LET’S TAKE A DIP!
Tuiran Beach Koskitie 58
Swim in the river, play beach volley, or relax on the grassy area.
A popular sauna raft floating in the river offers relaxation in its gentle heat every day. The beach hosts cubicles for changing and a café.
Värttö Beach Kasarmintie 53
A popular beach upstream from the city centre. The Koivuranta café, a sauna raft, an ice cream stand, and possibilities for private river cruises offer a wide selection of refreshment and summer fun. The beach has cubicles for changing.
Nallikari Beach Nallikarinranta
The summer living room for locals, the long and soft beach of Nallikari offers a large activity area for enjoyment. The waters are shallow and very safe for children, too. The area has a holiday village, café, restaurant, a playground, and other services and activities to choose from. Cubicles can be found near the beach.
All the public beaches: ouka.fi/beaches
FLOATING RIVER SAUNAS
Summer Sauna Tuira Beach kesansauna.fi
Heated by volunteers, this sauna is a favourite among locals as well as travellers. You can relax in the floating sauna on the river every day from May to September! See service hours online. Please bring your own towel and swimwear. A café on the beach serves refreshments. The sauna fee is 8 € for adults and 6 € for kids.
Koivuranta Sauna Raft Värttö Beach koivurannansaunalautta.fi
Enjoy the smooth heat of the floating sauna and take a cooling dip in Oulu River. You can buy delicious refreshments and crispy waffles from the raft café. There is also a jacuzzi for relaxing in the beautiful river scenery. Please bring your own towel and swimwear. The sauna fee is 12 € for adults and 8 € for kids. You can also rent SUP-boards from the raft.
OULU CYCLING
You can rent a bike or a fatbike to move around effortlessly in the city and the surrounding nature. Take an independent ride or hire a guide to show you around in Kaakkuri activity centre, on the trails of Hietasaari, or around Pyykösjärvi lake. Cycling gives you easy access to sights along the extensive Oulu cycleway network as well as nearby nature destinations.
The new Oulu cycling map will guide you along the cycling highways and beautiful scenic routes. Pick up a map at the tourist information or check out the web page below.
ouka.fi/cycling oulunseudunpyoraily.fi
Bike Rental Companies:
NALLIKARI HOLIDAY VILLAGE Leiritie 10 nallikari.fi
PYÖRÄKORJAAMO LAIHIAINEN Kirkkokatu 28 pyorakorjaamolaihiainen.com
DELICIOUS TREATS
RESTAURANTS AND CAFÉS
UNDER THE SAME ROOF
SHOPPING MALL VALKEA
Isokatu 25
SHOPPING MALL PEKURI
Kauppurienkatu 10
RESTAURANTS
CHEEZBURG FACTORY
Asemakatu 39
GASTRO PUB TORIPOLLIISI
Rantakatu 6
KAUPPURI 5 BURGERS
Kauppurienkatu 5
M6 DINING
Pakkahuoneenkatu 6
OSKARIN KELLARI
Uusikatu 26, 2 krs.
RESTAURANT HELLA
Isokatu 13
RESTAURANT HUGO
Rantakatu 4
RESTAURANT NALLIKARI
Nallikarinranta 15
RESTAURANT PANNU
Kauppurienkatu 12
RESTAURANT PUISTOLA
Pakkahuoneenkatu 15
RESTAURANT SARKKA
Hallituskatu 13–17
RESTAURANT SUOLA-AITTA
Kauppatori 2
RESTAURANT ULEÅBORG 1881
Aittatori 4–5
RESTAURANT ZIVAGO
Kirkkokatu 29
SOKERI-JUSSIN KIEVARI
Pikisaarentie 2
PYÖRÄ-SUVALA Lekatie 2 pyorasuvala.fi
Many of the local hotels can also provide their customers with regular bicycles.
