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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Pastel-coloured wooden Raksila
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The Longest Wall in Finland
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Hietasaari recreational area
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Pohjolan Matka Charter Coaches Oulu
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Tiima
Varvi Mast Memorial
Eanangiella - Voice of the Land 16.1.–3.5.2026
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Sofia Magdalena Church of Vihanti
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Original Sokos Hotel Arina, Oulu
Guided Transportation from Oulu Airport to Oulu
Alvar Aalto’s Oulu River Estuary Vision: Koskikeskus
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Villa Sinipursi 3 Studio Apartment in Old Raahe
Oulu Market Hall
Environmental Art Park
Matti's Cosmos Sculpture Park
Cosy furnished and well equipped apartment with one bedroom and sauna
Pilpasuo protected area and nature trails
Menevä Taxi Service Oulu Area
TurusenSaha Guesthouse
Raahe Bus and Taxi Station
De Gamlas Hem Hotel
Nallikari Lighthouse
Bacaro Doppio Café
Nature Cafe Loppula at Sanginjoki
Top 5 attractions in Oulu!
Aurora Revelare
Historical Pilot House on Iso-Kraaseli Island
Kari Juva Sculpture Park
Lapland Hotels Oulu
Historical Rantakortteli blocks of Oulu
Masiina
Cafe Magnolia Coffee & Bakery
Adventure Factory
Fuchka
Best Western Hotel Apollo, Oulu
Raahe Archipelago
Regional Bus Transport Oulu - Ii
Oulu Market Square Policeman statue
Virpiniemi recreational area
Gems of the Oulu River estuary
Olkijoki Treaty Museum
Iso-Kraaseli Island and Guest Berth
Alvar Aalto's Toppila Sulphite Pulp Mill
Kastelli Giant's Church
Restaurant Toripolliisi, Authentic and Local food
Raahe Library
Avis Car Rental in Oulu
The Automobile Museum
Traditional Holiday Cottages in Nallikari, Oulu
Miner Statue
Café Kaari
Bistoria Patio
Nallikari – the Riviera of the North
Restaurant Mallassauna
Joku Paikallinen Pubi | Local pub for darts & karaoke in Tuira, Oulu
Crown Granary
Kallen Pizzat
Ravintolamaailma Linnanmaa
Metallikausi
Letonniemi protected area and nature trail
Merihelmi Camping in the Gulf of Bothnia
Nallikari Holiday Village - Camping, Oulu
Raahesali Concert and Conference Hall
Matti Lepistö Sculpture Park in Pattijoki
Amarillo Restaurant Oulu
GreenStar Hotel Oulu
Rauhala ravintola-pâtisserie
The Tasku Island Historical Daymark in Raahe Archipelago
Puistola Cafe & Bakery
1bar – Casual cocktail bar in the heart of Oulu
Art Gallery Myötätuuli
Wooden old town in Pikisaari Island
Kindergarten Visit
Lake side Cottage Villa Wuotanka
Geocaching in Ii
Restaurant Caspian
The Sovelius House
Bistro, Hotel Lasaretti
Oulu Museum
Takaranta Art Path
Puistokahvila Makia Cafe
Burgers
Pattijoki Church Chapel of Silence
Children’s Museum – City Pathways
Panoramic Elevator
Breakfast & Private Restaurant Veranta
Iin Paviljongin majoitus upeissa jokimaisemissa
Lähde! wellness art park
Nallikari Aalto Seaside Hotel
Science CentreTietomaa
Kinosalonki Sofia
Oulujoki Church
De Gamlas Hem Restaurant
Bothnia Cafe
Hupisaaret Islands city park
Hotel Raahen Hovi
Accomodation in Vihanti with the Local Heritage Society
Breakfast by the sea
Scandic Oulu Station
A Unique Cafe Huvila in Oulu
Mallaskellari - Cozy craft beer pub at Rotuaari
Varikko Taproom & Terrace
Oulu's Original Taxi - OTAXI
Smitti Island
Frans&Camille Bistro
Catharina´s Cellar Willa Katariina in Old Town Raahe
Liisa & Moss Wonderland
Traditional handicrafts in an atmospheric old foundry
Iisland Cottages
MajoitusYkkönen
Oula Kitchen & Bar
Tent site in Nallikari Holiday Village, Oulu
Nature Resort Linnunrata / Sauna cabin
Traditional Fishing Harbour Kiviniemi
Cafe / Bar KIIKKU
45 Special
Master-Heikki’s Hut
Mourunki lake
The Alpua Church Stone
Tasku Island and Guest Harbour
Airport Taxi Service in Oulu
Budget Hotel Raahe
Pattijoki Stone Arch Bridge
Hailong Chinese Restaurant
Kalla Island and Guest Berth
Oulu Tourist Information
Villa Sinipursi 9 Seaside Two-room Apartment
Cine Cafè Sofia
The old town of Ii - Wanha Hamina
Varjakka industrial heritage site and nature trail
Classic Pizza Restaurant - carefully crafted premium-quality pizzas
Villa Sinipursi 1 Studio Apartment in Old Raahe
CakePop Accommodation
Photo North's gallery
School Visit
Varikko Brewery Restaurant
Vihanti-Raahe Railway Station
The Trade House of Lang, Unique Historic Hotel Experience in the Heart of the Raahe Old Town
Restaurant Indian Cuisine
Restaurant Raahen Hovi
Raahe Church of the Holy Trinity
Sailor's trail
Siipiweikot Oulu
Mon Chou - French Pastry Shop
Taxi and charter services Ii
Central Library Saari
Sokeri-Jussin Kievari Restaurant
On Animal Trails
Café Wanha Apteekkari - the Old Apothecary
Pancho Villa Raahe
Rosso Restaurant Valkea
Wanhakulma Guesthouse in Old Town Raahe
Pancho Villa Raahe
Coffee House Café
OTAXI VIP for Premium Taxi Wishes
Local Taxi Services in Kempele
Raahe Ride
Villa Sinipursi 8 Two-room Apartment
Kurkela Lounge & Dine
Deluxe Poiju Villas by the Sea in Nallikari, Oulu
Botanical Garden of the University of Oulu
Old Town Raahe
Charter buses and private transportation services in Oulu region
Koiteli Residenssi accommodation villa
Iin Sillat Camping and Inn
Typpi Oy – Alvar Aalto's Red Brick Industrial Community in Oulu
Ravintola Sarkka
Katariina´s Chambers Willa Katariina in Old Town Raahe
Avis Car Rental at Oulu Airport
Trade House of Lang 19th Century Style Cafe and Restaurant at the Old Town Raahe
Children’s Cultural Centre Kotilo
Surprise Menu; a tribute to the diverse nature of the North
Oulu Cathedral
Nordic Art Hotel Lasaretti
Wooden Karjasilta from the reconstruction era
Restaurant Harald
Gunnarin Kartano´s apartments and hostel rooms in Lampinsaari, Raahe
Grill it! Oulu
Ravintolamaailma Limingantulli
Kiikku Garden Grill / Moonlight BBQ
Many layers of history in Kuusiluoto
Oulu Art Museum
Jakkukylä suspension bridge and Purusaari
Idyllinen kartanohotelli Iissä Iijoen rannalla
Oulu: Stories