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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Iso-Kraaseli Island and Guest Berth
Aurora Revelare
The Automobile Museum
Katariina´s Chambers Willa Katariina in Old Town Raahe
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Botanical Garden of the University of Oulu
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Traditional Holiday Cottages in Nallikari, Oulu
Oulu Market Square Policeman statue
Oulu Tourist Information
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Nallikari – the Riviera of the North
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Kalla Island and Guest Berth
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Design Center Proto
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Olkijoki Treaty Museum
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Raahe Library
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A Unique Cafe Huvila in Oulu
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Eanangiella - Voice of the Land 16.1.–3.5.2026
Art Gallery Myötätuuli
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Varvi Mast Memorial
Raahe Archipelago
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Idyllinen kartanohotelli Iissä Iijoen rannalla
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Jakkukylä suspension bridge and Purusaari
Oula Kitchen & Bar
Scandic Oulu City
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The Sovelius House
Surprise Menu; a tribute to the diverse nature of the North
Pilpasuo protected area and nature trails
Typpi Oy – Alvar Aalto's Red Brick Industrial Community in Oulu
Cultural Centre Valve
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Local Taxi Services in Kempele
Sanginjoki Nature Reserve
Lähde! wellness art park
Children’s Cultural Centre Kotilo
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Letonniemi protected area and nature trail
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Pekkatori Square in the heart of Old Raahe
Regional Bus Transport Oulu - Ii
Kinosalonki Sofia
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Alvar Aalto’s Oulu River Estuary Vision: Koskikeskus
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Oulu's Original Taxi - OTAXI
Pure maku
Budget Hotel Raahe, in North Ostrobothnia
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Varjakka industrial heritage site and nature trail
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Kari Juva Sculpture Park
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Pancho Villa Raahe
Gems of the Oulu River estuary
KulttuuriKauppila Art Centre
Trade House of Lang 19th Century Style Cafe and Restaurant at the Old Town Raahe
Top 5 attractions in Oulu!
Nordic Art Hotel Lasaretti
Gunnarin Kartano´s apartments and hostel rooms in Lampinsaari, Raahe
Oulu Cathedral
Mallaskellari - Cozy craft beer pub at Rotuaari
Pohjolan Matka Charter Coaches Oulu
Nallikari Holiday Village - Camping, Oulu
Many layers of history in Kuusiluoto
MajoitusYkkönen
Historical Rantakortteli blocks of Oulu
Hietasaari recreational area
GreenStar Hotel Oulu
Oulujoki Church
Ämmä-Äijä Island
Night at Reenis
Bed and Breakfast by the Iijoki river
Geocaching in Ii
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OTAXI VIP for Premium Taxi Wishes
Sopalle Lunch Restaurant
Raahe Ride
Merihelmi Camping in the Gulf of Bothnia
Raahe Bus and Taxi Station
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Mourunki lake
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Lake side Cottage Villa Wuotanka
Nallikari Aalto Apartment Hotel
Charter buses and private transportation services in Oulu region
Vihanti-Raahe Railway Station
Ravintolamaailma Limingantulli
Kastelli Giant's Church
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Photo North's gallery
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Pattijoki Church Chapel of Silence
Smitti Island
Fuchka
J&S BURGER
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Iisland Cottages
SuperPark Restaurant
The Tasku Island Historical Daymark in Raahe Archipelago
Villa Sinipursi 3 Studio Apartment in Old Raahe
Ravintolamaailma Linnanmaa
J&S Burger Grill-Restaurant in Ii
Masiina
Ravintola Sarkka
Original Sokos Hotel Arina, Oulu
Villa Sinipursi 9 Seaside Two-room Apartment
Avis Car Rental in Oulu
Mon Chou - French Pastry Shop
Zivago
Statue of President Urho Kaleva Kekkonen
Pastel-coloured wooden Raksila
Cine Cafè Sofia
Historical Pilot House on Iso-Kraaseli Island
Puistola Cafe & Bakery
Restaurant Pannu
Restaurant Puistola
Pancho Villa Raahe
The Iso-Kraaseli Island Historical Daymark in Raahe Archipelago
Oulu Market Hall
Sofia Magdalena Church of Vihanti