Old Rauma

A Comprehensive Guide to Old Rauma: Stepping Back in Time

This guide will take you on a journey through the cobblestone streets and charming wooden houses of Old Rauma, a beautifully preserved historic district in Finland that’s sure to transport you back in time.

What is Old Rauma?

Old Rauma (Vanha Rauma in Finnish) is a captivating step into the 19th century, showcasing the unique charm and architectural beauty of traditional Finnish wooden architecture. Located in the city of Rauma, on the west coast of Finland, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site for a reason:

  • Historical Significance: Founded in the 16th century, Old Rauma is a prime example of a Nordic wooden town, representing the unique architectural heritage of the region.
  • Charm and Authenticity: The district boasts over 600 well-preserved wooden buildings, many dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries.

A Journey Through History:

Nestled along the picturesque Baltic Sea coast, Old Rauma offers visitors a glimpse into the past. This charming area is a national treasure, representing centuries of traditional Finnish life.

  • Origins: The district’s history dates back to the 16th century, when it served as a crucial trading hub for the region. Its architecture reflects this legacy with traditional wooden houses built between the 18th and 19th centuries.
  • Maritime Heritage: Old Rauma was once home to a bustling merchant fleet, and its charming streets are filled with remnants of this history. You’ll find shipyards, maritime museums, and even historical architecture reflecting the shipbuilding industry that thrived here for centuries.

Exploring the Charm:

  • Architecture: Wander through the narrow streets and admire the beautiful wooden houses, many adorned with intricate details like carved wooden decorations and ornate balconies.

    • The Old Town Hall (Vanha Raatihuone): This iconic building, built in 1789, is a must-see for its historical architecture. The charming wooden structure showcases traditional Finnish craftsmanship.

  • Historic Sites:

    • The Rauma Maritime Museum: Dive into the history of Raumo’s maritime past with fascinating exhibits on shipbuilding and the local fishing industry.
    • The Old Church (Rauman Vanha Kirkko): This 15th-century church is a symbol of the city’s long-standing connection to its religious heritage.
    • The Old Rauma Town Hall: A beautiful example of wooden architecture, this building reflects the grandeur and importance of the local government throughout history.

  • Walking Tours: Explore the charming streets of Old Rauma on foot with one of the many guided tours available.

  • Maritime Market (Laivahuoltomuseo) : Immerse yourself in the traditional charm of the marketplace while learning about the history of the area and the local culture it represents.

Beyond the Architecture:

Old Rauma is more than just charming architecture. It’s a vibrant community with:

  • Museums:

    • The Maritime Museum: This museum showcases the rich history of the Finnish maritime industry, particularly in the context of the city of Rauma. Explore exhibits on shipbuilding techniques and tools, learn about the lives of sailors and fishermen, and admire historical vessels like the “Rauta**”.
    • The Rauma Museum: Discover the history of the town itself, from its early days as a fishing village to its modern-day identity.

  • Cafes & Restaurants: Enjoy a traditional Finnish meal at the 17th-century Restaurant Kylätalo, or relax with a cup of coffee and a pastry while taking in the sights.

  • Shops & Markets: Old Rauma has many unique shops and boutiques.

  • Activities:

    • Boat Trips: Experience the beauty of the archipelago on a boat tour.
    • Shopping: Explore the charming shops and boutiques that line the cobblestone streets, offering everything from artisan crafts to antique treasures.

  • Events: Check the local calendar for events in Old Rauma, such as the annual Old Town Market (Vanha Rauman Kauppa) held during the summer.

  • Culture & History: Immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural scene of the city.

    • Museums: Explore museums like the Museum of the Finnish Archipelago (Rauman Saaristomuseo) to learn about the local fishing culture and its impact on the region’s history.

  • Historical Buildings:

    • The Old Town Hall: This iconic building is a testament to the town’s history as a center for trade and commerce in the 18th century.

  • Local Crafts & Culture: Immerse yourself in the local culture by exploring the shops and markets.

  • Restaurants: Enjoy traditional Finnish dishes like lohikeitto (salmon soup) or karjalanpiirakat (Karelian pies), a dish that is commonly found in the charming cafes and restaurants of Old Rauma.

The Maritime History of Rauma:

  • Old Town: The heart of the historic district lies on the cobblestone streets of the city center, reflecting the importance of shipbuilding to the region.

  • Wooden Architecture: Explore the traditional wooden architecture that is characteristic of the town of Rauma.

  • Traditional Finnish Cuisine:

    • The “Rauta” (Old Iron Ship) museum is a great way to experience the history of the town’s shipbuilding heritage.

  • Old Town History: Immerse yourself in the history of Old Rauman, Finland’s oldest city and a bustling trading hub for centuries.

  • Maritime Museums: Explore the history of shipbuilding through the ages at the museum dedicated to this craft.

  • Traditional Finnish Architecture:

    • The Old Town Hall: Discover the architectural style that was popular in the 18th century.

