Winter Tips for Oulu Finland 2024-2025

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WINTER FUN FOR FAMILIES WITH KIDS

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Rosy cheeks from the sled hill

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CITY SIGHTS

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AUTOMUSEO Automuseontie 3

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OULU MUSEUM OF ART Kasarmintie 9

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NELIÖ GALLERY Asemakatu 37

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GALLERIA TASO AND DESING CENTER PROTO Pikisaarentie 15 and 17

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NALLIKARI Climb up to the lookout tower and marvel at the frozen sea stretching far beyond the horizon.

Oulu Museum and Science Centre is renewing itself and preparing for the Cultural Capital year of 2026

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CULTURAL CENTRE VALVE Northern Photographic Centre, Comics Gallery and Galleria 5 Hallituskatu 5–7

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PIKISAARI ISLAND Admire the old town neighbourhood in its winter dress.

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REENIS Alvar Aallon katu 1

Find out more about Koskikeskus and Tuiranpuisto on the Nomadi app and at citynomadi.com.

SAUNA EXPERIENCES AND WINTER SWIMMING

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TUIRA BEACH WINTER SWIMMING PLACE Koskitie 58

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MALLASSAUNA Pikisaarentie 15

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TORISAUNA Market Square

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MARKET HALL 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.

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TAITO-SHOP & LOVI FACTORY SHOP Rautatienkatu 11 B

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KURE Shopping Centre Pekuri, Kirkkokatu 14

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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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LÄHIS-KIRPPIS Uusikatu 78 (inner court)

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JÄRKIKIRPPIS Tehtaankatu 1

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VADELMATARHA Kempeleentie 7 B

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HUONEKALUMESTA Isokatu 26

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TOPPILA CENTER Paakakatu 2

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RECYCLING CENTRE LIKKE Jääsalontie 16–18

Get into Christmas mood and find lovely gifts at the Christmas markets.

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MARKET HALL CHRISTMAS OPENING 29–30 NOV 2024

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PALJEKIRPPIS Paljetie 12

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SININEN PYSÄKKI Saaristonkatu 18–20

CHRISTMAS FAIR 30 NOV –1 DEC 2024.

Open 10 am–5 pm at Pohjankartano, Leevi Madetojan katu 1.

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OULUN ALE-KIRJA Rautatienkatu 16

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ASEMAN DIVARI Asemakatu 25

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ANTIKVARIAATTI T. OJANPERÄ Kauppurienkatu 31 A

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SMUK Shopping Centre Pekuri, Kaupparienkatu 10

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DOM VINTTI & SECOND HAND Asemakatu 6 & 17

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Post your shots on social media: #visitoulu #oulu #oulu2026 #munoulu #visitfinland

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HUPISAARI ISLANDS AND OULU LETTERS Spot the new eco-concrete OULU letters in the snow-covered park.

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LINNANSAARI OBSERVATION TOWER Get a shot of the ornamental pastel tower.

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KOIVURANTA SAUNA RAFT Kasarmintie 31

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SECOND-HAND FINDS!

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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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OULU CLIMBING CENTRE Paakakatu 7

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Postal Services | K-Citymarket Raksila, Tehtaankatu 5

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Pharmacies (Apteekki in Finnish) Isokatu 27 ja 45 | Kauppurienkatu 9 and 27–29 | Merikoskenkatu 11

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ATM Machines (Otto / Nosto in Finnish) Kauppurienkatu 10 (Pekuri Shopping Centre) | Isokatu 14, 25 (Valkea Shopping Centre) & 33 | Tehtaankatu 5 (K-Citymarket Raksila & Sale) | Kirkkokatu 6 | Hallituskatu 36

OLD HARBOUR OF TOPPILANSALMI

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Shared Cars GOMORE | 24RENT | 24GO | AIMOSHARE

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NALLIKARI WINTER VILLAGE Leiritie

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MERIKOSKI DAM BRIDGE Capture the wonderful sunsets on the Oulujoki river.

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OLD HOSPITAL BUILDINGS OF TUIRANPUISTO

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NALLIKARI LIGHTHOUSE Spot this Instagram favourite and architectural gem.