Fatbikes and Guided Tours:
LAPPIS: lappis.fi
FINNACTION: finnaction.fi
NORTHERN RENTAL: northernrental.fi
TOPYHÄ OY: topyha.fi
RETKIVUOKRAAMO: retkivuokraamo.fi
DISCOVER OULU
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.
CITY NOMADI citynomadi.com
ATLA: atla.fi/oulu
Get to Know Oulu With a Guide
Culture, ghosts, and fateful stories. Come and get to know Oulu with a professional guide. Themed walks offer a variety of stories from Oulu: fascinating tales about the city’s history and culture along with facts about today’s Oulu. Buy tickets from shop.goarctic.fi
OULUN SEUDUN OPPAAT RY: oulunseudunoppaat.fi
GUIDE HIRING: goarctic.fi
ARCTIC FOOD LAB
oulu2026.eu/arcticfoodlab/
Ingredients grown under the northern Finnish sky and the uniqueness of culinary tradition born in arctic circumstances. 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.
Taste for Yourself:
CAFÉ LILLAROOSA
CHOCOSOMNIA
HOTELLI LASARETTI
KAHVILA-RAVINTOLA SEELARI
KOITELIN TUNNELMATUPA
LOIHAKKA OY
MERILÄISEN LEIPOMO
OULUN LIHA- JA KALAKAUPPA
PULLAPIRTTI
SOKERI-JUSSIN KIEVARI
TERWA FOODTRUCK
ZESTII KITCHENS
Tonttu Tärmön paja tonttutarmonpaja.fi
Guided tours for smaller groups and families in Oulu. Also trips to Hailuoto, Koiteli rapids or Turkansaari Open-Air Museum are available, for example. You can also design your own trip with us!
Toripolliisi and Market Square
If you have not taken a friendsie with the Toripolliisi statue, you have not properly been to Oulu. The plump guardian of the Market Square is a memorial from last century when actual police officers guarded the area and kept the peace in Oulu for a long time. The officers turned into legends during their lifetime.
Hot tip: You can find more info on Toripolliisi and other public sculptures on the Poikkea polulle! walking tour in Citynomadi app and website.
Street Art in Oulu
Find the coolest murals and other paintings in the urban environment. Check out the best spots on the map on the back of this guide.
The Oulu Grade
Oulu went askew in 1783! When the city plan was being renewed, it was based around the Franzén House in the corner of Kirkkokatu and Kajaaninkatu. However, contrary to the planners’ beliefs, the angle was not 90 degrees. Therefore, the streets in the city centre cross each other in either 89- or 91-degree angles, and the walls of buildings have had to be drawn awry on purpose.
Wonderful Wooden Districts
Discover the idyllic city districts where you can sense the presence of Oulu history. Be charmed by Pikisaari, the island of artisans and artists and find the old houses at the northeast end of Hollihaka Park. Be sure to also visit the wooden districts of Karjasilta and Puu-Raksila, both of which have been evaluated as important residential areas in view of cultural history. Also drop by to see the architecture from the end of the 19th century in Intiö’s old barracks area and visit Hietasaari’s historic villas with their toti towers.
SUMMER THEATRE
Hupisaaret Theatre hupisaaret.fi FB @Hupisaartenteatteri
This newly constructed theatre pavilion is a fantastic stage for many cultural operators. The schedule for summer is packed with a variety of theatrical plays, musical performances, and stand-up comedy. Local singalong events are also arranged here. Check the calender from the webpage!
FOR A RAINY DAY
Cinema, Theatre and Music
FINNKINO PLAZA CINEMA Torikatu 32
STAR CINEMA Kalliotie 6
RIOLIVE Hallituskatu 11
CULTURAL CENTRE VALVE Hallituskatu 7
Cinema, Theatre and Art Exhibitions
Local Arts & Exhibitions
GALLERY 5 Hallituskatu 5–7
GALLERY 33 Hallituskatu 33
NELIÖ GALLERY Asemakatu 37
GALLERY KAJASTE & TAIDEOULU Pakkahuoneenkatu 17
GALLERY MABD Torikatu 4
OULU MUSEUM OF ART Kasarmintie 9
GALLERY TASO Pikisaarentie 15 B1
DESING CENTRE PROTO Pikisaarentie 17
BOOK NEW EXPERIENCES ONLINE!
