Rauma

Rauma has a lot of seafaring history. It also developed a reputation for high quality lace. These traditions are actively being marketed by the tourism industry, though in day-to-day life they are no longer mainstream (except for the port operations, as Rauma is still a major port in Finland). Folk culture, tourism and older people try to preserve much of Rauma tradition, but as everywhere, Finland is gradually becoming homogenized due to the influence of mass media. Younger generations in Rauma these days hardly differ from those in most other Finnish cities.
The post-World War II years were mainly driven by pulp and paper milling, which cast its ugly (and sometimes smelly) shadow on the town. However, the wood industry also brought prosperity and compared to many other similarly sized towns, Rauma has done pretty well. Environmental impact (including the abovementioned smell) is now rather small due to modern technology. Most of the 'smoke' you see coming from the factory area (tucked into the outskirts of the town) is actually water vapour.
In its heyday, Rauma had two competing shipyards, which have been consolidated into one and are owned by STX (from S-Korea). Combined with the wood industry and other metal industry companies, Rauma really has a blue-collar history.
Because of the construction of the new nuclear power plant by a Franco-German company, there has been an influx of engineers and their families from Central Europe. This has contributed positively not only to the economy but also to the offerings of restaurants and cafés.
The neighboring county of Lappi was merged into Rauma in 2009.

The locals are mainly Finnish speaking. As in most of Finland, you'll find that teenagers and twentysomethings almost always know at least some English. Rauma has a dialect of its own which is often said to be a language of its own. Rauma giäl ("Rauman kieli", or the language of Rauma) is characterized by a slightly more guttural intonation than standard Finnish. Its most extreme form is, however, mostly reserved only for traditional folk events or touristic marketing. The day to day language of Rauma inhabitants is mostly standard Finnish mixed with some Rauma idioms, words and pronunciation. If you know Finnish, you'll understand practically everything; it's only the occasional word here or there that might leave you confused. However, you may have to ask your interlocutor to speak slower, because the way of speech is also quicker and more verbose than in many other Finnish dialects.

By plane

The nearest airport, Pori airport POR is located in the neighboring city of Pori. Another option is Turku airport (TKU),which may have slightly better connections abroad. If you fly in from abroad, it may be quicker to fly to Helsinki (HEL) and continue by bus or train than to wait for a connecting flight to Turku. Tampere also has some international flights, most of them operated by Ryanair.

By bus

Rauma is well connected to other cities by bus and most tourists arrive this way. The long-distance bus station (Linja-autoasema) is located in the city centre. Buses go every 1-3 hours except during the night. Destinations include Helsinki (3½ hr), Turku (1½ hr), Tampere (2½ hr). Timetables can be found on the website of Matkahuolto.

By train

There is no passenger rail traffic directly to Rauma. However, you can buy a train ticket to Rauma from VR. The train takes you as far as Kokemäki, where you'll change to a bus (included in the price) for the rest of the way. This is convenient for example if you are Interrailing. From Helsinki it takes about four hours to reach Rauma by train. You should also consider taking an alternative route of taking a train to Turku and then a northbound bus to Rauma. This may also be faster than taking a direct bus, depending on the time of day, but the Turku-Rauma bus is not included in the train ticket.

By car

There are easy road connections to Helsinki (south via Huittinen, 242 km), Tampere (east via Huittinen, 145 km), Turku (south, 94 km) and Pori (north, 49 km). There are no roads going west since that way lies the sea.

By boat

There is no commercial passenger traffic by sea but many tourists, especially Finns, arrive in Rauma with their private yachts. There are a few guest harbours around Rauma.

Bringing your own car or bicycle would be convenient.
Information about local buses can be found here. You can use route planner to seek local bus routes between given locations and addresses. The bus system is extremely limited and services only the handful of most important routes. You'll find the main bus stop near the old town, at Savila. This is not the same as the intercity bus terminal which services the buses that go in and out of Rauma; there are a couple of blocks between the two bus stations.
Taxis operate widely around the city and you can flag a cab when you see one or call +358 2 106 400. As everywhere else in Finland taxis are rather expensive. Also, since Rauma is a small town, walking around the city, and especially the Old Town, is easy.

Most of Rauma's sights are conveniently located within a walking distance of the centre.

Old Rauma

(Vanha Rauma) is the largest uniform wooden town in the Nordic countries, and it was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List on the eve of the 550th anniversary of the city. The oldest inhabited buildings date back even to the 17th century.

Archipelago of Rauma

The archipelago is not very extensive, although sailing south will get you to Turku archipelago, largest archipelago of the Baltic Sea. However, in summer when the weather is fine, the islands provide a nice day trip.

