Happy TravellerWelcome to Raahe, a historic wooden town located on the northern shores of the Gulf of Bothnia in the region of North Ostrobothnia, Finland. Founded in 1649 by Swedish statesman and Governor General of Finland Count Per Brahe the Younger, Raahe is one of 10 historic wooden towns remaining in Finland. Other Finnish historic wooden towns include Kaskinen (Kaskö), Old Rauma, Porvoo (Borgå), Jakobstad (Pietarsaari), and Vaasa (Vasa). After a devastating fire in 1810, Raahe was rebuilt adhering to new design principles which minimized the risk of fire and enlarged some civic spaces. Old Raahe (or Wooden Raahe) is noted for its Renaissance-inspired rectilinear town plan featuring an unusual central-square (called Pekkatori) with closed corners.
Explore the rich history of Raahe by visiting the Raahe Museum, which showcases the town’s maritime and industrial heritage. The museum is located in the old customs warehouse, which was once a bustling hub of activity for the town’s shipping industry. You can also visit the Tasku beacon tower, which was built in 1816 and served as a navigational aid for ships entering the harbor.
Raahe is also known for its steel, heavy machinery, engineering works, shipping, and ICT industries. The Rautaruukki steel mill, which up to the 1980s was the largest single industrial site in the Nordic countries, is located in Raahe. The port of Raahe is the sixth busiest port in the country, with 700 ships visiting each year. Cargo that is transported through the port includes raw materials and loose cargo, steel, lumber, containers, and contract-shipped goods.
Take a stroll through the charming streets of Old Raahe and admire the well-preserved wooden buildings that date back to the 17th century. The town’s grid-like street plan, which was designed by surveyor Claes Claesson, is a testament to the Renaissance ideals of regularity and symmetry. Don’t miss the Pekkatori square, which is surrounded by wooden buildings with closed corners, a unique feature that is not found in any other Finnish town.
If you’re looking for outdoor activities, Raahe has plenty to offer. The town is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, including the Bothnian Bay National Park, which is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. You can also go hiking or cycling along the many trails that wind through the forests and along the coast.
Raahe is located 75 kilometres (47 mi) southwest of Oulu and 126 kilometres (78 mi) northeast of Kokkola. The municipality has a population of 24,050 (February 28, 2023) and covers an area of 1,889.00 square kilometres (729.35 sq mi) of which 870.77 km2 (336.21 sq mi) is water. The neighboring municipalities of Raahe are Haapavesi, Oulainen, Pyhäjoki, Siikajoki, and Siikalatva. Founded as a Swedish-and-Finnish-speaking town, the municipality is now unilingually Finnish. Three municipalities have been consolidated with Raahe: Saloinen in 1973, Pattijoki in 2003, and Vihanti in 2013. The asteroid 1786 Raahe was named after this town and municipality.
Come and discover the hidden gem of Raahe, a town that is steeped in history and surrounded by natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in exploring the town’s maritime and industrial heritage, admiring the well-preserved wooden buildings, or immersing yourself in the great outdoors, Raahe has something for everyone.
