to step back in time.
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