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WINTER FUN FOR FAMILIES WITH KIDS
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Rosy cheeks from the sled hill Jä
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NORTHERN OSTROBOTHNIA MUSEUM Ainolanpolku 1 (Open until 31.12.2023)
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OULU MUSEUM OF ART Kasarmintie 9
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NELIÖ GALLERIA Asemakatu 37
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GALLERIA TASO AND DESING CENTER PROTO Pikisaarentie 15 and 17
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Post your shots on social media: #visitoulu #oulu #oulu2026 #munoulu #visitfinland
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KIRPPARILLA.FI Kaj aa inti Kirkkokatun4 e
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LÄHIS-KIRPPIS Uusikatu 78 (inner court)
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JÄRKIKIRPPIS Tehtaankatu 1
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VAU SECOND HAND Kirkkokatu 27
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REUSE CENTRE LIKKE Jääsalontie 16–18
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SPR KONTTI Tyrnäväntie 14
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PALJEKIRPPIS Paljetie 12
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SININEN PYSÄKKI Saaristonkatu 18-20
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OULUN ALE-KIRJA Rautatienkatu 16
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ANTIQUARIAN AJATON AIKA Kauppurienkatu 31 A
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SMUK Shoppig Centre Pekuri Kauppurienkatu 10
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HUPISAARI ISLANDS AND OULU LETTERS Spot the new eco-concrete OULU letters in the snow-covered park and the lights on the lamella dam.
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MALLASSAUNA Pikisaarentie 15
SHOPPING FOR OULU SPECIALTIES 30
TAITO-SHOP & LOVI FACTORY SHOP Rautatienkatu 11 B
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KURE Shopping Centre Pekuri, Kirkkokatu 14
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CHOCOSOMNIA Hallituskatu 30
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PROTO DESING SHOP Pikisaarentie 17
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AITTATORI Market Square Ossuuskunta AittaPuttiikki, Paja 1605, and Kofeiinikomppania serve customers in the old granaries around Aittatori square around the year.
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LINNANSAARI OBSERVATION TOWER Get a shot of the ornamental pastel tower.
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Beware thin ice! Walking on the ice around the river delta is not recommended, because strong currents make the ice thin.
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PIKISAARI BATHHOUSE Discover the charming old bath house from the 1880s. KIIKELI ISLAND Focus on the old storehouses across the frozen boat harbour.
SAUNA EXPERIENCES AND WINTER SWIMMING
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NALLIKARI LIGHTHOUSE Spot this Instagram favourite and architectural gem.
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REENIS Alvar Aallon katu 1
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Postal Services K-Citymarket Raksila, Tehtaankatu 5
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Pharmacies (Apteekki in Finnish) Isokatu 27 | Isokatu 45 | Kauppurienkatu 9 | Kauppurienkatu 27–29
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Taxi Services OTAXI tel. 0600 30081 | MENEVÄ tel. 0800 02120 | FIXUTAXI tel. 0100 6060 | HALPATAXI tel. 029 703 101 30
ATM (Otto / Nosto in Finnish) Isokatu 14, 25 (Shopping Centre Valkea) and 33 | Kirkkokatu 6, 18 and 14 (Shopping Centre Pekuri) | Tehtaankatu 1 and 5 | Hallituskatu 16 and 36
OLD HARBOUR OF TOPPILANSALMI
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PICTURESQUE LOCATIONS
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Take the bus in Oulu | oulunjoukkoliikenne.fi In the local transport buses, you can pay in cash, with a mobile ticket or by debit card if you have activated contactless payments. The debit card serves as your personal bus ticket, so you can only pay for your own fare by contactless payment. Read more about different payment methods online.
Shared Car Rental GOMORE | 24RENT | 24GO
NALLIKARI WINTER VILLAGE Leiritie
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PYYKÖSJÄRVI & KUIVASJÄRVI LAKES The lake area near the Linnanmaa campus in northern Oulu is a favourite among locals and students in particular.
