Rauma

One of Finland's oldest cities with the largest wooden old town in Nordic countries, featuring unique lace-making traditions and artisan crafts. The beautifully preserved medieval atmosphere combined with vibrant cultural life makes it a must-visit for heritage enthusiasts.

Things to do

• Explore the Old Town (Vanha Rauma) — Wander through the largest wooden old town in the Nordic countries, featuring narrow cobblestone streets and colorful 18th-century wooden houses.
• Visit the Rauma Lace Museum — Discover the history and techniques of Rauma lace-making, a centuries-old tradition unique to the city, with displays of intricate handmade pieces.
• Tour Kirjurinluoto Island — Enjoy this nearby island with walking trails, views of the Bothnian Sea, and opportunities to observe local wildlife and coastal landscapes.
• Attend the Rauma Lace Week Festival — Experience this annual summer celebration showcasing lace-making demonstrations, exhibitions, traditional crafts, and cultural performances.
• Browse local artisan workshops and galleries — Visit independent craftspeople throughout the old town who create pottery, textiles, jewelry, and other handmade goods.
• Visit Rauma Art Museum — Explore contemporary and classical art collections housed in a historic building overlooking the old town.

Food to try

• Kalakukko — A traditional Finnish pastry filled with fish, pork, and pearl barley, originating from the Savo region but readily available in Rauma's local bakeries.
• Fresh Baltic herring dishes — Locally caught herring prepared in various ways such as marinated, smoked, or grilled, reflecting Rauma's coastal heritage.
• Rye bread with local butter and cheese — Dark Finnish rye bread served with regional dairy products, a simple but authentic local staple found in traditional cafés.
• Crayfish soup (Ravunkeitto) — A seasonal delicacy served in summer months, made with fresh freshwater crayfish caught in Finnish lakes and rivers.
• Blini with berries and cream — Traditional thin pancakes topped with locally foraged Finnish berries and sour cream, reflecting the region's forest bounty.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect the lace-making tradition — Many locals are proud of Rauma's lace heritage; visitors should show genuine interest in the craft and consider purchasing authentic lace items from artisans.
• Dress appropriately for coastal weather — Being a seaside town, Rauma experiences changeable weather and cool breezes even in summer; bring layers and waterproof clothing.
• Visit artisan shops on foot — The old town is best explored on foot to fully appreciate the wooden architecture and spontaneously discover small galleries and craft workshops tucked away on side streets.
• Time your visit for summer festivals — Late summer is ideal for experiencing Rauma Lace Week and other cultural events that showcase local traditions and bring the community to life.