How cool life used to be - Pohjolan Rengastie

How cool life used to be

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.

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.

 

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.

Kuva: Visit Kalajoki

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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Varjakka island fire station.

Varjakka industrial heritage site and nature trail

Oulu
Veranta for private occasions

Breakfast & Private Restaurant Veranta

Oulu

Night at Reenis

Oulu
Our logo

Restaurant Toripolliisi, Authentic and Local food

Oulu
The café is decorated in the style of the 1860s.

Trade House of Lang 19th Century Style Cafe and Restaurant at the Old Town Raahe

Raahe
Korkea sisätila, vasemmalla kirjahyllyjä, oikealla korkea ikkunaseinä.

Central Library Saari

Oulu

J&S BURGER

Ii
Dinner in Oula Kitchen & Bar.

Oula Kitchen & Bar

Oulu
Ryhmä lumikenkäilijöitä kulkee jonossa lumisessa metsässä. / A group of snowshoers walking in a line in snowy forest. Kuva: Harri Tarvainen.

Sanginjoki Nature Reserve

Oulu

Mallaskellari - Cozy craft beer pub at Rotuaari

Oulu

Hirsilampi apartments

Oulu
Nallikari Holiday Village tent site

Tent site in Nallikari Holiday Village, Oulu

Oulu

The Automobile Museum

Raahe

Cafe Magnolia Coffee & Bakery

Oulu
Piispanletto Rajahauta nature trail.

Letonniemi protected area and nature trail

Oulu
Tourist info sign in front of Market Hall.

Oulu Tourist Information

Oulu

Tuba Food & Lounge

Oulu
De Gamlas Hem Restaurant.

De Gamlas Hem Restaurant

Oulu
Kuva pihalta

Iin Paviljongin majoitus upeissa jokimaisemissa

Ii
Iso-Kraaseli daymark and sail sheds.

The Iso-Kraaseli Island Historical Daymark in Raahe Archipelago

Raahe
The Miss Sofia’s Chamber is decorated in the style 1840s.

The Trade House of Lang, Unique Historic Hotel Experience in the Heart of the Raahe Old Town

Raahe
Main door to Cafe

Sleep in hostel

Oulu
Moonlight BBQ menu

Kiikku Garden Grill / Moonlight BBQ

Oulu
De Gamlas Hem Hotel & Restaurant.

De Gamlas Hem Hotel

Oulu
Pikisaari island from air.

Wooden old town in Pikisaari Island

Oulu
Kastellin jätinkirkko Raahessa.

Kastelli Giant's Church

Raahe

Eanangiella - Voice of the Land 16.1.–3.5.2026

Oulu

Experience Space VISIO

Oulu
Social dining

Amarillo Restaurant Oulu

Oulu
Nallikari Holiday Village - camping

Nallikari Holiday Village - Camping, Oulu

Oulu
A boulder resembling a pulpit in Alpua Raahe

The Alpua Church Stone

Raahe
Illallinen Fuchkassa

Fuchka

Oulu
iloisia lapsia ja aikuinen leikkivät lattialla.

Children’s Cultural Centre Kotilo

Oulu

Restaurant Puistola

Oulu
Vanhanaikainen popcornkärry

Cine Cafè Sofia

Raahe
Happy customers enjoying drinks at the wooden bar counter of Varikko Taproom

Varikko Brewery Restaurant

Oulu
Old wooden houses in Karjasilta.

Wooden Karjasilta from the reconstruction era

Oulu
A dock and boats at Kiviniemi port.

Traditional Fishing Harbour Kiviniemi

Oulu
Surprise menu

Surprise Menu; a tribute to the diverse nature of the North

Oulu
Talvinen wanha Hamina.

The old town of Ii - Wanha Hamina

Ii
Exterior

Scandic Oulu City

Oulu

Raahe Library

Raahe
sauna

Budget Hotel Raahe, in North Ostrobothnia

Raahe

Mediterranean Restaurant

Oulu
Ilmakuva Taskun saaresta syksyllä.

Tasku Island and Guest Harbour

Raahe
Ulkokuva Cortenkadun ja Kauppakadun kulmasta

Villa Sinipursi 1 Studio Apartment in Old Raahe

Raahe
Bar is Baari in Finnish

45 Special

Oulu
Market hall Oulu.

Oulu Market Hall

Oulu
Row of pastel colored houses in Raksila with autumn foliage.

Pastel-coloured wooden Raksila

Oulu
Luotsivahdinhuone

Historical Pilot House on Iso-Kraaseli Island

Raahe
Kari Juvan veistos punaisten tulppaanien ympäröimänä Kari Juvan veistospuistossa Raahessa.

