Oulu combines distinctive cultural sites with islands, coastal landscapes and an extensive network of trails. When planning your trip, you can choose from historic sites, natural areas and activities on the water, each with different seasonal highlights.
Islands, Coastal Landscapes and Nature Trails
Hupisaari City Park lies in the Oulujoki River delta. Numerous small islands are connected by white bridges, with landscaped parks alongside largely natural meadows and groves. Hupisaari Park is also home to Finland’s longest fish ladder, and the only one on the Oulujoki. From May to the end of October, you can watch migratory fish there.
A different landscape defines Hietasaari near Nallikari: this coastal area, formed by post-glacial land uplift, includes different coastal flora zones, meadows, forests and a rich birdlife. For recreation, there are trails open year-round, a birdwatching tower and campfire sites. Hietasaari’s longest nature trail starts in Nallikari and passes Loistokari Platform, a campfire site and the Rantakurvi birdwatching tower.
Around Nallikari on the Gulf of Bothnia, winter offers opportunities for walking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on the sea ice. Activities on the ice provide a distinct seasonal highlight alongside the year-round trails in the Hietasaari area.
Culture Between Heritage and the Present
Oulu Cathedral is part of the Oulujoki Pilgrimage Route. In front of the Market Hall stands the 2.2-metre-tall bronze statue of the Market Square Policeman, which has become a symbol of the city over the years. Oulu Castle’s cellar is the only surviving part of the castle and offers a glimpse into the medieval past. The castle was destroyed in 1793; the Tähtitorni Café has operated as a summer café on its renovated foundations since 1912.
At the Turkansaari Open-Air Museum, visitors can learn about the region’s ways of life, traditional skills and beliefs in buildings on islands in the Oulujoki. At the Saari Central Library in the city centre, the Kotilo Children’s Cultural Centre offers locals and visitors a varied, changing programme of cultural experiences for the whole family.
The performing arts venues also offer a range of highlights. Hupisaari Summer Theatre offers residents of the region and visitors a varied programme of performing arts; some performances are seasonal. The Oulu Theatre’s programme includes musicals, drama, contemporary theatre, dance, stand-up comedy, circus performances and drag shows, and may change.
Pikisaari in Oulu is home to numerous original wooden houses from the 18th and 19th centuries. The island is known for its artists and craftspeople. A 2.5-kilometre paddling route around Pikisaari offers a fresh perspective on the island’s character from the water.
Getting Around Oulu
Oulu has a network of more than 900 kilometres of walking and cycling routes, maintained year-round. The network’s total length may change as the infrastructure develops. The longest main route in the cycling network runs 38 kilometres from the city centre; cycling routes are accessible directly from Market Square (Kauppatori), among other places.
The market square also offers a glimpse of local products: local goods are available there, while the Market Hall offers a variety of local delicacies and products to take away. Oulu’s selection thus ranges from cultural sites and island trails to regional products.
Discover more destinations: Syötekylä, Juuma, Yli-Ii, Keskijärvi, Raahe, Keitele, Kalajoki, Savio
For the regional travel overview: Northern Ostrobothnia.
