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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Sokeri-Jussin Kievari Restaurant
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Kastelli Giant's Church
Raahe
1bar
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Avis Car Rental at Oulu Airport
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Nature Cafe Loppula at Sanginjoki
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Design Center Proto
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Sofia Magdalena Church of Vihanti
Raahe
MajoitusYkkönen
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Koivuranta igloos
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Oulu Cathedral
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Oulu Market Hall
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Ravintolamaailma Linnanmaa
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Fresh Mex
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Bistro, Hotel Lasaretti
Oulu
Rosso Restaurant Valkea
Oulu
Photo North's gallery
Oulu
Historical Rantakortteli blocks of Oulu
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Original Sokos Hotel Arina, Oulu
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Puistola Cafe & Bakery
Oulu
Geocaching in Ii
Ii
Coffee House Café
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Guided Transportation from Oulu Airport to Oulu
Oulu
Trade House of Lang 19th Century Style Cafe and Restaurant at the Raahe Old Town
Raahe
Merihelmi Camping in the Gulf of Bothnia
Ii
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Scandic Oulu Station
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Restaurant Mallassauna
Oulu
Oula Kitchen & Bar
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Bacaro Doppio Café
Oulu
Olkijoki Treaty Museum
Raahe
Kinosalonki Sofia
Raahe
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Letonniemi protected area and nature trail
Oulu
Tuba Food & Lounge
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The Alpua Church Stone
Raahe
Oulu Art Museum
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Gunnarin Kartano´s apartments and hostel rooms in Lampinsaari, Raahe
Raahe
Sasu Ripatti: Konemetsä 17.12.2024–2.3.2025
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Hupisaaret Islands city park
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De Gamlas Hem Restaurant
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Kalla Island and Guest Berth
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Vihanti-Raahe Railway Station
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Oulu Tourist Information Office
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Mon Chou - French Pastry Shop
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Koivuranta Floating Cafe
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Puistokahvila Makia Cafe
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Restaurant Marani
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Historical Pilot House on Iso-Kraaseli Island
Raahe
Ravintola Sarkka
Oulu
Villa Sinipursi 8 Two-room Apartment
Raahe
Botanical Garden of the University of Oulu
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Raahe Ride
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Joo Hetki Cafe
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Pure maku
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Oulu Market Square Policeman statue
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Sanginjoki Nature Reserve
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Traditional Holiday Cottages in Nallikari, Oulu
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Saloinen Museum
Raahe
The Tasku Island Historical Daymark in Raahe Archipelago
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Ii
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Ii
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The old town of Ii - Wanha Hamina
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Raahe Archipelago
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Oulu's Original Taxi - OTAXI
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Statue of President Urho Kaleva Kekkonen
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Ii
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Oulujoki Church
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Smitti Island
Raahe
Iso-Kraaseli Island and Guest Berth
Raahe
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Raahe
Cafe-Restaurant Seelari in Hietasaari
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Best Western Hotel Apollo, Oulu
Oulu
Kari Juva Sculpture Park
Raahe
The Iso-Kraaseli Island Historical Daymark in Raahe Archipelago
Raahe
Surprise Menu; a tribute to the diverse nature of the North
Oulu
Wooden Karjasilta from the reconstruction era
Oulu
Scandic Oulu City
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Art Gallery Myötätuuli
Raahe
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Raahe
Mourunki lake
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The Sovelius House
Raahe
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Oulu
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Raahe
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Oulu
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Nature trail and birdwatching tower Hiastinhaara
Ii
Trade House of Lang Unique Historic Hotel Experience in the Heart of the Raahe Old Town
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Oulu
Breakfast & Private Restaurant Veranta
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Pattijoki Church Chapel of Silence
Raahe
Raahe Church of the Holy Trinity
Raahe
Restaurant Raahen Hovi
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Frans&Camille Bistro
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Crown Granary
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The Longest Wall in Finland
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Ii
Catharina´s Cellar Willa Katariina in Old Town Raahe
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Fish Restaurant Raahen Kala&Kahvila
Raahe
Pilpasuo protected area and nature trails
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St. Olaf’s Church of Saloinen
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De Gamlas Hem Hotel
Oulu