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