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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Ravintolamaailma Linnanmaa

Gems of the Oulu River estuary

45 Special

Raahe Kebab Grill

Scandic Oulu Station
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Bistro, Hotel Lasaretti

Nature trail and birdwatching tower Hiastinhaara

Raahesali Concert and Conference Hall

Restaurant Toripolliisi, Authentic and Local food

OuluHostel AlliMaria

Restaurant Marani

Gunnarin Kartano´s apartments and hostel rooms in Lampinsaari, Raahe

Restaurant Mallassauna

Katariina´s Chambers Willa Katariina in Old Town Raahe

Sleep in hostel

Raahe Ride

Restaurant Puistola

Bed and Breakfast by the Iijoki river

Cafe-Restaurant Seelari in Hietasaari

Puistokahvila Makia Cafe

Pattijoki Stone Arch Bridge

Master-Heikki’s Hut

Radisson Blu Hotel Oulu

Historical Rantakortteli blocks of Oulu

Kinosalonki Sofia

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

Zivago

Olkijoki Treaty Museum

Iso-Kraaseli Island and Guest Berth

Mediterranean Restaurant

Pure maku

Kalla Island and Guest Berth

Restaurant Raahen Hovi

Catharina´s Cellar Willa Katariina in Old Town Raahe

Raahe Archipelago

Raahe Church of the Holy Trinity

Pastel-coloured wooden Raksila

Sanginjoki Nature Reserve

Vihanti-Raahe Railway Station

GreenStar Hotel Oulu

Ulkopauha Island

Villa Sinipursi 9 Seaside Two-room Apartment

Menevä Taxi Service Oulu Area

Tasku Island and Guest Harbour

Best Western Hotel Apollo, Oulu

Northern Ostrobothnia Museum

Oulu's Original Taxi - OTAXI

Ravintola Sarkka

Cine Cafè Sofia

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

The Longest Wall in Finland

Puistola Cafe & Bakery

De Gamlas Hem Restaurant

School Visit

Restaurant Caspian

Virpiniemi recreational area

A Unique Cafe Huvila in Oulu

Mon Chou - French Pastry Shop

Environmental Art Park

Avis Car Rental in Oulu

Geocaching in Ii

Ämmä-Äijä Island

Oulu Cathedral

Nallikari Holiday Village - Camping, Oulu

Fresh Mex

Liisa & Moss Wonderland

Villa Sinipursi 8 Two-room Apartment

CakePop Accommodation

SuperPark Restaurant

Traditional Fishing Harbour Kiviniemi

Lapland Hotels Oulu

Night at Reenis

Taiga Resort Holiday Village

Nature Cafe Loppula at Sanginjoki
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Pattijoki Church Chapel of Silence

Villa Sinipursi 1 Studio Apartment in Old Raahe

The Iso-Kraaseli Island Historical Daymark in Raahe Archipelago

Avis Car Rental at Oulu Airport

Guided Transportation from Oulu Airport to Oulu

De Gamlas Hem Hotel

Hietasaari recreational area

Idyllinen kartanohotelli Iissä Iijoen rannalla

Pancho Villa Raahe

Smitti Island

Hupisaaret Islands city park

Oulu Art Museum

Bistro Mesu

Villa Sinipursi 3 Studio Apartment in Old Raahe

Oulujoki Church

Imagine Abstract 28.3.–30.11.2025

Amarillo Restaurant Oulu

Merihelmi Camping in the Gulf of Bothnia

Rauhala ravintola-pâtisserie

Restaurant Hugo

Deluxe Poiju Villas by the Sea in Nallikari, Oulu

Taxi and charter services Ii

Koivuranta igloos

Budget Hotel Raahe, in North Ostrobothnia

Jakkukylä suspension bridge and Purusaari

Traditional Holiday Cottages in Nallikari, Oulu

Lähde! wellness art park

Rosso Restaurant Valkea

Joku Paikallinen Pubi | Local pub for darts & karaoke in Tuira, Oulu

Bacaro Doppio Café

Regional Bus Transport Oulu - Ii

Coffee House Café

Iin Sillat Camping and Inn

J&S Burger Grill-Restaurant in Ii

Mourunki lake

Nallikari Lighthouse

St. Olaf’s Church of Saloinen

Crown Granary

Traditional handicrafts in an atmospheric old foundry

Varjakka industrial heritage site and nature trail

Original Sokos Hotel Arina, Oulu

Accomodation in Vihanti with the Local Heritage Society

Frans&Camille Bistro

Botanical Garden of the University of Oulu

Oula Kitchen & Bar

Scandic Oulu City

Bistoria Patio

Kastelli Giant's Church

Kuusisaari Recreation Park

Oulu Tourist Information

Iisland Cottages

Oulu Market Square Policeman statue

Breakfast by the sea

Restaurant Pannu

1bar – Casual cocktail bar in the heart of Oulu

Charter buses and private transportation services in Oulu region

Nallikari Aalto Apartment Hotel

Hotel Raahen Hovi

Local Taxi Services in Kempele

Sailor's trail

Photo North's gallery

Airport Taxi Service in Oulu

Raahe Library

The old town of Ii - Wanha Hamina

Old Town Raahe

KulttuuriKauppila Art Centre

MajoitusYkkönen

Miner Statue

Raahe Bus and Taxi Station

Koiteli Residenssi accommodation villa

Surprise Menu; a tribute to the diverse nature of the North

Oulu Market Hall

Kahvila Kiikku

Café Kaari

Design Center Proto

Restaurant Nallikari

Wooden Karjasilta from the reconstruction era

Tuba Food & Lounge

Sokeri-Jussin Kievari Restaurant

The Alpua Church Stone

Top 5 attractions in Oulu!

Pohjolan Matka Charter Coaches Oulu

Pekkatori Square in the heart of Old Raahe

Sofia Magdalena Church of Vihanti

Wanhakulma Guesthouse in Old Town Raahe

Statue of President Urho Kaleva Kekkonen

Restaurant Indian Cuisine

Nordic Art Hotel Lasaretti

Nallikari – the Riviera of the North

Tent site in Nallikari Holiday Village, Oulu

Kari Juva Sculpture Park

Breakfast & Private Restaurant Veranta

Art Gallery Myötätuuli

Restaurant and winebar VENN

Restaurant Harald

Kindergarten Visit

Koivuranta Floating Cafe

Wooden old town in Pikisaari Island
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Letonniemi protected area and nature trail

Pilpasuo protected area and nature trails

Many layers of history in Kuusiluoto

Cafe Magnolia Coffee & Bakery

Sopalle Fish Restaurant and Cafe

OTAXI VIP for Premium Taxi Wishes

The Tasku Island Historical Daymark in Raahe Archipelago

Ravintolamaailma Limingantulli

Packhouse Museum

Varvi Mast Memorial

Historical Pilot House on Iso-Kraaseli Island
