Raahe Live Cam

History

Raahe is a town steeped in history and culture. Established in 1649 by Count Per Brahe, who was a significant figure in Swedish history, Raahe was one of the last towns in Finland founded under Swedish rule. The strategic location on the Gulf of Bothnia was a crucial factor in its founding, as it facilitated maritime trade and shipbuilding, industries that played a central role in Raahe’s early development. The town's name, originally *Salo*, was changed to *Brahestad* in honor of its founder, though it is now simply referred to as Raahe.

During its formative years, Raahe thrived as a hub for shipbuilding and seafaring. By the 18th century, the town became one of Finland’s most important ports, with a fleet of merchant ships that connected it to trading networks across Europe. The shipbuilding industry flourished, with Raahe producing some of the finest wooden sailing vessels of its time. The advent of industrialization in the 19th century saw Raahe adapt by transitioning from wooden shipbuilding to the manufacturing of steel-hulled ships, maintaining its maritime prominence.