Things to see and do Oulu

To begin with, let's go to the market square. With the covered market, the numerous stalls and old stalls, you will find the spirit of the countryside of yesteryear. And, in summer, you can discover Oulu by the sea by embarking on a cruise from the shore of the market square. Then take a stroll along Rotuaari Street. This is Oulu's lively pedestrian street where you can go shopping, have a drink and go to a restaurant to enjoy one of the many summer terraces. Then, you can continue to Nallikari Beach to admire the sea and take a swim.

With its 110 km², it is one of the country's largest hiking sites located in the Suomussalmi region near the Russian border, northeast of Kajaani. For lovers of fishing and hiking: marked trails, rock paintings, mills... You can also rent canoes and kayaks, bicycles, fishing equipment... You can even dive in the clear waters up to 40 m deep. Go to the visitors' centre to get all the necessary information (maps, rentals, activities, events...)

This Lutheran cathedral was originally built in 1777 as a tribute to King Gustav III of Sweden. Originally made of wood, it was partly destroyed during the fire of 23 May 1822 that ravaged the city. Rebuilt after the fire, its pale yellow exterior and the 17th century portraits it contains make it a jewel of northern Finland's sacred art. The church was made an official cathedral in 1900, when the bishopric was transferred from Kuopio to Oulu. It is the ecclesiastical centre of Northern Finland.

A site much visited by Finns, but also by foreigners, which presents the history of the terrible Winter War of 1940. The Winter War Monument is a field with thousands of stones erected in memory of the Finnish and Red Army soldiers who died in the Battle of Suomussalmi in 1939-1940. The idea of the place is to make visitors reflect, using visual means, on the suffering and ravages of war. Guided tours.

To know everything about the Winter War in 1939-1940. A crucial episode in the country's history, as the Finns' fierce fight against the Soviets enabled them to retain their independence. In the museum, we learn about this episode with the help of photographic exhibitions, models, objects and also sound effects. One can get acquainted with the daily life of the evacuated civilians as well as the Finnish and Soviet soldiers.

This is the house where the Finnish poet was born. Eino Leino was born on July 6, 1878. He will be considered one of the greatest Finnish poets, and became one of the most famous authors in the country. If you have wandered around Helsinki in the Esplanade Park, you have surely come across his statue. This museum is an opportunity to learn more about his life and works. The site is great for walks, with a café by the lake and bicycles for rent

This beautiful wooden church was built in 1726. Its special feature is that its walls and ceiling were painted by Emanuel Grandberg, a local painter. One can especially admire his remarkable interpretation of hell, which can be seen above the entrance of the church. Also admire the Kalevala monument on the gate. A little further on, on Kirkkokatu 19, you will see another Lutheran church, in neo-gothic style, completed in 1897 according to the plans of the architect Jacob Ahrenberg. See in particular the altarpiece by the artist Tuhkanen.

This little yellow train has become an institution over time. Even if it has a rather classic appearance, this tourist train has a reputation that goes beyond the Oulu cove in the Gulf of Bothnia. You will be able to say: "I did it! "But after an hour, you will be able to see all the main sights of Oulu. There are two trains: one to go to the sea at Nallikari and the other to go to Hupisaaret and the Oulu river delta. The departure is from the intersection of Rotuaari pedestrian street with Kirkkokatu. More information at the tourist office.

Outside the city, in the open air, this open-air museum allows you to discover a rural village through 40 different buildings, with for example a church dating from 1694 or the Ylikärppä manor house. We walk along the lake and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Ideal for all ages and all travellers! In the summer, a café is open and offers a delicious salmon soup in a very pleasant setting.

Scientific centre with exhibitions regularly organized on different themes. Interactive, pedagogical and fun to initiate or deepen your knowledge of science and technology. Simulations to be made in music and sports, exhibition on stones, astronomy ... The museum completes its permanent exhibitions with temporary exhibitions such as those on minerals. Nice viewpoint from the water tower. A nice family outing!

The museum is spread over three floors. The first floor is devoted to prehistory from 9,000 B.C., including the hunter-gatherer way of life, as well as flora and fauna. Opposite, the history of Oulu from its foundation by King Karl IX of Sweden in 1605 to the present day. The second floor presents the different learning styles. Finally, the top floor recalls the close link between the sea and the history of the town of Oulu, which in the late ^18th century was world-renowned for its trade in vegetable tar.

Oulu has a long tradition of visual arts. Many artists have settled here, both Finnish and international. The museum works closely with the various artists to showcase them and thus offers rich and diverse exhibitions. The permanent exhibitions are complemented by temporary exhibitions of painting, sculpture and photography. The plus: workshops adapted to children to introduce them to art!

Wild Taiga has about 60 agencies that organize activities to discover the region and its wildlife, including the five legendary animals of the region: brown bears, wolves, lynx, wolverines and elks. In these remote forests, you can also cross paths with flying reefs, reindeer, beavers and many birds. Wild Taiga also allows you to discover them in their natural habitat with a guide. This is a walk that we recommend if you have the time and budget for young and old alike!

In the Karelian cultural centre, there is a 25-minute film on the Kalevala epic in French made from old illustrations. There is also a presentation of crafts and runes, with temporary exhibitions also focused on this Karelian culture. On arrival, outside the site, there is a beautiful statue by the Finnish sculptor Martti Aiha, dedicated to the singers of the founding text the Kalevala.

Cottage bookings. For more information at the Forestier Park Forestry Office (see below).

This travel agency, run by wildlife specialists, offers tours of the country that are a little different: the program includes birdwatching, tracking bears and other local predators... in Kussamo, for example, it offers an eight-hour trip to discover the rich birdlife of the Kuusamo region. Absolutely fascinating and magnificent! Don't forget your camera! Advance booking essential.

This company offers a range of summer activities such as canoeing, paddling, buggy rental, "fat" bike rental, group hiking trips, brown bear watching excursions... In winter, Ruka Safaris also offers a wide range of activities with this time on the menu: snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, snowmobile rental, excursions with a stopover to "float" on the frozen sea in a specific wetsuit... There is something for every taste, every budget and every desire!

This local company offers tours all year round. In winter, you can enjoy fantastic dog-sledding, reindeer-sledding, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, not to mention ice-fishing! In summer, excursions include canoeing, rowing, rafting and cycling, as well as fishing and hunting. Guided tours or equipment hire for those who wish to remain independent. For a taste of the Far North...

If you've always dreamed of observing Finland's (and indeed Scandinavia's) majestic animals in perfect conditions, then look no further than the Bear Center! With 17 specially equipped private huts, contemplating bears and other wolverines is child's play. Even better, if you want to photograph them in perfect conditions, that's possible too! Various activities are offered throughout the year. In short, highly recommended!