VisitOulu visitoulu.fi
Pohjola Route pohjolaroute.fi
The best activities from a single location with just a couple of clicks! Check out the online stores of Visit Oulu and the Pohjola Route for new experiences and things to do on summer days. Discover the Oulu region in a new way: see the selection online and book your activities in advance!
FISHING
Let’s Catch Some Fish! ouka.fi/kalastus
By acquiring a fishing license, you can fish on the sea or on the river right next to Oulu city centre either independently or with a guide.
Buy a fishing license conveniently from the Kalapassi online store: kalapassi.fi. Licenses for rod fishing are also sold at Oulu10 service desk at Torikatu 10.
Fishing Tours:
ATTESON FISHING: atteson.fi
BACKWOOD ACTION: backwoodaction.fi
FINNACTION: finnaction.fi
LOCAL WILDERNESS OULU: localwildernessoulu.com
SILVERY GOLD FISHING: silverygoldfishing.fi
UNFORGETTABLE DAYTRIPS IN AND AROUND OULU
Take a Refreshing Hike in the Oulu Nature!
ouka.fi/outdoor
Koiteli Rapids Koitelinkoskentie 420 visitoulu.fi/en/koitelinkoski
A day trip destination for the whole family in Kiiminki, 25 km from the center of Oulu. In the scenic surroundings of Koiteli, you can stroll by the rapids, fish, try white water rafting or just sit on the riverbank cliffs and enjoy the sounds of the water. If you get hungry, you can prepare a picnic at the campfire sites or grab a bite from the café or ice cream kiosk.
Pilpasuo Miehonseläntie 219 visitoulu.fi/en/pilpasuo
A diverse forest and wetland nature area awaits you with little task checkpoints and campfire sites. Lystireitti (“Fun Trail”), a shorter trail with a length of km suits families in particular. Aistireitti (“Sensory Trail”), the longer trail of 7 km goes around the whole area. The wetlands are part of ancient coast that rose from the sea after the Ice Age and are nowadays inhabited by many bird species.
GEMS OF MARITIME OULU
Hailuoto visithailuoto.fi finnferries.fi
Known for its coastal nature, the isle of Hailuoto brings in travellers interested in outdoor life and cultural history. The well-known landmark of Marjaniemi fishing village is the old lighthouse from 1871. The island’s own brewery and the local history museum are also worth a visit. A ferry travels regularly between mainland and the isle, free of charge. You can download a free Hailuoto app from the app store on your phone.
Varjakka visitoulu.fi/en/varjakka warjakka.com
Electric Scooters and Bikes for Carefree Rides!
In Oulu, you can get around also by renting an electric scooter or a city bike. Please remember to mind your own and other people’s safety by complying with the service providers’ instructions.
Take a Ride With City Train vauhtipuisto.fi/kaupunkijuna
You can get to Vauhtipuisto amusement park and Nallikari beach from Oulu city centre smoothly with city trains Kompiainen and Potnapekka. Trains run between June 26 and August 6. In the city centre, the ride starts across the street from City Hall (next to Snellman Park) and in Nallikari the stops are next to the Vauhtipuisto and at the end of the beach near Restaurant Nallikari.
The train ride is included in the price of a Vauhtipuisto wristband or season ticket. Single fares: 8€/adult, 4€/5–14 y/o. and 0–4 y/o. free of charge.
Hop on a Water Taxi! seaoulu.fi
See Oulu through new eyes from the sea. The water taxi operates from June to August with certain limitations regarding weather and routes. You can find the timetable, routes, and stops online.
