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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Fish Restaurant and Fishmonger's Lapaluodon KALA & KAHVILA

Will and Skill – Artist Women of the Early 20th Century

Get-away for Two by the Arctic Sea and Sand Dunes

Environmental Art Park

Nature trail and birdwatching tower Hiastinhaara

Kalla Island and Guest Berth

Raahesali Concert and Conference Hall

Tiedekahvila - Science cafe

St. Olaf’s Church of Saloinen

Café Kaari

Scandic Oulu Station

SuperPark Restaurant

Marina Resort A3

Statue of President Urho Kaleva Kekkonen

Villa Kalajoki

Best Western Hotel Apollo, Oulu

Many layers of history in Kuusiluoto

Deluxe Poiju Villas by the Sea in Nallikari, Oulu

Local Taxi Services in Kempele

Sofia Magdalena Church of Vihanti

Sanginjoki Nature Reserve

Catharina´s Cellar Willa Katariina in Old Town Raahe

Pilpasuo protected area and nature trails

Holiday house Aurinkorinne 8

Bottle of Wine and Northern Style Antipasti for Two

Fafa's Restaurant Valkea

Oulu's Original Taxi - OTAXI

Wanhakulma Guesthouse in Old Raahe

High-quality transport and travel agency services in Europe

Hietasaari recreational area

VIP Getaway for Two at Raahen Hovi

The Alpua Church Stone

Art Gallery Myötätuuli

Bacaro Doppio Café
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Bistro, Hotel Lasaretti

Trade House of Lang 19th Century Style Cafe and Restaurant at the Raahe Old Town

Virpiniemi recreational area

The duckboards of Hiekkasärkät

Ravintolamaailma Limingantulli

Iisland Uoma, beautiful house on an island

Pekkatori Square in the Heart of Old Raahe

Tietomaa Science Centre Tower

Smitti Island

Airport Taxi Service in Oulu

Rahja archipelago

The Sovelius House

KulttuuriKauppila Art Centre

Wooden old town in Pikisaari Island

Pattijoki Stone Arch Bridge

The Iso-Kraaseli Island Historical Daymark in Raahe Archipelago

Saloinen Museum

Katariina´s Chambers Willa Katariina in Old Town Raahe

Holiday Apartment With Own Yard

Kuusisaari Recreation Park

Koivuranta Floating Cafe

Nordic Art Hotel Lasaretti

Gems of the Oulu River estuary

Kari Juva Sculpture Park

Historical Pilot House on Iso-Kraaseli Island

Rauhala ravintola-pâtisserie

BUDGET HOTEL RAAHE, in North Ostrobothnia

Puistokahvila Makia Cafe

Tent site in Nallikari Holiday Village, Oulu

Frans&Camille Bistro

Marina Chalets, 4+2

Original Sokos Hotel Arina, Oulu

De Gamlas Hem Hotel

Hailuodon Panimo's Restaurant Mallassauna
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Raahe Archipelago

Pure maku

OTAXI VIP for Premium Taxi Wishes

Coastal Gem Platter and a bottle of wine

Riitta-Alina Helevä: My Song

Zivago

Nallikari Lighthouse

Oulu Market Square Policeman statue

Voimala 1889

Ulkopauha Island

Charter buses and private transportation services in Oulu region

Olkijoki Treaty Museum

Packhouse Museum

Mon Chou - French Pastry Shop

Iso-Kraaseli Island and Guest Berth

Three-course Dinner For Two at Hovi Bistro

Ojala Museum

Santa's Resort&Spa Hotel Sani

Kahvila Kiikku

Siiponjoki nature trail

Oulu Tourist Info

Ravintolamaailma Linnanmaa

Hupisaaret Islands city park

Historical Rantakortteli blocks of Oulu

Rosso Restaurant Valkea

Oulu Market Square

Miner Statue

Master-Heikki’s hut

Northern Ostrobothnia Museum

GreenStar Hotel Oulu
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Pattijoki Church Chapel of Silence
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Letonniemi protected area and nature trail

Martti Tarvainen (1897–1985): To See and to Experience

Oulujoki Church

Merihelmi

Kastelli Giant's Church

Oulu Cathedral

Restaurant Bistro

Pohjolan Matka Charter Coaches Oulu

Sailor's trail

Wooden Karjasilta from the reconstruction era

Lapland Hotels Oulu

Tasku Island and Guest Berth

Restaurant Nallikari

Warjakka B&B Accommodation

Science Centre Tietomaa

De Gamlas Hem Restaurant

Nallikari – the Riviera of the North

Nallikari Bakery & Bistro

All-year round campsite in Nallikari, Oulu

Traditional Holiday Cottages in Nallikari, Oulu

The Vihaslahti bird tower and nature reserve

Lokkilinna Restaurant

Varjakka industrial heritage site and nature trail

Hotel Rantakalla – overlooking the arctic Bay of Bothnia

Crown Granary

Botanical Garden of the University of Oulu

Cafe-Restaurant Seelari in Hietasaari

Fafa's Restaurant Limingantulli

Restaurant Hugo

Cafe Hanna

Farmahand´s Cabin Willa Katariina in Old Town Raahe

Mediterranean Restaurant

Restaurant and winebar VENN

Oulu Market Hall

Traditional handicrafts in an atmospheric old foundry

1bar

Tuba Food & Lounge

Varvi Mast Memorial

Raahe Church of the Holy Trinity

Ämmä - Äijä Island

Breakfast & Private Restaurant Veranta

Old Town Raahe

Amarillo Restaurant Oulu

Top 5 attractions in Oulu!

The Tasku Island Historical Daymark in Raahe Archipelago

Glass Iglu: Enjoy the Luxury of the Arctic Nature in Rahja Archipelago

Luxuriuous apartment Villa Merellä

Oulu Museum of Art

Scandic Oulu City

The old town of Ii - Wanha Hamina

Coffee House Café

Trade House of Lang Unique Historic Hotel Experience in the Heart of the Raahe Old Town

Lähde! wellness art park

Koivuranta igloos

Pastel-coloured wooden Raksila

Visit a wealthy merchant´s house Havula from the early 1900s
