Get inspired about by the things and places we love – we want to share them with you. Embrace the enchanting dance of contrasts created by the seasons, night and day, darkness and light, the sea and the continent, the peace of the countryside and the pulse of the city, history and the present day.
Here you can explore the real stories written by the city residents and tourists, written with true love #tosirakkaudella, and our operators' ready packages that are ideal for groups. Group packages can also be found individually with the search word #TIP FOR GROUPS and all together on the Media page. You can also find sources of inspiration on social media on Facebook and Instagram, and please remember to share your best moments with the tag #visitraahe.
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.
Brahenkatu is one of the main streets of Old Raahe. The street runs from the former eastern customs point all the way down to the shore. Photo by Henri Ylikulju
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”.
Picture of Rantakatu street from the map in 1659.
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.
Picture of the downtown houses in Raahe from the map in 1659.
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. 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.
Picture of Northern customs in Raahe from the map in 1659.
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.
Raahen raatihuone 1659 asemakartassa
Picture of Raahe Town Hall in 1659 in the town map.
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.
Raahen Kirkkokatua 1870-luvulla.
Kuva Kirjastovirma
Picture of Kirkkokatu street in Raahe at the 1870s. Photo: Kirjastovirma.
Treasuring the treasure
Old town Raahe foundation, Wanha Raahe säätiö in Finnish, was formed to aid in the renovation and maintenance of the historic buildings in the old district. The foundation awards renovation grants for the nationally valuable historic buildings. The foundation also organizes training and other events to promote the historic preservation of the old district. As a friend of Old Town Raahe you can contribute to the preservation by donating to the foundation as an individual, a company, or a bequest. More info in Finnish on foundation website.
The sea off the shore of the Raahe region freezes over each winter. Skiing trails are opened on the ice as soon as the ice conditions allow it. You can download an ice skiing map online (only in Finnish). Remember that moving on the sea is always at your own risk. Smart ice activities require warm clothing, ice awls and an alert mind.
The archipelago, for example the island of Tasku, is a popular destination in both summer and winter. Tasku is approximately five kilometres from the museum shore. A day hut serves hikers as a stopping place, offering café services from around Shrove Tuesday depending on the ice situation.
Hit the ice with a fatbike, snowshoes or a kicksled
Besides skiing, popular ice activities include riding a kicksled and mountain biking. A selection of rental equipment including fatbikes, snowshoes and kicksleds as well as bikes is available from Botnia Outdoor. The multipurpose routes allow you to explore both the archipelago and a few nature trails.
Instructions for users of multipurpose routes
Good manners are part of outdoor activities; outdoor activities are for everyone.
Take account of other users of the routes.
A faster mover gives way to a slower one.
A person coming from behind gives way to the one in front.
A bicyclist gives way to a skier.
You must adapt your own speed to the conditions of nature.
Test the strength of the ice, for example, with an ice fishing chisel.
A ski pole is not suitable for this purpose because it is too light.
Stay away from shallows, straits, bridges, shipping channels and mouths of rivers and streams.
Carry ice awls around your neck for pulling yourself out of the ice hole.
Put your mobile phone in a zipper bag so you can call for help if you get wet.
For more information about smart ice activities, see the Järki jäällä guide on ice activities (in Finnish).
Take a snowmobile sleigh ride
You can also explore the wintry archipelago on a sleigh. There are different routes for sleigh rides.
Cross-country skiing
There is a large network of skiing trails in the region, providing joy for skiers of all ages and skill levels. The skiing trails start from near the centre of Raahe.
A description of wintry conditions in a window on Rantakatu. You can almost hear how the temperature drops well below zero and the aurora set the sky alight.
Locate
64.6876689, 24.4782627
Organiser: City of Raahe Period: 1.12.-6.1. Tickets: Free admission
The Christmas Calendar of Old Raahe is opened one window at a time
As Christmas approaches, a unique atmosphere settles in Raahe: the windows of the Christmas Calendar of Old Raahe are opened one window at a time, starting on the 1st December. The windows are decorated by the old wooden town’s residents, entrepreneurs and other operators in the area. The Christmas windows can be admired from the 1st December until 6th January.
