Northern Europe

The Northern Ostrobothnia museum (Pohjois-Pohjanmaan Museo in Finnish) was founded in 1896 by the Museum Society which donated the museum to the City of Oulu in 1969. The museum’s region of interest is the City of Oulu and Northern Ostrobothnia of Finland. The culturally historic county museum is located in Ainola Park. The building is designed by architect Oiva Kallio and completed in 1931. http://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/northern-ostrobothnia-museum/

Syote, Finland’s southernmost fell region, is particularly popular with families. Syote is known for its two downhill skiing slopes. Iso-Syote was chosen as ski centre of the year 2012, and Pikku-Syöte has been lauded for its snowboarding parks The Syöte National Park is an inviting place for skiing during the winter, and hiking and mountain biking in the summer. Nature safaris provide added entertainment. Hotel Iso-Syöte and Hotel Pikku-Syöte are located right next to the slopes, so you don’t need a car. The Syöte Central Booking Office provides a handy way to make reservations for the area’s extensive range of accommodation and activities. It’s easy to get to Syöte, as it’s only 140 kilometres from Oulu. https://visitoulu.fi/en/syote-2/

The Kierikki Stone Age Centre will take you on a journey back in time. A Stone Age Village complete with habitations will show you what daily life was like on the banks of the River Ii thousands of years ago. An easy-to-walk boarded walkway leads from the village and its neighbouring snare path to the Kierikki Stone Age Centre, where you can learn more about Stone Age life and artefacts through films and an exhibition. The Stone Age Village has been constructed on the basis of data from archaeological digs. These types of villages were located in the Kierikki area, in the delta of the River Ii, as long as 5,000-6,000 years ago. The village contains different types of buildings, mainly single-room houses but also large terraced buildings. There are fire sites around the houses, and a river running past the village. The inhabitants rowed in flat-bottom boats made from single tree trunks. https://visitoulu.fi/en/tuote/kierikki-stone-age-centre/

Koitelinkoski is a beautiful place for nature lovers, both local daytrippers and visiting tourists. The Koiteli region is surrounded by rolling forested hills and rich vegetation, and its many islands provide excellent opportunities for fishing, canoeing and kayaking, and trekking. The Koitelinkoski rapids are part of the free-flowing River Kiiminki. The rapids are about four kilometres from downtown Kiiminki and a quick 24-kilometre drive from Oulu. It’s easy to explore the area on foot, following marked paths that wind along the mainland and across the islands. You can reach several of Koiteli’s islands (Pikkusaari, Sahasaari and Pikniksaari) with suspension bridges – an adventure that sticks in children and young people’s minds in particular. The rocky cliffs on the shore are comfortable places to sit and observe the natural world. There are also several campfire sites where you can prepare your food and enjoy some refreshments. https://visitoulu.fi/en/tuote/koiteli-2/

The Oulu Museum of Art’s changing exhibitions focuses on topical contemporary art without forgetting local and regional perspectives. The art museum’s second floor is home to themed collections. Visit our website to find out more about our broad variety of public events and workshops. Our museum shop, Ainoa, offers a range of top-quality, distinctive gift items and interior decoration products for people of all ages. The Oulu Museum of Art is one of the Museum and Science Centre Luuppi sites. https://visitoulu.fi/en/tuote/oulu-museum-of-art-2/

Adventure and lively activities, tranquillity, unspoilt nature, and a unique landscape carved out by the last ice age. The Rokua Geopark is part of the Global Geopark Network, a UNESCO-supported conservation group. It comprises Rokua, Lake Oulu, and the River Oulu Valley. A geopark is a geologically unique area. Rokua Geopark is the world’s northernmost and Finland’s only Geopark. In the summer, the park offers fantastic opportunities for trekking, kayaking, mountain biking, and fishing. In the winter, you can ski, snowshoe, go on a brisk husky safari, or enjoy a starlit sleigh ride through the winter night. Be part of the Arctic miracle at Rokua Geopark! https://visitoulu.fi/en/rokua-geopark-2/

Science Centre Tietomaa has given unforgettable experiences to visitors since 1988. Finland’s first science centre is the perfect place for learning, enjoying yourself, putting your brain and body at test or simply spending some time engaging in entertaining exploration. Science Centre Tietomaa is a household name in Oulu and the entire Northern Finland. It has been one of the best-known attractions in Oulu for years. Many generations have visited it with school groups or their families with more than one million total visits to date – and many come back year after year. The themed exhibitions of the Science Centre Tietomaa feature more than 150 hands-on attractions and demonstrations. New exhibitions are opened every year, and the highlights of past exhibitions become part of the permanent exhibition. Our exhibitions explore different fields of science and technology and give food for thought for all audiences. The sea-themed exhibition called M.O.B. gives you a taste of saltwater and breathtaking speed. Try out hand in magic sand landscapes, test your skill in a sailing competition and try the speedboat simulator – but do not make yourself seasick! http://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/tietomaa-science-centre/

When you arrive at the Market square, the local Toripolliisi (Market square policeman) welcomes you. At market square, you can get to know the products and visit the old granaries, which serve as gifts shops, clothes and shoe stores as well as lovely cafeterias and restaurants. In the traditional market hall you can buy fresh bread, meat and fish. Market square also has numerous markets. Market square, granaries and market hall is a great place to just walk around, enjoy refreshments as well as find souvenirs and presents. https://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/oulu-market-square-hall/