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.
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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Smitti Island
Raahe
St. Olaf’s Church of Saloinen
Raahe
Zivago
Oulu
Bacaro Doppio Café
Oulu
Historical Pilot House on Iso-Kraaseli Island
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Bistro, Hotel Lasaretti
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45 Special
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Pain Exhibition 9.2.–25.8.2024
Oulu
Radisson Blu Hotel Oulu
Oulu
Master-Heikki’s Hut
Raahe
Koivuranta Floating Cafe
Oulu
Coffee House Café
Oulu
Night at Reenis
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Kastelli Giant's Church
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Letonniemi protected area and nature trail
Oulu
Charter buses and private transportation services in Oulu region
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Cafe Hanna
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Budget Hotel Raahe, in North Ostrobothnia
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De Gamlas Hem Restaurant
Oulu
Sailor's trail
Ii
Raahe Church of the Holy Trinity
Raahe
Ravintola Sarkka
Oulu
Ravintolamaailma Linnanmaa
Oulu
Idyllic holiday home by the Kiiminki River
Oulu
Fresh Mex
Oulu
SuperPark Restaurant
Oulu
Kuusisaari Recreation Park
Oulu
Restaurant Hugo
Oulu
Art Gallery Myötätuuli
Raahe
Tent site in Nallikari Holiday Village, Oulu
Oulu
Restaurant Nallikari
Oulu
Tasku Island and Guest Harbour
Raahe
Nordic Art Hotel Lasaretti
Oulu
Saloinen Museum
Raahe
Ravintolamaailma Limingantulli
Oulu
Kahvila Kiikku
Oulu
Ulkopauha Island
Raahe
Traditional Fishing Harbour Kiviniemi
Oulu
Idyllinen kartanohotelli Iissä Iijoen rannalla
Ii
Mourunki lake
Oulu
Villa Sinipursi 9 Seaside Two-room Apartment
Raahe
Nallikari – the Riviera of the North
Oulu
De Gamlas Hem Hotel
Oulu
Nature trail and birdwatching tower Hiastinhaara
Ii
KulttuuriKauppila Art Centre
Ii
Top 5 attractions in Oulu!
Oulu
Oulujoki Church
Oulu
Koiteli Residenssi accommodation villa
Oulu
Traditional handicrafts in an atmospheric old foundry
Raahe
Pilpasuo protected area and nature trails
Oulu
Statue of President Urho Kaleva Kekkonen
Raahe
Guided Transportation from Oulu Airport to Oulu
Oulu
Oulu Art Museum
Oulu
Iso-Kraaseli Island and Guest Berth
Raahe
The Alpua Church Stone
Raahe
Nallikari Aalto Apartments
Oulu
Sokeri-Jussin Kievari Restaurant
Oulu
Varjakka industrial heritage site and nature trail
Oulu
OTAXI VIP for Premium Taxi Wishes
Oulu
MajoitusYkkönen
Raahe
Olkijoki Treaty Museum
Raahe
Virpiniemi recreational area
Oulu
Rauhala ravintola-pâtisserie
Oulu
Oula Kitchen & Bar
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Puistokahvila Makia Cafe
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Amarillo Restaurant Oulu
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Katariina´s Chambers Willa Katariina in Old Town Raahe
Raahe
Catharina´s Cellar Willa Katariina in Old Town Raahe
Raahe
The Tasku Island Historical Daymark in Raahe Archipelago
Raahe
Hietasaari recreational area
Oulu
Jaakko Niemelä: Praakk
Oulu
Wooden Karjasilta from the reconstruction era
Oulu
Dinosauria
Oulu
Gems of the Oulu River estuary
Oulu
Oulu's Original Taxi - OTAXI
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Raahe
1bar
Oulu
Lapland Hotels Oulu
Oulu
GreenStar Hotel Oulu
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Farmahand´s Cabin Willa Katariina in Old Town Raahe
Raahe
Wanhakulma Guesthouse in Old Raahe
Raahe
Oulu Market Square
Oulu
Bed and Breakfast by the Iijoki river
Ii
Liisa & Moss Wonderland
Oulu
Varvi Mast Memorial
Raahe
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Nallikari Lighthouse
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Lähde! wellness art park
Ii
Kalla Island and Guest Berth
Raahe
Pattijoki Stone Arch Bridge
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The Sovelius House
Raahe
Mediterranean Restaurant
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Ojala Museum
Raahe
Environmental Art Park
Ii
Sofia Magdalena Church of Vihanti
Raahe
Cafe-Restaurant Seelari in Hietasaari
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Many layers of history in Kuusiluoto
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Kari Juva Sculpture Park
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Airport Taxi Service in Oulu
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Oulu Tourist Information Office
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Photo North's gallery
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Nallikari Bakery & Bistro
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Voimala 1889
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Best Western Hotel Apollo, Oulu
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The old town of Ii - Wanha Hamina
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Oulu Market Hall
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Villa Sinipursi 3 Studio Apartment in Old Raahe
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Trade House of Lang Unique Historic Hotel Experience in the Heart of the Raahe Old Town
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Hupisaaret Islands city park
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Pure maku
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Bistro Mesu
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Hotel Raahen Hovi
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Packhouse Museum
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Restaurant Mallassauna
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Sleep in hostel
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A Unique Cafe Huvila in Oulu
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Pastel-coloured wooden Raksila
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Nallikari Holiday Village - Camping, Oulu
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Sanginjoki Nature Reserve
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Miner Statue
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Tuba Food & Lounge
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Pattijoki Church Chapel of Silence
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The Iso-Kraaseli Island Historical Daymark in Raahe Archipelago
Raahe
Oulu Market Square Policeman statue
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Scandic Oulu City
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Rosso Restaurant Valkea
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Koivuranta igloos
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Joo Hetki Cafe
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Pekkatori Square in the heart of Old Raahe
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Mon Chou - French Pastry Shop
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Pohjolan Matka Charter Coaches Oulu
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Old Town Raahe
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