The thing about old buildings and artefacts is that they remind us about a smaller, simpler life. Almost to the point of wanting to go back, if even for one day. Life on the northern shores had to follow the seasons and certainly was not easy, but it was a full life for sure. The warmth that radiates through in these places – just the perfect way to detach yourself from the present. It’ll do you good.
How cool life used to be
Tiny houses built for persistent people
In Oulu, the island of Pikisaari boasts rows of colourful, old wooden and red-brick houses. The river delta around the island attracts local fishermen and you’ll be sure to see people ice fishing long into the spring. Ice or no ice, fishing was a means to get by through the winter, as well. The houses in Pikisaari used to be homes for seafarers and artisans. In the old industrial quarters, ships were built on the island already in the 17th century.
On your walk in Pikisaari, keep yourself nourished with pure and local Finnish food in a tavern built into an old timber storehouse, or quench your thirst in the atmospheric, red-brick restaurant & bar serving organic beer and tapas.
Ships were built on the island already in the 17th century.
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Travel through time, snow and ice
Ii, half an hour drive north of Oulu is a small town full of history and culture. And a great example of making the most of it no matter the season! Visit the Old Hamina historic district, one of Northern Finland’s oldest trading centres dating back to the 14th century. The oldest remaining buildings are from the early 19th century.
Snow-covered roads and frozen waterways have never been a hindrance but a possibility to people along the Pohjola route. Have you ever skated around art? The Environment Art Park in Ii allows you to follow a skating path that goes around the park – kick sleds are also allowed!
Or, head south of Oulu to Raahe, where another well-preserved 19th century wooden town awaits you. Among its museums with intriguing artefacts full of local maritime history, Raahe is known for the exquisite 19th century cafe and B&B Trade House of Lang, where history becomes alive in the staff’s outfits and beautiful coffee services. Let the feeling linger and spend the night – they have exquisite rooms to book.



We rule on these islands
Along with fish, seals were important to the survival of people along the arctic shores. In Kalajoki, seal hunting and fishing communities formed, and some of that history is still alive.
On the islands of Maakalla and Kallankari, some 18 kilometres off the coast, wooden fishermen’s cabins and an 18th century church still stand. Like the rest of the seashore, the islets emerged from the sea as the land uplifted centuries ago. Local fishermen and seal hunters made their home on them and were granted self-government by the King of Sweden in 1771. That treaty still stands today.
Book a snowmobile safari and see the magic of Maakalla for yourself!
Witness the magic of Maakalla!
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Pattijoki Stone Arch Bridge
A Unique Cafe Huvila in Oulu
Wine Bar Kurkela
Wooden old town in Pikisaari Island
Master-Heikki’s Hut
J&S BURGER
Bed and Breakfast by the Iijoki river
Hotel Raahen Hovi
SuperPark Restaurant
The Alpua Church Stone
Lähde! wellness art park
Bothnia Cafe & Wine
Radisson Blu Hotel Oulu
Cafe / Bar KIIKKU
Art Gallery Myötätuuli
Restaurant and winebar VENN
Ravintola Sarkka
The Longest Wall in Finland
TurusenSaha Guesthouse
Original Sokos Hotel Arina, Oulu
The Tasku Island Historical Daymark in Raahe Archipelago
Botanical Garden of the University of Oulu
Villa Sinipursi 9 Seaside Two-room Apartment
Iin Sillat Camping and Inn
Raahe Bus and Taxi Station
Raahesali Concert and Conference Hall
Pilpasuo protected area and nature trails
Crown Granary
Packhouse Museum
Oulu Cathedral
Oulu Museum
Varvi Mast Memorial
Bistoria Patio
Villa Sinipursi 1 Studio Apartment in Old Raahe
Mourunki lake
Restaurant Nallikari
Historical Rantakortteli blocks of Oulu
Kari Juva Sculpture Park
Children’s Cultural Centre Kotilo
Taxi and charter services Ii
The Automobile Museum
Ämmä-Äijä Island
The Sovelius House
Raahe Library
Metallikausi
CakePop Accommodation
Regional Bus Transport Oulu - Ii
Lapland Hotels Oulu
Letonniemi protected area and nature trail
Eanangiella - Voice of the Land 16.1.–3.5.2026
Experience Space VISIO
Old Town Raahe
Central Library Saari
45 Special
Hietasaari recreational area
Typpi Oy – Alvar Aalto's Red Brick Industrial Community in Oulu
