Every once in a while, social networks are useful. On instagram I had noticed that a former classmate of mine had moved to Rauma, so when I made my trip to Rauma as part of my WHS travel, we connected and went out for pizza and beer at the beach. She also gave me a bike tour of the old town in the evening. And I have to admit, I was smitten by Rauma. So much so, that I decided to spend more time to explore the cobblestone streets the next day.

Generally, wooden houses are common in Scandinavia. It comes with the abundance of forests and woods, I guess. Rauma uses the Scandinavian coloring scheme including Falun-red painted houses. But somehow, Rauma felt more eastern in nature. It reminded me more of Suzdal in Russia and the wooden suburbs of Riga than of Gammelstad.

There are several other Finnish wooden towns like Rauma that, according to Juha, deserve similar praise. Nonetheless, Rauma is a fine example and a worthwhile visit and inscription. To me, it's the nicest site in Finland. 

Getting There

Rauma is well connected by bus to Vaasa (Kvarken), Turku, Tampere, and Helsinki. Rauma has no rail connection. The closest airports are in Turku and Vaasa, but for international travels, you probably have to head to Helsinki.

If you can manage, I would stay overnight. Rauma is touristy enough to offer tourist infrastructure (hotels, restaurants). And it's remote and calm nonetheless.

I came from Petäjävesi by bus (two transfers). I left for Turku by bus. From Turku, I flew out to Stockholm.

While You Are There

Apart from the old town, Rauma has a beach and plenty of islands. In summer, you can take a water taxi to some of them. Rauma is also famous for its midsummer festivities.

Turku is also nice. Near Turku, you find the Paimio Hospital (T), a major work by the Finnish architect Alvar Aalto.