PIKISAARI BATHHOUSE Discover the charming old bath house from the 1880s.

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Car Rental BUDGET & AVIS (Rautatienkatu 16 M 7) | SIXT (Pakkahuoneenkatu 32) | EUROPCAR (Ratakatu 11) | HERTZ (Tyrnäväntie 3) | RESE (Sälpätie 8)

PYYKÖSJÄRVI & KUIVASJÄRVI LAKES The lake area near the Linnanmaa campus in northern Oulu is a favourite among locals and students in particular.

PICTURESQUE LOCATIONS

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Taxi Services OTAXI tel. 0600 30081 | MENEVÄ tel. 0800 02120 | FIXUTAXI tel. 0100 6060 | HALPATAXI tel. 029 703 101 30

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Take the Bus in Oulu | osl.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.

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TOIVONIEMI AND KOSKIKESKUS DISTRICT DESIGNED BY ALVAR AALTO

Note! Science Center Tietomaa will be open again in 2026.

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HOLLIHAKA PARK This park is sheltered from the bright city lights making it an ideal spot for aurora watching.

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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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SUPERPARK Tyrnäväntie 16

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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

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Check out more fun activities for children on the website lastenkulttuurioulu.fi and on facebook @lastenkulttuurioulu!

HISTORICAL MONUMENTAL CENTRE

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PIKKUKANGAS PARK Pikkukankaantie 3

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PITKÄMÖLJÄ BREAKWATER Vaa skik ivewatching The perfect setting for the starry ntie northern sky and flaring northern lights as darkness falls over the frozen sea.

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Tourist Information Market Hall, Market Square | visitoulu.fi/info The City of Oulu Tourist Information Office 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. You’ll also find a selection of souvenirs at the Tourist Information located in the Market Hall.

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PELIBUNKKERI & MEGAZONE ARENA Pakkahuoneenkatu 17

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WOODEN HOUSE QUARTERS OF KUUSILUOTO

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The 2025 Housing Fair will be built here. Welcome to visit from JUL 18 to AUG 17, 2025.

HUPISAARET CITY PARK Ainolanpolku

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MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES

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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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Winter Tips for Oulu

OULU CATHEDRAL The cathedral designed by C.L. Engel (1832) represents neo-classicism.

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MARKET SQUARE POLICEMAN STATUE A memorial from last century when police officers guarded the Market Square.

HOLLIHAKA PARK Rantakatu 19

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CHRISTMAS SHOPPING

CHRISTMAS GALLERY 4–22 DEC 2024 Open Wed–Fri 1 pm-6 pm, Sat–Sun 12 pm–4 pm Galleria MABD, Torikatu 4 HANDCRAFTERS’ GIFT SHOP 7–22 DEC 2024 TIERNATORI CHRISTMAS MARKET 7–22 DEC 2024 Mon–Thu, Sat 10 am–6 pm, Fri 10 am–7 pm, Sun 12 pm–6 pm at Kauppurienaukio.

CHOCOSOMNIA CHOCOLATE FACTORY CHRISTMAS SHOP 1 NOV –30 DEC 2024 Open Nov: Mon–Fri 11 am–6 pm, Sat 11 am–3 pm.

Open Dec: Mon–Fri 10 am-6 pm, Sat–Sun 10 am–3 pm. At Hiltusenkaarre 22.

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.

NALLIKARI SAFARIS | nallikarisafaris.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. A traveller with a car could also head to Koiteli Rapids or Pilpasuo area to get away from the city lights. Guided tours available also.

SALAMAPAJA | salamapaja.fi NALLIKARI SAFARIS | nallikarisafaris.fi LAPPIS | lappis.fi OULU SAFARIS | oulusafaris.com MAJAKKA OUTDOORS | majakkaoutdoors.fi

ouka.fi/cycling visitoulu.fi/en/nature-trails Search for routes made by locals in the jalki.fi service with the search term “Oulu”.

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.

NALLIKARI SAFARIS | nallikarisafaris.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.