Pancho Villa Raahe
Best Western Hotel Apollo, Oulu
Cine Cafè Sofia
Oulujoki Church
Traditional Holiday Cottages in Nallikari, Oulu
Frans&Camille Bistro
Restaurant Toripolliisi, Authentic and Local food
Tiima
De Gamlas Hem Restaurant
Airport Taxi Service in Oulu
Pastel-coloured wooden Raksila
Pancho Villa Raahe
1bar – Casual cocktail bar in the heart of Oulu
Avis Car Rental in Oulu
Design Center Proto
Breakfast by the sea
School Visit
Merihelmi Camping in the Gulf of Bothnia
Rauhala ravintola-pâtisserie
Smitti Island
Mediterranean Restaurant
Sopalle Lunch Restaurant
Sleep in hostel
Nature Cafe Loppula at Sanginjoki
Restaurant Caspian
Statue of President Urho Kaleva Kekkonen
Cafe Olosauna
Restaurant Puistola
Nature trail and birdwatching tower Hiastinhaara
Sailor's trail
St. Olaf’s Church of Saloinen
On Animal Trails
Accomodation in Vihanti with the Local Heritage Society
Restaurant Hugo
The Iso-Kraaseli Island Historical Daymark in Raahe Archipelago
Nallikari Lighthouse
Tasku Island and Guest Harbour
Oulu Market Hall
Koiteli Residenssi accommodation villa
Amarillo Restaurant Oulu
Restaurant Indian Cuisine
Café Kaari
Varjakka industrial heritage site and nature trail
Hirsilampi apartments
Kuusisaari Recreation Park
Oulu Tourist Information
Bacaro Doppio Café
Restaurant Raahen Hovi
Cafe Hanna
Photo North's gallery
Fuchka
Restaurant Pannu
Miner Statue
The Trade House of Lang, Unique Historic Hotel Experience in the Heart of the Raahe Old Town
The Cheezburg Factory
Puistola Cafe & Bakery
Oulu's Original Taxi - OTAXI
Restaurant La Sinfonia
Kiikku Garden Grill / Moonlight BBQ
Traditional handicrafts in an atmospheric old foundry
Mon Chou - French Pastry Shop
Raahe Ride
Night at Reenis
Restaurant Ule
Vihanti-Raahe Railway Station
Coffee House Café
Liisa & Moss Wonderland
Bistro, Hotel Lasaretti
Nordic Art Hotel Lasaretti
Grill it! Oulu
Menevä Taxi Service Oulu Area
Masiina
Cultural Centre Valve
Villa Sinipursi 8 Two-room Apartment
Ravintolamaailma Limingantulli
Idyllinen kartanohotelli Iissä Iijoen rannalla
Olkijoki Treaty Museum
Villa Sinipursi 3 Studio Apartment in Old Raahe
Tent site in Nallikari Holiday Village, Oulu
Trade House of Lang 19th Century Style Cafe and Restaurant at the Old Town Raahe
Kinosalonki Sofia
Puistokahvila Makia Cafe
Local Taxi Services in Kempele
Cafe / Bar KIIKKU
Cafe Magnolia Coffee & Bakery
OTAXI VIP for Premium Taxi Wishes
Catharina´s Cellar Willa Katariina in Old Town Raahe
Charter buses and private transportation services in Oulu region
Alvar Aalto's Toppila Sulphite Pulp Mill
Alvar Aalto’s Oulu River Estuary Vision: Koskikeskus
Nallikari Holiday Village - Camping, Oulu
Lake side Cottage Villa Wuotanka
Guided Transportation from Oulu Airport to Oulu
Virpiniemi recreational area
Mallaskellari - Cozy craft beer pub at Rotuaari
Oulu Market Square Policeman statue
Environmental Art Park
Raahe Kebab Grill
Pure maku
Joku Paikallinen Pubi | Local pub for darts & karaoke in Tuira, Oulu
GreenStar Hotel Oulu
Burgers
Ravintolamaailma Linnanmaa
Gunnarin Kartano´s apartments and hostel rooms in Lampinsaari, Raahe
Budget Hotel Raahe, in North Ostrobothnia
Breakfast & Private Restaurant Veranta
Sofia Magdalena Church of Vihanti
Pattijoki Church Chapel of Silence
Kastelli Giant's Church
Restaurant Harald
Scandic Oulu Station
Many layers of history in Kuusiluoto
De Gamlas Hem Hotel
Raahe Church of the Holy Trinity
MajoitusYkkönen
Aurora Revelare
Restaurant Mallassauna
Iso-Kraaseli Island and Guest Berth
Pohjolan Matka Charter Coaches Oulu
Nallikari – the Riviera of the North
Sanginjoki Nature Reserve
Kindergarten Visit
Surprise Menu; a tribute to the diverse nature of the North
Hailong Chinese Restaurant
KulttuuriKauppila Art Centre
Oulu Art Museum
Raahe Archipelago
Zivago
Nallikari Aalto Apartment Hotel
Deluxe Poiju Villas by the Sea in Nallikari, Oulu
Ulkopauha Island
OuluHostel AlliMaria
Hupisaaret Islands city park
Avis Car Rental at Oulu Airport
Wooden Karjasilta from the reconstruction era
Jakkukylä suspension bridge and Purusaari
Kalla Island and Guest Berth
Iisland Cottages
Gems of the Oulu River estuary
Traditional Fishing Harbour Kiviniemi
Sokeri-Jussin Kievari Restaurant
Oula Kitchen & Bar
Pekkatori Square in the heart of Old Raahe
Katariina´s Chambers Willa Katariina in Old Town Raahe
Historical Pilot House on Iso-Kraaseli Island
Wanhakulma Guesthouse in Old Town Raahe
Science CentreTietomaa
Top 5 attractions in Oulu!
Rosso Restaurant Valkea
Scandic Oulu City
Geocaching in Ii
The old town of Ii - Wanha Hamina
Nature Resort Linnunrata / Sauna cabin