The Raahe region is an irresistible blend of history and coastal nature. Step into a time journey to 19th-century Old Town Raahe, explore the stories of this historic seafaring town in its museums, spend a summer day in the award-winning Raahe archipelago, and experience the local way of life through events.
1. Experience the History of Old Town Raahe
Stepping into the Old Town Raahe is like embarking on a journey through time. Old Town Raahe is one of the best-preserved wooden towns from the 1800s in Finland. It is not a museum area, but a lively district that tells the story of the town’s construction and habitation from centuries past to the present day.
Participate in the popular themed walking tours organized by Raahe Travel Guides. With a guide, you’ll explore the charming old town and learn about the lives of the former residents of Raahe, including sailors, craftsmen, and bourgeois families.
Admire the pastel-colored quarters and stop by Trade House of Lang located by the Pekkatori Square. Enjoy your coffee from a rose-patterned cup and imagine what life was like in Raahe in the 1800s. The colorful decor features many beautiful details that can be admired in the tranquil atmosphere of the café hall.
2. Excursions to the Maritime Nature
The award-winning Raahe Archipelago, named Destination of the Year 2016, opens up right from the center of Raahe. This compact city archipelago consists of about 50 small islands and islets. Spend a dream summer day on the sandy beach of Tasku, explore the unique nature formed by land uplift on the nature trail of Iso-Kraaseli, or enjoy the tranquility on the rocky shores of Kalla. Discover the unique features of the Arctic archipelago, including historical beacons from the 1800s known as "pooki" (lightless lighthouses). On the island of Iso-Kraaseli, you'll also find the historical maritime navigation center, the Pilot House, which you can book for accommodation.
Enjoying the archipelago is easy. In summer, Island Hopping tours will take you there to explore three islands more closely. You can also hop on the Hop On Hop Off transport and spend a summer day on the islands of Tasku, Iso-Kraaseli, or Kalla. The city rowing boat Smitti is also available for free reservation throughout the summer.
You can also explore maritime Raahe from the helm of the sailing ship Raahen Fiia. Training cruises designed for groups include practicing ship handling and learning about seafaring. Raahen Fiia also offers public sailings during some summer events.
3. Art and events of the Capital of Culture year
Raahe, Siikajoki and Pyhäjoki celebrate the Oulu European Capital of Culture year with numerous events that are part of the official Oulu2026 programme.
Raahe-born designer Ritva-Liisa Pohjalainen brings a dashing exhibition to Raahe from 13 June to 23 August. The Touch of Beauty exhibition takes visitors on a breathtaking journey through time into Finnish design and the maritime childhood landscapes that have inspired Pohjalainen throughout her career. Meanwhile, the Magic of Light himmeli exhibition by Raahen Taitopaja presents traditional Nordic himmeli techniques. The exhibition will be on display in the intimate stone warehouse of the Trade House of Lang from 22 June to 2 August.
International musicians sail aboard a singing boat from Lake Pyhäjärvi in Pyhäjoki to the sea at the Singing River event from 10 to 14 June. The group of artists stops in riverside villages to perform. International music can also be enjoyed at the annual Raahe Jazz on the Beach from 23 to 25 July. Old Town Raahe and the seashore provide an intimate stage for Finnish and European contemporary jazz.
In late summer, people gather to feast around a shared table. The Long Table Dinner Raahe invites people to come together to enjoy local flavours, performing arts and good company at the same time as the Night of the Arts on 14 August. The Shared Celebration Table will also be set in Pyhäjoki on 23 August.
The best tips for your summer can be found in the Raahe Region Oulu2026 event listing as well as in the Raahe Region event calendar, which also includes events beyond the Oulu2026 programme.
4. Museum Tour amidst Treasures of the Past
At the sites of Raahe Museum, the oldest local museum in Finland, you can delve into the region’s fascinating maritime history. The Packhouse Museum features items brought back by sailors from their voyages and Mikael Balt’s colorful church sculptures from the 17th century. At the Crown Granary Museum, you can meet the Old Gentleman, the world’s oldest diving suit. At the Crown Granary Museum, you can also explore the history of Raahe from the Iron Age all the way to Rautaruukki. Upstairs in Raahe’s oldest residential building, the Sovelius House, you'll find the atmospheric Shipowner’s Home. In the authentic setting of the Old Pharmacy, the scent of medicinal herbs lingers—evoking a time when remedies were crafted entirely on-site.
