Experience the magic of winter on the Pohjola route

Step into the wild Arctic of Ranua

Ever dreamed of meeting Arctic animals in the heart of the northern forest? At Ranua Wildlife Park, the world’s northernmost wildlife park, you’ll come face to face with the true icons of the Arctic. Wander through snowy forest trails and spot polar bears, wolves, lynx, wolverines and Arctic foxes living in spacious, natural enclosures that mirror their wild habitat.
Winter brings the park to life with daily animal presentations and feeding moments, offering unforgettable close-up encounters. One of the season’s highlights is the newly renewed polar bear area, designed with the animals’ wellbeing in mind and offering visitors breathtaking views without disturbing these majestic creatures.
Turn your visit into a full Arctic escape by staying at Ranua Resort. Sleep under the stars in a glass igloo or unwind in a cosy holiday villa, then dive into authentic winter adventures – from thrilling snowmobile safaris and traditional horse-drawn sleigh rides to soothing sauna sessions and an invigorating dip in icy water.

Winter fun for the whole family in Kempele

Just minutes from Oulu and easy to reach along the Northern Loop route, Kempele is a perfect winter stop for families looking for outdoor fun and easy-going experiences. When winter arrives, outdoor life centres around Vihiluoto, where cross-country ski tracks and ice routes stretch out onto the frozen sea whenever conditions allow – an unforgettable way to enjoy the northern coast. More skiing options can be found in the scenic trail network of Köykkyri.
With convenient accommodation along Highway 4 and short distances to the airport, railway station and Oulu city centre, stopping in Kempele is effortless. For a peaceful nature escape, head to Linnunrata Farm in Juurussuo, where friendly alpacas and a charming rural setting offer a calming and memorable experience – especially for families with children.

Glide through dunes and wetlands in Rokua Geopark

Rokua Geopark offers one of Finland’s most surprising winter landscapes, where skiing takes you across ancient dunes, pine forests and peaceful wetlands. The area stretches from the Oulu River Valley to the Rokua ridge and dune formations, all the way to the northern shores of Lake Oulujärvi – creating endlessly varied scenery for cross-country skiing.
In Muhos, just over half an hour from Oulu, ski trails wind through the sandy pine forests of Korkalanvaara and along the historic Tar Route (Tervareitistö) leading towards Rokua Geopark. The dunes of Rokua Geopark have even produced Olympic-level skiers, and it’s no surprise: the national park surroundings boast the most extensive trail network in the Rokua Geopark area. In Vaala, skiing continues along the shores of Lake Oulujärvi – or, conditions permitting, right across the frozen lake at Manamansalo.
For a different way to explore, you can rent gliding snowshoes from Montta Active Camping in both the Rokua National Park and Vaala areas. Combining the float of snowshoes with the smooth glide of skis, they offer a fun and easy way to discover the winter landscape.
After a day outdoors, slow down and unwind at Rokua Health & Spa, spend the night in the historic atmosphere of Merilä Manor, or enjoy lakeside accommodation at Manamansalo Camping. For a more private retreat, Luxury Hideouts offers peaceful, high-quality cabin stays on the shores of Lake Oulujärvi.

A bucket-list Icebreaker adventure in Kemi

In Kemi, travellers are treated to a true once-in-a-lifetime experience. Step aboard the legendary icebreakers Sampo or Arktis and cruise across the frozen Bothnian Bay, cutting a powerful path through thick sea ice. During the journey, you’ll explore the entire vessel on a guided tour – and for the bravest, there’s an unforgettable highlight: floating in the icy sea next to the icebreaker, safely dressed in a survival suit.
Kemi’s winter magic continues at the LumiLinna area and its Winter Park, where snowy fun meets Arctic atmosphere. At SnowExperience365, a spectacular world of snow and ice awaits year-round, featuring stunning ice sculptures that never fail to impress.
After a day of Arctic adventures, enjoy delicious food and drinks at the Snowflake Restaurant, then spend the night in cosy seaside villas or sleep under the stars by the sea – the perfect ending to an unforgettable winter escape.

