Explore the Filming Locations of A Light That Never Goes Out
Lauri-Matti Parppei’s successful film takes the viewer into the heart of Rauma: To its streets, by the sea, into its restaurants, and the historic Old Rauma. Use the map to explore the shooting locations of this Jussi Award-winning film and experience Rauma from a new perspective. (Photo: Tero Ahonen)
Step Onto the Cinematic Stage of Rauma
The seven-time Jussi Award-winning A Light That Never Goes out takes viewers into familiar landscapes of Rauma.
In director Lauri-Matti Parppei’s musical film, the routes run from the shore of Otanlahti via the railway crossing at Syväraumankatu and Valtakatu to the atmospheric streets of Old Rauma. In the film, Rauma is not merely a backdrop — the city’s streets, shores and buildings move with the story, giving it a distinctive rhythm and atmosphere.
Explore six filming locations, follow in the footsteps of the main characters Pauli and Iiris, and experience familiar Rauma from a new perspective. A map of the filming locations is available for download as a PDF.
Location 1: Otanlahti Beach
On the rocks of Otanlahti beach, the film’s main characters, Pauli and Iiris, cry out to the sea. The scene captures a moment when restrained emotions are finally set free. By the sea, there is no need to analyse everything. You can simply breathe, exist, and live in the moment.
At Otanlahti, the sea, the horizon and the fresh sea breeze offer space to pause. At the City of Rauma’s public beach, you can take a dip in the sea, spend a summer day by the shore, walk barefoot in the sand, or sit on the rocks and listen to the waves.
The historic outdoor swimming pool located near the beach can be seen in the background of another scene in the film.
Address: Suvitie 2, Rauma
Attractions
Head to Makis!
Make your way to enjoy a summer day at Rauma’s outdoor swimming pool, also known as “Makis”, where the whole family can swim and sauna together. Makis’ experiential 18+ night swims continue on Saturdays in July 2026.
Location 2: The Railroad Crossing
The railwroad crossing at the beginning of Syväraumankatu is both a recognizable Rauma landmark and a metaphor for pausing in the film. Sometimes crossing a barrier opens up a new direction, an encounter, or creative energy.
Screenwriter and director Lauri-Matti Parppei has said that he was stuck with the script when the barrier at the railroad crossing stopped him quite literally. The moment sparked a strong emotion and an insight: the level crossing had to be part of the film. At the same time, the creative process began to move forward again.
The railroad crossing appears several times in the film. It serves as a route towards encounters, the rehearsal space, and Otanlahti beach. Amid familiar city scenery, viewers also see Mauri the dog, whose faint blue glow adds a surreal tone to the film’s otherwise realistic world.
The film’s geography is real: from the railway crossing, the journey continues along Syväraumankatu towards the sea and other locations familiar from the film. Among locals, the crossing is known for bringing even the busiest moments to a halt.
Address: Syväraumankatu / Valtakatu, Rauma
Location 3: Home Street in Old Rauma
Pauli’s home, located at the beginning of Eteläpitkäkatu, is one of the atmospheric historic buildings in Old Rauma. In this living and inhabited wooden town, winding streets, colorful facades, gates, fences and the details of old houses tell the story of the area’s long history and layered past.
In the film, Iiris drums on the wall of the red house opposite Pauli’s home. The crochet piece in the window depicts the so-called “trumputtajat”, players of medieval drums who can still be seen at Rauma’s summer events.
The buildings familiar from the film are located near Savila Park. The area is best explored at a relaxed pace on foot, taking in the details. During the Lace Week, some courtyards in Old Rauma are also open to visitors as part of the Open Yards event.
Address: Eteläpitkäkatu 4, Rauma
Attractions
Lace Week is calling 18.–26.7.2026
The Rauma city festival invites you to enjoy the summer atmosphere and a diverse programme. Discover hidden treasures at courtyard flea markets in Old Rauma, immerse yourself in art and knowledge at Savila Park, and experience the magic of Rauma lace!
Location 4: Restaurant Otava
The film’s musical world unfolds at Restaurant Otava, where Iiris performs her interdisciplinary piece. What makes the musical scenes unique is that the music was recorded live during filming. In the Otava scene, the distinctive performance is created genuinely in the space and in the moment.
After the gig, an idea emerges of creating music together: something no one has heard before, something humanity may not yet be ready for.
Located in Old Rauma, Otava is one of Finland’s historic sailors’ pubs. Its restaurant history dates back to 1649, and over the centuries its walls have witnessed countless stories, encounters, joys and sorrows.
Today, Otava continues its life as a renewed restaurant where the traditions of an old sailors’ pub meet contemporary restaurant culture.
Address: Vanhankirkonkatu 10, Rauma
Location 5: Kalatori Square
At the edge of Kalatori Square, in a former music shop, the film’s main characters Pauli and Iiris first meet and later return to look for equipment for their shared recordings. In the back room, they come across discarded recording gear, which the shop’s distinctive owner insists they take for free.
The humorous scene reflects the film’s world, where something new can emerge from chance encounters and abandoned objects. Although the music shop has since closed at Market Square, the premises and its facade are still recognisable from the film.
Kalatori Square is one of the oldest historic squares in Old Rauma and one of the city’s earliest trading areas. The ruins of the Church of the Holy Trinity, located nearby, remind visitors of the area’s long history. Today, the peaceful square invites visitors to linger in the atmosphere of Old Rauma, explore the church ruins, and enjoy the surrounding restaurant services.
Address: Kalatori, Rauma
Location 6: Rauma Art Museum and Hauenguano Square
In the film, we visit an exhibition at the Rauma Art Museum, where music, visual art, and the encounters between characters intertwine. At the exhibition, we meet Anni, whose delicate singing speaks of finding peace and the courage to let go of old dreams. After the exhibition, the characters come together at Hauenguano Square. Through conversation, new connections, creative ideas, and hints of romance begin to emerge.
The Rauma Art Museum is located in the historic Pinnala building in the heart of Old Rauma. Its changing exhibitions bring together contemporary art, art history, and a variety of forms of expression.
Hauenguano Square, opening out in front of the museum, is a charming hub of art and culture. Its name refers to its original wedge-like shape, resembling the jaw of a pike. In addition to the museum, the area is home to galleries, creative and craft businesses, and a café.
Step into an exhibition, linger in the atmospheric square, and let art lead you to new encounters — just like in the film.
Address: Kuninkaankatu 37, Rauma (Rauma’s art museum)
Attractions
Discover Hauenguano Square
Beside the square that resembles a pike’s jaw stands the pale pink main building of the Rauma Art Museum, built in 1795. The square is also home to the radio studio of Rauma’s legendary local station, Radio Ramona.