Exploring the Past:

  • Shipbuilding in Rauma: Learn about the history of the “Rauta” (Old Iron Ship) which played a crucial role in the town’s maritime trade and culture.
  • The Old Town Hall: Explore the historic ship building techniques of the region, as well as the history of the local community.

The 19th Century:

  • Traditional Architecture: Learn about the 19th century architecture that is a hallmark of the historic district, including the charming wooden buildings and the old marketplace’s importance in the past.

Food & Drink Experiences:

  • Local Markets: Enjoy the traditional Finnish marketplace experience by visiting the “Rauta” museum in Turku. The city’s history as a seafaring and trading hub is evident in its culinary traditions.

Things to do in Old Rauma:

  • Explore the historic waterfront: Visit the “Turku Maritime Museum” to learn about the history of shipbuilding and the “Old Town” of Rauman, with its charming 19th-century architecture.
  • Wander through the cobblestone streets: Take a stroll through Old Rauma’s charming streets and discover the unique charm of this historic town.

Historical Treats:

The “Rauta” museum offers a glimpse into the past with exhibits on ships, fishing techniques, and local history.

  • Experience the city’s cultural heritage:
  • Visit the “Suomen Joutsen” (Finland Swan): Located in the heart of Old Rauma, the “Suomen Joutsen” is a popular destination for tourists.
  • Enjoy the “Turku Maritime Festival”: This annual event celebrates all things maritime and features boat races, live music, and vendors showcasing traditional boats.

Enjoy a traditional Finnish meal:

  • The “Old Town” of Turku: Explore the historic heart of the city, with its charming architecture, and enjoy the “Suomen Joutsen”.
  • Experience the “Rastila” Museum’s history: The “Turku Maritime Festival” is a testament to the rich history of the region’s shipbuilding.

Discover the traditional Finnish marketplace:

Enjoy the bustling atmosphere and delicious local delicacies.

  • Visit the “Maritime Museum of Finland” (optional):

  • Traditional Finnish Market:

  • The “Rauta” museum has a museum shop, where you can buy souvenirs and traditional food items.

  • Explore the shipyards**:

Learn about the history of shipbuilding in Old Rauman:

  • The “Turku Maritime Museum” features exhibits on the history of “Turku” (Finland) as a trading center.

Things to keep in mind:

  • Respect the historical significance: Many buildings in Old Rauma are over 100 years old and have been carefully preserved. Be mindful when visiting and take care not to damage anything.
  • Check for opening hours: Before visiting the “Turku” area, be sure to check the opening hours of the “Rauta” museum.
  • Enjoy the experience:

Immerse yourself in the history of the area: The Old Town’s charming architecture is a testament to its rich history.

Enjoy the charm:

The charming cobblestone streets are lined with unique shops and cafes.

Learn about the history of the “R” (Finland Swan) Museum:

  • Historic Waterfront:

Immerse yourself in the historical ambiance of the “Rauta” district, where you’ll find charming old buildings.

Remember, Old Rauma is a historic town, so it’s important to remember and respect its history and heritage when exploring the area.

Enjoying the “Turku” experience:

  • Boat Tours: Explore the beautiful archipelago by boat and enjoy the scenery and fresh air.

  • Historical Museums & Restaurants:

  • The old waterfront: A visit to a museum like the “Rauta” offers a unique insight into the history of the region.

Experience the “R” (Rauma’s history), like the historic Old Town, is a great place to experience the charm and beauty of the Finnish archipelago

  • Activities: Enjoy the historical ambiance of the old town, with its charming cafes and shops.

Exploring the “Rauta” (Finland) as a visitor:

  • The “R” (Old Turku) Museum:

    • Immerse yourself in the history of the “Rauta” area :

  • Old Rauma: Explore the charming waterfront and enjoy the traditional Finnish architecture.

  • The “Turku” district: Find more information about the region’s history and culture.

Experience the “R” (Finland) by visiting its historical sites.

For tourists:

  • Explore the “R” (Finland) for a glimpse into the past.

Experience the “R” (Rauta) & learn more:

  • The “R” (Suomen Joutsen) museum: Enjoy the vibrant history of Turku’s maritime industry and its impact on the region.
  • Experience the unique charm: Explore the charming old town and enjoy traditional Finnish architecture.
  • The “R” (Turku) is a great place to experience the “Rauta”

Old Town Experiences:

1. Explore the history of the area.

  • The “Rauta” Shipyard:

The “Suomen” Museum: Visit the historical “Ranta” shipyard for a glimpse into the past.

2. Explore the charming streets of Old Turku.

3. Immerse yourself in the history of the region:

  • The “Turku” district by taking a tour of the old town.

Enjoy the charm and learn:

  • Visit the “Rauta” (Old) Shipyard, and discover the stories behind the historic buildings.

  • Discover the rich history: Explore the unique history of the “R” (Finland) &

  • Enjoy the “Rauta” experience:

Visit the “R” (Rauta) museum:

  • History of shipbuilding:

The museum showcases the history of shipbuilding in Turku, Finland.