A fairytale winter in Syöte

Finland’s southernmost fell invites you to slow down and enjoy a winter holiday beyond the rush of everyday life. At Syöte, the view from the fell top is filled with snow-covered trees sculpted by frost, while in the evenings the northern lights often paint the sky and create a fairytale atmosphere across the fell landscape. Spend your days skiing downhill slopes, snowshoeing, hiking in the national park or gliding along cross-country trails – there’s plenty to do for the whole family.

Known as a haven for cyclists in summer, Iso-Syöte shines just as brightly in winter. The area offers up to 40 kilometres of scenic winter routes, perfect for e-fatbiking or fatbiking through snowy forests and fell landscapes. Rent a bike from Iso-Syöte and head towards the cosy Ahmatuva trail café – famous for its melt-in-your-mouth doughnuts.
Winter adventures also include husky safaris with Syöte Eräpalvelut, where the trails wind through forests, wetlands and even across frozen lakes. After the ride, you’ll get to meet the dogs, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and hear stories from everyday life at the husky kennel.
From high-quality hotels to charming cabins, accommodation options in Syöte suit every style. Located at the foot of the Iso-Syöte slopes, Hotel KIDE has even been awarded as Finland’s best ski resort hotel – the perfect base for your winter escape.

Glide through art and ice – a one-of-a-kind winter experience in Ii

Along the Pohjola route, the municipality of Ii offers peaceful winter nature, creative experiences and a slower pace of travel. The area is dotted with scenic nature sites and cosy lean-to shelters, perfect for winter stops in the fresh northern air.
One of Ii’s most unique winter highlights is the long-distance skating route through the Environmental Art Park, where the frozen river landscape meets striking outdoor artworks. Skating through this open-air gallery is a truly memorable way to experience winter in Northern Finland.
For winter swimmers, the open ice hole at Vihkosaari is a local favourite. After a refreshing dip, warm up in the nearby hotel sauna while admiring views of the Iijoki River through large windows. For accommodation, Villa Kauppila offers a peaceful stay in a historic log manor, where thick timber walls and a warm atmosphere make winter feel extra special. A more modern option is Iisland at Ii’s Karhu, just a 30-minute drive from Oulu. Completed in 2024, this seaside complex offers accommodation and meeting facilities across three buildings, with space for up to 20 guests – ideal for unforgettable meetings, celebrations and wellbeing retreats.
Winter magic peaks on 14 February 2026, when Ii hosts an ice and snow art event as part of the Oulu2026 programme. On this special day, the frozen Iijoki River and the Environmental Art Park are transformed with ice and snow sculptures, light art and performances, celebrating the beauty – and fragility – of the northern winter.

Winter island adventures in the seaside city of Raahe

In winter, Raahe captivates visitors with its maritime nature and unique city archipelago. Just offshore lies a remarkable cluster of around 50 islands and skerries, inviting explorers to venture out across the frozen sea on foot, skis, snowshoes or fatbikes – and for those seeking a faster pace, even on traditional sled rides. The archipelago is easily accessible directly from the city centre, where services and parking are close by, making it effortless to set off on a winter picnic surrounded by rugged rocks and peaceful bays.

Winter in Raahe blends nature with culture. The historic streets of Wanha Raahe, forest trails and coastal landscapes offer a wide range of outdoor experiences right next to the city. The season is enriched by events from the Oulu2026programme, with the Oulu2026 Opening Celebrations taking place in Raahe on 23–25 January 2026, when culture and city life bring warmth and energy to the winter streets.
Culture lovers are also invited to explore Raahe’s museums during open-door days, where history meets modern storytelling. At the Pakkahuone Museum, the past comes alive through augmented reality, while the Crown Granary Museum offers hands-on experiences such as steering a sailing ship in a 3D environment or discovering steelmaking through playful, interactive exhibits.
Raahe is an inspiring winter stop along the Northern Loop – where the sea, history and culture come together in one unforgettable experience.