• KylmäpihlajaAn island with a lighthouse that operates as a hotel.

• KuuskajaskariA former military area that still has old 152-millimetre coastal artillery cannons.

• ReksaariIsland groves can be seen here.

In peak tourist season, there are regular boat connections to each of these islands. In most winters, it is also possible to walk, ski or skate over the frozen sea. Be sure to ask locals if the ice is thick enough, never embark alone, and avoid shipping routes with potentially thinner ice. There are few or no tourist services available on the islands during winter.

Churches

• Church of the Holy CrossA former Franciscan monastery, now a Lutheran church, built in the 15th century. Medieval wall and ceiling paintings.

• The Ruins of the Church of the Holy TrinityBuilt in the 15th century as the parish church, it was destroyed in a fire in 1640. Now it is a peaceful setting amidst a park.

Museums & galleries

• Marela

  phone: +358 2 834 3528
  address: Kauppakatu 24
  A beautiful museum presenting the home of a ship-owner from the turn of the 20th century, at the culmination of Rauma seafaring skill.

• Kirsti’s house

  phone: +358 2 834 3529
  address: Pohjankatu 3
  A typical building in Old Rauma built in the 18th century. It presents the living conditions and life of the 19th and 20th century. Inhabitants have included sailors, bobbin lace makers, a blacksmith and a firefighter.

• Rauma Maritime Museum

  phone: +358 2 822 4911
  address: Kalliokatu 34
  Exhibitions about the history of seafaring.

• Rauma Art Museum

  phone: +358 2 822 4346
  address: Kuninkaankatu 37
  Exhibitions focusing on the Rauma region and the countries surrounding the Baltic Sea.

• Former Town Hall & Lönnström Art Museum

  phone: +358 2 838 74700
  address: Valtakatu 7
  In the center of Old Rauma, the Town Hall now hosts exhibitions of fine art, design, photography, architecture and environmental art.

• The potter's workshop

  phone: +358 2 533 5526
  address: Nummenkatu 12
  The workroom and home of a stove tile maker from the early 20th century.

• Tammela

  address: Eteläpitkäkatu 17
  Shows how an old, culturally significant log house is renovated and maintained.

Other

• Alfred Kordelin’s Burial Chapel & the Old CemeteryThis beautiful chapel was built by Kordelin's family and donated to the parish. It is in a very peaceful setting in the middle of the Old Cemetery.

• The Observation towerAlso functioning as the city's water tower, has a beautiful manufactured waterfall on its grounds, and the view from the observation level cafe up on the water tower is likewise beautiful. Rauma souvenirs are sold at the water tower (as well as in the town centre). There is a small entrance fee.

• KiikartorniA wooden tower overlooking the Syväraumanlahti bay with a Tourist Information Centre offering info about island cruises.

• SammallahdenmäkiA Bronze Age burial site in the village of Kivikylä, well signposted off Highway 12 between Rauma and Tampere. While a UNESCO World Heritage Site of great archaeological significance, it's not all that much to look at, being composed of just 36 piles of stone of varying shapes and sizes. Guided tours starting from the parking lot are available Mon-Fri in the summer peak season (June-August) for €2/person.

• Olkiluoto nuclear power plant

  phone: +358 2 8381 5221
  address: Olkiluodon Vierailukeskus, Olkiluoto, Eurajoki​
  Olkiluoto nuclear power plant is near Rauma. The visitor centre of the power plant is open practically every day, and at times there is also free bus transport to and from Rauma to the visitor centre. Visitors must present a passport or an identity card for access.

Festivals

Despite its small size, Rauma hosts numerous festivals, mostly during summertime. For exact dates and program, check the City of Rauma website.

• • Rauma Lace WeekPerhaps the best time to visit Rauma if you want to see something special. The usual time for Lace Week is at the end of July. You should check the dates from City of Rauma website. One of the nights is themed the Night of Black Lace (mustan pitsin yö), which starts as a cultural happening and usually degrades very quickly into a massive (on local scale) bar-crawling exercise.

  • Rauma BluesA small blues festival, often with some world-class artists, in July.

  • FestivoClassical music, in August.

  • KlustermusFinnish underground rock, free entrance, in June.

  • Blue Sea Film FestivalAn annual film festival, in August.

  • Rauma Biennale BalticumA biennial showcase of art around the Baltic Sea, in June-September, every even-numbered year.

  
  

  Other

  
  The Culture and Leisure Centre operates an information service called Fyyr which helps to find things to do and see, and may be able to help with more information about any of these opportunities. Their service is available in Finnish and English, at Nortamonkatu 5, , and on their website.
  Rauma Regional Tourist Office will also be able to help especially with the more touristy services. Their office is at Valtakatu 2, .
  