Traditionally, each window displays a historical story written by Kirsti Vähäkangas, related to the history of the house in question or Raahe’s history in general. The stories are published in the digital channels of Visit Raahe.
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. See the historical wooden lighthouses on islands of Iso-Kraaseli and Tasku built in 1853.
You can easily enjoy the archipelago. In the summer, there are daily cruises and Island Hopping trips. You can take part in guided kayaking 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.
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.
Guest berths in the Raahe archipelago
The island of Iso-Kraaseli features a pier for small boats, a kayak pier and a large concrete pier with landing levels and a wheelchair ramp on both sides. Some 1.3 km long and 600 m wide, Iso-Kraaseli is Raahe’s second largest island. The island features a wooden daymark, a 2.3 km nature path, barbecue facilities, a campfire site, a table and benches, a toilet, a sauna and a pilot house leased by MeriRaahe with beds for 13 people. In addition, the island has a glo-lake and a large pine. For more information on accommodation, the opening hours of the summer café and events, visit MeriRaahe homepages.
Location: 64°40,8’ P, 24°24,4’ I
Port number: 1864
Docking: bow-codend buoy
A 2.5-metre boating fairway leads to the harbour
Natura 2000
A significant part of the archipelago of 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, Guides, We recommend, Activities, Attractions
Category: Nature attractions, Wellness, Wellbeing & sports, Outdoors, Whole family, Hotel, Appartment, Caravan and camping, We recommend, Shopping, Activities
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Historical daymarks in the Raahe archipelago Nature attractions, Museums & churches
You can explore the daymark on the Tasku Island on a summertime archipelago cruise, for example. Tasku is a popular recreational destination in winter, too. Photo by Henri Ylikulju
“They first noticed from the daymark that the home ship was pushing from the open sea with full sails towards Raahe, and the flag was immediately raised in signal. And a happy rush ran through the town: ‘The daymark flags!’ There was no need to say more. The whole town know that the home ship was coming,” and this set off a special series of events, including a three-day permit to celebrate! - Samuli Paulaharju, Old Raahe
According to memory, the Kumpele daymark was as tall as eight men and red in colour, with a timber frame and lined with vertical boarding.
Photo taken by Samuli Paulaharju in 1923.
Experience the Raahe archipelago and its historical landmarks – daymarks (lightless lighthouses)
In summertime, you can access the archipelago on cruise boats or by canoe – or go stand up paddling either on your own or on guided tours, or with your own or rented equipment or boat. Normally, the cruise boat charter transport season starts in May and operates all the way until October. The summer schedules for daily departures are published on the Archipelago cruises and transport website.
In winter, when the ice is firm enough, the islands can be accessed by sleigh and other means, weather permitting. Skiing, walking and cycling on the frozen sea is a favourite pastime for locals too. In the brochure on excursions in the Raahe area, read more about the services available in the archipelago.
Staple town rights establish Raahe’s position as the largest harbour town in Finland
When King Gustav III finally granted staple town rights to Raahe on 7 April 1791, the town had to build a customs house for clearing goods and also meet other criteria set for staple towns. Increased commercial seafaring prompted coastal cities to systematically improve the way they marked ship routes. By the end of the 18th century, most routes leading to ports in the Gulf of Bothnia had been marked off with daymarks. In the 18th century, daymarks for sailors were set up on the islands of Tasku, Kello, Iso-Kraaseli and Kumpele off the shore of Raahe. There were four pilots serving in Raahe in 1760. Land uplift on the eastern coast of the Gulf of Bothnia also contributed to the fact that underwater rocks and shoals constantly took seafarers by surprise even when they were familiar with the routes. However, the dangerous nature of the routes prompted coastal people to hone their piloting skills. The safety of commerce and seafaring relied on their vigilance.
You’ll find a “kummeli”, or a pile of stones stacked up as a navigation mark, in the City of Raahe’s coat of arms.
