Old Rauma

The Old Wooden Town of Rauma is located in the center of Rauma and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1991.

Old Rauma is the largest preserved wooden town area in the Nordic countries. Its authenticity is based on its well-preserved historical buildings, a street network dating back to the Middle Ages, and a vibrant community. The current Old Rauma developed after the city fire of 1682, and the oldest houses date back to the 18th century.

Today, Old Rauma is a historic residential area with about 800 inhabitants. The area covers 29 hectares and includes over 600 buildings, most of which are privately owned.

Old Rauma offers a wide range of services for both locals and visitors. The commercial center is the Market Square and the nearby shopping streets. Along the streets, you will find shops and boutiques, charming restaurants and cafés, as well as artists’ studios. In addition to the idyllic wooden houses, Old Rauma also includes the late medieval Church of the Holy Cross.

The City of Rauma is responsible for the management and development of the World Heritage Site. The objectives for the protection, construction, and development of Old Rauma are defined in the local detailed plan. To guide its implementation, a special body for Old Rauma has been established, which is consulted on projects requiring permits.