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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Varjakka industrial heritage site and nature trail
Breakfast & Private Restaurant Veranta
Night at Reenis
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Trade House of Lang 19th Century Style Cafe and Restaurant at the Old Town Raahe
Central Library Saari
J&S BURGER
Oula Kitchen & Bar
Sanginjoki Nature Reserve
Mallaskellari - Cozy craft beer pub at Rotuaari
Hirsilampi apartments
Tent site in Nallikari Holiday Village, Oulu
The Automobile Museum
Cafe Magnolia Coffee & Bakery
Letonniemi protected area and nature trail
Oulu Tourist Information
Tuba Food & Lounge
De Gamlas Hem Restaurant
Iin Paviljongin majoitus upeissa jokimaisemissa
The Iso-Kraaseli Island Historical Daymark in Raahe Archipelago
The Trade House of Lang, Unique Historic Hotel Experience in the Heart of the Raahe Old Town
Sleep in hostel
Kiikku Garden Grill / Moonlight BBQ
De Gamlas Hem Hotel
Wooden old town in Pikisaari Island
Kastelli Giant's Church
Eanangiella - Voice of the Land 16.1.–3.5.2026
Experience Space VISIO
Amarillo Restaurant Oulu
Nallikari Holiday Village - Camping, Oulu
The Alpua Church Stone
Fuchka
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Wooden Karjasilta from the reconstruction era
Traditional Fishing Harbour Kiviniemi
Surprise Menu; a tribute to the diverse nature of the North
The old town of Ii - Wanha Hamina
Scandic Oulu City
Raahe Library
Budget Hotel Raahe, in North Ostrobothnia
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Tasku Island and Guest Harbour
Villa Sinipursi 1 Studio Apartment in Old Raahe
45 Special
Oulu Market Hall
Pastel-coloured wooden Raksila
Historical Pilot House on Iso-Kraaseli Island
Kari Juva Sculpture Park
Oulu's Original Taxi - OTAXI
1bar – Casual cocktail bar in the heart of Oulu
Cultural Centre Valve
Oulu Museum
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Nallikari – the Riviera of the North
Scandic Oulu Station
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Nallikari Lighthouse
OuluHostel AlliMaria
Best Western Hotel Apollo, Oulu
Oulu Art Museum
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Deluxe Poiju Villas by the Sea in Nallikari, Oulu
Ämmä-Äijä Island
Gunnarin Kartano´s apartments and hostel rooms in Lampinsaari, Raahe
Oulu Market Square Policeman statue
Master-Heikki’s Hut
Kindergarten Visit
The Tasku Island Historical Daymark in Raahe Archipelago
Ravintola Sarkka
Kurkela Lounge & Dine
Traditional handicrafts in an atmospheric old foundry
Science CentreTietomaa
Pilpasuo protected area and nature trails
Vihanti-Raahe Railway Station
Raahe Ride
Puistola Cafe & Bakery
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Traditional Holiday Cottages in Nallikari, Oulu
Liisa & Moss Wonderland
Merihelmi Camping in the Gulf of Bothnia
Hupisaaret Islands city park
Mon Chou - French Pastry Shop
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Kinosalonki Sofia
Olkijoki Treaty Museum
Pattijoki Stone Arch Bridge
PikkuPanda Teahouse & Teashop
Masiina
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School Visit
Tiima
Iin Sillat Camping and Inn
Regional Bus Transport Oulu - Ii
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Historical Rantakortteli blocks of Oulu
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Pancho Villa Raahe
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Miner Statue
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Bistoria Patio
Pohjolan Matka Charter Coaches Oulu
Restaurant Pannu
Ravintolamaailma Limingantulli
Wanhakulma Guesthouse in Old Town Raahe
Raahe Church of the Holy Trinity
Kalla Island and Guest Berth
Top 5 attractions in Oulu!
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Many layers of history in Kuusiluoto
Mourunki lake
KulttuuriKauppila Art Centre
Siipiweikot Oulu
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Bed and Breakfast by the Iijoki river
The Longest Wall in Finland
Takaranta Art Path
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Charter buses and private transportation services in Oulu region
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Catharina´s Cellar Willa Katariina in Old Town Raahe
Avis Car Rental at Oulu Airport
Geocaching in Ii
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OTAXI VIP for Premium Taxi Wishes
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Lake side Cottage Villa Wuotanka
Oulujoki Church
Environmental Art Park
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Gems of the Oulu River estuary
Varikko Taproom & Terrace
Menevä Taxi Service Oulu Area
Packhouse Museum
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Airport Taxi Service in Oulu
Alvar Aalto’s Oulu River Estuary Vision: Koskikeskus
Rauhala ravintola-pâtisserie
Pancho Villa Raahe
Nature Resort Linnunrata / Sauna cabin
Original Sokos Hotel Arina, Oulu
Iisland Cottages
Design Center Proto
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Virpiniemi recreational area
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Oulu Cathedral
Grill it! Oulu
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Varvi Mast Memorial
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Lähde! wellness art park
Guided Transportation from Oulu Airport to Oulu
Nature Cafe Loppula at Sanginjoki
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Raahe Archipelago
Breakfast by the sea
Bothnia Cafe & Wine
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Restaurant Hugo
CakePop Accommodation
Villa Sinipursi 8 Two-room Apartment
Alvar Aalto's Toppila Sulphite Pulp Mill
Puistokahvila Makia Cafe
Taxi and charter services Ii
Pattijoki Church Chapel of Silence
Smitti Island
Frans&Camille Bistro
Panoramic Elevator
Sailor's trail
Ulkopauha Island
Villa Sinipursi 3 Studio Apartment in Old Raahe
Aurora Revelare
Typpi Oy – Alvar Aalto's Red Brick Industrial Community in Oulu
Art Gallery Myötätuuli
Hietasaari recreational area
Classic Pizza Restaurant - carefully crafted premium-quality pizzas
St. Olaf’s Church of Saloinen
Jakkukylä suspension bridge and Purusaari
Metallikausi
Avis Car Rental in Oulu
Statue of President Urho Kaleva Kekkonen
Sokeri-Jussin Kievari Restaurant
Botanical Garden of the University of Oulu
Iso-Kraaseli Island and Guest Berth
Joku Paikallinen Pubi | Local pub for darts & karaoke in Tuira, Oulu
Café Wanha Apteekkari - the Old Apothecary
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On Animal Trails
Pekkatori Square in the heart of Old Raahe
The Sovelius House
Nature trail and birdwatching tower Hiastinhaara
A Unique Cafe Huvila in Oulu
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TurusenSaha Guesthouse
Katariina´s Chambers Willa Katariina in Old Town Raahe
Cafe Olosauna