Raahe



Raahe is a city in the Oulu province, 74 km south of the city of Oulu. With 24,000 inhabitants in 2021, Raahe is the third largest town in the region. The town is strongly associated with the steel industry, through the huge Rautaruukki steel mill as well as Finnish rules baseball (pesäpallo) through the Pattijoki team.

Understand
In the 17th century, Raahe was an important trading centre, trading with both Sweden and Russia. Raahe was home to several trading houses, which traded to different parts of the world. The town grew rapidly and became an important economic centre.

In the 19th century, Raahe developed into an industrial town, as several factories were established in the town. With the factories, Raahe's economy grew and the town became one of the most important cities in northern Finland.

In the 20th century, Raahe's industry continued to grow, and several new factories were established in the town. The factories kept Raahe's economy strong long after the middle of the 20th century.

By car
The highway 8 E8 running along the Finnish west coast from Tornio to Turku passes next to Raahe. Driving is the most comfortable way to get into Raahe.

By bus
The only form public transportation to Raahe is the bus, as the railway is used for goods transport only. Buses traveling on the section between Oulu and Kokkola (ie. generally from Oulu or Rovaniemi to Kokkola, Vaasa or Turku) stop at Raahe.

By train
Ruukki and Vihanti  are the nearest train stations on the Helsinki–Oulu railway.

Get around
Information about local buses can be found here. You can use route planner to seek local bus routes between given locations and addresses. You can also walk, since the city is very small.

By taxi
See Western Oulu region
 * Smartphone apps: Valopilkku, 02 Taksi
 * Otaxi offers taxi service in Raahe
 * Otaxi offers taxi service in Raahe

Buy
Lots of flea markets all over town, check them out.



Mid-range


The hotels also have mid-range eating options.

Splurge
N/A

Splurge
N/A

Go next

 * Kalajoki — A town known for its sand beaches and a water amusement park.
 * Oulu — The largest city in northern Finland.