VISIT RAAHE Be part of our story!
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We recommend
VISIT RAAHE Be part of our story!
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Raahe region is located in Finland on the shore of the Bay of Bothnia. The sea and our rivers have shaped us into what we are now, living by them, living from them, traveling across them. We welcome you to feel the gentle and sometimes unyielding sea breeze on your face and hear it hum in the treetops of the forests in the inland.
Here the best parts of disparities unite.
We are particularly proud of our unpretentious way of life where the best parts of urban and countryside, industry and responsibility, productivity and silence, darkness and light unite. Our collective heartfelt legacy is the clean nature and we intent to keep it that way, clean and accessible, also for you to enjoy.
Minds and hearts open for new, embracing the old.
Let us be your guides to the things that make us happy in the destinations the locals love. Wanha Raahe, the soulful old wooden town of Raahe from the 18th century and the golden era of sail ships is one of the best preserved in Finland. Archipelago of Raahe is awarded as The Finnish Outdoor Destination of the Year 2016. Raahe region in coastal Finland offers plenty of possibilities to experience local history, art, strong maritime as well as contemporary culture, spiced up with a versatile selection of events.
Be happy, live like a local.
You are warmly welcome. Who knows, maybe you'll stay.
Category: We recommend
Old Town Raahe
Whole family, We recommend
Whole family, We recommend
Old Town Raahe
Old Town Raahe is one of the best-preserved 19th-century wooden towns in Finland. Not a museum area but a living town district, Old Raahe tells the tale of the construction of a town and life in it from centuries ago to the modern day.
Take a journey through time!
Built on a former Lapp hut site, the town was originally quite modest. According to a town plan map drawn in 1659, the oldest picture of Raahe, the then 10-year-old town only comprised less than a dozen blocks, many of them nothing more than small strips. There were only two longitudinal streets and three cross streets. The drawing shows that the town was surrounded by a customs wall with two customs points: the eastern one outside the crossing of today’s Brahenkatu and Reiponkatu streets, and the southern one at the end of Pitkäkatu (now Kauppakatu) street, approximately at the location of today’s Koulukatu street. Even back then, the town had a busy port, located at the packhouse, which is now the Packhouse Museum. There was no shortage of wood for construction, and stones were procured from the islets in the archipelago, for instance. Founded by Count, Governor-General Per Brahe the Younger by order of Queen Christina, the town materialised “as if by magic”.
The town was constructed according to Renaissance regularity, following a strictly regular town plan. Residential buildings were constructed longitudinally to the street, whereas annexes and outbuildings, such as merchants’ storage facilities, bakery, sauna, cowshed, stable, privy, refuse heap, woodsheds and other sheds, were built near the edges of the plot. Gradually, these separate buildings turned into sort of fortification walls around the plots. The large plots of the Raahe bourgeoisie were mainly located close to Pekkatori Square and along the main streets. Retail trade was conducted “on the plot”, and shops opening into the street became more common in the 19th century. Join the Pekka statue and take a moment to look at life in the town, followed by coffee and pastries at the delightful café of the Trade House of Lang.
The history of forbidden and unhappy love comes to life at the Sovelius House
The town’s oldest preserved residential building, the Sovelius House dates back to the 1780s. Converted into a shipowner and merchant museum, the house charms visitors with its atmosphere even today. In the courtyard area, the Renkitupa holiday home offers accommodation with the smell of the sea and soul of the old town. The story of unhappy love features members of two of the town’s famous families. Be sure to ask to hear the story when you visit.
The history of Raahe is full of personalities, powerful men, strong and influential women, sailors and captains soaked in the salty waters of the oceans around the world, ladies and mademoiselles in lace and velvet dresses, tailors, coppersmiths and sailmakers. Craftsmanship was held in high regard in this town made wealthy by maritime transport and trade, and this also shows in the street names. For example, Reiponkatu was named after a ropemaker (repslagaren). The street is long and straight, which was important when making long and thick ropes for large ships. Today, ropemaker Vestberg’s house is known as Sofian Talo (Sofia’s House). Up until the 1980s, it housed a school for girls of limited means, established in 1843 by an influential local lady, Sofia Lybecker, with her mother’s inheritance. The house now hosts artist Vuori’s studio gallery. The Lybecker Institute is still training professionals for the creative industries, albeit at a different address.