Various landmarks and signposts have always guided seafarers on their way. The simplest signposts were those provided by nature: rocks, hills, trees, piles of stones. Later, people began to erect crosses on coastal cliffs or stony grounds, heap up stones and light beacons in certain locations on the shore. Such cross-shaped signposts are likely the origin of the prefix “kors-/risti” (cross) that frequently occurs in place names on the coast. For example, the oldest church of the parish of Saloinen, known already in 1329, was located in Ristikangas. An islet called Ristiluoto is located in the same region, between the islands of Lapaluoto and Iso-Kraaseli.
Daymarks had been set up on the coast of Sweden since Queen Christina’s (1632–1654) reign. Johan Månsson’s book Merikirja from 1644 contains the first reference to a daymark located on Finnish waters, on the Utö Island. Apparently, the first daymark was erected on the Tasku Island at the same time to mark the route leading to the recently founded Raahe (town of Salo in 1649).
These daymarks, or lightless lighthouses, were intended as signposts for daytime seafaring. They were the most important navigation marks in the Age of Sail, erected to mark routes leading to places such as towns. In good weather, daymarks sticking out from islands and shoals could be seen from miles away. The most common purpose of daymarks was to indicate the start or course of a route. They did not have a specific message indicated by a recurring shape or colour combination. Their ability to guide ships was based on the pilots knowing how to approach each sign and how to pass them.
Daymarks are built to withstand rough seas
The most important thing about the shape and colour of daymarks is that they are visible on the horizon from a long distance. The most common daymarks are tower- or cone-shaped, such as the one in Iso-Kraaseli. Pyramid-shaped daymarks, such as the one in Tasku, have been built as well. Different signposts were sometimes added on top of the daymarks – such as a flag in Iso-Kraaseli, a cross in Tasku and a weather vane in Kumpele. The most frequently used colours were red, white (Iso-Kraaseli) and yellow (Tasku). Colour selection was affected by the daymark’s environment and the direction from where the vessel came. If there was a dark forest in the background of the daymark, the structure as a whole or a section of its wall surface was painted white; if there was open sea, a darker paint was used. Even under varying lighting conditions, visibility could be ensured through sharply contrasting colour combinations.
These large yet rather light structures were exposed to the elements due to their location. Generally, daymarks are equipped with items referred to as wind anchors: a timber chest, a couple of metres in height, was usually placed at the bottom of the structure and filled with stones (Tasku). Occasionally, daymarks were supported to prevent them from falling over. Their polygonal shape that tapers upwards also improved their resistance to weather (Iso-Kraaseli). The frame usually consists of heartwood as high as the daymark, and other support structures are grouped around it.
Early lighthouses were built and maintained by the bourgeoisie in local towns. The structures were designed by all kinds of people. After the founding of the Ostrobothnian navigation district, funding for construction of daymarks was provided by the state and design work was governed by state administration. Officer Albin Sjerncreutz representing a Finnish army unit during the era of autonomy was appointed as chief of the new navigation district. His task was to inspect the condition of existing navigation marks and the need for any new ones. Stjerncreutz designed all of the seven daymarks built in the Gulf of Bothnia in 1850–1857, including the ones in Iso-Kraaseli and Tasku off the shore of Raahe.
The arrival of new technology replaces wooden daymarks
Wooden daymarks gradually had to give way as lighthouses became more common. The first sea lighthouse in Ostrobothnia was completed on the Norrskär Island in Kvarken in 1846. An actual construction boom, however, did not happen until the 1870s and 1880s when some of the wooden daymarks were replaced by tile and steel towers sending out light. Since the beginning of the 20th century, daymarks became outdated and were no longer replaced after incidents such as storms or fires. The rare remaining daymarks are still marked in nautical charts, even though they are barely relevant to modern seafaring.
Buildings of cultural-historical value in our archipelago
Thirteen wooden daymarks built in the 18th and 19th century remain on the coastal strip between Siipyy and Tornio. 40 daymarks were listed in Finland’s maritime area in 1865, 18 of which were located in the Gulf of Bothnia. The daymarks, which have stood nearly unchanged in their original locations, have cultural-historical value as buildings and are an essential part of the building heritage of Finnish seafaring.
