The Iso-Kraaseli Island Historical Daymark in Raahe Archipelago

Iso-Kraaseli Island is home to one of the two "pookis" in the Raahe archipelago—a daymark from the 19th century.

The Iso-Kraaseli beacon was built in 1852, designed by Albin Stjerncreutz, the director of the Ostrobothnia Maritime District. It stands 25 meters above sea level and 18 meters from the ground. The seaward-facing walls are white, while the other parts are red. The beacon has a square-shaped base and resembles a church tower, with a pyramid-shaped roof topped with a cross.

The island previously housed a navigational landmark and a pilot station. The station was staffed by a senior pilot and three pilots, who held navigation charts for all three approach channels to Raahe. Today, the pilot station is rented out for accommodation by MeriRaahe.

The Iso-Kraaseli beacon and the old Raahe church tower together formed an important alignment for the central navigation route. A central wooden mast extends through the roof of the beacon, forming a more than two-meter-high pole at the top, which was used for signaling.

In summer, you can reach the archipelago by archipelago cruises, kayaking, or paddleboarding. Equipment can be rented from Lappis, or you can borrow the Smitti city rowing boat. Archipelago cruises depart daily during the summer, with schedules available on the Visit Raahe – Archipelago Cruises and Transport page. Private boat trips to the archipelago are also available outside the summer season.

In winter, weather permitting, the island can be reached by sleigh transport. Skiing, walking, and cycling on the frozen sea are also very popular among locals.