  • Otanlahti Beach

    address: Suvitie
    This is fairly long stretch of sandy beach located a few kilometres out of town. Beach volleyball and swimming are popular.

  • GolfThere's an 18-hole golf course (Ala-Pomppustentie 20).

  • Movies

    address: Savilankatu 4
    On those rainy days you can catch a movie at Iso-Hannu Cinema.

  • Ice hockey

    address: Nortamonkatu 23
    Rauma's ice hockey team Lukko is in Finland's top league. Home games are played in winter at the Äijänsuo arena (Kivikylän tuhtitupa). Tickets from Lippupalvelu. The traditional arch-enemy is Ässät, a team from Pori.

  • Ice skatingAn indoor rink is available for ice skating about twice a week, except in the summer. In winter, there are also a dozen outdoor rinks of various quality levels. You need to bring your own skates. More information from the town website.

  • Swimming

    phone: +358 2-8343572
    address: Hankkarintie 8
    A visit to a swimming hall (25-metre lanes, sauna) will cost a few euros. In the summertime, open-air swimming pool at Otanlahti Sports Centre (Otanlahti Beach), Suvitie.

  • SaunaFree seaside public saunas a couple of times a week from June to August.

  • Skiing

    address: Kodisjoentie 91
    Cross-country skiing in winter at Lähdepelto. Cross-country skiing routes of up to 6 km in winter, lighted until 22. In summer, a nice place to go for a run in a forest.

  • Theater

    phone: +358 2-83769900
    address: Alfredinkatu 2
    Rauma City Theater is a Finnish-language theater. For program, see the home pages.
  
  

In Old Rauma you can still find plenty of traditional lace on sale and at the main square you will find the seafarers' museum containing some impressive stuff.

There are a couple of local foods which are borne of the seafaring past: lapskoussi (mashed potatoes and salted meat) and topseilvellinki (raisin soup, usually served with pancakes).

Budget

Budget choices are largely limited to fast food. In addition to McDonald's and its Finnish imitator Hesburger, Rauma has a bunch of pizza and kebab places, where a meal typically costs around 4,5-8 €.

• Antalya Kebab-Pizza

  phone: +358 2 821 2161
  address: Valtakatu 4

• Deniss Kebab & Pizza

  phone: +358 2 823 5770
  address: Valtakatu 10

• Snack House

  phone: +358 2 8226 336
  address: Valtakatu 9-11
  Also servers steaks and pasta.

• Eti Kebab & Pizzeria

  phone: +358 2 824 1719
  address: Nortamonkatu 16

• Damla

  phone: +358 2 823 3163
  address: Syväraumankatu 5A

• Kebab Kioski

  phone: +358 2 822 9459
  address: Nortamonkatu 18

• Jubu-Pizza

  phone: +358 2 533 6121

Self-catering

You can buy fresh and smoked fish and fruits and vegetables at the market, in the heart of Old Rauma. Also, Rauma has many supermarkets. The biggest (and cheapest) two are Citymarket (Karjalankatu 5) and Prisma (Porintie 4). They both are within a five minutes walk northwards from the Church of the Holy Cross. In addition, the large shop at ABC gas station (Unajantie 2) is open 24/7.

Mid-range

• Kylmäpihlajan majakka

  phone: +358 44-0840049, +358 44-0822964
  address: Kylmäpihlaja
  A seafood restaurant at the Kylmäpihlaja lighthouse off the coast of Rauma, open daily early June to mid-August. You need a boat to get there, see listings under the archipelago of Rauma.

• Wanhan Rauman Kellari

  phone: +358 2-866 6700
  address: Anundilankatu 8

• Villa Tallbo

  phone: +358 2-822 0733
  address: Petäjäksentie 178

• Restaurant Buena Vista

  phone: +358 2-822 7757
  address: Kanalinranta 5

• Wähä Tallbo

  phone: +358 2-822 6610
  address: Vanhakirkonkatu 3

• Mr. Jones

  phone: +358 2-83 222 120
  address: Valtakatu 5

• Amarillo

  phone: +358 2 8330 530
  address: Savilankatu 1
  Burgers, fajitas, burritos, steaks and other treats in Texas style.

• Osteria Da Filippo

  phone: +358 440639824
  address: Kauppakatu 20
  Italian-type restaurant.

• Pizzeria Riviera

  phone: +358 2-822 8991
  address: Hallikatu 6

• Chinese Restaurant

  phone: +358 2-822 6869
  address: Kuninkaankatu 4

• Restaurant Pursikasino

  phone: +358 2-823 5800
  address: Suvitie 4

Many of the better hotels have restaurants of their own.