NALLIKARI SAFARIS | nallikarisafaris.fi OULU SAFARIS | oulusafaris.com ATTESON FISHING | atteson.fi SILVERY GOLD FISHING | silverygoldfishing.fi 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

Aurora forecast:en.ilmatieteenlaitos.fi/northern-lights rwc-finland.fmi.fi, FB @ Oulu Aurora Spotters 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: • • • • •

Raksila Artificial Ice Rink | Urheilukatu 3 Raatti Sports Centre | Raatintie 2 Heinäpää Sports Centre | Nuottasaarentie 12 Niittyaro Sports Centre | Kaarnatie 44 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.

Up-to-date info on the tracks: facebook.com/Vihiluoto

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.

HUNGRY? Salmon soup Rössypottu (local traditional soup made of blood pudding, pork, Reindeer potatoes and vegetables) Arctic Food Lab TRADITIONAL DISHES BISTRO (HOTEL LASARETTI) Kasarmintie 13 B BISTRO MESU Hallituskatu 1 GASTROPUB TORIPOLLIISI Rantakatu 6 KAUPPAHALLIN KAHVILA Market Hall KUMMELI BISTRO & BAR Kajaaninkatu 17 KALARAVINTOLA LOHIKEIDAS Limingantie 5 OULA KITCHEN & BAR Kirkkokatu 3 RESTAURANT SARKKA Hallituskatu 13–17 SOKERI-JUSSIN TAVERN Pikisaarentie 2 TORISAUNA Market Square RESTAURANTS ALFRED KITCHEN & BAR Pakkahuoneenkatu 24 BUFFET RESTAURANT LITTLE NEW YORK Kauppurienkatu 26–28

RESTAURANT MALLASSAUNA Pikisaarentie 15 RESTAURANT NALLIKARI Nallikarinranta 15 RESTAURANT PEKURI Kauppurienkatu 15–17 RESTAURANT PUISTOLA Pakkahuoneenkatu 15 RESTAURANT SUSITEETTI Kirkkokatu 2 A RESTAURANT ULEÅBORG 1881 Aittatori 4–5 RESTAURANT ZIVAGO Kirkkokatu 29 RESTAURANT & BAR ROAST Saaristonkatu 4 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

CAFÉ ROOSTER Torikatu 26

WINEBAR KURKELA Pikisaarentie 17

CHEEZBURG FACTORY Asemakatu 39

FLAVORS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

KAUPPURI 5 BURGERS Kauppurienkatu 5 OSKARIN KELLARI Uusikatu 26 RESTAURANT HELLA Isokatu 13 RESTAURANT HUGO Rantakatu 4

BISTORIA PATIO Nallikarinranta 10 CRECIAN GREEK TAVERN Kirkkokatu 55 FLAVOUR PALACE Saaristonkatu 5 FUCHKA Nummikatu 32

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 Check out the track maintenance information: oulu.fluentprogress.fi/outdoors

TORTILLA HOUSE Hallituskatu 10

GARAM MASALA Kajaaninkatu 27

TOSCANA Hallituskatu 35

HAGIA SOGIA Kirkkokatu 2 HAI LONG Isokatu 8 ITALICA TABERNA Kirkkokatu 17 LEKKER61 Isokatu 61 PIKKUPANDA TEA HOUSE Kauppahalli M6 DINING Pakkahuoneenkatu 6 MARANI Pakkahuoneenkatu 8 MEX-MAN Pakkahuoneenkatu 5 PURE MAKU Pakkahuoneenkatu 5 RESTAURANT BEIJING Rantakatu 5 RESTAURANT INDIAN CUISINE Kajaaninkatu 38 RESTAURANT MESOB Isokatu 13 RESTAURANT NEW MUMBAI Asemakatu 39 RESTAURANT PIKKU THAI Asemakatu 29 RESTAURANT SAURAHA Asemakatu 10 SUSHI BOWL & MORE TEA Pakkahuoneenkatu 22 THE BIG FAT GREEK GYROS Hallituskatu 26 THE ROYAL GARDEN Rautatienkatu 8 THUNG THONG RESTAURANT Pakkahuoneenkatu 9

MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT OLIMPOS Pakkahuoneenkatu 6 RESTAURANTS AND CAFÉS UNDER THE SAME ROOF SHOPPING CENTRE VALKEA Isokatu 25 SHOPPING CENTRE PEKURI Kauppurienkatu 10 CAFÉS AND BAKERIES ANTELL CAFÉ Kauppurienkatu 7 CAFÉ LILLAROOSA Myllytie 11 CAFÉ KONSTANTIINA Torikatu 12 CHOCO CAFÉ CHOCOSOMNIA Hiltusenkaarre 22

NALLIKARI SAFARIS | nallikarisafaris.fi NALLIKARI HOLIDAY VILLAGE | nallikari.fi LAPPIS | lappis.fi RETKIVUOKRAAMO | retkivuokraamo.fi TOPYHÄ | topyha.fi OULU SAFARIS | oulusafaris.com

Koivuranta Sauna Raft | Värttö Beach | koivurannansaunalautta.fi 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. Book a time online and remember to 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.

Mallassauna | Pikisaarentie 15 | mallassauna.fi Hailuoto Brewery’s Restaurant Mallassauna is serving not only tasty dishes but also sauna experiences in Pikisaari. 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 OULU SWIMMING POOL | Pikkukankaantie 3 (open till 1.3.)

RAATTI SWIMMING POOL | Raatintie 2 LINNANMAA SWIMMING POOL | Virkakatu 1 (open from 1.3. ) VESI-JATULI | Jokelantie 20 20, 20K, 23K Flotation Centers OULU FLOATS | Torikatu 56 | oulufloats.fi RENTOUTTAVA LAINE | Kajaaninkatu 34 | rentouttavalaine.fi PALAUTTAMO FLOATS | Isokatu 1 | palauttamofloats.fi

NEAT INDOOR FUN Movies, theatre, and music

KONDITORIE-CAFÉ SOFIA Kauppurienkatu 14-16

THEATRE RIOLIVE | Hallituskatu 11 OULU THEATRE | Kaarlenväylä 2 OULUN TYÖVÄEN NÄYTTÄMÖ | Upseerinkatu 4 POP UP STAGE KLONKKA | Hallituskatu 7

KREEMA Kainuuntie 1

OULU SYMPHONY & OULU MUSIC CENTRE | Leevi Madetojan katu 1–3

ROBBIE’S THE SANDWICH SHOP Rautatienkatu 10 ROBERT’S COFFEE Isokatu 28 SAMBA CAFÉ Hallituskatu 30 M

Pohjola route Pohjola route

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 bikes. A beautiful view opens out to the snow-covered, frozen Bothnian Bay.

The Finnish northern scenic route

Kaakkuri Sports Area | Pirttilammentie 1, 2, 3 A winter outdoor destination with many attractions especially for people riding mountain bikes. Trails designed for cycling include easy and medium difficulty routes on varying terrain. There is also an extensive network of lighted fitness tracks for skiers and a special 5-kilometre skijoring track (for skiers with dogs) starts at the sports centre.

Outdoor maps: ouka.fi/outdoors Botanical Garden | University of Oulu, Kaitoväylä 5 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 52 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. The greenhouses are open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. The entrance fee is optional.

Diverse training options

Torisauna | Market Square | ouluntorisauna.fi Arctic sauna experience at Market Square 15 Nov 2024 – 15 March 2025. Experience an authentic log sauna, outdoor hot tub and cold pool surrounded by the city lights and culture. See the schedules and make a reservation on the website. In the Winter Room at the sauna, you can enjoy mulled wine, rice porridge and reindeer soup also without the sauna experience.

JAANAN PUOTI Kauppurienkatu 3

PUISTOLA BAKERY Pakkahuoneenkatu 15

Pohjola Route | pohjolaroute.fi

PELIBUNKKERI & MEGAZONE ARENA | Pakkahuoneenkatu 17 EXIT OULU | Kirkkokatu 17, Uusikatu 13-15, Uusikatu 22 CITY ESCAPE GAMES | Isokatu 8, Ylioppilaantie 4 C PAKOTALO OULU | Isokatu 30

WINTER SWIMMING & SAUNA

City of Oulu public pools

See opening hours: talvikyla.fi

Gaming and escape rooms

Also, you can borrow the equipment you need for free: Lainaamo | Jääsalontie 16–18 | lainaamo.ouka.fi.