Kari Juva Sculpture Park

Raahe
Aloita matkasi Otaxin kyydissä.

Oulu's Original Taxi - OTAXI

Oulu
Ravintola Oulun keskustassa

1bar – Casual cocktail bar in the heart of Oulu

Oulu
Kulttuuritalo Valveen julkisivu

Cultural Centre Valve

Oulu
Vanha mustavalkoinen kuva suuresta ihmisjoukosta, kuvattu ylhäältä päin.

Oulu Museum

Oulu

The Cheezburg Factory

Oulu
Nallikari beach on sunset.

Nallikari – the Riviera of the North

Oulu
Superior room

Scandic Oulu Station

Oulu
Majoitushuone

Idyllinen kartanohotelli Iissä Iijoen rannalla

Ii
Coffee House seating area

Coffee House Café

Oulu
Lohikeitto

Sopalle Lunch Restaurant

Raahe
Sunset scenery with Nallikari lighthouse.

Nallikari Lighthouse

Oulu
OuluHostel AlliMaria

OuluHostel AlliMaria

Oulu
Saunallinen kahden hengen parivuoteellinen hotellihuone 10 kpl

Best Western Hotel Apollo, Oulu

Oulu

Oulu Art Museum

Oulu
VENN Oulu, seating area

Restaurant and winebar VENN

Oulu
Poiju Villat huokuvat ulkoapäin merellistä tyyliä ja niissä on iso oma terassi

Deluxe Poiju Villas by the Sea in Nallikari, Oulu

Oulu
Nuotiossa palaa tuli Ämmä-Äijän saarella.

Ämmä-Äijä Island

Raahe
Lännennokan Kammari

Gunnarin Kartano´s apartments and hostel rooms in Lampinsaari, Raahe

Raahe
Oulu market square policeman.

Oulu Market Square Policeman statue

Oulu
Mestari-Heikin majan ovensuu.

Master-Heikki’s Hut

Raahe

Kindergarten Visit

Oulu
Tasku island and historical daymark in the summer

The Tasku Island Historical Daymark in Raahe Archipelago

Raahe

Ravintola Sarkka

Oulu

Kurkela Lounge & Dine

Oulu

Traditional handicrafts in an atmospheric old foundry

Raahe

Science CentreTietomaa

Oulu
Pilpasuo nature trail includes duck boards.

Pilpasuo protected area and nature trails

Oulu
Vihannin rautatieasema Raahessa

Vihanti-Raahe Railway Station

Raahe
Pieniä leluautoja

Raahe Ride

Raahe

Puistola Cafe & Bakery

Oulu
Kesätapahtumia aurinkoisella patiolla

Restaurant Mallassauna

Oulu
Cottages are yellow and very idyllic outside.

Traditional Holiday Cottages in Nallikari, Oulu

Oulu
Log cabin of Liisa Rehu.

Liisa & Moss Wonderland

Oulu
Merihelmi Camping sea shore

Merihelmi Camping in the Gulf of Bothnia

Ii
View from the Hupisaaret City Park.

Hupisaaret Islands city park

Oulu

Mon Chou - French Pastry Shop

Oulu

Restaurant Caspian

Oulu

Kinosalonki Sofia

Raahe

Olkijoki Treaty Museum

Raahe
Pattijoen kiviholvisilta kesällä.

Pattijoki Stone Arch Bridge

Raahe
Asian cuisine platter

PikkuPanda Teahouse & Teashop

Oulu

Masiina

Oulu
Fall in love with our new menu!

Restaurant Raahen Hovi

Raahe
Hiukkavaaran monitoimitalon kirjaston tilasta, biljardipöytä, kirjahyllyjä, pöytäryhmiä ja kolme lasta tilassa.

School Visit

Oulu

Tiima

Oulu
Iin Sillat restaurant

Iin Sillat Camping and Inn

Ii
sisäkuva bussista.

Regional Bus Transport Oulu - Ii

Ii
Starter at Lasaretti's Bistro

Bistro, Hotel Lasaretti

Oulu
Rantakortteli block seen from above.

Historical Rantakortteli blocks of Oulu

Oulu
Our burgers

Burgers

Oulu
Pancho Villan hampurilaisia.

Pancho Villa Raahe

Raahe

Restaurant La Sinfonia

Oulu
Miner statue in Vihanti Raahe

Miner Statue

Raahe
restaurant entrance

Hailong Chinese Restaurant

Oulu
Nallikari Aalto located By the Sea

Nallikari Aalto Apartment Hotel

Oulu
Herkullista pitsaa Maranaforni uunista.