WATER ACTIVITIES
Cruises on the Sea oululines.fi
Cruise ship M/S Alexandra does sea tours on Friday and Saturday evenings (age limit 18) and day cruises on July Saturdays. You can join a public cruise by booking you tour in advance at least a week ahead.
The ship sails from the Oulu Market Square pier. Please check the cruise timetables online at Oulu Lines website.
Have a Memorable Day on the Waters seaoulu.fi
How about a carefree, private boat cruise or an adrenaline-packed jet ski ride when it best suits you? We will take you and your friends out to the sea and the nearby islands without hassle. Find out more and see the prices at our website.
Get Wild in the Waterpark Linnansaari 1 lappis.fi/vesipuisto
We urge hikers to abide by good outdoor etiquette: nationalparks.fi/outdoor-etiquette
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. Some 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.
Best Road Trips of the Summer on the Pohjola Route! pohjolaroute.fi
Oulu is part of the Pohjola Route, which is like Finland in miniature! The sea, the archipelago and fishing villages, the forests, the lakes and fells, the idyllic countryside with fields and meadows, and other charming summer destinations. The best road trip of the summer 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.
RENTABLE OUTDOOR GEAR
Likke Reuse Centre Jääsalontie 16-18 lainaamo.ouka.fi
Lack of proper gear will not be an obstacle to brisk outdoor activity and enjoying the nature in Oulu. You can borrow the equipment you need from the City of Oulu sports equipment rental.
Retkivuokraamo retkivuokraamo.fi
Retkivuokraamo offers affordable high-quality SUP boards, packrafts and E-Fatbikes for rent. In addition, you can rent high-quality camping tents, backpacks, camping stoves and much more from Retkivuokraamo.
DAYTRIP DESTINATIONS
Botanical Garden
Oulun yliopisto, Kaitoväylä 5 oulu.fi/en/university/botanical-garden
Explore the island of Varjakka. You can access the historic sawmill setting by a hand-pulled cable ferry or rowboat from the lively Varjakka marina. While there, discover also the Varjakka Art Trail, Akio bird-watching tower and the lovely Varjakka Beach. Pet the lovely dogs at Loihakka husky kennel and enjoy delicious burgers at Warjakka Grill. You can spend the night at Warjakka B&B.
Kello Kiviniemi Fishing Harbour visitoulu.fi/en/kalasatama
A traditional fishing harbour known as the granary of local and regional residents. In the early mornings, you can buy fresh fish from the fishermen themselves. Throughout the year, you can also shop at Kalapuohi which is a store specialised in fish delicacies.
Virpiniemi Recreational Area Hiihtomajantie 30 visitoulu.fi/en/virpiniemi
The hiking trails that run along the ridges of Virpiniemi offer outdoor opportunities for both hikers and cyclists alike. Gorgeous views open out to the sea from the campfire site of Runtelinharju. Virpiniemi also has courses to complete for both golfers and disc golfers.
