1. Autumn Walk in Old Town Raahe
The autumn colors provide a beautiful backdrop for the colorful and pastel-toned wooden houses of Old Town Raahe. Built in the 19th century, Old Town Raahe is one of Finland's best-preserved wooden towns. This district, with approximately 150 residential buildings, showcases the stages of construction and living from centuries past to the present day. Download the Glopas audio guide app, available in your phone’s app store, to accompany your walk. Listen to stories from the golden age of sailing ships as you stroll through the peaceful streets of Old Town Raahe.
2. Hike and Get Refreshed in Nature
In the Raahe region, the peace of nature and the fresh scent of the forest are just a short walk away. The area’s diverse nature trails offer plenty of opportunities, whether you’re out to enjoy the scenery, boost your fitness, or go cycling. There are suitable routes for everything from a quick lunchtime stroll to a full-day hike. Here, you can learn about nature, the unique features of the coastal area, and the phenomenon of land uplift. Explore different route options here.
3. Autumn Full of Events
The Raahe Book Fair and the Ruukki's Country Market with Local and Organic Food are organized in September. The autumn season at Raahe Event House also kicks off in September. Enjoy a music concert, be moved by theater and ballet, or laugh along with stand-up comedy! The program includes the hugely popular Aleksis Kivi by Red Nose Company, which was named Theater of the Year last year, and the Double Trouble concert by JP Leppäluoto and Jarkko Ahola. Master of illusions, Mentalist Jose Ahonen, will lift the veil to the spirit world in his show Beyond the Supernatural. Top Finnish stand-up comedians Niko Kivelä, Jacke Björklund, and Sami Hedberg will bring the laughs. Ballet lovers can enjoy two classic works: Swan Lake by the International Classical Ballet and The Nutcracker by the Ukrainian Ballet. And much more!
4. Maritime Activities
The gem of the region, the Raahe Archipelago, which was awarded the Destination of the Year in 2016, is accessible right from the city center. You can enjoy the coastal scenery and numerous islands either with your own boat or by gathering a group of friends and booking an Island Hopping tour. The tour offers a closer look at the islands of Tasku, Iso-Kraaseli, and Kalla. The unique features of the Arctic archipelago, the 19th-century unlit beacons known as "pookis," can be found on Tasku and Iso-Kraaseli islands. Iso-Kraaseli also has a historic pilot cabin, where pilots once guided ships safely from the open sea to the harbors and back. You can even book the pilot cabin for an overnight stay and experience an unforgettable island adventure!
5. Birdwatching
The maritime environment of the Raahe region offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching. The autumn migration season is significantly longer than the spring migration. It begins in September, peaks around late September to early October, and some birds may linger even into November. Whether you're an experienced birdwatcher or just starting to explore the world of birds, set out on an adventure and experience the enchanting nature of the Raahe region!
6. Cycling on Flat Terrain
The new cycling route, the Flatland Route, has attracted cyclists from Finland and around the world. This 320-kilometer route is suitable even for beginners, thanks to its easy, flat terrain. It takes five to six days to complete the route. The beautiful rural landscapes are dotted with numerous attractions. Highlights of the route include idyllic and unique villages, endless sandy beaches, the riverside paths of Pyhäjoki, the 19th-century wooden town of Old Town Raahe, and the Liminganlahti Natura area. Cycling influencer Velogi rode the route in late summer—watch the video and get inspired!
7. Maritime History in Museum
In Raahe, you can visit Finland's oldest local museum, the Raahe Museum. The oldest of its museum sites, the Packhouse Museum, is located near the city center by the seashore. The museum is filled with exotic souvenirs brought back by sailors from their voyages. The church hall of the museum displays ornate church carvings by Mikael Balt, originally created for the old church of Raahe.
The Crown Granary Museum is not far away from Raahe's center. There, you’ll find the Raahe Museum's most famous and internationally renowned attraction, the world’s oldest diving suit, "Old Gentleman." The Crown Granary Museum showcases Raahe's history from prehistoric times to the present day. The museum is also great for children, offering hands-on experiences like petting the seal lady or trying on a diver's helmet!
8. Church Tour for Architecture Enthusiasts
Finnish church architecture fascinates many. Did you know that the granite stones of Raahe's Church of the Holy Trinity were quarried from the Raahe Archipelago? Or that the Church of St. Olaf in Saloinen houses a saint's shrine dating back to the 15th century? Or that the churches in Revonlahti and Paavola have stood on the same sites since the 1600s? Save these sites for your autumn church tour!
9. The Most Instagrammable Places
The coastal nature and the history of the wooden town offer many stunning locations for capturing the best social media photos. Take your camera for a walk in Old Town Raahe and snap a picture against Finland's longest wall! You can also capture unique shots on the island of Tasku or in the Koskipuisto park at Hourunkoski in Pyhäjoki. Discover the region's most photogenic spots here.
10. Eat and Stay
The Raahe region offers a variety of unique accommodation options. Whether you’re looking for a historic stay in the heart of Old Town Raahe, a cozy city hotel near services, a homely apartment, or a special retreat in the archipelago or countryside, you’re welcome. Explore the region's distinctive accommodation options here.
The flavors of the region’s cafés and restaurants come from close by. Enjoy fresh catches from local fishermen and seasonal delicacies. Sit down for a farm-to-table lunch, savor a long leisurely dinner, or enjoy your coffee with a slice of delicious cake. Discover the region’s café and restaurant offerings here.