Bistoria Patio

Oulu

Pohjolan Matka Charter Coaches Oulu

Oulu
The menu provides ample choices for many tastes

Restaurant Pannu

Oulu
Ravintolamaailma Limingantulli seating area

Ravintolamaailma Limingantulli

Oulu
Kuva kauniista sisäpihasta

Wanhakulma Guesthouse in Old Town Raahe

Raahe
Raahen Pyhän kolminaisuuden kirkko ulkoa.

Raahe Church of the Holy Trinity

Raahe
Kallan saaren kalastajanmökki Raahen saaristossa.

Kalla Island and Guest Berth

Raahe
Toripolliisi statue in the Oulu Market Square.

Top 5 attractions in Oulu!

Oulu
Northern lights.

Restaurant Nallikari

Oulu
Kuusiluoto presents heritage of wood building in Finland.

Many layers of history in Kuusiluoto

Oulu
Mourunki lake

Mourunki lake

Oulu

KulttuuriKauppila Art Centre

Ii
Crispy chicken wings coated in buffalo sauce on the right. Onion rings, fries, and breaded snacks on the left. Siipiweikot flaming chicken logo in the center.

Siipiweikot Oulu

Oulu

Restaurant Ule

Oulu

Restaurant Indian Cuisine

Oulu

MajoitusYkkönen

Raahe
extensive salad selection for lunch

SuperPark Restaurant

Oulu
Olohuone ja tupakeittiö

Villa Sinipursi 9 Seaside Two-room Apartment

Raahe

Bed and Breakfast by the Iijoki river

Ii
Ihminen seisomassa Suomen pisimmän seinän edustalla

The Longest Wall in Finland

Raahe
Graafinen mainos Takarannan taidepolusta

Takaranta Art Path

Raahe
Rosso Oulu seating area

Rosso Restaurant Valkea

Oulu
Saaga Travel drivers are well-trained, polite and English speaking.

Charter buses and private transportation services in Oulu region

Oulu
Vihannin Sofia Magdalenan kirkko ulkoa.

Sofia Magdalena Church of Vihanti

Raahe

Catharina´s Cellar Willa Katariina in Old Town Raahe

Raahe
Avis Budget Car keys

Avis Car Rental at Oulu Airport

Oulu

Geocaching in Ii

Ii
Dining room of the Koiteli Residenssi.

Koiteli Residenssi accommodation villa

Oulu
OTAXI VIP is available also for groups and disabled.

OTAXI VIP for Premium Taxi Wishes

Oulu
Cafe Hanna is a small cafe close to the Oulu Train station.

Cafe Hanna

Oulu
Taivas maalaa taulujaan. Sky is painting art.

Lake side Cottage Villa Wuotanka

Oulu
Inside Oulujoki church.

Oulujoki Church

Oulu

Environmental Art Park

Ii
Eini esiintymässä Raahesalin lavalla.

Raahesali Concert and Conference Hall

Raahe
Oulujoki delta area from the air.

Gems of the Oulu River estuary

Oulu
Happy customers enjoying local beers and a friendly chat at Varikko Taproom

Varikko Taproom & Terrace

Oulu
Vastuullinen taksipalvelu.

Menevä Taxi Service Oulu Area

Oulu
Pakkahuoneen museo kesällä.

Packhouse Museum

Raahe

GreenStar Hotel Oulu

Oulu
Yhdistele makuusi sopivat slaissit.

Kallen Pizzat

Oulu
Radisson Blu Hotel Oulu ulkoa kuvattuna

Radisson Blu Hotel Oulu

Oulu
Lapland Hotels deluxe.

Lapland Hotels Oulu

Oulu
We recommend preordering when arriving to the airport.

Airport Taxi Service in Oulu

Oulu

Alvar Aalto’s Oulu River Estuary Vision: Koskikeskus

Oulu

Rauhala ravintola-pâtisserie

Oulu

Pancho Villa Raahe

Raahe
Saunatupa

Nature Resort Linnunrata / Sauna cabin

Oulu
Facade of OSH Arina

Original Sokos Hotel Arina, Oulu

Oulu

Iisland Cottages

Ii
Design Center Proto

Design Center Proto

Oulu
Artist room at Hotel Lasaretti

Nordic Art Hotel Lasaretti

Oulu
Varjo Festival 2022 was held in Kuusisaari.

Kuusisaari Recreation Park

Oulu
Walking in Virpiniemi nature trail.

Virpiniemi recreational area

Oulu

Raahe Bus and Taxi Station

Raahe
Oulu cathedral from outside.

