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