Secret gardens hidden from sight
Undeniably the most impressive roof in the old town belongs to Keskuskoulu, the central school, located at the inland end of Koulukatu street. On the same street, you can find Raahe Theatre with an intimate summer theatre in its courtyard. According to a story, the house that stood on the plot before the theatre and its predecessor, the Salvation Army, was surrounded by a typically high, annoyingly tight and fully opaque plank fence that prevented curious eyes from peeking into a most beautiful garden with wonderful southern fruit. Later, the harvest of this legendary garden proved, somewhat modestly, to consist of cherries and strawberries.
Even though driving is allowed in Old Raahe, the best way to experience it is by taking an unhurried walk on the narrow streets. When you walk in the old town in the summer, you can look through the gates and still see the large courtyards and their gardens, emanating the spirit of old times.
Enhance your experience – book a guide!
One of the most popular services in the summer is guided theme tours organised by the Raahe Guides Association. Enjoy the guides’ stories about the people of yore, visits by kings and emperors, the life of sea captains and merchants who had seen the world, daily life, habits and people in the past and today.
Each year, the excitement of approaching Christmas is eased with the Old Raahe Advent Calendar. This involves residents and companies of the old town dressing up their windows in Christmas decor. The windows are unveiled one at a time, from 1 December all the way until 24 December. You can also follow the Advent Calendar on Visit Raahe’s social media accounts and with the Glopas audio guide.
In addition, you can use the Glopas audio guide while touring Old Raahe in the summer. Glopas can be downloaded for iOS and Android devices from app stores.
An archipelago right in front of the town.
Just a stone’s throw away from the heart of the old town, from the pier of Packhouse Museum, the former sailors’ house, you can start a cruise in the award-winning Raahe archipelago. Buy some ice cream and sit down on the pier, just breathe in the fresh sea air, listen to the lilt of the happy town, or enjoy refreshments on the sunny terrace of Ruiskuhuone Café, located in a building formerly used by the fire brigade.
More information about the history of Raahe (in Finnish)
Samuli Paulaharju: Wanha Raahe
Hilkka Aaltonen, Eija Turunen: Vanha Raahe
Liisa Männistö: Jugend-talon kaksi elämää
Pekka Kärki: Suomalainen historiallinen kaupunki
Category: Whole family, We recommend, Attractions
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Raahe archipelago
Nature attractions, Whole family
Nature attractions, Whole family
Raahe archipelago
The Raahe archipelago, Finnish Outdoor Destination of the Year 2016, is a gem right in front of the town. The compact urban archipelago consists of around 50 small islands and islets. Take a short cruise, spend a lovely summer day on an island, learn about nature formed by post-glacial rebound on a nature trail, listen to audio guides to hear about the history of maritime transport and other stories, savour the peace of uninhabited islands and enjoy the lovely beaches.
You can easily enjoy the archipelago. In the summer, there are daily cruises and Island Hopping trips. You can take part in guided canoeing trips on nearby waters or further to the open sea. We also offer skilled guidance and company for more experienced stand-up paddlers. For boaters, there are mooring points on the islands of Iso-Kraaseli, Kalla, Tasku and Ulkopauha.
In the winter, you can enjoy the frozen sea and its many outdoor opportunities. Thanks to the ice, you can get to the archipelago by walking, skiing, snowshoeing, fatbiking or taking a sleigh ride.
Resting huts in the archipelago
The resting huts on the islands of Tasku, Kalla and Ulkopauha are freely available for use by anyone. On Iso-Kraaseli Island, you are welcome to use the outdoor kitchen and fireplace.
Natura 2000
A significant part of the archipelago off Raahe belongs to the Natura 2000 network due to its birdlife, vegetation and habitat types. With a total area of 2,240 hectares, the archipelago includes approx. 358.5 hectares of land and shallows and 1,881.5 hectares of water areas.
The Raahe archipelago is the only significant archipelago in the area between Rahja (Kalajoki) and Oulunsalo. The archipelago includes both wooded inner islands near the coast and small, bare islets further in the open sea. The archipelago forms a scenically valuable entity shaped by post-glacial rebound and early means of livelihood, such as cattle herding, fishing and maritime transport.
Landing ban for protection during bird nesting season
To prevent disturbance of nesting birds, landing is prohibited on the key bird islets and islands. Landing ban on the following islands from 15 April to 15 July: Saapaskari, Kakkonen, Selkämatala, Kallanriutta, Rääpäkänriutta, Vesimatala, Isokivi, Kurikka, Kusiini, Kanttikivet. Landing ban on Rääpäkkä from 1 May to 20 July. Landing ban on Jyry from 1 May to 15 July.