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Oulujoki
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Oulu2026 | oulu2026.eu Cultural climate change is coming, for Oulu was selected as European Capital of Culture 2026! Wild City, Cool Contrasts and Brave Hinterland – those are the main themes with which Oulu will make the whole of northern Finland and Europe a better place to live, do and love.
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OLD HOSPITAL BUILDINGS OF TUIRANPUISTO
Note! Science Center Tietomaa will be open again in 2026.
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PITKÄMÖLJÄ BREAKWATER The perfect setting for watching the starry northern sky and flaring northern lights as darkness falls over the frozen sea. HOLLIHAKA PARK This park is sheltered from the bright city lights making it an ideal spot for aurora watching.
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Find out more about Koskikeskus and Tuiranpuisto on the Nomadi app and at citynomadi.com.
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OuluBot Oulu palvelee chatbot sinua helps matkailu you with kysymyksissä your travel chatissa 24/7. questions 24/7 >> visitoulu.fi visitoulu.fi
HOPLOP Alasintie 10
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HUNT THE AURORA! Tourist Information Market Hall | visitoulu.fi/info The City of Oulu Tourist Information Office in the Market Hall gives out maps and brochures for your stay in Oulu. The friendly and professional staff will guide you to the most popular destinations in Oulu and share the best tips and activities for winter days. At the Tourist info, you can also find nice souvenirs!
TOIVONIEMI AND KOSKIKESKUS DISTRICT DESIGNED BY ALVAR AALTO
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Check out more fun activities for children on the website lastenkulttuurioulu.fi and on facebook @lastenkulttuurioulu!
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NALLIKARI Climb up to the lookout tower and marvel at the frozen sea stretching far beyond the horizon.
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CULTURAL CENTRE VALVE Northern Photographic Centre, Comics Gallery and Galleria 5 Hallituskatu 5–7
HUPISAARET CITY PARK Ainolanpolku
WOODEN HOUSE QUARTERS OF KUUSILUOTO
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PIKISAARI ISLAND Admire the old town neighbourhood in its winter dress.
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HOLLIHAKA PARK Rantakatu 19
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PEDESTRIAN STREET ROTUAARI The Rotuaari ”Ball” fountain located at the start of the main shopping street in Oulu is a traditional meeting place for locals.
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OULU CATHEDRAL The cathedral designed by C.L. Engel (1832) represents neo-classicism.
Ylioppilaantie
Winter Tips for Oulu
MARKET SQUARE POLICEMAN STATUE A memorial from last century when police officers guarded the Market Square.
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Discover the versatile selection of this picturesque, 120-year-old trading place and do lovely, local shopping. Here you can find tourist information office, handicraft products and souvenirs, fresh produce from the food court, and all kinds of delicacies to enjoy with a relaxing cup of coffee.
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING Get into Christmas mood and find lovely gifts at the Christmas markets. Seasonal handicrafts, art, decorating products, utility articles, and local delicacies for sale! MARKET HALL’S CHRISTMAS OPENING 30 NOV – 2 DEC 2023. Thu–Fri 8 am–6 pm, Sat 8 am - 4 pm. CHRISTMAS FAIR 2 DEC – 3 DEC 2023. Open Sat-Sun 10 am to 5 pm in Pohjankartano, Leevi Madetojan katu 1. TIERNATORI & HANDCRAFTERS’ GIFT SHOP 7 DEC – 22 DEC 2023. Open Mon-Sat 10 am to 6 pm, Sun noon to 6 pm at Isokatu. TAITOSHOP CHRISTMAS SHOP 5-23 DEC Mon-Tue 10 am-7 pm, Sat 10 am-4 pm, Sun 11 am-3 pm at Kirkkokatu 17.