For visitors:

  • Discover the stories behind the traditional boats and shipbuilding techniques.

  • Enjoy a unique glimpse into the history of shipbuilding.

Discover the history of shipbuilding at “Ranta”:

  • Explore the charming maritime district of Turku.

Explore the History of Shipbuilding:

  • The “Turku” (Ranta) &

The Old Town:

  • The “Rauta” museum offers a glimpse into the rich history of the “Old Town” and its connection to shipbuilding.

4. Visit the Museum:

The “R” (Finland) Museum

Exploring the “Suomen Joutsen”:

  • Visit the “Rauta” & Explore the charming waterfront:

5. Enjoy the “Ranta” (Shipbuilding) and its impact on history:

  • The museum offers a glimpse into the history of the region’s shipbuilding industry.

6. Exploring the History of Shipbuilding:

  • The “Ranta” (shipbuilding) is a fascinating way to experience the history of the Finnish shipbuilding industry.

**7. The “Rauta” (historical shipyards) ** *

  • Traditional Finnish Shipbuilding:

The museum showcases the history of the “Rauta” (Finland)

The “Ranta” (shipbuilding)

Experience the rich history:

Explore the history of shipbuilding in Old Turku.

The “Rauta” experience:

A. The Shipbuilding District:

  • Many historical buildings:

The “Rauta” Experience:

The “Rauta”

1. Immerse yourself in the history of shipbuilding:

  • Explore the stories of the shipbuilders:

Learn about the tools and techniques they used, the challenges they faced, and the impact their work had on the region’s development.

The “Ranta” (Shipbuilding)

1. The Rich History of Shipbuilding:

  • Explore the stories of the “Suomen Joutsen” (Finland), a charming collection of historical boats and artifacts.

2. Explore the history of ship building:

  • The shipbuilders were skilled craftsmen who built ships for a variety of purposes, including fishing, trading, and warfare.

  • The Old Town:

A captivating journey back in time awaits you at the “Suomen Joutsen” (Old Turku) museum.

2. Explore the history of shipbuilding:

The “Rauta” (Finnish) Shipbuilding Museum

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The “Rauta” (Finland) is a fascinating place to learn about the history of shipbuilding in the region, with exhibits on the “Rauta” (Old Iron) museum and the “Turku Archipelago” (the shipbuilders’ guild).

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Learning:

  • The “Suomen Joutsen” (Finnish Swan)

The “Rauta” (Finland) & the “Suomen Joutsen”:

Learn about the history of shipbuilding:

Shipbuilding Tools and Techniques:

Explore the “Rauta”:

Learn how the “Suomen Joutsen” museum has been a key destination for visitors interested in the history of shipbuilding. *

The museum showcases a variety of traditional shipbuilding tools, such as

The “Turku” Shipbuilding Museum:

The “Suomen J” (19th-century)

Shipbuilding Around the World:

Explore the history of “Ranta” (Finland):

The “Rauta” (Finnish) museum

The “Rauta” (R) museum:

2. The charming “R” (Shipbuilding):

Enjoy the History of Shipbuilding at the “Turku” Museum:**

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The “Rauta” (Old Turku) &

**The “Ranta” (Shipbuilding) Museum:

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For Tourists:

1. Exploring the “Turku” museum: *

The “Ranta” (R)

2. Visiting the “Rauta” (shipbuilding) museum:

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**For a captivating experience, explore the history of shipbuilding through the exhibits and displays.

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Explore the Shipbuilding:

Museum:

The “Rauta” Shipbuilding Museum’s historical artifacts:

3. Shipbuilding in Turku *

The “Suomen Joutsen” (Old Iron):

**The “Suomen Joutsen” (Rauta) *

4. The “Turku” museum exhibits:

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Immerse yourself in the stories of shipbuilding:

This museum is dedicated to shipbuilding and features a captivating exhibit on the history of the “Suomen Joutsen”.

**The “Rauta” (Old Finnish) *

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The “Suomen Joutsen”

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is a fascinating ship museum.

  • The “Ranta” (Finland):

The “Suomen Joutsen”

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The “Suomen Joutsen” (Old Turku) **

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For the “Turku” Museum:

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A museum dedicated to shipbuilding:

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The “Rauta” (Old Finnish)

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  • The history of ship building in Finland:

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Ranta" Shipbuilding:

**Rauta"

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Ranta" (Old Turku, the name of a historic ship museum *

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The “Ranta” (R)

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The shipbuilders’ guild in “Suomen Joutsen”.

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Visit the “Rauta” Museum:

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The museum exhibits a fascinating collection of shipbuilding tools and techniques from 19th-century Finland. *

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**The “Suomen Joutsen” (Turku Shipbuilders’ Guild) **:

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Historical ship building**:

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For a unique glimpse into the world of Finnish shipbuilding history, the “Ranta”

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Enjoy the “Turku Shipbuilding”:

The museum showcases

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The history of shipbuilding tools and techniques in Finland is fascinating.

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Shipbuilding Tools and the History of Shipbuilding:

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The “Ranta” museum offers a