Established in the 17th century, Raahe lies on the northwest coast of Finland, on the Gulf of Bothnia. Located next to the city centre, the Old Town of Raahe dates back to the 1800s and is one of Finland's best-preserved wooden towns. There are many small islands off the coast of Raahe, and the city's shores include a lot of scenic outdoor recreation areas. The Raahe archipelago is a beautiful and popular outdoor destination, which is certainly well worth a visit, particularly by canoe.
Raahe has good transport links to other parts of Finland. Finnish national road 8 passes close to the city and connects Raahe to other cities and destinations on the Gulf of Bothnia coast. The road provides a fast and easy route to Raahe by car. Oulu Airport is about an hour's drive from the city, so you can also reach Raahe easily by plane from southern Finland. A railway line passes near Raahe, however, you will need to take a train to nearby Vihanti and then complete the journey by bus. Nevertheless, the bus and train combination, along with other long-distance bus services, makes travelling to Raahe on public transport very easy.
Most services in Raahe are concentrated in the city centre, where there is a lot to see and do for anyone interested in culture. The wooden buildings of Old Raahe make an interesting destination for anyone interested in history, architecture and urban design. The 20th-century stone Church of Raahe, combining the National Romantic and Art Nouveau styles, is one of the symbols of Raahe. The Raahe Museum is a nationally significant nautical museum located in a magnificent building dating from 1848. Its comprehensive collection includes the ‘The Old Gentleman of Raahe’, the world's oldest surviving diving suit.
While on holiday in Raahe, you can also enjoy its natural surroundings, and the area around the city includes many relics, such as the ancient remains at Kettukangas and an ancient stone structure known as the Kastelli Castle Ruins. Raahe also has plenty of nature, hiking trails and stunning park areas to enjoy. The Raahe archipelago also provides beautiful natural surroundings for canoeing, swimming and boating. Much of the archipelago belongs to the Natura 2000 network and offers a good place for bird watching.
A city break in Raahe is easy to arrange as this small town has many shops and restaurants. There are restaurants to suit all tastes, ranging from traditional Finnish lunchrooms to more exotic Asian restaurants. Raahe also has plenty of cosy cafes where you can enjoy a nice cup of tea or coffee. Raahe also organises a number of markets throughout the year, such as the Spring Market and the Autumn Market, where you can always make some great and unexpected discoveries.
Raahe is a versatile holiday resort, where you can enjoy old architecture and the beauties of the natural surroundings throughout the year. Though small, Raahe has many attractions for everyone and is undoubtedly one of the most exciting of Finland's young cities. You can easily book an inexpensive trip to Raahe online.