WINTER THRILLS IN OULU Oulu is a mobile city where you can spend an active winter’s day in the snowy nature. Get inspired by winter and discover the experiences on your own, rent some outdoor gear or book guided activities! Fatbiking Rent a fatbike to move around effortlessly in the city as well as the surrounding nature. You can go for an independent ride or join a guide for a trip to Kaakkuri Sports Centre or the sea ice in Nallikari. With a bicycle, you can easily explore the sights along the extensive Oulu cycleway network or discover the wintry nature alongside snowy trails. Finnaction | finnaction.fi Lappis | lappis.fi Northern Rental | northernrental.fi TOPyhä | topyha.fi
Kite skiing In kite skiing, you move forward on skis or a snowboard powered by the speed of a kite. This is a fast and unforgettable sport to experience on the frozen sea. Lappis | lappis.fi Aurora hunting The northern lights shining on the dark sky are a memorable experience. At the latitude of Oulu, this natural phenomenon occurs approximately every fourth night, and you may catch the aurora flares between the nights of late summer and the last dark moments of spring. The best places for aurora watching can be found on the Nallikari beach or around lakes Pyykösjärvi and Kuivasjärvi on the north side of town. A traveller with a car might also want to get away from the city lights and head northeast. Guided tours available also. Salamapaja | salamapaja.fi Finnaction | finnaction.fi Lappis | lappis.fi Oulu Safaris | oulusafaris.com
ouka.fi/cycling visitoulu.fi/en/nature-trails/ Search for routes made by locals in the jalki.fi service with the search term “Oulu”.
Ice skating Oulu has plenty of outdoor ice-skating rinks for you to test your skills at. Try one or more of these, for example: • • • • •
Finnaction | finnaction.fi Lappis | lappis.fi Oulu Safaris | oulusafaris.com TOPyhä | topyha.fi Ice fishing The frozen sea is the perfect setting for luring fish. On an ice fishing trip, you can marvel at the white icescape around you and let your mind rest in its silence. If you wish, you can grill your catch later at the fireplaces in Hietasaari, for example. On a guided winter fishing trip, a local guide will show you to the best fishing spots in and around Oulu.
Raksila Artificial Ice Rink | Urheilukatu Raatti Sports Centre | Raatintie 2 Heinäpää Sports Centre | Nuottasaarentie 12 Niittyaro Sports Centre | Kaarnatie Pateniemi Artificial Ice Rink | Sahanhoitajantie 5 Rink maintenance: oulu.fluentprogress.fi/outdoors
Tour skating routes and ski tracks on the sea ice are maintained according to ice conditions in midwinter. You can find the starting points for these routes on the shores of Vihiluoto and Oritkari and at the ferry dock in Oulunsalo.
Finnaction | finnaction.fi Oulu Safaris | oulusafaris.com Atteson Fishing | atteson.fi Silvery Gold Fishing | silverygoldfishing.fi
Up-to-date info on the tracks: facebook.com/Vihiluoto
Dog sledding A lively pack of huskies will greet you at the husky farm in Loihakka. Drive the dog sled yourself or just enjoy the speedy ride as a passenger, taking in all the beautiful white landscape around you. During the snowless period, you can just visit the dogs at the kennel for an unforgettable experience! Loihakka | Ervastintörmä | 4 loihakka.fi
Cross-country skiing The vast ski track network in Oulu has 350 km of maintained tracks. You can find the starting points for the most popular routes here: • • • • • • •
Hietasaari loop 2 km | Leiritie Heinäpää loop 1,5 km | Tyrnävänkuja Raksila, Oulu Hall | Ouluhallintie 20 Niittyaro Sports Centre | Kaarnatie 44 Auranmaja | Alakyläntie 634 Hiukkavaara | Tahtimarssi 11 Sankivaara | Mikonmäentie 180
HUNGRY?
