The Raahe Region offers a unique combination of history and maritime nature. The pristine nature is a valuable heritage that we want to preserve for future generations. By developing tourism together in a sustainable way, we can improve the well-being and vitality of the area and provide you with memorable experiences of local history, culture, and nature.
Commitment to Sustainable Tourism
Sustainability is a core value for us, and we are committed to promoting sustainable tourism through long-term efforts. We aim to encourage local businesses, residents, and visitors to act in the same way.
Our goal is for tourists and local residents to learn from each other. We want to encourage you to contribute to the well-being of our region and leave it in an even better condition than it was before your visit. Our aim is to take a step from promoting sustainable tourism towards regenerative tourism.
Regenerative Tourism – A Step Forward
Regenerative tourism means that travel brings something positive to the destination and leaves it in a better state than before. This way of traveling helps preserve local culture and biodiversity while offering unforgettable experiences and learning opportunities for visitors.
Examples of tourism operators practicing regenerative tourism in the Raahe Region include Kurikka's Sheep Farm, which offers "sheep vacations" in Siikajoki for visitors with a bit of a shepherd's spirit, and Gunnarin Kartano, which has repurposed the old village school in the Lampinsaari village in Vihanti for tourism use. Our goal is to help local tourism businesses develop more products aligned with regenerative tourism principles.
Practices to Promote Sustainable Tourism
Collaboration: Our sustainable tourism development work is guided by Visit Finland's Sustainable Travel Finland (STF) program. Through this program, we will develop a sustainable tourism plan for the Raahen region, monitor the carbon footprint of tourism, and enhance our expertise in sustainability. We are also partners with the We Speak Gay community. As a network partner, we are committed to LGBTQ+ inclusive communication and promoting LGBTQ+ inclusivity in our tourism area. Read more about LGBTQ+ friendly Raahe Region here.
Guiding Tourists: We actively communicate about responsibility and encourage you to impact our region’s well-being through your choices.
Tourist Surveys and Impact Assessment: We collect annual feedback from tourists and locals to improve tourism. You can participate in the 2024 survey here.
Preserving Local Culture: We participate in the development of Old Town Raahe and introduce it to visitors through guided tours and events. We highlight local culture and local food in collaboration with the Oulu 2026 program and the Arctic Food Lab network.
Supporting Tourism Businesses: We provide information and support to local businesses to promote sustainable tourism in the form of various training sessions. For most businesses, responsibility is already a natural part of their daily operations. Currently, the following partners of Visit Raahe are participating in the Sustainable Travel Finland program: Crown Granary Museum, Packhouse Museum, Trade House of Lang, Törmälän Tila, Kurimus Coaching, Raahen Taitopaja, Raahe Guides Association, Gunnarin Kartano and Lappis.
Make an Impact with Your Choices
Local Products: Support local businesses by shopping at brick-and-mortar stores. Find the best tips for souvenirs and local products that reflect the spirit of the region here.
Local Food: Enjoy local delicacies and fresh fish - choose your dining spot here.
Nature and Archipelago Excursions: Explore nature spots and take a trip to the Raahe archipelago by booking an island cruise or renting kayaking equipment. In winter, diverse ski trails take you into the heart of nature.
Human-Powered Transportation: Discover Raahe by cycling, walking, or even rowing. During the summer, you can borrow a bike or rowing boat from the tourism information. You can explore even the entire Raahe region by bike along the new Flatland Route!
Local Culture and History: Join guided tours and visit our fascinating museums.
Public Transportation: Explore travel options and arrive by land.
Accessible Tourism in the Raahe Region
Together with our service providers, we aim to guarantee comfortable and high-quality services for all our guests, regardless of any physical or mobility limitations. Our goal is to focus on developing accessible services at our tourist destinations and to help businesses design services that better address special needs.
Here are some tips for the most fascinating accessible attractions in Raahe:
- Trade House of Lang: Accessible entrance to the café area from the courtyard.
- Event House Raahe: The premises are accessible.
- Crown Granary Museum: The premises are accessible. Accessibility information for other museums can be found here.
- Raahen Taitopaja: Accessible entrance.
- Kuntokeidas Vesipekka: Enjoy swimming, sauna, and bowling with full accessibility.
- Guided Tour of Old Town Raahe: Suitable for wheelchair users with assistance.
- Raahe Archipelago Cruise on M/B Jennamaria: Accessible for wheelchair users via a ramp with assistance during normal and high water levels.
Welcome to visit and leave a positive mark with your stay!
