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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Oulu Art Museum
Nallikari – the Riviera of the North
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Trade House of Lang 19th Century Style Cafe and Restaurant at the Raahe Old Town
TurusenSaha Guesthouse
Pilpasuo protected area and nature trails
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Rosso Restaurant Valkea
Menevä Taxi Service Oulu Area
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Alvar Aalto's Toppila Sulphite Pulp Mill
Villa Sinipursi 9 Seaside Two-room Apartment
Local Taxi Services in Kempele
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GreenStar Hotel Oulu
Nallikari Lighthouse
Science CentreTietomaa
Sopalle Lunch Restaurant
Packhouse Museum
Best Western Hotel Apollo, Oulu
Photo North's gallery
St. Olaf’s Church of Saloinen
Oulu Museum
Liisa & Moss Wonderland
Airport Taxi Service in Oulu
Oulu's Original Taxi - OTAXI
Children’s Cultural Centre Kotilo
Hietasaari recreational area
Crown Granary
Iin Sillat Camping and Inn
De Gamlas Hem Restaurant
Zivago
Frans&Camille Bistro
Letonniemi protected area and nature trail
Restaurant Caspian
Pancho Villa Raahe
Joku Paikallinen Pubi | Local pub for darts & karaoke in Tuira, Oulu
The Alpua Church Stone
Historical Pilot House on Iso-Kraaseli Island
Oulu Market Hall
Accomodation in Vihanti with the Local Heritage Society
Sofia Magdalena Church of Vihanti
Vihanti-Raahe Railway Station
Rauhala ravintola-pâtisserie
Kari Juva Sculpture Park
Design Center Proto
Environmental Art Park
Art Gallery Myötätuuli
Ämmä-Äijä Island
Master-Heikki’s Hut
Mourunki lake
Wooden old town in Pikisaari Island
Avis Car Rental at Oulu Airport
Raahe Archipelago
Restaurant Indian Cuisine
Puistokahvila Makia Cafe
De Gamlas Hem Hotel
Café Kaari
Mon Chou - French Pastry Shop
Many layers of history in Kuusiluoto
Ravintolamaailma Limingantulli
Villa Sinipursi 8 Two-room Apartment
Lapland Hotels Oulu
Ravintolamaailma Linnanmaa
Restaurant Pannu
Tiima
Metallikausi
Raahe Kebab Grill
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Bed and Breakfast by the Iijoki river
Kuusisaari Recreation Park
Oula Kitchen & Bar
Fuchka
Sokeri-Jussin Kievari Restaurant
Pure maku
Aurora Revelare
Lake side Cottage Villa Wuotanka
OuluHostel AlliMaria
Breakfast by the sea
Raahe Library
Kinosalonki Sofia
The Longest Wall in Finland
Restaurant Nallikari
Top 5 attractions in Oulu!
Iso-Kraaseli Island and Guest Berth
Villa Sinipursi 1 Studio Apartment in Old Raahe
A Unique Cafe Huvila in Oulu
Tuba Food & Lounge
45 Special
Eanangiella - Voice of the Land 16.1.–3.5.2026
Alvar Aalto’s Oulu River Estuary Vision: Koskikeskus
Geocaching in Ii
Kastelli Giant's Church
Wine Bar Kurkela
Restaurant and winebar VENN
Raahesali Concert and Conference Hall
Tasku Island and Guest Harbour
Pekkatori Square in the heart of Old Raahe
KulttuuriKauppila Art Centre
Oulu Market Square Policeman statue
CakePop Accommodation
Puistola Cafe & Bakery
1bar – Casual cocktail bar in the heart of Oulu
Nallikari Holiday Village - Camping, Oulu
The Cheezburg Factory
Raahe Bus and Taxi Station
Grill it! Oulu
Gems of the Oulu River estuary
Cafe Hanna
Mediterranean Restaurant
Nallikari Aalto Apartment Hotel
Virpiniemi recreational area
Amarillo Restaurant Oulu
Statue of President Urho Kaleva Kekkonen
Bistro, Hotel Lasaretti
Masiina
Traditional Fishing Harbour Kiviniemi
Restaurant Hugo
Raahe Ride
Smitti Island
OTAXI VIP for Premium Taxi Wishes
Kalla Island and Guest Berth
The Automobile Museum
Ulkopauha Island
Surprise Menu; a tribute to the diverse nature of the North
The Sovelius House
Gunnarin Kartano´s apartments and hostel rooms in Lampinsaari, Raahe
Oulu Cathedral
Mallaskellari - Cozy craft beer pub at Rotuaari
Pohjolan Matka Charter Coaches Oulu
The Iso-Kraaseli Island Historical Daymark in Raahe Archipelago
Coffee House Café
Pastel-coloured wooden Raksila
Historical Rantakortteli blocks of Oulu
Restaurant Harald
Avis Car Rental in Oulu
Bacaro Doppio Café
Guided Transportation from Oulu Airport to Oulu
Varvi Mast Memorial
The old town of Ii - Wanha Hamina
Old Town Raahe
Merihelmi Camping in the Gulf of Bothnia
Pattijoki Stone Arch Bridge
Kiikku Garden Grill / Moonlight BBQ
Nature trail and birdwatching tower Hiastinhaara
Original Sokos Hotel Arina, Oulu
The Tasku Island Historical Daymark in Raahe Archipelago
J&S Burger Grill-Restaurant in Ii
Catharina´s Cellar Willa Katariina in Old Town Raahe
Breakfast & Private Restaurant Veranta
On Animal Trails
Lähde! wellness art park
MajoitusYkkönen