Rössypottu (local traditional soup made of blood pudding, potaoes and vegetables) Arctic Food Lab
DELICIOUS TREATS TRADITIONAL DISHES RESTAURANT HELLA BISTRO (HOTEL LASARETTI) Kasarmintie 13 B BISTRO MESU Hallituskatu 1 CAFE VILLA HANNALA Kahvelitie 1 GASTROPUB TORIPOLLIISI Rantakatu 6 KAUPPAHALLIN KAHVILA Kauppatori KUMMELI BISTRO & BAR Kajaaninkatu 17 NALLIKARI BAKERY & BISTRO Leiritie 10 OULA KITCHEN & BAR Kirkkokatu 3 RESTAURANT PANNU Kauppurienkatu 12 RESTAURANT SARKKA Hallituskatu 13–17 SOKERI-JUSSIN TAVERN Pikisaarentie 2 RESTAURANTS ALFRED KITCHEN & BAR Pakkahuoneenkatu 24 BUFFET RESTAURANT LITTLE NEW YORK Kauppurienkatu 26–28 CAFE ROOSTER Torikatu 26 CHEEZBURG FACTORY Asemakatu 39 KAUPPURI 5 BURGERS Kauppurienkatu 5 OSKARIN KELLARI Uusikatu 26
Isokatu 13
GARAM MASALA Kajaaninkatu 27
TORTILLA HOUSE Hallituskatu 10
RESTAURANT HUGO Rantakatu 4
HAGIA SOFIA Kirkkokatu 2
TOSCANA Hallituskatu 35
RESTAURANT NALLIKARI Nallikarinranta 15
HAI LONG Isokatu 8
RESTAURANT PEKURI Kauppurienkatu 15–17
ITALICA TABERNA Kirkkokatu 17
MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT OLIMPOS Pakkahuoneenkatu 6
RESTAURANT PUISTOLA Pakkahuoneenkatu 15
PHUKET THAI BUBBLE TEA AND SALAD Rautatiekatu 10
RESTAURANT ULEÅBORG 1881 Aittatori 4–5 RESTAURANT ZIVAGO Kirkkokatu 29 SIIPIWEIKOT Hallituskatu 9 STEFAN’S STEAKHOUSE Kauppurienkatu 8 STICKY WINGERS Torikatu 21-23 TUBA FOOD & LOUNGE Mannenkatu 2 VALVEEN PALJETTI Hallituskatu 7 VIKING RESTAURANT HARALD Kirkkokatu 16 FLAVORS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
LEKKER61 Isokatu 61 M6 DINING Pakkahuoneenkatu 6 MEX-MAN Pakkahuoneenkatu 5 PURE MAKU Pakkahuoneenkatu 5 RESTAURANT BEIJING Rantakatu 5 RESTAURANT INDIAN CUISINE Kajaaninkatu 38 RESTAURANT ISTANBUL ORIENTAL Kauppurienkatu 11 RESTAURANT MESOB Isokatu 13
CRECIAN GREEK TAVERN Kirkkokatu 55
RESTAURANT NEW MUMBAI Asemakatu 39
DAMSKO Isokatu 84
RESTAURANT PIKKU THAI Asemakatu 29
FLAVOUR PALACE Saaristonkatu 5
SAURAHA NEPALESE CUISINE Asemakatu 10
FUCHKA Nummikatu 32 GAIA Hallituskatu 30
Arctic Food Lab | oulu2026.eu/arcticfoodlab Ingredients grown under the northern Finnish sky and the uniqueness of culinary tradition born in arctic conditions. Arctic Food Lab brings together the operators of gastronomy and food culture in the Oulu region, celebrating the flavours and savoury experiences of the north.
RESTAURANTS AND CAFES UNDER THE SAME ROOF SHOPPING CENTRE VALKEA Isokatu 25 SHOPPING CENTRE PEKURI Kauppurienkatu 10 CAFÉS AND BAKERIES ANTELL CAFÉS Kauppurienkatu 7, Hallituskatu 36 B CAFÉ AITTA 9 Aittatori, Aitta 9 CHOCO CAFE & WINE Hallituskatu 30 CUPPEDIA CAFE & DELI Torikatu 12 JAANAN PUOTI Kauppurienkatu 3 CAFÉ MAKASIINI Aittatori, Aitta 1 KONDITORIE-CAFÉ SOFIA Kauppurienkatu 14-16 KREEMA Kainuuntie 1 MON CHOU PÂTISSERIE Pakkahuoneenkatu 5 B 20 PARK CAFÉ MAKIA Otto Karhin puisto
SUSHI BOWL & MORE TEA Pakkahuoneenkatu 22
PUISTOLA BAKERY Pakkahuoneenkatu 15
THE BIG FAT GREEK GYROS Hallituskatu 26
ROBERT’S COFFEE Isokatu 28
THE ROYAL GARDEN Rautatienkatu 8 THUNG THONG THAI RESTAURANT Pakkahuoneenkatu 9
BOOK NEW EXPERIENCES ONLINE! The best activities from a single location with just a couple of clicks! Check out the online stores of VisitOulu and the Pohjola Route for new experiences and things to do on winter days. Discover the Oulu region in a new way: see the selection online and book your activities in advance!
