Finland is the land of natural parks and the Pohjola route takes you to two of them – and a Unesco Geopark on top of that.
Perspectives into Northern nature on seashores, fells, ridges and dunes
Along the route, visit one of the most significant wetlands in Europe. For a chance to relax in the lap of mother nature, take a road trip into Northern Finland at its best.
Start from Oulu and make a tour clockwise or counterclockwise. In a couple of days, be prepared to see reindeer, migratory birds depending on the season, ancient formations shaped by the ice age and the crystal clear waters and sky of the north.
The pure wonders of the forest and fells
The nature parks of Syöte and Rokua on the inland legs of the Pohjola route will both entice you with arctic nature, but with their own traits and sights.
Syöte, northeast of Oulu, is the southernmost fell area in Finland. There’s no need to travel all the way up to Lapland to see reindeer and arctic forests! On the hiking routes, nature trails and campfire sites of Syöte National Park the brisk northern air is full of scents and sounds: firewood crackling, smoke with a scent of tar, the mesmerising blossoms of wild arctic flowers and berries, taking in the sunlight 24/7 before the magic of the short arctic summer is gone.
Greetings from the ice age
From Syöte head southwest towards Rokua Geopark. This Unesco Global Geopark is the first of its kind in Finland, awarded for its outstanding geology, ridges and dunes sculpted by the last ice age. For a geology enthusiast, Rokua offers the chance to visit a gneiss bedrock and some of the oldest rocks in Europe. For fresh air fanatics, the Geopark is ideal with its mountain biking trails and the freedom to roam foraging for berries and mushrooms. You’re in Finland, so pick your lunch from the forest – it’s as clean and healthy as it gets.
The birds’ and birdwatcher’s place to be
Liminka, on the coast of the Bothnian bay, half an hour’s trip south of Oulu, is the place to visit if you’re a migratory bird or birdwatcher wishing to see them in hundreds, thousands even.
Liminka bay is one of Europe’s most important wetlands and a nature reserve that is home to many other seaside species. You’ll be amazed at how quiet, and in the next moment, filled with birdsong the Liminka seashore can be, and what magnificent views it offers on the Bothnian Bay. Climb up to the birdwatching tower or rent a mountain bike to get around this unique seaside location.
The Vihiluoto beach and bird watching area in Kempele, right next to Oulu, is a nice little seaside oasis. Vihiluoto has a nature trail accessible to everyone, a birdwatching tower and a nice sandy beach. In the summer, you can spot a herd of sheep in the field near the sea.
So for a road trip to many worlds in one go, choose the Pohjola route and become a forever fan of northern Finnish nature.
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Cottages in Riihikumpu area in Syöte

Local crafts, wildherbs and baking

Phoenix Suite / Arctic Hilltop Boutique Hotel Iso-Syöte

Wine Tasting

Stand Up Paddling

Canoeing Trip in Syöte

Leo's Kempele

Flatland Route touring cycle route

Park Hotel Liminka

Syöte Taxi

Taikaloora Cottages

eFatbike Safari

Iso-Syöte Snow World

Rantakylä Recreational Area in Liminka

Kelosyöte/Kotacafe

Syöte Camping, short-term space

Adventure into the Goahti, Syöte National Park

Nature Power from a forest in Rokua - Naturest Oy

Bistoria Iso-Syöte

Cottages in Pikku-Syöte area

Natureyoga

Karsikkolampi smoke sauna

ATV Rental

Hotel Liminka Bay

Food & drinks

Cottages in Pytkynharju and Arola cottage area in Syöte

Car Rental

Fatbike / E-fatbike Rental

Restaurant Hilltop

Geocaching in Liminka

Bowling

Merilä Manor Saunas

Rosso Restaurant Kempele

Three National Parks Summer Adventure

Black Suites

Relax & Reconnect in Pure Finnish Nature

Liminka Bay: Guided tour to the Eight Seasons of Birds' Year -exhibition

Arctic Spa

Restaurant at KIDE Hotel

Kuuru Tunturilaakso Suites

On The Traces Of The Ice Age - The Oulujoki River Valley

Cafe Hilltop

Discover the Hidden Gems of Liminka – Cycling Tour Through Nature, Culture & History

