Raahe Archipelago

The Raahe archipelago, Finnish Outdoor Destination of the Year 2016, is a gem right in front of the town. The compact urban archipelago consists of around 50 small islands and islets. Take a short cruise, spend a lovely summer day on an island, learn about nature formed by post-glacial rebound on a nature trail, listen to audio guides to hear about the history of maritime transport and other stories, savour the peace of uninhabited islands and enjoy the lovely beaches.

The most famous islands are Iso-Kraaseli, Tasku and Kalla. On the islands of Iso-Kraaseli and Tasku, you can explore the unique features of the Arctic archipelago, including the “pookis,” which are 19th-century lighthouses without lights. Iso-Kraaseli Island also has a historic pilot cabin, where pilots used to guide ships safely from the open sea to the harbors and back out. Book the pilot cabin for an overnight stay and experience an unforgettable archipelago adventure!

Enjoying the archipelago is easy. In the summer, daily cruises, as well as Island Hopping and Hop on Hop off trips, will take you there. You can find more information about guest and excursion harbors in the archipelago on the Boater’s Services page.

In the winter, you can enjoy the frozen sea and its many outdoor opportunities. Thanks to the ice, you can get to the archipelago by walking, skiing, snowshoeing, fatbiking or taking a sleigh ride.

A significant part of the archipelago of Raahe belongs to the Natura 2000 network due to its birdlife, vegetation and habitat types.

To prevent disturbance of nesting birds, landing is prohibited on the key bird islets and islands. Landing ban 15.4.-15.7. on the following islands: Saapaskari, Kakkonen, Selkämatala, Kallanriutta, Rääpäkänriutta, Vesimatala, Isokivi, Kurikka, Kusiini, Kanttikivet. Landing ban on Rääpäkkä 1.5-20.7. Landing ban on Jyry 1.5.-15.7.