Oulu, with its neighbouring destinations along the Pohjola route, offers urban experiences with a guaranteed arctic twist.
White nights, summer in the city
Summer nights barely get dark when you’re this close to the Arctic circle! So get road-tripping and fill your days admiring crafts and history, tasting the local delicacies and walking around in art exhibitions out in nature as well as indoors.
For a day trip along the Pohjola route, start from Oulu, grab the transportation of your choice, and head on out to the neighbouring towns and islands. The Oulu area is famous for its well-kept biking routes and modern public transportation, should you opt for those.
The sound of Oulu
If you’re around in July, be sure not to miss one of Oulu’s most famous festivals. The Air Guitar World Championships promotes love, unity and peace, and gathers people from all around the world to compete in and enjoy this very Finnish, very Oulu kind of music event.
Oulu hosts a bunch of festivals for more traditional instruments and music styles as well, including jazz and chamber music. From music halls to parks and churches, find the sound of Oulu performed by local musicians as well as international stars.
Artsy and craftsy islands next to the city
Before or after a night in town, take a nice walk around the picturesque island of Pikisaari right next to the Oulu city centre. The island, home to artisans and artists, is accessible by a pedestrian bridge from the Market square. Admire the old, red-brick industrial buildings and the oldest house in Oulu turned into a museum. Spot the locals as well as tourists strolling around the pathways on foot or on their bikes, enjoying the cafes and restaurants, and the views of the river delta.
Hailuoto, the biggest island in the Bothnian Bay, welcomes you to spend a day or stay for more. The ferry wharf is located just about 15 kilometres from the Oulu airport – and the city centre. So if you’re road tripping by car, bus or bike, get on board the ferry and get an exotic bonus to your trip.
If Oulu has its own arctic, urban edge, Hailuoto and its inhabitants take their own vibe even further. Cherishing their age-old customs, crafts and way of life, the hailuotoans have managed to keep their home island original and exotic – even to neighbouring ouluans. That is probably why it is a favourite destination to many in the Oulu region, all year round.
Outdoor art exhibitions
Oulu is just the perfect size with its pedestrian walkways and world-famous cycling routes, so if fresh air is your thing even in a city setting, there’s no reason not to spend your day outside in the parks and patios.
Be sure to visit Oulu’s galleries and museums right in the city centre or within a walking distance. For a special treat, combine a walk in a park with exploring local, northern art on a guided tour or wander around on your own.
An easily accessible neighbour to Oulu, Ii, is an old trading town with a fascinating history. Today, Ii is known for its ambition for environmental issues, as well as respect for its history. Visit this quaint little town and make sure to take a stroll along a path from the town centre to the Environmental art park, leading up to an Art centre and a cafe.
For a healthy dose of northern culture, make your way to the Pohjola route and inhale the sounds and sights!
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Oulu Climbing Center

Oulunsalo Soi Chamber Music Festival

School Visit

Design Center Proto

Paddling on the Oulujoki river delta and at sea

Bay of Bothnia by SUP (Stand Up Paddling) in Oulu

Marjaniemi Guest Harbour

Go Arctic group activities - Traditional tar olympics

Expert Session / Workshop on Education

A day in the Stone Age

Nallikari – the Riviera of the North

Single ticket to Reenis creative gym

Historical Rantakortteli blocks of Oulu

Oulujoki Church

Modern Messi Summer Cottages in Nallikari, Oulu

Oulu loves biking

Ancient survival skills: Canoeing

Go Arctic Events - Theme parties

Arctic Edu-Tech - Workshops and experiences in Oulu area

Go Arctic group activities - Koiteli Team Path

Housing Fair in Oulu 2025

Liisa & Moss Wonderland

Vihkosaari beach and recreation area

Guided Bike Tour from Nallikari to Oulu City Center

Fatbike Safari, Nallikari Oulu

Winter Forest Adventure in the Dark

Love by the Iijoki River – An Audio Story Trail Along the Shores of Ii

Nallikari Holiday Village - Camping, Oulu

Go Arctic group activities - Inhouse Derby

Idyllinen kartanohotelli Iissä Iijoen rannalla

Koivuranta Sauna Boat Public Sauna

Rock The City Oulu

Sailor's trail

Mourunki lake

Oulu Cathedral

Visit Hailuoto, Tourist Guidance services

Tähtitorni Observation Tower

Traditional Holiday Cottages in Nallikari, Oulu

Study Visit & Job Shadowing in Vocational Special Needs Education and Training in Oulu

Room Escape Games

The SHINE of Hailuoto - Natural cosmetics

Lähde! wellness art park
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Letonniemi protected area and nature trail

Top 5 attractions in Oulu!

Pampering Relaxation (1-2 persons)

Go Arctic activities - Stories from Oulu

Relaxing Floating in Floating Pod

Bay of Bothnia by Kayak in Oulu

Go Arctic - Guided bus tours in Oulu and neighbouring municipalities

Midnight sun golf

Scandic Oulu City

Many layers of history in Kuusiluoto

GreenStar Hotel Oulu

Oulu Art Museum

Sanginjoki Nature Reserve

Go Arctic activities - Craft upcycle workshop

Go Arctic activities - Northern Lights

PikePadel outdoor padelcourts

Merihelmi Camping in the Gulf of Bothnia

Winter cycling by fatbikes at Oulu

Go Arctic group activities - Amazing Oulu - City adventure

The WHISPER of Hailuoto - performance art

Experience the wonders of the Finnish nature

Lapland Hotels Oulu

Nordic Art Hotel Lasaretti

Rusko Bike Park

Hupisaaret Islands city park

Tent site in Nallikari Holiday Village, Oulu
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Turkansaari Museum Church

