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
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Gems of the Oulu River estuary
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Mourunki lake
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Villa Sinipursi 3 Studio Apartment in Old Raahe
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Oulu Museum
Alvar Aalto’s Oulu River Estuary Vision: Koskikeskus
Photo North's gallery
Gunnarin Kartano´s apartments and hostel rooms in Lampinsaari, Raahe
Mallaskellari - Cozy craft beer pub at Rotuaari
Wooden Karjasilta from the reconstruction era
Eanangiella - Voice of the Land 16.1.–3.5.2026
The Tasku Island Historical Daymark in Raahe Archipelago
Wooden old town in Pikisaari Island
45 Special
Accomodation in Vihanti with the Local Heritage Society
Pilpasuo protected area and nature trails
Master-Heikki’s Hut
The old town of Ii - Wanha Hamina
Pohjolan Matka Charter Coaches Oulu
Oulujoki Church
Statue of President Urho Kaleva Kekkonen
Cafe Olosauna
Tasku Island and Guest Harbour
1bar – Casual cocktail bar in the heart of Oulu
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Nallikari Lighthouse
Raahe Library
Trade House of Lang 19th Century Style Cafe and Restaurant at the Old Town Raahe
Guided Transportation from Oulu Airport to Oulu
Villa Sinipursi 9 Seaside Two-room Apartment
Historical Pilot House on Iso-Kraaseli Island
Nature Cafe Loppula at Sanginjoki
Restaurant Puistola
Bistoria Patio
Oula Kitchen & Bar
TurusenSaha Guesthouse
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Tent site in Nallikari Holiday Village, Oulu
Nallikari Holiday Village - Camping, Oulu
Lapland Hotels Oulu
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Grill it! Oulu
Catharina´s Cellar Willa Katariina in Old Town Raahe
De Gamlas Hem Hotel
Traditional Holiday Cottages in Nallikari, Oulu
Avis Car Rental in Oulu
Design Center Proto
Pancho Villa Raahe
Surprise Menu; a tribute to the diverse nature of the North
Traditional Fishing Harbour Kiviniemi
KulttuuriKauppila Art Centre
Science CentreTietomaa
Airport Taxi Service in Oulu
School Visit
Raahe Kebab Grill
Menevä Taxi Service Oulu Area
Top 5 attractions in Oulu!
The Alpua Church Stone
J&S BURGER
Ravintola Sarkka
Taxi and charter services Ii
Kari Juva Sculpture Park
Ravintolamaailma Linnanmaa
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Raahesali Concert and Conference Hall
Bistro, Hotel Lasaretti
Pure maku
Breakfast by the sea
Cafe Magnolia Coffee & Bakery
Night at Reenis
MajoitusYkkönen
Many layers of history in Kuusiluoto
Art Gallery Myötätuuli
Oulu Art Museum
Letonniemi protected area and nature trail
Restaurant Pannu
Local Taxi Services in Kempele
The Automobile Museum
Liisa & Moss Wonderland
Geocaching in Ii
Raahe Church of the Holy Trinity
Fuchka
Kuusisaari Recreation Park
Burgers
Raahe Ride
Old Town Raahe
Jakkukylä suspension bridge and Purusaari
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Varjakka industrial heritage site and nature trail
Cine Cafè Sofia
Pattijoki Church Chapel of Silence
SuperPark Restaurant
Frans&Camille Bistro
Restaurant Harald
Bed and Breakfast by the Iijoki river
Hietasaari recreational area
Restaurant Raahen Hovi
Ulkopauha Island
Aurora Revelare
Nature trail and birdwatching tower Hiastinhaara
Radisson Blu Hotel Oulu
Nature Resort Linnunrata / Sauna cabin
Miner Statue
Sailor's trail
Pancho Villa Raahe
The Sovelius House
Restaurant Nallikari
Ravintolamaailma Limingantulli
Raahe Bus and Taxi Station
Mon Chou - French Pastry Shop
Oulu's Original Taxi - OTAXI
The Longest Wall in Finland
De Gamlas Hem Restaurant
Smitti Island
Metallikausi
Kalla Island and Guest Berth
The Trade House of Lang, Unique Historic Hotel Experience in the Heart of the Raahe Old Town
Sopalle Lunch Restaurant
Restaurant Toripolliisi, Authentic and Local food
Regional Bus Transport Oulu - Ii
OuluHostel AlliMaria
Restaurant and winebar VENN
Coffee House Café
Cafe / Bar KIIKKU
OTAXI VIP for Premium Taxi Wishes
Budget Hotel Raahe, in North Ostrobothnia
Sanginjoki Nature Reserve
Merihelmi Camping in the Gulf of Bothnia
Sokeri-Jussin Kievari Restaurant
Nallikari – the Riviera of the North
Olkijoki Treaty Museum
Oulu Market Square Policeman statue
Bothnia Cafe & Wine
Restaurant Mallassauna
Katariina´s Chambers Willa Katariina in Old Town Raahe
Crown Granary
Bacaro Doppio Café
Wine Bar Kurkela
Vihanti-Raahe Railway Station
The Cheezburg Factory
Cultural Centre Valve
Pastel-coloured wooden Raksila
Avis Car Rental at Oulu Airport
Iso-Kraaseli Island and Guest Berth
Varvi Mast Memorial
Hotel Raahen Hovi
Best Western Hotel Apollo, Oulu
Amarillo Restaurant Oulu
Idyllinen kartanohotelli Iissä Iijoen rannalla