Akupuncture and energy healing treatments

KIDE Hotel by Iso-Syöte

Meeting services

Guided fatbike tour

Bike Park guidance lesson

Through time and food - Culinary and cultural workshop

Fatbike rental

Summer activities for groups

Airport Hotel Oulu

Guided Tour in Old Liminka

Guided Tour in Alakestilä Botanical Garden, Liminka

Enjoy a Relaxing Stay in the Peaceful Countryside

Syöte Camping, seasonal space

Eagle View Suite / Arctic Hilltop Boutique Hotel Iso-Syöte

Kerkkä Cafe & Lunch

Gym & Group Activities

Bike Rental Shop - Lapland Bike Hotel Iso-Syöte
Syötteen Mökit Cottages Tapio and Tellervo

Paintball Areena

Winter activities for groups

Laukanranta B&B
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Tunturi Pub

Horse riding in Syöte

Syötteen Mökit Cottages

Kelo Cottages / Iso-Syöte hilltop

Northern lights hunting by car in Syöte

Guided Tour from Oulu to the Rokua National Park with a private guide

Horseback riding

Taigalampi Log Villa in Syöte

Manamansalon Portti caravan and apartments

Deep Healing Sound Journey: Singing Bowl Therapy & Gentle Movement

Fell Top Cottages / Iso-Syöte hilltop

Soundbath relaxation

Kartanokahvila Kaisa Café

Restaurant Liminka Bay

Charter buses to Syöte

Liminka Bay Visitor Centre

Narrated Escape Room of Pitojen Helmi

Hotel Pikku-Syöte

Aurora View Suite / Arctic Hilltop Boutique Hotel Iso-Syöte

Relaxing Forest Mind trip in Syöte National Park

Restaurant Romekievari - Tennessee BBQ house and the home of waffles

Kelosyöte/Aten mökit

On the Traces of the Ice Age - Lake Oulujärvi

The Blue Pine Cottage – Sauna in the Tranquility of the Countryside

Syöte Booking Centre Cottages in Rokua

GEOfood restaurant of Manamansalon Portti

Aurora Hut Pytkyigloos

Iso-Syöte Bike Park

Bike rental in summer

Work wellbeing day

Pikku-Koski - live like a local gottage

Cottages in Kelosyöte area

Countryside Hotel Merilä Manor

Syöte Taxi services

Pärjä Ski Suites – stylish accommodation next to slopes

Guided summer safaris at Syöte

Cottages around Syöte

Rent a Canoe or Kayak in Syöte

Arctic Hilltop Boutique Hotel Iso-Syöte

Alpacafarm visit and walk in forest - Hanging out with alpacas in finnish nature!

Massage

Sports hall

Syöte Cottage

Taigalampi Rental Villa

Rokuanhovi Cabins

Bear Cave Suite / Arctic Hilltop Boutique Hotel Iso-Syöte

All Syöte's activities from Syöte Booking Centre

Syöte Booking Centre

Mountain biking and hiking route - Köykkyrin retkireitistö

Liminka Bay: Guided visit to birdtower

Yoga Class

Panoramic Chalets with Sauna in Rokua UNESCO Geopark

Go Arctic Activities - Reindeer Farm Visit

Cottage area halfway into the Iso-Syöte fell

Rejuvenating Day Retreat by the Sea

Syöte Visitor Centre
Gym at KIDE Hotel

Kurttila cottages

Trail biking experience in the Syöte National Park

Hanhilampi Wilderness Camp

Holiday apartment accomodation in the heart of Muhos

Boreal Bird & Wildlife Photographing Tour

Cottages in Hulhava area in Syöte

Aparment Kievarinhovi

Liminka Disc Golf Course

Wilderness hotel Rokuanhovi

Local Taxi Services in Liminka

Fatbike Tour in Syöte National Park

Cottages in Ollukka area in Syöte

Hotel Pohjankievari

Tunturimajakylä cottage area in Syöte

Bike Park package

Forest Nature School in Rokua - Naturest Oy

Cafe Abraham's

Go Arctic activities - Fatbike trip in Liminka

Fatbike rental Liminka

Go Arctic group activities - Team Path in Liminka

Local Taxi Services in Muhos

Guided Mountain Biking tours from Pikku-Syöte

Bistro Pikku-Syöte