Category: Nature attractions, Whole family, We recommend, Activities
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Archipelago cruises and transport
Groups, meetings & parties, We recommend
Groups, meetings & parties, We recommend
Archipelago cruises and transport
A cruise? An Island Hopping excursion? A day- or multi-day trip to the islands – choose your favourite!
For centuries, recreation in marine nature and the archipelago has been part of the summer of people in Raahe. Now you can explore the Raahe archipelago, selected as the Finnish Outdoor Destination of the Year in 2016, on boats with capacity for 12 persons. Spend a lovely summer day on the beach on Tasku Island, learn about the unique nature shaped by post-glacial rebound on the nature trail on Iso-Kraaseli Island or enjoy the peace and quiet on the rocky shores of Kalla Island. The trip to these islands only takes about 20 minutes. Explore the archipelago on a cruise or join an Island Hopping tour where you will visit three islands. You will also see historical daymarks and new lighthouses during the excursion.
In the section DESCRIPTIONS AND PRICES, you can read about the difference between archipelago cruises and archipelago transport.
Sign up for all transports no later than 2 hours before departure! Book your seat well in advance following the instructions below.
Seafaring history and local stories in your pocket
On an archipelago cruise, listen to the history of and stories related to seafaring in Raahe with the Glopas audio guide, available in Finnish and English. You can download Glopas on Android and iOS devices from the device’s app store.
Download the summer timetable (PDF) changes are possible
Timetable, summer 2019
JUNE
1–23 June
Mon-Sun 13:00 archipelago cruise 2½ hours M/B Jennamaria
Wed-Sun 12:00 departure of archipelago transport - 18:00 return M/B Jenny, M/B Arkki
From 24 June
Mon-Sun 13:00* and 16:00 archipelago cruise 2½ h M/B Jennamaria
Wed-Sun 12:00* departure of archipelago transport - 18:00* return M/B Jenny, M/B Arkki
Pekanpäivät event 28 –30 June additional departures
Fri-Sun 13:30–16:00 ** Island Hopping M/B Jenny, M/B Arkki
Any other additional departures during the event are updated on this site
JULY
Mon-Sun 13:00* and 16:00 cruise 2½ h M/B Jennamaria
Wed-Sun 12:00* departure of transport - 18:00* return M/B Jenny, M/B Arkki
6 –7 July, 20 –21 July and 28 July
13:30–16:00 ** Island Hopping M/B Jenny, M/B Arkki
Pooki Flakkaa Raahe Maritime Festival 12–13 July
Schedule exceptions apply during the visit of the sailing ship Sedov. Any other additional departures and changes during the event are updated on this site.
AUGUST
1–8 August
Mon-Sun 13:00* and 16:00 archipelago cruise 2½ h M/B Jennamaria
Wed-Sun 12:00* departure of archipelago transport - 18:00* return M/B Jenny, M/B Arkki
3 –4 August 13:30–16:00 ** Island Hopping M/B Jenny, M/B Arkki
9–31 August
Mon-Sun 13:00 archipelago cruise 2½ hours M/B Jennamaria
Wed-Sun 12.00 departure of archipelago transport - 18:00 return M/B Jenny, M/B Arkki
SIGN-UP
Sign up for all transports no later than 2 hours before departure! Book your seat well in advance.
Archipelago cruises operated by Raahen Saaristoristeilyt >> tel. +358 45 693 7154 or raahensaaristoristeilyt [at] gmail.com | Facebook |
Archipelago transport and Island Hopping operated by MeriRaahe >> tel. 050 434 6340 or jouni [at] meriraahe.fi | Facebook | website |
*Guaranteed departures on 24 June–8 August 2019. The minimum number of participants is 1 person.
The minimum number of participants is 5 persons for other scheduled departures.
DESCRIPTIONS AND PRICES
Archipelago cruise takes you on a tour of all the best views of the archipelago. The cruise takes approximately 2½ hours.
Tickets: €20 for adults, €10 for children under 12, €55 for a family ticket (2 + 2).
Archipelago transport takes you to an island for a day and brings you back in the evening.
Tickets: round trip €25 for adults, €10 for children under 12, €60 for a family ticket (2 + 2).
**The Island Hopping cruise takes you to three islands. Refreshments (buns, coffee, juice) are served during the trip and sausages are grilled on Iso-Kraaseli Island.
