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Orlando, Florida
United States
4
0
0
$$$
ITINERARY (1/2 Day)
Kontion Kahvilat (Café Kontio)
Vanha Rauma (Old Rauma)
nugget’s Advice
Good to know
If you visit in winter, the cobblestones may be icy. Wear good winter shoes so you don't slip.
Recommended day/time
A visit to Rauma is great any time of year. The Lace Festival is held in the summer, so if that interests you, plan your visit accordingly. The farmers market is held on Saturdays in the center of Old Rauma and is a really great one to check out.
Recommended time of the year
Winter and summer are great times to visit. Vanha Rauma is usually a quiet town with not many visitors, so you'll feel like you are exploring somewhere off the beaten path. Go early in the morning and you'll have the place to yourself.
About This Day
If you love historical buildings and colorful architecture, with a splash of kid-friendly fun, Vanha Rauma (Old Rauma) is for you. With over 600 perfectly preserved, wooden buildings that are still occupied and in use, there's much to see. Embark on a wonderful walking tour in this quaint, historical Finnish town. Begin the journey at Kontion Kahvilat (Café Kontio), which is a teddy bear-themed café. Grab a cup of traditional Finnish coffee while the little ones cosy up to some comfy teddy bears. Then, hit the streets to take in the museums. Or, shop amongst the numerous boutiques featuring local and handmade trinkets. Also, don't forget to check out Old Rauma's famous lace. The old town is great for families, as the kids love running ahead on the deserted streets to explore the alleys.
Kontion Kahvilat (Café Kontio)
9 Kuninkaankatu, Rauma
$$$
This quaint café is absolutely adorable with its teddy bear theme. Your little ones are sure to love sitting next to a teddy with their tea and pastry. Our nugget loved the prince teddy that sat with us. He even moved seats when he wasn't looking! The café's specialty is the Vanlij Munkki (a vanilla doughnut); it has been on the menu for more than a decade and its delicious. The coffee is traditional Finnish coffee, which is very strong. This is a great stop with the kids either when you arrive in town or after you've walked around.
DIRECTIONS
From the center square, walk two and a half blocks west on Kuninkaankatu. The café will be on your left. There is a pretzel hanging outside the door and there are teddy bears in the display window.
Vanha Rauma (Old Rauma)
9 Isokirkkokatu, Rauma
FREE
Rauma was founded in 1442, making it the third oldest town in Finland. It is especially known for its long tradition in bobbin lace-making and the well-preserved wooden buildings of Old Rauma. Old Rauma is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the largest unified wooden town in the Nordic countries. There are approximately 600 carefully preserved, colorful wooden buildings. Walking around Old Rauma is like stepping into a fairy tale: the colorful wooden houses, decorative gates, cobblestone streets and beautiful public buildings create an atmosphere of the long-forgotten past. Check out the names on every building; in many instances, they are a nod to the original owner's occupation. With the unique boutiques, cafés and even several museums to explore, you're sure to find something the family will love.
DIRECTIONS
Leaving the cafe, pick any direction and follow the colorful wooden buildings all around town.
TIP
If you visit in winter, be careful as the cobblestone streets can be icy and slippery.
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