Winter cycling adventures and nature escapes in Liminka

Liminka offers wonderful winter settings for outdoor activities and moments of calm in nature. In the Rantakylä area, the fitness trail transforms into a lit cross-country ski track, and with good snow conditions the route continues all the way to Liminka Bay – with the sea track sometimes extending as far as Tupokse. The area also features a sledding hill, campfire spots and lean-to shelters, and at the beach the bravest visitors can try ice swimming.
Winter in Liminka also invites you onto two wheels. The approximately 20-kilometre winter cycling route in Rantakylä is easy to ride and well suited for non-electric bikes, while additional routes can be found towards Tupokse and, conditions permitting, across the frozen sea.
Nature experiences are deepened at the Liminka Bay Nature Centre, where the Metsähallitus exhibition The Eight Seasons of Birds showcases the rich birdlife of the bay and the importance of wetland nature throughout the year. Designed for the whole family, the exhibition includes the charming Bird’s Nest space with stories that delight younger visitors. The nature centre also hosts temporary exhibitions, and a visit can be perfectly rounded off with a coffee or light meal at the nearby Hotel & Restaurant Liminganlahti.

Where winter slows you down – peaceful moments in Hailuoto

Activate, reconnect with nature, relax and recharge – winter in Hailuoto offers something for everyone. The Arctic ferry journey to the island, weaving through drifting ice floes, is an experience in itself and feels wonderfully exotic even for Finnish travellers.
On Hailuoto, shimmering spring snowfields and untouched island nature invite you to slow down. Enjoy outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating or even kick sledding along the island’s varied routes. After a crisp winter day outdoors, let your worries melt away in the comforting warmth of a sauna – the perfect way to end a peaceful island escape.

Wide-open winter peace by the frozen sea in Lumijoki

Just south of Oulu, Lumijoki is a peaceful coastal countryside escape where the frozen Bothnian Bay, open plains and winding river landscapes come together to create a striking winter setting. Varjakka is known as one of the best perch ice-fishing spots in the region, attracting anglers from far and wide. Out on the sea ice, winter excursions take on a truly memorable character.
Winter in Lumijoki also invites quiet nature observation. Part of the municipality lies within Liminka Bay, Finland’s most valuable bird wetland, where winter scenery and tranquil nature spots surround the birdwatching towers. Trails crossing the open plains and riverbanks make the area ideal for unhurried outdoor walks and scenic exploration.

Winter atmosphere and local flavours in Tyrnävä

Tyrnävä is a peaceful winter stop along the Pohjola route, where wide-open plains, nature and local flavours come together. The atmospheric Meijerikatu street takes visitors into an early 20th-century industrial setting, while the steep canyon of the Ängeslevä River offers a striking nature experience even in the heart of winter.
Tyrnävä is well known for its high-quality potatoes, and local flavours truly shine at Smokehouse 299, where smoked dishes and BBQ form the heart of the menu.
For relaxation, the Ampumarata / Rauhionoja winter swimming spot offers an open ice hole throughout the season – the perfect way to embrace the northern winter.

Urban winter magic by the frozen sea in Oulu

Winter in Oulu blends the best of city life and nature into one unforgettable experience. Even as the sea freezes and temperatures drop, the city stays alive with events, culture and shared moments as Oulu celebrates its year as the European Capital of Culture. The winter cityscape becomes a vibrant stage for experiences enjoyed both outdoors and indoors – from morning to night.

The year kicks off with the Oulu2026 Opening Festival on 16–18 January 2026, when concerts, art and collective celebrations fill the entire city. In February, City Hockey (Citylätkä) takes over the Market Square waterfront on 6–7 February, followed by Nallikari Snow Fest on 11–15 February, transforming the seafront into an international snow sculpture gallery. At the end of the month, Frozen People on 28 February–1 March 2026 brings together music, art and northern landscapes at Nallikari.

Some of winter’s boldest experiences happen at the edge of icy water. Polar Bear Pitching on 26 February 2026 sees startups pitching their ideas straight from an ice hole, while the Winter Swimming World Championships on 2–8 March 2026 draw an international crowd to Oulu, celebrating resilience, courage and the true spirit of the North.