Price: €39 for adults, €20 for children under 12, €95 for a family ticket (2 + 2).
PLACE OF DEPARTURE
All transports depart from the pier of the Packhouse Museum, Rantakatu 33, Raahe.
CUSTOMISED EXCURSIONS
The skippers will plan an unforgettable experience in the archipelago with you. Ask about catering and packages.
(Updated on 17 May 2019)
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Paddling trips in the Raahe archipelago
Whole family, Activities
Whole family, Activities
Paddling trips in the Raahe archipelago
This article will be translated into English soon...
Tervetuloa melontaretkille Raahen saaristoon Botnia Outdoorin opastuksella. Saaristoon on tarjolla monia erilaisia melontaretkiä, lyhyistä pidempiin. Lyhyille retkille voit osallistua ilman aikaisempaa melontakokemusta, mutta pidemmille melontaretkille suosittelemme melonnan alkeiskurssin (EPP1) suorittamista tai aikaisempaa melontakokemusta. Botnia Outdoor ammattioppaat huolehtivat ohjatuilla retkillä turvallisuudesta ja voit keskittyä nauttimaan melonnasta ja ympäröivästä luonnosta.
Category: Whole family, Activities
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Raahe Guides Association
Whole family, Groups, meetings & parties
Whole family, Groups, meetings & parties
Address: Raahe
Phone: +358 (0) 44 754 4419
Email: opaspalvelut@raahenmatkailuoppaat.fi
Show card: English
Raahe Guides Association
With a local guide, you can learn about the colourful history of Raahe on foot or from the comfortable confines of a bus. You can visit the idyllic Old Town and experience the life of local residents, sailors, craftsmen and upper class folk in the old days. The stories you will hear cover everything from unrequited love and devious mischief to truly horrifying events. We can also tailor the tour to your group’s wishes!
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#WITHTRUELOVE Deep roots by the Pyhäjoki River
We recommend
We recommend
About the storyteller
My name is Tiina Tiirola, and I was born and raised in the village of Pirttikoski in Pyhäjoki. I have lived in other parts of the world but my heritage always drew me back. I work in Pyhäjoki and live in the village centre with my family. Even so, my home will always be Pirttikoski. I am the secretary of the Pirttikoski village association and, as one of the village residents, I do my best to help the local community.
Show card: English
#WITHTRUELOVE Deep roots by the Pyhäjoki River
Although I currently live in the Pyhäjoki village centre, my identity is strongly tied to the village of Pirttikoski. Looking back on the summers of my childhood, the first thing that comes to mind is playing and swimming in the river. We were free to enjoy ourselves how we liked. No adults had the time to come watch over us, with all the work to be done on the fields or in the cowshed. We, too, took part in the work tasks since early childhood, but whenever we had a moment to spare, we went to the river to swim – or just play and have fun.
The river is what still draws me to the area. The allure never fades despite the transitions from warm summer days, colourful autumn nights, clear wintry weather to springtime. The atmosphere by the river never stays the same for long. The mind stays calm witnessing the peaceful movement of the water and the colours of the sky reflected on its surface. And the rapids have an appeal of their own.
Experience life on the river and its banks from near and far
The river is always full of life. You can watch fish dart around in the water and observe birds, such as swans, mallards or other weary travellers from afar, nesting on the banks. The best way to experience the river is to get on it with a row boat, canoe or SUP board. In the winter, the river is ideal for skiing and hiking. The tracks criss-crossing on the snow reveal that the area is full of all manner of wildlife. In the spring, you can experience the awesome power of nature as the ice breaks and is carried away by the strengthening current. You can also see migratory birds and new leaves sprouting from tree branches. In the autumn, the water reflects the wonderful colours of nature, multiplying their beauty.
Following the river from the village centre home to Pirttikoski
The roads on the banks of Pyhäjoki River are ideal for observing life and seasonal changes in the environment. They are perfect for hiking and biking. You can follow the northern bank from the village centre to Pirttikoski and return along the southern bank. This amounts to about 18 km of travel. Those looking for a longer route can continue along the river from Pyynpuho all the way to Hellaamäki. In the summer, the swimming spot by the Kuusiniemi bridge in Pirttikoski provides a wonderful place to rest and relax. You can take a swim, roast some sausages on an open fire or use the eco-toilets. You can also sit in the swing and simply enjoy the river flowing by. Should you want to get on the river itself, a boat provided by the village association is available at the beach. You can hop in it and row from the Antin koski rapids to the Tirilän koski rapids to, once again, gain an entirely new perspective on the river.