EVENTS IN OULU
26.5.–4.6. Circus Finlandia
27.5.–6.8. Suomen Tivoli (at Kempele) (Traveling Funfair)
7.6. Kaikkien Kesäfestari
10.6. Pikipop (music festival)
16.-17.6 Varjo festivaali (music festival)
30.6.–1.7. Rotuaari Piknik (music festival)
7.–8.7. Hässäkkä-päivät (music festival)
13.–15.7. Suomipop Festivaali (music festival)
14.–15.7. Bättre Folk (music festival)
28.–29.7. Qstock (music festival)
31.7.–6.8. Oulu Pride
3.–31.8. Oulu August Festival
3.-5.8. Elojazz (music festival)
STEFAN’S STEAKHOUSE Kauppurienkatu 8
THE CORNER HOUSE
Uusikatu 18
TUBA FOOD & LOUNGE
Mannenkatu 2
VALVEEN PALJETTI
Hallituskatu 7
VIKING RESTAURANT HARALD
Kirkkokatu 16
FLAVORS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
CRECIAN (GREEK TAVERN)
Kirkkokatu 55
FLAVOUR PALACE OULU
Saaristonkatu 5
FUCHKA
Nummikatu 32
GARAM MASALA
Kajaaninkatu 27
HAGIA SOFIA
Kirkkokatu 2
HAI LONG Isokatu 8
ITALICA TABERNA
Kirkkokatu 17
LEKKER61
Isokatu 61
PURE MAKU
Pakkahuoneenkatu 5 B22
RESTAURANT BEIJING
Rantakatu 5
RESTAURANT INDIAN CUISINE
Kajaaninkatu 38
RESTAURANT ISTANBUL ORIENTAL
Kauppurienkatu 11
RESTAURANT NEW MUMBAI
Asemakatu 39
RESTAURANT PIKKU THAI
Asemakatu 29
SAURAHA NEPALESE CUISINE
Asemakatu 10
SUSHI BOWL & MORE TEA
Pakkahuoneenkatu 22
THE ROYAL GARDEN
Rautatienkatu 8
THUNG THONG THAI
RESTAURANT Pakkahuoneenkatu 9
TORTILLA HOUSE OULU
Rautatienkatu 10
TOSCANA Hallituskatu 35
MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT OLIMPOS
Pakkahuoneenkatu 6
TRADITIONAL SALMON SOUP
CAFÉ VILLA HANNALA
Kahvelitie
GASTROPUB TORIPOLLIISI Rantakatu 6
KALAPUOHI
Kellon kalasatama
KALARAVINTOLA LOHIKEIDAS
Kauppatori
KAUPPAHALLIN KAHVILA
Kauppatori
NALLIKARI BAKERY & BISTRO
Leiritie 10
RESTAURANT SHIP BOOTTI
Kaarlenväylä 2
RESTAURANT PANNU Kauppurienkatu 12
RESTAURANT SARKKA
Hallituskatu 13-17
CAFÉS AND BAKERIES
ANTELL CAFÉS
Kauppurienkatu 7,
Hallituskatu 36
CAFÉ AITTA 9
Aittatori, Aitta 9
CAFÉ ROOSTER
Torikatu 26
CHOCO CAFÉ & WINE
Hallituskatu 30
JAANAN PUOTI
Kauppurienkatu 3
MINDI – DRINKS & CAKE
Isokatu 37
CAFÉ MAKASIINI
Aittatori, Aitta
KONDITORIA-KAHVILA SOFIA
Kirkkokatu 21
KREEMA
Kainuuntie
Bowling and Billiards
OULU BOWLING ALLEY Isokatu 97
ALPPILA BOWLING Tukkimiehentie 1
SPACE BOWLING & BILLIARDS Saaristonkatu 9
CITY BILJARD Ylioppilaantie 4 C
Games and Escape Rooms
PELIBUNKKERI & MEGAZONE Pakkahuoneenkatu 17
CITY ESCAPE GAMES Ylioppilaantie 4 C, Isokatu 8
ESCAPE ROOMS Torikatu 9
EXIT OULU Kirkkokatu 17, Uusikatu 22, Uusikatu 13–15
PAKOTALO Isokatu 30
Versatile Movement
OULU CLIMBING CENTRE Paakakatu 7
REENIS Alvar Aallon katu 1
NALLISPORT Vellamontie 9
Shopping Malls
SHOPPING MALL PEKURI Kauppurienkatu 10
SHOPPING MALL VALKEA Isokatu 25
IDEAPARK OULU Ritaharjuntie 49
MOVING AROUND IN OULU
Biketaxi – Experience Oulu Summer Riding a Rickshaw! biketaxi.fi
No transport in summery Oulu is quite as fun, laid-back, and ecological as a rickshaw taxi. Hop on the rickshaw to ride wherever you want in the Oulu city area or admire the scenery on a tour of the river estuary and down at Nallikari beach. Book your own biketaxi by phone or hop on one at the biketaxi stand.
