Old Rauma – The Largest Wooden Town Area in the Nordics (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

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Visiting Old Rauma had been on our bucket list for a long time, and we finally made it part of our summer road trip through Finland, Norway, and Sweden.

Old Rauma is a lively, atmospheric, and historical area best known for its colorful wooden houses and narrow streets. As the largest preserved wooden town area in the Nordics, it has earned its place as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Colorful Wooden Houses and Narrow Streets

The narrow streets, lined with old and colorful houses, have been preserved in nearly their original condition. Many of these houses feature ornate and elegant details, making the area especially charming. The vibrant colors of the buildings are a defining feature of Old Rauma’s unique appeal.

The old town remains the heart of Rauma’s center, with charming small boutiques to explore. These shops offer everything from handicrafts and jewelry to treats, restaurants, and cozy cafés that keep the area lively.
Walking through the narrow streets, it’s hard not to imagine what life must have looked like here in the past. This setting makes it easy to let your mind wander. Exploring the streets feels like stepping into a living history book, where time seems to have paused among the old wooden houses.

A day spent wandering around the old town flies by effortlessly, as there’s so much to see, from the boutiques to the narrow streets and colorful houses. Be sure to venture off the main street into the quieter side alleys, each offering new sights to admire.
The wooden town area is bordered by a pleasant and green riverside, which is also worth a visit. The peaceful streets, charming views, and a small picturesque bridge crossing the river make it an ideal spot for taking beautiful photos.

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The Church of the Holy Cross

On the other side of the river stands the Church of the Holy Cross, dating back to the 1500s, which is also part of the Old Rauma UNESCO site. The church’s ceiling and vault paintings are from the same era. Unfortunately, we had limited time, so we couldn’t explore the church in more detail this time.

The Narrowest Street in Finland

Hidden within the old town is Kitukränn, Finland’s narrowest street. At its narrowest point, the street is just over two meters wide, making it a sight worth checking out.

The Old Town Hall and Market Square

Situated on the edge of the Market Square, Rauma’s Old Town Hall is one of the most significant buildings in Old Rauma. Built in the 18th century, it is one of only two preserved town halls in Finland from that era, the other being in Porvoo.
Today, the Old Town Hall serves as a museum, showcasing Rauma’s history and its proud tradition of lace-making. Rauma hosts various lace-themed events annually, such as Lace Week in July and the Lace Town Christmas.

One of the most memorable shops we visited was the Torinkymppi Flea Market. Though the shop seemed to be in a state of organized chaos, it had a charming atmosphere. The downstairs area was filled with more traditional flea market finds, while the upstairs, accessible via narrow stairs, held an assortment of older items ranging from everyday objects to unique treasures. With enough time, this place could yield some amazing discoveries.

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Must-See Attractions in Old Rauma

  • The Old Town Hall and Market Square: The Old Town Hall from the 1700s now functions as the Rauma Museum, while the Market Square remains an active daily marketplace.
  • Rauma Art Museum: Housed in a private stone building from the 1700s, this is one of the best-preserved courtyards in Old Rauma.
  • The Church of the Holy Cross: A stone church from the 1500s with historic ceiling and vault paintings.
  • The Old City Hall: Another gem of Rauma’s historical architecture.
  • Tammela House and Marela Museum: Tammela House showcases the restoration traditions of Old Rauma, while Marela Museum is a former merchant and shipbuilder family residence central to Rauma’s history.
  • Kitukränn: Finland’s narrowest street, just over 2 meters wide, connects Kuninkaankatu and Kauppakatu.
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Beyond Old Rauma – Other Recommended Sights in Rauma

Rauma offers more than just the old town. Here are some highlights:

Poroholma Beach and Beach House

Poroholma Beach and its Beach House left a lasting impression, even though we only made a quick stop due to bad weather. This beach area is clearly a summer gem, perfect for a relaxing day in the sun. The Beach House operates as a café-restaurant, and its large terrace would be an inviting spot on a sunny day.

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Kiikartorni – Views of Syväraumanlahti

Located at Rauma’s marina, the Kiikartorni observation tower is worth a visit. Built in 1892, it offers panoramic views of the marina and the open sea. The peaceful atmosphere and free entry make it a great stop. Be careful of the low hatch leading to the top platform!
Next to the tower is a new, rough-hewn marina restaurant, and there are also quiet places on the cliffs to admire the scenery.

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Karhulinna – Wartime Trenches

We also visited Karhunlinna, a quick and fun addition to our exploration. This area features trenches built for defense during World War I. While there’s little signage, the trenches are accessible for exploration, though some parts are overgrown. You can park your car along the passing Meriraumantie road.

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Extra: Sammallahdenmäki (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Did you know Rauma has a second UNESCO site? We didn’t visit it ourselves, but it deserves mention. Sammallahdenmäki is a Bronze Age burial cairn site located about 20 km from Rauma. With 36 burial cairns and guided trails, it’s one of the most diverse Scandinavian Bronze Age burial sites.

In summary, Rauma lived up to our expectations, which had been building for some time. Although we visited in the summer—likely the most popular season—the photos and memories make imagine that Old Rauma would be equally enchanting in winter, with snow blanketing the ground and the colorful wooden houses standing out against the white landscape.

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Travel blog-matkablogi-yhteistyo-vaikuttajayhteistyo-travel-blog-collaboration-ugc

Welcome!

Welcome to the Finnish Passports travel blog! We’re an adventurous couple who love road trips, nature, and exploring new cities. Our goal is to inspire your next adventure with tips and insights to help you create unforgettable memories. Let’s explore the world together!

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TIKTOK

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