Oulu: Islands, Trails and Culture

Oulu reveals itself in its river delta and coastal landscapes, as well as through its vibrant culture and long routes for active days. If you’re looking for a holiday apartment in Oulu, you can plan your trip around the mix of activities you prefer: Would you like to explore island nature, get out on a bike, or discover historic and cultural sites? The city offers plenty of inspiration for all these options.

Islands, Coastal Landscapes and Nature Trails

Hupisaari City Park lies across numerous small islands in the Oulujoki delta. White bridges connect them, while landscaped parks alternate with meadows and wooded areas that remain largely in their natural state. Hupisaari Park is home to Finland’s longest fish ladder, and the only one on the Oulujoki. Migrating fish can be observed there from May through the end of October.

A different landscape characterizes Hietasaari near Nallikari: formed by post-glacial land uplift, its coastal landscape includes different coastal vegetation zones, meadows and forests, and is known for its diverse birdlife. The area offers trails that can be used year-round, a birdwatching tower and campfire sites. Hietasaari’s longest nature trail starts in Nallikari and passes the Loistokari Platform, a campfire site and the Rantakurvi birdwatching tower. In winter, the area around Nallikari on the Gulf of Bothnia offers opportunities for walking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on the sea ice.

Cycling and a View from the Water

Oulu has a network of more than 900 kilometres of pedestrian and cycling routes, maintained throughout the year. The longest main route runs for 38 kilometres from the city centre; cycling routes are accessible directly from places such as Kauppatori Market Square. If you’re planning to make cycling a focus of your stay, you can take this wide choice of routes into account when considering a holiday apartment.

Oulu can also be experienced differently from the water: the 2.5-kilometre paddling route goes around Pikisaari Island, offering a new perspective on the island, which is known for its artists and craftspeople. Pikisaari is also home to numerous original wooden houses from the 18th and 19th centuries. Nature trails, cycling routes and the paddling route offer different ways to spend time outdoors; they should not be treated as a single tour.

Discover City History and Culture

Oulu Cathedral is part of the Oulujoki Pilgrimage Route. The Castle Cellar, the only surviving part of Oulu Castle, offers a glimpse into the city’s medieval past. Tähtitorni Café has operated as a summer café since 1912 on the renovated foundations of the castle, which was destroyed in 1793. The 2.2-metre-tall Market Square Policeman stands in front of the market hall. Over the years, the bronze statue has become a symbol of the city.

Oulu Theatre’s programme spans a range of performance styles, including musicals, drama, contemporary theatre, dance, stand-up comedy, circus performances and drag shows. Hupisaari Summer Theatre offers a varied performing arts programme for local residents and visitors. At the Kotilo Children’s Culture Centre in the Saari Central Library in the city centre, the whole family can enjoy a range of changing cultural experiences. At 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.

The Market Square and market hall are also places to discover local produce: local products are sold at the market square, while the market hall offers a range of local delicacies and goods to take away. When looking for a holiday apartment in Oulu, it helps to consider in advance whether you’d prefer to shape your stay around cycling and nature, culture and history, or a mix of these.

Discover More Destinations

You can also explore these destinations: Merijärvi, Juuma, Lavia, Alastalo, Kalajoki, Kempele, Muuruvesi, Närpes.

For an overview of the wider area, see: North Ostrobothnia.