Pilpasuo protected area and nature trails

City Train Kompiainen

Oulu Zipline

Go Arctic group activities - Traditional games

Go Arctic activities - Archery Competition

Ailasto accommodation

Taiga Resort Holiday Village

Oulu Music Video Festival

Go Arctic activities - Air guitar workshop or Air guitar show

The CHARM of Hailuoto - moment of experience

Villa Terwaluoto

Accessible Fishing and Boating Trip in Ii

Kindergarten Visit

Job Shadowing in a School or Kindergarten

Archaeological exhibition

Vekaravintti - Childrens Playroom Attic

Active Cast Fishing with a Professional Fisherman in Ii

Rented cottage, holiday home, cottage accommodation

Go Arctic activities - Canoeing trip at river Oulujoki or Kiiminkijoki

Iisland Cottages

KulttuuriKauppila Art Centre

Private booking at Reenis

Visit to the Home of Huskies

Go Arctic - Guided walking tours in Oulu and in Oulu area

Ailasto Camping and Caravan Park

Nature trail and birdwatching tower Hiastinhaara

Marjaniemi Lighthouse

Hupisaari Central Playground

Night at Reenis

Children's Birthday Party by Boat, Fishing

Wooden old town in Pikisaari Island

Bed and Breakfast by the Iijoki river

Oula Kitchen & Bar

Local museum of Ii

Stone Age race of tribes

Private event: Wine and Fashion

Forest Nature School in Sanginjoki - Naturest Oy

De Gamlas Hem Hotel

The reflecting pools of Oulu

Literary Art Festival Muusajuhlat

The old town of Ii - Wanha Hamina

The BREATH of Hailuoto - sound relaxation

Farm accommodation

Family-friendly boat fishing trip in Ii

Marjaniemi Caravan park

Go Arctic group activities - The Head of Tribe

Rent a large fenced forest area for your private recreational use

Nature Power from a forest in Sanginjoki - Naturest Oy

Oulu Market Square

Hietasaari recreational area

Oulu Tourist Information

Sightseeing Bus Tour (in Finnish)

SUP rental at Raahe

Northern Finland food experience

Deluxe Poiju Villas by the Sea in Nallikari, Oulu

Jumpru Patio Live!

Traditional Net Fishing Trip in Ii and Lunch

Go Arctic activities - City canoeing day or night

Scandic Oulu Station

Minivan Trip to Hailuoto

Go Arctic activities - Rubber raft polo game

Minivan Trip to Turkansaari Open Air Museum

Nallikari Aalto Apartment Hotel

Nature trip to the Stone Age

Oulu Market Square Policeman statue

Botanical Garden of the University of Oulu

Lappis Water Park Oulu

Virpiniemi recreational area

All Inclusive Fishing Day in Ii

Sleep in hostel

Varjakka industrial heritage site and nature trail

Spirits of Hearth and Home - Tonttu in Finnish Folklore

Go fishing in Oulu around the year

Photo North's gallery

Guided Standup Paddle Boarding Trip to the Ii river and Bothnian Bay

Koiteli Residenssi accommodation villa

Go Arctic activities - White water swimming in Koiteli

Go Arctic Events - Performers and hosts to your events

Elojazz

Turkansaari Open Air Museum

Geocaching in Ii

Keskiniemi Beacon Tower

Traditional Fishing Harbour Kiviniemi

Study Programme

ChocoSomnia Factory Tour & Tasting

Paintball

Kierikki

Nature-based recreation days for work communities (Sanginjoki, Rokua) - Naturest Oy

Guided standup paddleboarding trip to the Ii river and Bothnian Bay

Go Arctic Events - Dinner with the ghosts of Oulu

Kirkkosalmi Bird Watching tower

Pastel-coloured wooden Raksila

Koivuranta igloos

Relaxing 2 Persons Floating in same Floating Pod

Air Guitar World Championships

Nallikari Lighthouse

Float 60min

Oulu Quickly Walking Tour

OuluHostel AlliMaria

Fatbike Tour in Oulu

Kirjo 30.4.–17.8.2025

Jakkukylä suspension bridge and Purusaari

Minivan Trip to Koiteli Rapids

Wooden Karjasilta from the reconstruction era

Go Arctic - Events Services

Sauna Experience

Oulu Market Hall

Oolanti nature trail in Vatunki

Best Western Hotel Apollo, Oulu

Koivuranta Sauna Boat Cruise

Environmental Art Park

Riding treks with charming Icelandic Horses in Oulu!

Oulu Arts Night

Radisson Blu Hotel Oulu

Illinsaari disc golf course

ChocoTasting

Voltti´s Music Quiz, Oulu

Hollihaka Central Playground

Amusement Park Vauhtipuisto

Iin Sillat Camping and Inn

Urban Festival Oulu Days

Midnight Sun Summer School

Go Arctic group activities - Kurvisen karsinnat

Original Sokos Hotel Arina, Oulu

Guided Walking Tours in Oulu

Ancient survival skills: Stone grinding

Iisi-areena indoor sport center

Cultural and historical route Ruustinna

Gems of the Oulu River estuary

Go Arctic group activities - Heptathlon

Go Arctic activities - Guided tour in Oulu by bike

Kayaking Safari, Nallikari, Oulu

Ancient survival skills: Archery

Glamping in Hailuoto

The MASTERS of Hailuoto - all inclusive service

Imagine Abstract 28.3.–30.11.2025

Kuusisaari Recreation Park

Sightseeing helicopter flight in the Oulu area

Northern Ostrobothnia Museum

Kierikki: Guided tours

Splash-tastic water activities in Oulu

Canoeing, Paddling and Kayaking routes in Ii

Oulu August Festivals

SuperPark Oulu
