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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Zivago
Oulu
Typpi Oy – Alvar Aalto's Red Brick Industrial Community in Oulu
Oulu
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Raahe
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Raahe
Gems of the Oulu River estuary
Oulu
Nature Cafe Loppula at Sanginjoki
Oulu
Tent site in Nallikari Holiday Village, Oulu
Oulu
Oulu Market Square Policeman statue
Oulu
Bothnia Cafe & Wine
Raahe
Bacaro Doppio Café
Oulu
Jakkukylä suspension bridge and Purusaari
Ii
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Oulu
Ulkopauha Island
Raahe
CakePop Accommodation
Raahe
Charter buses and private transportation services in Oulu region
Oulu
Cafe Olosauna
Oulu
Mon Chou - French Pastry Shop
Oulu
Pastel-coloured wooden Raksila
Oulu
Puistola Cafe & Bakery
Oulu
Raahe Bus and Taxi Station
Raahe
Fuchka
Oulu
Café Kaari
Oulu
Raahe Library
Raahe
Budget Hotel Raahe, in North Ostrobothnia
Raahe
Original Sokos Hotel Arina, Oulu
Oulu
Amarillo Restaurant Oulu
Oulu
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Oulu
Nallikari Holiday Village - Camping, Oulu
Oulu
Surprise Menu; a tribute to the diverse nature of the North
Oulu
Iin Sillat Camping and Inn
Ii
GreenStar Hotel Oulu
Oulu
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Ii
Master-Heikki’s Hut
Raahe
Frans&Camille Bistro
Oulu
Lapland Hotels Oulu
Oulu
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Oulu
Pohjolan Matka Charter Coaches Oulu
Oulu
The old town of Ii - Wanha Hamina
Ii
Koiteli Residenssi accommodation villa
Oulu
Kinosalonki Sofia
Raahe
Lake side Cottage Villa Wuotanka
Oulu
Botanical Garden of the University of Oulu
Oulu
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Oulu
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Oulu
Nature Resort Linnunrata / Sauna cabin
Oulu
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Oulu
Mourunki lake
Oulu
Burgers
Oulu
Restaurant Ule
Oulu
Many layers of history in Kuusiluoto
Oulu
Regional Bus Transport Oulu - Ii
Ii
Top 5 attractions in Oulu!
Oulu
Kastelli Giant's Church
Raahe
Historical Pilot House on Iso-Kraaseli Island
Raahe
Cafe Hanna
Oulu
Kiikku Garden Grill / Moonlight BBQ
Oulu
Rosso Restaurant Valkea
Oulu
Airport Taxi Service in Oulu
Oulu
The Alpua Church Stone
Raahe
Oulu Tourist Information
Oulu
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Bistro, Hotel Lasaretti
Oulu
Pancho Villa Raahe
Raahe
Menevä Taxi Service Oulu Area
Oulu
Design Center Proto
Oulu
Alvar Aalto's Toppila Sulphite Pulp Mill
Oulu
Sailor's trail
Ii
Oula Kitchen & Bar
Oulu
Restaurant Harald
Oulu
Tuba Food & Lounge
Oulu
Kalla Island and Guest Berth
Raahe
Sofia Magdalena Church of Vihanti
Raahe
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Letonniemi protected area and nature trail
Oulu
MajoitusYkkönen
Raahe
Raahe Ride
Raahe
Cultural Centre Valve
Oulu
Nordic Art Hotel Lasaretti
Oulu
Pattijoki Stone Arch Bridge
Raahe
St. Olaf’s Church of Saloinen
Raahe
Art Gallery Myötätuuli
Raahe
Olkijoki Treaty Museum
Raahe
Iso-Kraaseli Island and Guest Berth
Raahe
The Trade House of Lang, Unique Historic Hotel Experience in the Heart of the Raahe Old Town
Raahe
Coffee House Café
Oulu
Restaurant Toripolliisi, Authentic and Local food
Oulu
OTAXI VIP for Premium Taxi Wishes
Oulu
Pancho Villa Raahe
Raahe
Oulu's Original Taxi - OTAXI
Oulu
Packhouse Museum
Raahe
Pekkatori Square in the heart of Old Raahe
Raahe
Ravintola Sarkka
Oulu
Gunnarin Kartano´s apartments and hostel rooms in Lampinsaari, Raahe
Raahe
Aurora Revelare
Oulu
Smitti Island
Raahe
Hupisaaret Islands city park
Oulu
Science CentreTietomaa
Oulu
Ravintolamaailma Limingantulli
Oulu
Bistoria Patio
Oulu
Statue of President Urho Kaleva Kekkonen
Raahe
Crown Granary
Raahe
Kindergarten Visit
Oulu
Restaurant and winebar VENN
Oulu