Other historical cultural sites in the region include the Saloinen Local Heritage Museum and the Annala Local History Museum. The extensive Saloinen Museum complex offers experiences and exhibits from the Stone Age to the present day. In Pyhäjoki, the charming Annala museum area showcases nearly 8,000 objects that illustrate rural life before the age of tractors.
The Raahe Museums are part of the official Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture year programme.
5. Popular Summer Theatre
Raahe Theatre is a vibrant amateur theater located right in the city center, on the edge of Old Town Raahe. The theater courtyard features a covered and accessible auditorium that seats 250 people. This means you can enjoy the performances come rain or shine!
This summer, the uncrowned queen of candlelight dinners, Hyacinth Bucket, takes over Raahe Theatre in the play Keeping Up Appearances. The play is based on the British TV series of the same name, which is dearly loved by Finns. In the play, Hyacinth Bucket pushes her way—almost against everyone’s will—into an amateur theatre group, causing chaos and a series of comical situations. The play is in Finnish.
6. Unique Souvenirs from Craft and Gift Shops
In the local craft and gift shops, you’ll find products and decorations that reflect the spirit of the region, perfect for everyday use, shelf decoration, or to delight a friend. These souvenirs are inspired by the beautiful wooden house area of Old Town Raahe, the world's oldest diving suit "Old Gentleman," the region’s maritime history, and wooden church sculptures from bygone eras. In the shops, you'll also find the famous Raahe Dogs—decorative figures that adorn the windows of many local homes as a tribute to the town’s seafaring past.
You can find souvenirs at the Packhouse Museum and Crown Granary Museum, Kuutos-Tiimi, Trade House of Lang, and Raahe Taitopaja.
If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and create your own souvenirs that reflects your style, head to Raahen Taitopaja for guided craft and art workshops.
7. Satisfy your Golf Craving
When the golf bug bites, Raahentienoon Golf offers facilities to suit even the most discerning tastes in a forested environment where you won't have to spend time waiting in line. You can play a game of mini golf in Raahe, right in the backyard of the Kuntokeidas Vesipekka wellness center.
If frisbee golf is more your style, there is a large frisbee golf course in Rautiperä. Additionally, the Hietamaa Recreation Center offers a frisbee golf course, along with opportunities to play beach volleyball and try go-karting.
8. Picnic with the Family
For a picnic, head to the naturally beautiful seaside village of Tauvo in Siikajoki. Its long sandy beach that curves along the shoreline and shallow waters make Tauvo the perfect summer destination for families, sunseekers, and surfers alike. Tauvo’s waves are among the best in Northern Finland for surfing, while the gentle sandy shores are ideal for young children’s water play. Another great spot for families with children is Varessäikkä, thanks to its shallow swimming waters and gently sloping beaches. See the full list of swimming beaches here.
Right off Highway 8 in Pyhäjoki, you'll find Hourunkoski Rapids Park, a great place to take a break. Admire the rushing waters, listen to the sounds of nature, and enjoy your picnic in good company on the smooth rocks.
9. From Church to Church
From Church to Church route is part of the official programme of the Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture year. The network of routes brings together churches in Northern Ostrobothnia from the areas of three deaneries and helps visitors explore the region’s rich ecclesiastical cultural heritage. The routes are designed especially for visitors interested in architecture, art, and history.
The churches of the Raahe region can be explored through several thematic routes, each offering its own perspective on church building and cultural history in the area. You can find the churches of the Raahe region along the following routes: the Coastal Route, the Oldest Cruciform Churches, Topelius’s Churches, Modern and Special Churches, as well as Bell Towers and Poor Relief Figures. The From Church to Church routes can be found here and the list of Raahe region's churches in here.
10. Flatland Route
The landscapes of the region are traversed by the 320-kilometer-long Flatland Route cycling trail, which is suitable even for beginners due to its easy terrain. The Flatland Route connects the villages, towns, natural and historical sites, and services of the Gulf of Bothnia coastline via lightly trafficked side roads. Cycling the entire route takes from five to six days, but if you prefer, you can plan a shorter trip using route guidance.
The diverse nature of the Raahe region also offers plenty of other outdoor excursion options. Explore other hiking and cycling possibilities in the area as well!
Extra tip! Raahe Ride
Raahe Ride (Raahe-kyyti in Finnish) is a service available to passengers of all ages within the central Raahe area. The routes are directed based on customer needs. You can order a ride from your chosen stop to another stop or door-to-door. You can order a ride by using the Matkahuolto Reitit ja Liput mobile app, which you can download for free from your app store.