Splurge

Rauma has its own drink, Puksprööt, made of juniper-rowan liqueur and white wine, served with a tar-infused rope. Some bars do not use juniper liqueur, in which case you might want to add some gin.
A common perception among young Raumans is that there is absolutely nothing to do in Rauma. This perception is shared to such a degree that if a Rauman teenager asks another if there's anything happening in Rauma, the other one starts outright laughing. As usual, teenagers have somewhat of an extremist view and also are not fully aware of all their options still, there is some truth to their opinions. Rauma is not a happening party town. There are a couple of night club options and a number of seedy bars, and each usually has their own clientele where everybody knows each other. It might be difficult to find a place that fits you in Rauma, and if you do, it might be difficult to get to know the people who already know each other.
Bars and clubs are concentrated in Old Rauma and west of Old Rauma. Main party days are Friday and Saturday, Wednesday coming as third.

Cafés

There are a number of nice cafés (kahvila) in the Old Rauma, some in the inner yards of the old wooden houses, sometimes with live music or art galleries - obviously patios are usually only open in summertime. The best option is to walk around and pick the one you like.
Cafés are typically Finnish-style. American style tall lattes are hard to come by, and surprisingly many offer light-roasted drip coffee only (no espresso). This is, however, slowly changing.
Some established cafés include

• Café Sali

  phone: +358 10-4233161
  address: Kuninkaankatu 22
  Old Rauma. Sleek interior. Probably your best bet if you want a decent espresso based drink.

• Kontion konditoria

  phone: +358 2-8221758
  address: Kuninkaankatu 9 or Karjalankatu 3
  Old Rauma. Nice terrace in summer.

• Café Passion

  phone: +358 2 822 8888
  address: Valtakatu 2 B
  Large terrace in summer.

• Augustin Paviljonki

  phone: +358 2 533 5522
  address: Poroholma
  A salon in Poroholma. Includes restaurant and café.

• Ruormies

  phone: +358 2 533 5522
  address: Poroholma
  Café with a terrace.

• Merijakamo

  phone: +358 40 563 3432
  address: Suvitie
  Café along with gas station for boats

Clubs

• Apollo Live Club

  address: Valtakatu 5
  At Best Western Hotel Raumanlinna. Probably the longest-running of clubs in Rauma, although has changed name and ownership several times during the years. It is run by the SK-ravintolat chain.

• Studio Bar & Club

  phone: +358 2-8226446
  address: Valtakatu 15

Bars

• Parnell's

  phone: +358 2-8240431
  address: Valtakatu 4
  Faux-Irish chain pub, but one of the better choices in terms of beer.

• Public Corner

  phone: +358 2-8227989
  address: Savilankatu 1
  Chain pub, moderately good selection.

Most of the accommodation available in Rauma is mid-range. The only real budget option is the camping ground.

Budget

• Poroholma Camping

  phone: +358 2-83882500
  address: Poroholmantie
  Open in summer 15 May - 31 August. A nice camping ground by the seaside in Otanlahti. You can sleep in a hostel dormitory, cabin, your campervan or your tent. Also has a guest harbour if you're arriving by boat.

• Summer Hotel Rauma

  phone: +358 2-8240130
  address: Satamakatu 20
  Open only in summer Jun-Aug. A nice hostel near the center.

Mid-range

• Haus Anna Bed & Breakfast

  phone: +358 2-8228223
  address: Satamakatu 7
  A B&B near central Rauma. Offers a few rooms and breakfast. Clean facilities.

• Hotel Vanha Rauma

  phone: +358 2-83762200
  address: Vanhankirkonkatu 26 (Kalatori 4)
  A hotel in the heart of Old Rauma. Includes a restaurant. Earlier known as Hotel Kalatori and Kalatorin Majatalo.

• Best Western Hotel Raumanlinna

  phone: +358 2-83-221
  address: Valtakatu 5

• Best Western Hotel Kalliohovi

  phone: +358 2-83-881
  address: Kalliokatu 25

• Hotel Cumulus

  phone: +358 2-837821
  address: Aittakarinkatu 9

There are no internet cafes in Rauma since most people have a broadband access at home. However, you can access internet free of charge at public libraries, such as the Rauma City Library (Rauman Kaupunginkirjasto, Alfredinkatu 1).

Rauma can be used as a stepping stone for visiting other small neighbouring villages. As an example, there is another Unesco World Heritage Site in the municipality of Lappi (no relation to Lapland) called Sammallahdenmäki, consisting of Bronze Age stone piles.