Oulu Waterpark is a must for every water adventurer to experience for testing their limits. Spend the most exciting summer day on the ninja-type course set on water. Try to complete the course without getting wet or jump straight in from towers, climb onto air cushions and obstacles, and practice your balance on the wobbly stunt course. Floatation vests as well as wetsuits to keep you warm are available at the Waterpark.
Urban Wake Park Linnansaari lappis.fi/oulu-wakepark
A cable wakeboard track offers sporty aquatic experiences right next to the city centre, in the fantastic scenery of Oulu River estuary. On the world’s second northernmost cable track, you get to feel the thrill of speed while gliding on the waves. The sport is suitable for everyone, no previous experience is required. Rental equipment and guidance for beginners are available.
SUP Boarding and Paddling
In the Oulu River estuary, you can enjoy laid-back summer days by SUP boarding or paddling. Adventure activity agencies will guide you to these sports and the environment safely under instruction. More experienced enthusiasts can rent a SUP board, a kayak, or a canoe and head out to the estuary on their own for a refreshing day.
Five routes of different lengths have been designed for paddling or SUP boarding in the river estuary and on the sea in front of Nallikari Beach. There is a good selection of skill levels from beginners to experienced paddlers with varying scenery and detailed route descriptions on the paddling map. When paddling along these routes, please remember to mind your own safety as well as that of others.
ouka.fi/melontareitit
Paddling Services and Tours:
LAPPIS: lappis.fi
VAUHTIPUISTO: vauhtipuisto.fi
FINNACTION: finnaction.fi
BACKWOOD ACTION: backwoodaction.fi
GO ARCTIC!: goarctic.fi
The botanical garden is a wonderful place to visit and learn about the diversity of the plant world. The pyramid-shaped greenhouses provide tropical heat around the year, and the outdoor gardens showcase a variety of trees and bushes as well as useful and ornamental plants. Greenhouses Romeo and Julia house about 1 200 plant species from the different climate regions of the world. In the outdoor garden, you can find more than 4 000 plants native to the northern climate. There is a voluntary entrance fee to the greenhouses.
Turkansaari Open-Air Museum Turkansaarentie 165 ouka.fi/turkansaari
The second oldest open-air museum in Finland presents local history in agriculture, forestry, fishing, and tar production. An easy trip by car, bike, or boat, the museum lies at 15 kilometres from the city centre. It is the perfect destination for a daytime family trip, with a playground for children and traditional work demonstrations during the summer.
Liminka Bay Visitor Centre
Rantakurvi 6 visitliminka.fi/en/liminganlahti
The resting, feeding, and nesting area for tens of thousands of birds offers you the opportunity to watch roughly 200 species from the lookout towers. Borrow a pair of binoculars and catch a few bird tips from the Visitor Centre, which also houses a nature exhibition for visitors of all ages to experience. By booking in advance, you can rent a fatbike and enjoy the biking routes in the area: topyha.fi
Sanginjoki Korpiseläntie 2 visitoulu.fi/en/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 route is the 2 km long Korpilampi loop. For a longer hike you can combine the Isokangas and Kalime loops 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. For fishing Sanginjoki river has several popular spots with rest areas.
LOCAL WILDERNESS OULU localwildernessoulu.com
Explore the versatile Sanginjoki nature reserve area carefree on a day trip with a wilderness guide. The tour includes transportation from the center of Oulu to Sanginjoki and back.
11.–12.8. Koiteli elää (music festival)
17.8. Oulu Arts Night
17.–20.8. International Grand Markets
18.–19.8. Hiukkafest (music festival)
23.–25.8. Air Guitar World Championships
24.–26.8. Great Beers – Small Breweries
24.–27.8. Oulu Music Video Festival
25.–26.8. Ostarifestari IV (music festival)
26.8. Taikasaari festivaali
1.9. Oulu kylässä -festivaali (Welcome to Oulu) 1.–3.9. Oulu Days
Find diverse selection of events in Oulu at tapahtumat.munoulu.fi