Finnaction | finnaction.fi Nallikari Holiday Village | nallikari.fi Lappis | lappis.fi Retkivuokraamo | retkivuokraamo.fi TOPyhä | topyha.fi Oulu Safaris | oulusafaris.com Also, you can borrow the equipment you need from the Likke Reuse Centre for free:lainaamo.ouka.fi, Jääsalontie 16–18
Pohjola Route | pohjolaroute.fi
WINTER SWIMMING & SAUNA Koivuranta Sauna Raft | koivurannansaunalautta.fi | Värttö Beach This unique raft on the Oulujoki river offers the smooth heat of a sauna and balances it with the opportunity to take a dip in the river, through a hole carved in the ice. A café on the raft serves tasty refreshments and crispy waffles. The facilities include a jacuzzi in which to enjoy the beautiful scenery as well as soothing bubbles. Please bring your own towel and bathing suit. See opening hours and prices on the website. Tuira beach winter swimming place | Koskitie 58 Near the city centre and just a stone’s throw from Hupisaaret city park is the Tuira beach, welcoming all winter swimmers for a refreshing dip in a hole carved in the river ice. You can access the shower and dressing room by renting a key for a seasonal fee at Raatti Swimming Pool. Tonttu Tärmön Paja | tonttutarmonpaja.fi You can also try a guided winter swimming trip. Bookings online. Mallassauna | Pikisaarentie 15 | mallassauna.fi Hailuoto Brewery’s Restaurant Mallassauna is serving not only tasty dishes but also sauna experiences in Pikisaari this winter. Outdoor saunas, built from recycled materials through volunteer work, are available for free during the restaurant’s opening hours. Check the opening hours and additional information on the website.
SWIMMING AND FLOATING
Check out the track maintenance information: oulu.fluentprogress.fi/outdoors Salmon soup Reindeer
Rentable winter gear Lack of proper gear is not an obstacle for enjoying outdoor winter life in Oulu. You can rent all the equipment you need for a winter trip through local companies. Also check out what possible gear your place of accommodation might offer.
VisitOulu | visitoulu.fi
Aurora forecast:en.ilmatieteenlaitos.fi/northern-lights rwc-finland.fmi.fi, FB @ Oulu Aurora Spotters
Snowshoeing On snowshoes or sliding snowshoes, you can head out to hiking trails with the whole family, if you wish. This is an easy and fun way to experience the nature with little effort. Rent some gear for an independent outing or book a guided safari and see the best winter scenery Oulu has to offer.
Meri-Toppila Park | Paalikatu 4, 20, 21 The Meri-Toppila Park by the shore of the Bothnian Bay is a popular outdoor hangout with campfire sites. You can enjoy the winter trails on foot or by mountain bikes or fatbikes. A beautiful view opens out to the snow-covered, frozen Bothnian Bay.
Downhill skiing Ruskotunturi | Ruskotunturintie | ruskotunturi.fi Consisting of five slopes and two parks, Ruskotunturi is a hill with a relief of 50 metres. In addition to the slopes, there is a rope lift, minipark and sled hill for kids. A cafeteria and gear rental plus a ski school serve customers as well. You can also find campfire sites around the area.
