Birds also thrive in Raahe, so there are many interesting destinations for birdwatchers. In this blog I will present where you can spot birds in Raahe. There is also a nature trail near many bird towers. The attached map shows the seaside towers closest to the city centre and the extraordinary steel tower of Satamalahti.
Ilolinna bird tower, Ilolinnantie, Raahe
The Ilolinna bird tower can be reached by car or from the northern end of Rantakatu via the Takaranta path. There is a fire pit next to the tower.
Satamalahti bird tower, Länsikalkka 3, Raahe
The seven-metre-high bird tower in Satamalahti was built from Corten steel developed by Rautaruukki (now SSAB) in 2008. The main designer of the tower was Outi Palosaari (Kaleva 6.6.2008). On the opposite side of Lapaluodontie there is the Aittalahti nature trail, which is 1.3 km long.
Mikonkari nature trail, Lohenpyrstöntie 22 (beach parking lot), Raahe
Mikonkari bird tower is nine metres high. The tower can be accessed via the beach or via the parking lot of Cakepop Oy (Lohenpyrstöntie 52). Next door to Cakepop is SF-Caravan Salmon Tail (Lohenpyrstöntie 53). The 1.7 km long Mikonkari Trail runs through the bird tower, along which there is also a beach and a campfire site.
Rivi harbour bird tower, Rivinrannantie, Raahe
Pattijokisuu is a well-known and popular birdwatching destination in Raahe. There have been plans to build a bridge as a continuation of the Rivi route, which ends on the banks of the Pattijoki River. Then the Rivi bird tower could be easily reached on foot from Mikonkari. From the tower you can observe cattle grazing in the summer along with birds.
There is a campfire site next to the bird tower. A table and benches can be found under the tower.
Haapajärvi reservoir bird tower, Patotie 552, Raahe
The Haapajärvi reservoir was built in 1966 to secure the fresh water supply of the Rautaruukki steelworks (now SSAB) by damming Lake Haapajärvi and raising its surface. The bird tower at the southern end of the reservoir is less than ten kilometres from the centre of Raahe.
The bird tower of the reservoir, which has been banned for the second year, was renovated by volunteers in 2022. At the time of filming in June 2024, there was a notice on the tower reminding people to cherish the nesting peace of swans.
The reservoir and hut are popular with skiers in winter. You can check the current skiing track situation at the Raahe Region Ski Track Info. In June, I was able to find that the trails were non-existent without a separate check.
Rantasenjärvi (Läntisranta) bird tower, Läntisrannantie 92, Vihanti, Raahe
The West Shore recreation area in Vihanni offers activities not only for birdwatchers. You can stop by the area for further recreation on the five-kilometre nature and heritage trail that was renovated by the Läntisranta village association in 2003-2004. Few other routes have a bear’s nest!
The cone-shaped bird tower offers views of Lake Rantasenjärvi. The recreation area includes a hut, other structures and outdoor exercise equipment. Special mention should be given to the lavish puucee (wooden toilet).
The bird towers of Raahe and their surroundings are excellent excursion destinations in the country – I recommend checking it out! If you want to read more, you can do so here. The link includes: Piehing bird tower information.
