Rauma, Finland

Capital City

With a population of just under 39,000, Rauma is a sleepy coastal town that offers little excitement beyond its picturesque old town. The region's maritime history is palpable, but the long, harsh winters and bureaucratic headaches will be a persistent challenge for newcomers. While Rauma's lace-making and wooden architecture are undoubtedly charming, this is a place for those seeking a quiet, traditional Finnish lifestyle - not a vibrant, cosmopolitan experience.