City of Oulu public pools: Oulu Swimming Pool | Pikkukankaantie 3 Raatti Swimming Pool | Raatintie 2 Vesi-Jatuli | Jokelantie 20, Haukipudas
20, 20K, 23K
Oulu Floats | Torikatu 53 | oulufloats.fi Float away from your daily distractions and give your body a total relaxation experience in the saltwater tanks of Oulu Floats. During the float, you’ll reach a state of complete sensory deprivation with the help of calming music. You can also book a floating session together with a friend. Rentouttava Laine | Kajaaninkatu 34 | rentouttavalaine.fi Relaxation floating, peace of mind, experiences, pampering, and personal time are available. With relaxation and pampering treatments, you can rise above everyday life.
NEAT INDOOR FUN FOR FREEZING DAYS Movies, theatre, and music MOVIE THEATRE FINNKINO PLAZA | Torikatu 32 MOVIE THEATRE STAR | Kalliotie 6 THEATRE RIOLIVE | Hallituskatu 11 OULU THEATRE | Kaarlenväylä 2 OULU SYMPHONY & OULU MUSIC CENTRE | Leevi Madetojan katu 1–3 CULTURAL CENTRE VALVE | Hallituskatu 7 Studio Cinema, Akseli Klonk Theatre, Oulu Student Theatre and Valvesali, all under the same roof! Bowling and billiards SPACE BOWLING & BILLIARDS | Saaristonkatu 9 OULUN KEILAHALLI (Oulu Bowling Alley) | Isokatu 97 ALPPILA BOWLING | Tukkimiehentie 1 CITY BILJARD | Ylioppilaantie 4 C
Pohjola route Pohjola route
Kaakkuri Sports Centre | Pirttilammentie 1, 2, 3 A winter outdoor destination with many attractions especially for people riding mountain bikes or fatbikes. Trails designed for cycling include easy and medium difficulty routes on varying terrain. There is also an extensive network of new, lighted fitness tracks for skiers. What is more, a special 5-kilometre skijoring track (for skiers with dogs) starts at the sports centre. View and download outdoor maps: ouka.fi/outdoor Botanical Garden | University of Oulu, Kaitoväylä 5 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 8 oulu.fi/en/university/botanical-garden The botanical garden invites you to the warmth of the tropics. Discover the diversity of the plant world in the Romeo and Juliet greenhouses, discover bananas, cocoa trees, and many other useful plants from around the world. Admire the magnificent blooms of orchids and marvel at living fossils from millions of years ago. The greenhouses are open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. The entrance fee is optional and you can move around in the outdoor garden even in winter.
The Finnish northern scenic route
Koiteli Rapids Area | Koitelinkoskentie 444 | koiteli.fi Koiteli is wonderful day trip destination for the whole family in Kiiminki, 25 kilometres from Oulu city centre. Here you can spend an active day enjoying the beautiful scenery and prepare an outdoor snack at one of the many campfire sites. You can cross the rapids over snowy bridges and admire the surge below.
DELIGHTFUL DAY TRIPS IN AND AROUND OULU Take a refreshing hike in the Oulu nature! | ouka.fi/outdoor Oulu offers fantastic opportunities for outdoor activities every season of the year. There are plenty of marked nature trails for hiking, with bird-watching towers and campfire sites along the way. Oulu Tourist Information can provide you with a recent map of the nature destinations. You can also find the map at the website marked above. The lean-to shelters and campfire sites have regular firewood maintenance service, but it may be a good idea to pack a few pieces of firewood in your backpack just to make sure you get your sausages grilled. We urge hikers to abide by good outdoor etiquette: nationalparks.fi/hikinginfinland/visitorguidelines Take the best road trip of the winter on the Pohjola route! | pohjolaroute.fi Oulu is part of the Pohjola Route, which is like Finland in miniature! The frozen sea, the archipelago and the snowy forests, lakes and fells, the idyllic countryside, northern lights, reindeer, and other charming winter destinations. The best road trip of the winter offers things to see from the seaside to the fell region, with a total of 900 kilometres of routes to take. Discover the destinations by car, by bus, or grab a bike. Plan the road trip of your dreams online. Hupisaaret City Park The Hupisaaret islands are a must visit for every outdoor person, culture enthusiast and romantic, located right next to the city centre. In the winter, the park is wrapped in a blanket of snow, and the river delta can be admired from its numerous trails. The playground with its sled hill will guarantee rosy cheeks for little speedsters. Also, Oulu Museum of Art and Northern Ostrobothnia Museum (open until 31.12.2023) are close by. Tip: Spot the new OULU letters in the park and snap a photo with them as a memento of your trip to Oulu! 15 Hietasaari island There are many walking trails and campfire sites in the area, just 3.5 kilometres from the city centre. You can also spend the day walking or skiing on the sea ice. When the evening darkens, a lucky visitor may catch aurora flaring on the northern sky. You can rent skis and other equipment at Nallikari Holiday Village! 15 Nallikari Winter Village action park | Holstinsalmentie The Winter Village in Hietasaari offers plenty to do for kids and grownups alike: reindeer, ATVs for kids, tube hill, carousel sled, sleigh rides, ice fishing trips and all kinds of events from February until the end of March. Here you also have the excellent opportunity to explore snow and ice construction and the northern exoticism.