Facts about daymarks off the coast of Raahe
The Iso-Kraaseli daymark was built in 1852 according to the plans of Albin Stjerncreutz, chief of the Ostrobothnian navigation district. 25 metres above the sea level, 18 metres above the ground. Even earlier, there were a daymark and a pilot’s hut on the island. According to a sailing guidebook from 1865, a senior pilot and three pilots were on duty in the pilot’s hut. They had steering documents for all three entrance routes to Raahe. The Iso-Kraaseli daymark and the tower of Raahe’s old church were important signposts for the central route. In the Kraaseli daymark, the heartwood tree running all the way through the roof forms a two-metre pole on top of the structure, which was used as a signal pole. The daymark’s sea-facing walls are white, while the other parts are red.
The daymark in Tasku was built in 1853. 19.2 metres above the sea level, 16.5 metres above the ground. Designed by Albin Stjerncreutz, chief of the Ostrobothnian navigation district. The original colour of the daymark was yellow. The daymark was repaired in 1866, and it is said that it was also tarred and painted with red-ochre, but was later repainted yellow in 1877. The first daymark was apparently built on the Tasku Island in the very first years following the establishment of Raahe town (1649). The layout of the daymark is square-shaped. The building resembles a church tower and the roof is pyramid-shaped, with a cross on top. The daymark was repaired in 1890, 1909 and 1914. In 1922, the daymark’s liners were renewed, the cross was replaced and a lock was added to the door, double-painted with oil paint.
Information retrieved from the archives of the Oulu pilot district in the Oulu Province Archives.
The daymark on the Kumpele Island was built in 1790. It burnt down to its foundation stones on 5 February 1961.
The article has been abridged and adapted from a text received from the Raahe Museum.
Category: Nature attractions, Museums & churches, We recommend, Attractions
The sculpture park of Raahe-based self-educated artist Matti Lepistö (1948-2020) is truly a unique place to visit. The prolific artist Matti Lepistö, who worked with several different techniques, became known especially for his concrete sculptures. Over the years, they have become a private sculpture park with almost 300 sculptures in his backyard in Pattijoki. In addition to sculptural art, Matti painted, drew, wrote, photographed and made stained glass.
In the exhibition you can get acquainted with the artist's sculptures. The park features animal and human sculptures as well as mythology and surreal art. Some of the sculptures are works that critically examine the conquests of religion, while the animal figures and the Kalevala themed pieces are in perfect harmony among the themes and depictions of the countryside that symbolize the birth of life. For Matti Lepistö, making art was a way of life and a vocation. Matti hoped as many people as possible to experience his art and also encouraged others to try concrete processing to create art.
Matti Lepistö's legacy wants to respect the artist's wish and memory by keeping the sculpture park open to the public. You can come to the sculpture park to spend a summer day, even on a picnic.
#WITHTRUELOVE Deep roots by the Pyhäjoki River We recommend
The best way to travel on the roads by the Pyhäjoki River is to hop on a bicycle. Photo by Tiina Tiirola.
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.
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.
Welcome to enjoy cultural services provided by the Town of Raahe. Our mission is to produce quality moments of boldness that uplift the spirits of both residents and visitors. Enjoy the Music Weeks in the spring, Pekanpäivät local history event in the summer, the Night of the Arts and Book Fair in the autumn and other events that we organise around the year.
You can find us at the heart of the town near the idyllic Old Raahe. Our culture specialists are ready to produce unforgettable experiences for you in various forms of art, whether you come to a concert, film or art exhibition.
Professional meeting services
Raahe Event House offers meeting services and a central location in the heart of Raahe. We offer a pleasant atmosphere in an easy-to-reach location. The facilities, technology and entire event production can be easily modified for different needs. Pre-designed packages, the price of which includes the facilities and catering, make booking and organising easy for you.
We can also tailor special events according to your need. Our facilities include the 416-seat Raahesali, 100-seat Fregatti and 25-seat Parkki Cabinet. The Raahesali green room and Galleria Myötätuuli also transform excellently for the needs of various fairs.