MOVIE THEATRE FINNKINO PLAZA | Torikatu 32 MOVIE THEATRE STAR | Kalliotie 6

PARK CAFÉ MAKIA Otto Karhin puisto

Visit Oulu | visitoulu.fi

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.

HOSTEL-CAFE HUVILA Panimokuja 1

MON CHOU PÂTISSERIE Pakkahuoneenkatu 5 B 20

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!

Nallikari Winter Village action park | Holstinsalmentie 15 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.

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.

Tonttu Tärmön Paja | tonttutarmonpaja.fi You can also try a guided winter swimming trip. Bookings online.

GAIA Hallituskatu 30

BOOK NEW EXPERIENCES ONLINE!

Hietasaari island 15 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 and Nallikari Safaris Centre!

OULU CLIMBING CENTRE | Paakakatu 7 KAAMOS CLIMBING | Kallisenhaara 3 REENIS | Alvar Aallon katu 1

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Koiteli Rapids Area | Koitelinkoskentie 444 | koitelinkoski.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.

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. Along the trails you will find campfire sites with lean-tos and there is also a rental cabin for overnight stays in the area.

Shopping Centres: SHOPPING CENTRE VALKEA | Isokatu 25 SHOPPING CENTRE PEKURI | Kauppurienkatu 10 3 IDEAPARK OULU | Ritaharjuntie 49

DELIGHTFUL DAY TRIPS IN AND AROUND OULU

In winter tracks can be used with snow shoes or skiis.

Naturest Oy organizes guided trips in the park and runs Nature Café Loppula: naturest.fi

Take a refreshing hike in the Oulu nature! | ouka.fi/outdoors 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. You can find maps on 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 be sure.

Grilling spots in the city center require you to bring your own charcoal or firewood.

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, the Oulu Museum of Art is 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!

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.

Rent fatbikes, 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.

OULU REGION TOURIST GUIDES | goarctic.fi 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.

Majakka Outdoors | majakkaoutdoors.fi Head out with a guide to explore the city’s nearby nature and learn nature photography. Within walking distance from the city centre, you can delve into the secrets of the local nature, enjoy a snack break by the campfire, and maybe even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights!

Toripolliisi statue | Oulu Market Square | visitoulu.fi/en/product/toripolliisi 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.

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 Opening of Oulu’s Christmas Street | 15 November 2024 Lumo Light Festival | 22–24 November 2024 Market Hall Christmas Opening | 29–30 November 2024 Star Boys Competition | 1 December 2024 Independence Day | 6 December 2024 al Tiernatori Christmas Forest | 1–26 December 2024 Festiv Light Lumo rtwork St. Lucia Celebration | 12 December 2024 a sure’ New Year’s Eve Festival | 31 December 2024 r pres d n ‘U e aari till u at Rot 1st WINTER 2025 DEC Citylätkä Hockey Tournament | 7–8 February 2025 Nallikari Winter Village | 15 Feb–30 Mar 2025 Nallikari Snow Fest | 11–15 February 2025 Stadioncross | 21–22 February 2025 Polar Bear Pitching | 27 February 2025 Frozen People | 1 March 2025 Find diverse selection of events in Oulu at tapahtumat.munoulu.fi

A regular ferry line between the mainland and the island serves travellers throughout the year.

Ferry timetable: finferries.fi 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.

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 the webshop or ask for an offer for your own group.

EXPLORE 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.

CULTURAL CENTRE VALVE | Hallituskatu 7 Studio Cinema, Akseli Klonk Theatre, Oulu Student Theatre and Valvesali, all under the same roof!

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.

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.

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CITY NOMADI | citynomadi.com ATLA | atla.fi/oulu

Bowling and billiards SPACE BOWLING & BILLIARDS | Saaristonkatu 9 OULUN KEILAHALLI (Oulu Bowling Alley) | Isokatu 97 ALPPILA BOWLING | Tukkimiehentie 1 CITY BILJARD | Ylioppilaantie 4 C

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Publisher: Oulu Tourist Information, 2024 | Design: Anna Karppinen, BusinessOulu | Printed on a FSC-certified paper.