Oulunsalo: Nature Trails, Varjakka and Culture

Oulunsalo brings together protected nature, traces of local history and a diverse cultural scene. In Varjakka lies the Akionlahti sea bay, almost cut off from the sea; on Akionsaari, a nature trail leads to points of interest. There is also a chamber music festival with a programme spanning several art forms, as well as cross-country ski trails in Kisakangas. Which of these aspects you choose to focus on may shape your choice of holiday destination.

Akionlahti and the trails in Varjakka

Akionlahti is a sea bay that is estimated to have formed around 400 years ago. The nature reserve, covering about 263 hectares, was established in 2006 and is part of the Natura 2000 network. Those interested in nature and landscapes will find a different focus here from Oulunsalo’s cultural offerings.

A nature trail runs around Akionsaari. There is a birdwatching tower on its southern shore, and a lean-to shelter and campfire site on the northern shore. On the mainland, the trail continues to a protected sea-mark pine and then to the Warjakka Art Trail. This route therefore combines nature observation with an artistic element, although the stops offer different kinds of experiences.

Varjakka has a guest harbour and an informal bathing spot. In summer, the island can be reached from the guest harbour by private boat or by a hand-operated cable ferry. The old buildings dating from the sawmill era are also part of the area’s cultural and historical built heritage. When planning your trip, you can therefore consider whether to give greater weight to the natural surroundings, the maritime setting or the history of the place.

Church, museum and Oulunsalo Soi

Oulunsalo Church was built from 1888 to 1891 to plans by J. F. Basilier and is protected under the Church Act. A monument in the cemetery beside the church commemorates the votive church built in 1665. The two dates refer to different buildings: the present church and the earlier votive church commemorated by the monument.

At the Oulunsalo Local History Museum, you can learn about local life at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th. The exhibits include items and tools used on farms. The museum thus offers a focus on everyday history alongside the architecture and religious memorial sites.

Oulunsalo Soi was founded by the municipality of Oulunsalo in 1998. From the outset, the festival has been a cross-disciplinary chamber music festival with an ambitious programme. In addition to traditional concerts, its programme has included dance, spoken-word art, rhythm and children’s music, as well as visual art, jazz and folk music. Every year, Oulunsalo Soi selects an Artist of the Year; their exhibition can be seen at the Oulunsalo Library in August and September. If you would like to include culture in your trip, this combination of music and visual art offers a special reason to get to know Oulunsalo better.

Cross-country skiing in Kisakangas

Kisakangas Ski Centre has 3 km and 10 km ski trails, as well as a 5 km illuminated trail. Another trail around the airport is 12 km long. The different trail lengths give you a concrete basis for planning your day, without implying any particular walking or skiing time. The ski centre also has a ski hut and a campfire site. Kisakangas thus adds a sporting dimension alongside the nature trails and cultural offerings that also characterise Oulunsalo.

Discover more places

If you’d like to explore more destination pages: Multia, Uurainen, Pylkönmäki, Joutsa, Kinnula, Kajaani, Häkkilä and Kuhmoinen.

To the main travel overview: Central Finland.