Explore the Raahe archipelago, the Old Raahe and, before Christmas, the Christmas Calendar of Old Raahe independently with the Glopas audio guide service. The guide is available every day of the year.
You can download the Glopas app free of charge from the app store of your smartphone. Available for Android devices on Google Play Store and for iOS devices on App Store. Activate location data access on your device to launch stories automatically when you approach each destination. Put the phone in your pocket, your headphones on and get going!
#TIP FOR GROUPS Archipelago mini retreat - enjoy guided yoga and nature of Raahe arctic archipelago
The island of Iso-Kraaseli in the arctic Raahe Archipelago offers you perfect place and surroundings to stop for a moment. On the archipelago mini retreat, you will enjoy yoga and being in the midst of unique nature. Aboard the safe sea transport, you can explore the Raahe archipelago and feel the sea breeze on your face. Once on the island of Iso-Kraaseli you will enjoy gentle guided yoga by the sea, hear the sounds of the sea, smell the scents and gaze at the horizon. Yoga in the seascape relieves stress and promotes both physical and mental well-being. You will return to the mainland empowered and refreshed.
Mini retreat is perfect for you when you want to connect with yourself, breath and be present, all this surrounded by magnificent marine nature, it’s sounds and scents. peace and power. Enjoy smoothie made of Finnish berries and a hazelnut bar. This will nourish and strengthen your body and mind. SUITABLE FOR: mini retreat yoga is suitable for beginners as well as more experienced yogis. This exercise helps the body and mind to relieve tension and recover from stress.
DURATION 3 hours
STARTING POINT Raahe. The dock by the Packhouse museum, street address Rantakatu 33, Raahe
GROUP SIZE starting 6 persons
AVAILABILITY May to October, weather permitting.
GUIDANCE Guided
LANGUAGES Finnish, English
PRICE 75 €/person (cross price per person)
WHAT'S INCLUDED Sea cruise and guide services, yoga instructor services and yoga mat, light snack with smoothie and granola bar.
SUPPLEMENTS Transportation ashore, accommodation
BOOKINGS AND INQUIRIES tel +358 50 434 6340 jouni [at] meriraahe.fiwww.meriraahe.fi/en
#TIP FOR GROUPS Fine dining experience amid the arctic archipelago nature
Leave the mundane day-to-day behind, tune yourself to the frequencies of nature and get ready to enjoy a vibrant world of tastes and smells: authentic local food made from high-quality locally-sourced ingredients enjoyed in the midst of beautiful nature. The exactly right drinks are hand-picked to complement the food in the best way possible. The table has been set with exquisite treats. Enjoy! In the old days, a red flag was hoisted at the famous lightless lighthouse of Iso-Kraaseli Island to guide the way of ships returning home from what was often years at sea. Fine dining served under a comfortable canopy at the base of this historical landmark on a bright summer evening is an experience that is sure to stay with you for a long time.
On the charter cruise, you will learn about the town of Raahe from a new offshore perspective. During the trip, the staff will recount stories about the Raahe archipelago and fishing in the local waters. At the end of the cruise, you will enjoy a wonderful lunch or dinner by the sea on Iso-Kraaseli Island. Over the course of the evening, you will be introduced to the history of the island, the old pilot’s house and the lightless lighthouse built in 1852. If you wish, you can bring your own drinks or let the expert staff take care of the selection.
DURATION 6 hours
STARTING POINT Raahe. The dock by the Packhouse museum, street address Rantakatu 33, Raahe
GROUP SIZE 8-40 persons
AVAILABILITY May to October, weather permitting.
GUIDANCE Guided
LANGUAGES Finnish, Swedish, English
PRICE 78 €/person (cross price per person)
WHAT'S INCLUDED Cruise and guide services, lunch or dinner (starters, main course, dessert, coffee) and non-alcoholic drinks.