Flowing beauty at all hours through the seasons
Pyhäjoki is so much more than just any river. It cuts through the Pirttikoski village, with a small island at the heart of the village centre, and continues on its path towards the sea. It is a sight to be experienced regardless of the season – a sight that can also demonstrate its devastating power during flood season. The river is a monument to the beauty of nature that can be enjoyed at all hours and in all seasons, with the proper respect to the environment and the flowing waters.
#withtruelove
Tiina
Category: We recommend
Stories with #truelove - Boho mystery lover of the North
We recommend
We recommend
About the storyteller
My name is Sari Nurro, born and bread in Raahe, ex-pat having lived in New York and the metropolises of West Africa. Why Raahe? Because it is safe and compassionate and provides roots for growing for my daughter. I am Chairperson of the Raahe Association for the Local History and Tradition
Sarin suosikit
Vanha Raahe ja Langin kauppahuone
Pakkahuoneen museo ja Laivapatruunin koti
Lapaluodon kalahalli
Ahon Limousin tila, Helena ja Pasi Kukkonen, Tuomioja
Chaiyaphum Thai-ravintola
Hai Long Torni Kiinalainen ravintola
Kuntokeskus Vesipekka
Raahen Teatteri ja Tapahtumatalo Raahen ohjelmisto
Show card: English
Stories with #truelove - Boho mystery lover of the North
My Raahe is equivalent to Manhattan’s Chelsea historical district but on the West Coast of Finland. It is the Porvoo of Northern Finland, where a diverse population co-exists from all walks of life - workers, artists, hipsters, tree huggers. A place where everyone has a decent life, creativity flourishes and even goofy experiments take place.
My Raahe is the city of the Queen and other strong female personalities.
My Raahe is the city of the Queen and other strong female personalities. Determined ja liberal Christina ruled as Queen of Sweden when Raahe was founded in 1649 by the Count Pehr Brahe. Already then Raahe was a vibrant merchant area which thrived on the idea of global trade. Also Ms. Sophia Lybecker’s, a philantropist daughter to a wealthy 19th century businessman, intellectual and social heritage has remained strong in the city, where a person in dire straits is helped rather than further punished.
Diverse and strong industrial base has been the backbone of Raahe throughout its history. It means smooth sailing of daily life for city’s modern inhabitants who rarely suffer from electric or water system failures, not even during blizzards or stormy weathers.
Everything I need here is literally within a walking or canoeing distance
In the heart of Raahe is the countryside, the nature and vibrant cultural life. This literally means a walking or canoeing distance. Locally produced food is easily available. In winter time, exotic Arctic glaciers and ice formations on the sea are within easy reach. Fresh fish from the local fishermen is a fabulous delight to taste. Smoked whitefish is my favourite, as well as brown bread à la Mannerheim, topped with whitefish roe, pickled cucumber, onion slices and sour cream. The Bay of Bothnia never ceases to take my breath away, its rugged beauty during winter time, its soft sand dunes in the summer and clean beaches to swim, as well as the annual Raahe Jazz on the Beach events on the shores.
The old quartiers are again filled with kids’ play and laughter
When Raahe’s historical district has flourished usually the whole city has been well-off. Young families are again moving to the historical district and the old quartiers are nowadays filled with kids’ play and laughter. Historical district attracts inhabitants both from the nearby areas, as well as from global megacities. My ancestry in Raahe area dates back for hundreds of years, although I have lived in New York and West Africa for many years. I returned to my childhood city as it is safe and humane, providing ancestral roots to my daughter.
#withtruelove
Sari
Category: We recommend
Crown Granary Museum
Whole family, Museums & churches
Whole family, Museums & churches
Crown Granary Museum
The latest member of the local museum family, the Crown Granary, is located but a short walk from the centre Raahe. The former state granary sheds light on Raahe’s past from prehistory to modern times and also currently holds the famous oldest diving suit in the world the Old Gentleman . At this museum, you get to do more than just look at the items on display, as touching and trying things out are very much permitted. Between experiencing the museum’s other content, visitors can pet the seal lady Harmastus, try on a heavy diver’s helmet, lift loads with pulleys or work on an ancient Giant’s Church stone enclosure. The exhibition at the Crown Granary is updated continuously, so there is sure to be something new to experience each time you visit.
Category: Whole family, Museums & churches, Attractions
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