See opening hours: talvikyla.fi
Sanginjoki Nature Reserve | Korpiseläntie 2 | nationalparks.fi/sanginjoki The Sanginjoki nature reserve is located about 20 km from the center of Oulu. You will find versatile hiking trails in the area through different forest types with wetland landscapes adding variation to the beautiful scenery. The shortest hiking route is the 2 km long Korpilammen kierros trail. For a longer hike you can combine the Isokankaan kierros and Kalimeen kierros trails for a 15 km walk. Along the trails you will find campfire sites with lean-tos and there is also a rental cabin for overnight stays in the area. Liminka Bay Visitor Centre | Rantakurvi 6 | 52A, 53 visitliminka.fi/liminganlahti The experiential ”Eight Seasons of Birds” exhibition with touchscreen games inspires both children and adults to explore the wonders of nature. In the wintertime, the visitor centre is the perfect starting spot for a ski tour on the sea tracks, or a fatbiking trip to Rantakylä village. Here you can also rent fatbikes, Kickspark kicksleds, snowshoes and sliding snowshoes by booking in advance at TOPyhä, topyha.fi. Hailuoto island and ice road | visithailuoto.fi 59S Hailuoto is the biggest island in the Bothnian Bay, known for its maritime nature. The island attracts visitors interested in outdoor life and local culture. The idyllic fishing village of Marjaniemi is a nationally valuable milieu of fishing culture. Here you can admire the old lighthouse (1871) and the natural landscape sculpted by changing seasons. When the conditions are good, you can reach the island via the longest ice road in Finland across the icy vastness of the frozen sea. Check the ice road condition beforehand: Facebook @Touhu-Palvelut Oy.
PELIBUNKKERI &MEGAZONE ARENA | Pakkahuoneenkatu 17 ESCAPE ROOMS | Torikatu 19 EXIT OULU | Kirkkokatu 17, Uusikatu 13-15, Uusikatu 22 CITY ESCAPE GAMES | Isokatu 8, Ylioppilaantie 4 C PAKOTALO OULU | Isokatu 30
Tip: You can find more info on Toripolliisi and other public sculptures on the Follow the path! Walking tour in Citynomadi app Paska kaupunni graffiti | Uusikatu 22 When legendary singer and songwriter Kauko Röyhkä wrote the song Paska kaupunki (lit. Shitty city), he had no idea the song title etched on a wall during the 1980s would become a local icon. The managers of the building have tried to remove the graffiti time and time again, but it always reappears. Talk about dedication! Today, the graffiti quickly transforms into the phrase “parasrakas kaupunni” (beloved city) shortly after its appearance. Certainly one of the most peculiar phenomena in Oulu. Oulun Kärpät | karpat.fi The ice hockey team of the whole north play their home games at Oulun Energia Areena in Raksila. Join the yellow-and-black group of fans and check out the Kärpät store at the arena for special merchandise, too! The outlets for Kärpät fan merchandise: karppakauppa.fi
UNIQUE EVENTS IN OULU Tierna Time in Oulu from | 10 November 2023 Lumo Light Festival | 17-19 November 2023 Market Hall Christmas Opening | 30 Nov - 2 Dec 2023 Independence Day Celebration | 5-6 December 2023 Tiernatori Christmas Forest | 6-22 December 2023 New Year’s Eve Festival | 31 December 2023 WINTER 2024 Nallikari Winter Village | 10 Feb-31 March 2024 PilkkiFest | 17 February 2024 Polar Bear Pitching | 29 February 2024 Frozen People | 2 March 2024 Find diverse selection of events in Oulu at tapahtumat.munoulu.fi
event calendar
EXPLORE OULU
Oulu Region Tourist Guides | goarctic.fi
Shopping Centres: SHOPPING CENTRE VALKEA | Isokatu 25 SHOPPING CENTRE PEKURI | Kauppurienkatu 10 3 IDEAPARK OULU | Ritaharjuntie 49
#visitoulu #oulu #oulu2026 #munoulu #visitfinland
Toripolliisi statue | Oulu Market Square | visitoulu.fi/en/market-square-policeman If you have not taken a selfie with the Toripolliisi, how can you prove you have been to Oulu? The plump guardian of the market square is a memorial from last century when real market square policemen kept order and patrolled the Square.