SUPPLEMENTS Other drinks, meeting in the Pilot House on the island of iso-Kraaseli 150 €/group
BOOKINGS AND INQUIRIES MeriRaahe tel +358 50 434 6340 jouni [at] meriraahe.fi www.meriraahe.fi
#TIP FOR GROUPS Island Hopping cruise to the Raahe archipelago
Get to know the pearl of the Bay of Bothnia, the lacy network of islands in the Raahe Arctic Archipelago. On this Island Hopping cruise, you’ll visit the most interesting and beautiful spots in the archipelago, see the historical lighthouses, bury your toes into the white sand of desert island, get to know the ways of the sea and how it has influenced coastal town’s life. During the cruise you get to know three of the main islands, of which you will land ashore two. On this trip you will also get to try one of iconic Finnish foods of all time, the grillimakkara, sausage grilled on open fire, ready for you to eat or better yet, go native and try grilling it yourself. For the cruise you will aboard a motorboat for 12 passengers, made to maneuver the shallow passages of the archipelago.
DURATION 3 to 4 hours
STARTING POINT Raahe. The dock by the Packhouse museum, street address Rantakatu 33, Raahe
GROUP SIZE 5-20 persons
AVAILABILITY May to October, weather permitting.
GUIDANCE Guided
LANGUAGES Finnish, English
PRICE 39 €/adult, 20 €/ child of 6-12 yrs, family ticket 95 €/ 2 adults + 2 children (cross price per person)
WHAT'S INCLUDED Cruise and guide services, sausage grilling on open fire and coffee on one of the Islands
SUPPLEMENTS Transportation ashore, accommodation in the Pilot House on the island of iso-Kraaseli.
BOOKINGS AND INQUIRIES MeriRaahe tel +358 50 434 6340 jouni [at] meriraahe.fi www.meriraahe.fi
Price valid 1.1.-31.12.2020
Category: We recommend, Groups, meetings & parties
#TIP FOR GROUPS Sea kayaking adventure in the arctic archipelago
Explore Raahe from the sea and as close to the sea as you can get! Be prepared for an unforgettable outdoor excursion!
The 3 hour guided kayak tour through the Raahe archipelago, characterized by its clear waters and midnight sun, the old pilot house, as well as the two historical lighthouses, defines a must experience paddling trip. The journey ending with a view of the old wooden town of Raahe.
The kayaks used on the trip are easy to handle and very stable so this paddling trip suits beginners and experts alike, pace of paddling is slow so everyone can tag along. You will be provided with all the kayaking equipment needed, also spray skirts, rain jackets for rainy weather. Just wear some sporty clothing and bring your adventurous spirit. Get ready to engage in a relaxing and memorable paddling experience in the beautiful Raahe archipelago.
DURATION 3 hours
STARTING POINT/LOCATION Raahe. Pikkulahti paddling center. Street address Musta 14, Raahe
GROUP SIZE 2 - 30 persons
AVAILABILITY May to October, weather permitting.
GUIDANCE Guided
LANGUAGES Finnish, English
PRICE 50 €/person (cross price per person)
WHAT'S INCLUDED Guidance, paddling equipment, snack: campfire coffee, a roll and a open fire grilled sausage.
SUPPLEMENTS Pulled pork sandwich, beef bouillon according to Pietari Brahe's recipe from 1700's, camp fire coffee and cookies.
BOOKINGS AND INQUIRIES Botnia Outdoor Tel +358 50 370 7111 info [at] botniaoutdoor.fi
Price valid 1.1.-31.12.2020
Category: We recommend, Groups, meetings & parties
#TIP FOR GROUPS Heavenly decorations and divine pastries - Guided art workshop Raahen Taitopaja visit guided tour to Old Town Raahe coffee and pastries at Trade House of Lang Culture & galleries, We recommend
The himmeli, the quintessential Finnish Christmas decoration, combines elements of geometry and architecture into graceful patterns and shadows. Kuva Raahen Taitopaja
#TIP FOR GROUPS Heavenly decorations and divine pastries - Guided art workshop Raahen Taitopaja visit guided tour to Old Town Raahe coffee and pastries at Trade House of Lang
In the unique atmosphere of the old foundry, you can marvel the 150 different, traditional and modern himmeli, an age-old decoration, made from rye, beach wheat, glass, plastic and acrylic tubes at the Raahen Taitopaja Workshop. At Taitopaja you will make a himmeli decoration to take home with you. After the workshop visit, a guided city tour will introduce you to Old Town Raahe and its engaging stories and take you to enjoy coffee and pastries in the cozy Boutique hotel and café Trade House of Lang in the heart of the historic wooden town.
