The Shipowner's Home

Step inside one of Finland's best-preserved nineteenth-century merchant homes and discover how a prosperous shipowning family lived during the golden age of sail.

Located in the heart of Old Raahe, Sovelius House offers a rare opportunity to experience an authentic historic interior where furniture, decorations and everyday objects tell the story of a wealthy merchant and shipowning family on Finland's northern coast.

During the guided visit, guests explore the rooms of the Shipowner's Home, furnished as they would have appeared in the late nineteenth century. Beautiful period furniture, imported luxury items, family heirlooms and maritime artworks reflect the international connections and prosperity that shipping brought to the town.

The guide shares stories of the shipowner family, daily life in the household and the role that trade, shipping and the sea played in shaping Old Raahe. Visitors gain insight into both the elegance of the home and the social world that existed behind its doors.

Particular attention is drawn to the rich interiors of the house. Decorative textiles, carpets, curtains, porcelain, plants and countless small objects reveal the tastes and aspirations of a prosperous merchant family. Many of the houseplants displayed today are the same varieties that were cultivated in Raahe's homes more than a century ago.

The experience offers an intimate glimpse into a world that has largely disappeared elsewhere but remains remarkably preserved in Old Raahe.

During December, the Shipowner's Home is decorated for Christmas.

Guests can admire traditional Christmas decorations and learn about Finnish Christmas customs, festive preparations and holiday traditions from the nineteenth century. Combined with the beautifully preserved interiors, the seasonal decorations create a particularly atmospheric experience during the Christmas season.

• Guided visit to Sovelius House and Shipowner´s home

• Authentic nineteenth-century shipowner's home

• Original furnishings and historic interiors

• Stories of maritime trade and merchant families

• Insight into everyday life during the age of sail

• One of Finland's best-preserved historic homes

• Special Christmas atmosphere in December

• Guided museum visit

• Admission to Sovelius House

• Heritage interpretation and storytelling

Approximately 1 hour

Minimum 5 guests
Maximum 15 guests

Available year-round.

Christmas-themed visits available during December.

• Cultural travellers

• Heritage enthusiasts

• Small groups

• Tour operators

• Christmas programmes

Sovelius House, Shipowner´s home, Old Raahe, Finland