Unforgettable Stays on Rauma’s Tourist Islands

Rauma’s nearby islands offer some of the most memorable overnight experiences. Whether it’s the raw beauty of the outer isles or the historical traces of past seafareres, these tourist islands combine nature, culture and comfort just a short boat ride from the mainland.

Kylmäpihlaja – A Lighthouse Like No Other

Kylmäpihlaja served as a pilot station until the year 2000. Today, the impressive 36-meter-high lighthouse welcomes guests with unique accommodation and panoramic views across the Bothnian Sea National Park.

Staying overnight in the lighthouse tower, in the former pilots’ quarters, offers a rare maritime experience. The rooms are simple and stylish, and the lighthouse suite—with windows facing all directions and its own observation balcony—is something truly special. Breakfast is served in the lighthouse’s restaurant.

The island also features modern landscape cabins for two, with large sea-facing windows. Facilities are located in the lighthouse building, and the room rate includes breakfast and access to a public sauna. In addition, there are two private saunas, outdoor hot tubs, and a popular restaurant serving daily lunch, archipelago buffet and à la carte dinner.

Matias Marttinen, Minister of Employment in the Finnish government and a native of Rauma, worked on the island as a guide during his student years and remains a regular visitor.

Kylmäpihlaja is a magnificent place—the last edge of the archipelago before the open sea. The island has a special kind of peace, but also excellent services and unique accommodation. I have many warm memories from summers spent there.

As a city councillor of Rauma as well, Marttinen emphasizes why the city has invested in its islands:

    “Destinations like this are rare in Finland. Kylmäpihlaja and Kuuskajaskari are close to the city, easy to reach by boat, and offer a combination of fascinating history, quality services, and strong tourism potential.”

Kuuskajaskari – From Fortress to Island Retreat

The island of Kuuskajaskari was a Finnish Defence Forces base until the mid-1990s. Visitors can still explore the island’s past through its gun emplacements, trenches and observation towers.

New cottage accommodation is now open to visitors. Meals and refreshments are available at the Wanha Kasarmi café-restaurant, with a large terrace and sea views.

Reksaari and Nurmes – Nature, Trails and Traditional Island Life

Reksaari is a great destination for a day trip or a longer stay. The island features hiking trails, a guest harbor at the former Karttu archipelago farm, a summer café, campfire sites and cottage or tent accommodations.

Nurmes, the largest of Rauma’s tourist islands, is rich in natural variety and traditional landscapes, with signs of past island life still visible in old  islander farms and sheep pastures. Visitors can stay in simple rental huts and the island’s two excursion jetties (Päiväranta and Pihlus) are accessible by private or taxi boat.