Oulu Cathedral

Oulu
Grill it! Oulu seating area

Grill it! Oulu

Oulu

Café Kaari

Oulu
Authentic soy sauce ramen

Pure maku

Oulu
Wanhan Raahen kaupunkikuvaa.

Old Town Raahe

Raahe

Crown Granary

Raahe
Raahen Hovi - VIP-sviitti - VIP-suite

Hotel Raahen Hovi

Raahe
Varvi Mast in Raahe pays tribute to old shipbuilders.

Varvi Mast Memorial

Raahe
Oulu kirjaimet

Cafe / Bar KIIKKU

Oulu

Local Taxi Services in Kempele

Oulu

Lähde! wellness art park

Ii
Brownish Oulu city hall with three main doors and two little towers. Background blue sky.

Guided Transportation from Oulu Airport to Oulu

Oulu

Nature Cafe Loppula at Sanginjoki

Oulu
Ravintolamaailma seating area

Ravintolamaailma Linnanmaa

Oulu
A person standing next to a tree on Tasku Island at Raahe archipelago.

Raahe Archipelago

Raahe
Nauti aamiaisesta meren äärellä.

Breakfast by the sea

Oulu
A cozy summer terrace.

Bothnia Cafe & Wine

Raahe
Kanttien pihakuva

Accomodation in Vihanti with the Local Heritage Society

Raahe

Restaurant Hugo

Oulu
CakePopin huone.

CakePop Accommodation

Raahe
Tilava ja tyylikäs olohuone

Villa Sinipursi 8 Two-room Apartment

Raahe

Alvar Aalto's Toppila Sulphite Pulp Mill

Oulu
Puistokahvila Makia

Puistokahvila Makia Cafe

Oulu

Taxi and charter services Ii

Ii
Pattijoen kirkko ulkoa.

Pattijoki Church Chapel of Silence

Raahe
Kivikkoinen rantaviiva

Smitti Island

Raahe
Frans&Camille table setting

Frans&Camille Bistro

Oulu
Punatiilinen näköalahissi auringonvalossa.

Panoramic Elevator

Oulu

Sailor's trail

Ii
Vene rannassa Ulkopauhan saaressa Raahen saaristossa.

Ulkopauha Island

Raahe
Makuupaikat kahdelle

Villa Sinipursi 3 Studio Apartment in Old Raahe

Raahe

Aurora Revelare

Oulu

Typpi Oy – Alvar Aalto's Red Brick Industrial Community in Oulu

Oulu
Teoksia valokuvaaja Vesa Rannan näyttelystä.

Art Gallery Myötätuuli

Raahe
Pedestrian bridge over stream Mustasalmi in Hietasaari

Hietasaari recreational area

Oulu
Aurora is a northern-inspired pizza in which contrasts meet  in harmony. Cold-smoked reindeer adds a delicate smokiness to the pizza, balanced by soft Finnish squeaky cheese.

Classic Pizza Restaurant - carefully crafted premium-quality pizzas

Oulu
Saloisten kirkko ulkoa.

St. Olaf’s Church of Saloinen

Raahe

Jakkukylä suspension bridge and Purusaari

Ii

Metallikausi

Oulu
Avis Budget car in winter

Avis Car Rental in Oulu

Oulu
Urho Kekkosen patsas läheltä.

Statue of President Urho Kaleva Kekkonen

Raahe

Sokeri-Jussin Kievari Restaurant

Oulu
Greenhouses Romeo ja Julia.

Botanical Garden of the University of Oulu

Oulu
Luotsitupa ja pooki Iso-Kraaselin saaressa Raahen saaristossa.

Iso-Kraaseli Island and Guest Berth

Raahe
Darts ja karaokebaari Oulussa

Joku Paikallinen Pubi | Local pub for darts & karaoke in Tuira, Oulu

Oulu

Café Wanha Apteekkari - the Old Apothecary

Raahe

Restaurant Harald

Oulu

On Animal Trails

Oulu
Pekkatori Wanhassa Raahessa.

Pekkatori Square in the heart of Old Raahe

Raahe

The Sovelius House

Raahe
Hiastinhaaran suisto.

Nature trail and birdwatching tower Hiastinhaara

Ii
Local tradiotional Pulla

A Unique Cafe Huvila in Oulu

Oulu

Photo North's gallery

Oulu
Bacaro Doppio indoors

Bacaro Doppio Café

Oulu
Overview

TurusenSaha Guesthouse

Oulu
Katariina´s Chambers entrance

Katariina´s Chambers Willa Katariina in Old Town Raahe

Raahe
Cafe & bar Olosauna

Cafe Olosauna

Oulu

Zivago

Oulu