Things To Do
in Rauma
Rauma is a historic port town in southwest Finland, famous for its UNESCO-listed Old Town of wooden houses. The town sits on the Gulf of Bothnia, offering a charming waterfront, cobbled streets, and a thriving craft scene including lace and textile traditions. Its maritime heritage is echoed in museums, shipyards, and a gentle, walkable center that invites day trips to nearby archipelago islands.
In winter, the town softens with snow and cozy saunas, while summer brings long days, boat trips, and fragrant pine forests nearby.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at Café Rongo, sampling local pastries and coffee. Afterward, take a stroll through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Rauma, admiring the well-preserved wooden houses and charming streets. Don’t forget to visit the Rauma Museum to learn about the city's rich maritime history.
For lunch, enjoy traditional Finnish cuisine at a local restaurant, perhaps trying the famous salmon soup. Post-lunch, explore the unique boutiques and artisan shops that line the cobblestone streets, where you can find hand-crafted souvenirs. Consider stopping by the Old Town Hall, which showcases stunning architecture and offers insight into the governance of the town.
As the sun sets, find a cozy spot at one of the waterfront restaurants for dinner, where you can indulge in fresh seafood. Afterward, take a leisurely walk along the Rauma harbor, soaking in the beautiful views as the sky turns to twilight. Conclude your evening with a visit to a local pub to experience Finnish nightlife and perhaps enjoy some live music.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation before heading to Yyteri Beach, known for its stunning dunes and sandy shores. Engage in some beach volleyball or simply relax on the warm sand while taking in the beautiful sea views. If you're feeling adventurous, rent a kayak for a morning paddle along the coastline.
After working up an appetite, grab lunch at a beachside café, enjoying fresh fish and chips while watching the waves crash. Spend your afternoon trying out various water sports like windsurfing or stand-up paddleboarding, with equipment easily available for rent. Alternatively, explore the nearby nature trails that offer picturesque views of the surrounding landscapes.
As the day winds down, find a spot on the beach to witness the magnificent sunset over the sea. For dinner, enjoy a seafood feast at a nearby restaurant, indulging in local delicacies such as grilled salmon or reindeer steak. End your evening with a bonfire under the stars, sharing stories and roasting marshmallows with friends.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two | $40-70 |
| ☕Coffee at cafe | $3-5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel night | $90-150 |
| 🚶Public transit day pass | $6-12 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich maritime history and UNESCO Old Town
- Compact, walkable city with scenic harbors
- Good safety, clean streets, and friendly locals
- Delightful day trips to the archipelago and nearby nature
- Limited nightlife compared to bigger Nordic cities
- Can be touristy in peak season
- Cool, changeable coastal weather year-round
- Relatively small shopping and dining scene outside the Old Town
- "Hei" - Hello
- "Kiitos" - Thank you
- "Anteeksi" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Paljonko tämä maksaa?" - How much does this cost?
- "Missä on lähin WC?" - Where is the nearest bathroom?
- "Voisitko suositella paikallista ruokaa?" - Could you recommend local food?
- "Olen allerginen maidolle" - I am allergic to dairy
- "Kyllä / Ei" - Yes / No
- "Voinko saada ruokalistan suomeksi?" - Can I get a menu in Finnish?
- "Voisitko auttaa minua löytämään hotellin?" - Could you help me find a hotel?
Places to Visit in Rauma
Visit one of these nice places.
Cobblestone streets, 600 wooden houses and colorful facades make this the quintessential Rauma photo spot.
Gothic-style cathedral with dramatic stone arches and a peaceful interior for interior photography.
Waterfront views of fishing boats, piers and the archipelago beyond; best at sunrise or sunset.
Historic building with charming courtyard and exhibitions on local life.
Food in Rauma
Rauma Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional rye-crust fish pie, best found in local bakeries in or around Old Town.
Must-Try!
Creamy salmon soup that is a Finnish comfort classic, widely available in cafes.
Cured salmon slices served with rye bread and lemon-ready accompanying sides.
Karelian pastries with rice or potato filling in rye crust; commonly found in bakeries.
Blueberry pie, often served with vanilla sauce or cream.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Market Hall offering fresh fish, berries, cheese, baked goods and regional specialties.
Seasonal stalls selling produce, breads and street snacks near the Old Town.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Finns value punctuality; arrive on time for appointments and tours.
A simple handshake and polite eye contact; use Finnish greetings like 'Hei' or 'Terve'.
Talk in a moderate tone; keep noise down in public places and saunas.
Safety
Tipping in Rauma
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory in Finland; it is common to round up or leave a 5-10% tip for exceptional service.
Card payments (credit/debit) and mobile wallets are widely accepted; cash use is decreasing.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Days are long (often light until late evening); harbor and archipelago trips operate; light clothes and sun protection recommended.
Sea breezes and colorful forests; expect rain; perfect for photography of fall colors.
Cold and snowy; northern lights occasionally visible; cozy saunas and indoor activities abound.
Milder days; gradual snowmelt and blooming trees; good for walks around the harbor.
Rauma at Night
Hiking in Rauma
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic coastal trails along the archipelago with sea views and wildlife.
Accessible forest routes suitable for short hikes and nature walks.
Airports
How to reach Rauma by plane.
Main international gateway for the region; roughly 100-150 minutes by road from Rauma, with buses and trains available.
Smaller regional airport closer to Rauma; provides domestic flights and seasonal connections; access by road or bus.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominant ethnic group; language Finnish is widely spoken.
A recognized linguistic minority with some bilingual services.
Students and professionals may reside in Rauma due to university connections and local businesses.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular winter sport with local teams and rinks; watch at regional arenas.
Common pastime; local clubs and school teams keep the season active.
Coastal and archipelago waters; boat trips are common during summer.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Rauma.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
In Rauma you can rely on vegetable dishes, salads, rye bread and dairy; ask for fish-free soups and adapt plates; many places can accommodate with advanced notice.