Founded in 1955, the Raahen Taitopaja Workshop offers experiences in a unique environment. Tour of the Old Town Raahe can be done either on foot or by bus. On the Pekkatori square, in the gentle, casual atmosphere of the Trade House of Lang, the mind rests, and will you set off with the stories of the golden era of the sailships.
Himmeli is an ancient Nordic decoration. Tradition has come to Finland through Sweden, and the name Himmeli refers to the Swedish word for sky or heaven, himmel. These heavenly ornaments, being more than Christmas ornaments, were in the old days put up to secure good luck and abundant crop. The structure of a himmeli – especially a bigger and more complex one – is visually striking, with geometrical shapes made out of hundreds, or even thousands, of pieces of straw.
DURATION 4 hours
STARTING POINT Raahe. Raahen Taitopaja Workshop, street address Pajakatu 4, Raahe
GROUP SIZE 6 - 15 persons
AVAILABILITY Year round mon-sat 10-16
GUIDANCE Guided
LANGUAGES Finnish, English
PRICE 51,45 € (VAT included) / person
INCLUDED Tour, making of himmeli decoration and coffee break at the Raahen Taitopaja, guidance on the Old Town Raahe tour, coffee and cake at Trade House of Lang
ACCESSIBILITY Both venues are accessible for persons with mobility restrictions
NOTE At both venues national health requirements are followed and met. Hand sanitizer and masks are available also for visitors.
SUPPLEMENTS Meals and accommodation at Langin Kauppahuone, transportation in between the venues and during the guided tour.
BOOKINGS AND INQUIRIES Trade House of Lang, Tel. +358 50 513 7750 info [at] langinkauppahuone.fi ()www.langinkauppahuone.fi/en/home/
#TIP FOR GROUPS Work and magic at art workshops - guided visits to art workshops and old town Raahe and lunch
“The burning in his soul, the fire in his heart he cast in works of brass. Wonders, he believed, would surely come to pass: The dream grandest of them all must be made real!*
Art is always made with heart and a burning passion. To this day, artisans at the Raahen Taitopaja in the old foundry cast metal and make traditional straw and glass mobiles, glass works and candles using age-old methods. In the Lapaluoto workshop of graphic arts in the picturesque Lapaluoto district that used to house the workers of the old Santaholma sawmill, art comes together with history in the unique environment.
The tour takes you for visits at the two workshops for introduction and work demonstration at Raahen Taitopaja and the graphics workshop of Lapaluoto. Between the workshop visits, you will go on a guided sightseeing tour of Raahe and enjoy lunch at the Trade House of Lang
Raahen Taitopaja, Lapaluodon workshop of graphic arts as well as Trade House of Lang also feature shops where you can find unique high-quality items to take home as souvenirs.
DURATION 4 hours
STARTING POINT Raahe. Raahen Taitopaja, street address Pajakatu 4, Raahe.
GROUP SIZE 10 - 30 persons
AVAILABILITY Year -round Mon-Sat 10-16
GUIDANCE Guided
LANGUAGES Finnish, English
PRICE 40,95 €/ price per person VAT included
WHAT'S INCLUDED Guidance, work demos, guidance during city tour, lunch.
ACCESSIBILITY Raahen Taitopaja art workshop and Tradehouse of Lang are accessible for persons with mobility restrictions
NOTE In all venues national health requirements are followed and met. Hand sanitizer and masks are available also for visitors.
SUPPLEMENTS Transportation between the venues and durinng the guided tour, accommodation
BOOKINGS AND INQUIRIES Trade House of Lang, Tel. +358 50 513 7750 info [at] langinkauppahuone.fi
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