Syöte Skibus and other bus trips | saagatravel.fi During the ski season, you can easily reach Finland’s southernmost fell on Saturdays with Saaga Travel’s Syöte Skibus! Check out other bus trips in webshop or ask for an offer for your own group.
Get to know Oulu with a guide Culture, ghosts, and fateful stories. Come and discover Oulu with a professional guide. The themed walking tours offer all kinds of stories from Oulu: intriguing tales of local history and up-to-date information about Oulu today.
4, 20, 21 CLIMBING CENTRE OULU | Paakakatu 7 4, 20, 21 REENIS | Alvar Aallon katu 1 15 NALLISPORT | Vellamontie 9 7 PADEL CLUB HIUKKAVAARA | Tahtimarssi 11
More information about the dates and exhibitions: facebook.com/galleriakavely
Reindeer farm visits | Laasenraitti 40 | poropanuma.com Poro-Panuma Reindeer Farm is located in the village of Panuma in Pudasjärvi, 55 km from Oulu. They offer two- to three-hour visits on demand. The best way to travel to the farm is by car. See the life of reindeer and take part in feeding them, enjoy a reindeer sleigh ride and listen to stories by the fire. Bookings in advance by telephone or e-mail.
City Nomadi | citynomadi.com Atla | atla.fi/oulu
Diverse training options
Gallery walks Galleries MABD and Neliö Galleria welcome art lovers to spend relaxed winter evenings with gallery walks. The walks are arranged once a month. On a single evening’s walking tour, you get to enjoy several exhibitions under the guidance of gallery owners and the artists themselves. The gallerists answer visitors’ questions also in English.
A regular ferry line between the mainland and the island serves travellers throughout the year. Ferry timetable: finferries.fi
Self-Guided Walking Tours Download the Nomadi mobile guide or head to the new Atla website to check out the numerous city tours. Explore the city’s history and waterways with ‘The Pearls of the River Estuary’ and ‘Tracking History in Oulu’ routes. Be sure not to miss the routes that guide you through the stories of Pikisaari island, wartime Oulu, or architect Alvar Aalto’s works in the city.
Gaming and escape rooms
Tonttu Tärmön Paja | tonttutarmonpaja.fi Guided trips for smaller groups and families in Oulu. Also trips to Hailuoto Island are available, or even way up to the Arctic Circle, if you wish! Find out more online.
Publisher: Oulu Tourist Information, 2023 | Design: Anna Karppinen, BusinessOulu | Printed on a FSC-certified paper.
Tierna Time | tiernakaupunki.fi Tierna Time is the Oulu way of welcoming the Christmas season in mid-November, continuing the peaceful celebration until after the holidays all the way till mid-January. Groups of Tierna singers participate in competitions of singing and performing skills – as has been the local tradition since early 1930s. The Tiernapojat bronze statue on Rotuaari pedestrian street pays homage to this tradition.