Oulu Art Museum
Oulu
The Longest Wall in Finland
Raahe
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Raahe Archipelago
Raahe
The Tasku Island Historical Daymark in Raahe Archipelago
Raahe
Traditional handicrafts in an atmospheric old foundry
Raahe
Mediterranean Restaurant
Oulu
Joku Paikallinen Pubi | Local pub for darts & karaoke in Tuira, Oulu
Oulu
Traditional Holiday Cottages in Nallikari, Oulu
Oulu
Lähde! wellness art park
Ii
A Unique Cafe Huvila in Oulu
Oulu
Kari Juva Sculpture Park
Raahe
Villa Sinipursi 9 Seaside Two-room Apartment
Raahe
Restaurant Caspian
Oulu
Restaurant Mallassauna
Oulu
KulttuuriKauppila Art Centre
Ii
Best Western Hotel Apollo, Oulu
Oulu
Restaurant Raahen Hovi
Raahe
Breakfast by the sea
Oulu
Villa Sinipursi 1 Studio Apartment in Old Raahe
Raahe
1bar – Casual cocktail bar in the heart of Oulu
Oulu
De Gamlas Hem Restaurant
Oulu
J&S BURGER
Ii
Nallikari Lighthouse
Oulu
De Gamlas Hem Hotel
Oulu
OuluHostel AlliMaria
Oulu
Rauhala ravintola-pâtisserie
Oulu
Wooden old town in Pikisaari Island
Oulu
Avis Car Rental in Oulu
Oulu
Accomodation in Vihanti with the Local Heritage Society
Raahe
Old Town Raahe
Raahe
Local Taxi Services in Kempele
Oulu
Photo North's gallery
Oulu
On Animal Trails
Oulu
Raahe Kebab Grill
Raahe
Sokeri-Jussin Kievari Restaurant
Oulu
Hirsilampi apartments
Oulu
Nature trail and birdwatching tower Hiastinhaara
Ii
Pilpasuo protected area and nature trails
Oulu
Idyllinen kartanohotelli Iissä Iijoen rannalla
Ii
TurusenSaha Guesthouse
Oulu
Guided Transportation from Oulu Airport to Oulu
Oulu
Sopalle Lunch Restaurant
Raahe
Masiina
Oulu
Oulu Museum
Oulu
Hietasaari recreational area
Oulu
Taxi and charter services Ii
Ii
Restaurant Puistola
Oulu
Historical Rantakortteli blocks of Oulu
Oulu
Restaurant La Sinfonia
Oulu
The Iso-Kraaseli Island Historical Daymark in Raahe Archipelago
Raahe
Villa Sinipursi 3 Studio Apartment in Old Raahe
Raahe
Ämmä-Äijä Island
Raahe
Merihelmi Camping in the Gulf of Bothnia
Ii
The Cheezburg Factory
Oulu
Ravintolamaailma Linnanmaa
Oulu
Alvar Aalto’s Oulu River Estuary Vision: Koskikeskus
Oulu
School Visit
Oulu
Bed and Breakfast by the Iijoki river
Ii
Pure maku
Oulu
Villa Sinipursi 8 Two-room Apartment
Raahe
Wooden Karjasilta from the reconstruction era
Oulu
The Automobile Museum
Raahe
Scandic Oulu City
Oulu
Traditional Fishing Harbour Kiviniemi
Oulu
Oulu Cathedral
Oulu
Mallaskellari - Cozy craft beer pub at Rotuaari
Oulu
Cafe / Bar KIIKKU
Oulu
Environmental Art Park
Ii
Cafe Magnolia Coffee & Bakery
Oulu
Varvi Mast Memorial
Raahe
Children’s Cultural Centre Kotilo
Oulu
Tiima
Oulu
Nallikari – the Riviera of the North
Oulu
Trade House of Lang 19th Century Style Cafe and Restaurant at the Old Town Raahe
Raahe
Metallikausi
Oulu
Eanangiella - Voice of the Land 16.1.–3.5.2026
Oulu
Restaurant Nallikari
Oulu
Night at Reenis
Oulu
Raahe Church of the Holy Trinity
Raahe
Vihanti-Raahe Railway Station
Raahe
Raahesali Concert and Conference Hall
Raahe
Nallikari Aalto Apartment Hotel
Oulu
Virpiniemi recreational area
Oulu
Wanhakulma Guesthouse in Old Town Raahe
Raahe
Oulujoki Church
Oulu
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Pattijoki Church Chapel of Silence
Raahe
Katariina´s Chambers Willa Katariina in Old Town Raahe
Raahe
Tasku Island and Guest Harbour
Raahe
Geocaching in Ii
Ii
Scandic Oulu Station
Oulu
Puistokahvila Makia Cafe
Oulu
Kuusisaari Recreation Park
Oulu
The Sovelius House
Raahe
Miner Statue
Raahe
Liisa & Moss Wonderland
Oulu
45 Special
Oulu
Varjakka industrial heritage site and nature trail
Oulu
SuperPark Restaurant
Oulu
Catharina´s Cellar Willa Katariina in Old Town Raahe
Raahe
Avis Car Rental at Oulu Airport
Oulu
Grill it! Oulu
Oulu
Deluxe Poiju Villas by the Sea in Nallikari, Oulu
Oulu
Sanginjoki Nature Reserve
Oulu
Restaurant Pannu
Oulu
Oulu Market Hall
Oulu
Radisson Blu Hotel Oulu
Oulu