Hiking season begins – Rauma’s recreational islands are ready for summer

Rauma’s recreational islands have undergone significant improvements in recent years. Hiking trails have been maintained and cleared while preserving the natural environment, grilling spots fixed and signage updated. Ilkka Heikkinen, who has worked on the islands’ maintenance for a couple of years, highlights the city’s commitment to preserving these valued areas. His recent efforts have focused on storm damage cleanup and various upkeep tasks, such as repairing sheep fences and roofs damaged by last year’s storms.

The islands have over 30 km of hiking trails, infrastructure for hikers, and sensitive pier structures exposed to weather conditions. Some buildings are protected due to their historical value. All maintenance work is guided by scheduled maintenance and conservation plans.

During the summer season, trails are maintained, grass is cut, and firewood is provided at select campfire sites. The maintenance work also covers painting, plumbing and electrical repairs across all buildings on the islands.

Heikkinen’s connection to the sea dates back to childhood, and today, his own island cottage is his favorite retreat. Among Rauma’s recreational islands, Nurmes stands out to him for its diverse nature and cultural landscapes, while Kuuskajaskari is recommended for families thanks to its fascinating military history and spacious outdoor areas.

Over the past five years, Rauma has made major investments in its islands. These include new cottage accommodation in Kuuskajaskari and infrastructure upgrades on Kylmäpihlaja lighthouse island. Modern wastewater systems and waste sorting have been introduced, promoting sustainable tourism.

Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the islands responsibly. Trail maps and hiking routes are available online, in both Finnish and English, through a free and user-friendly app.