Oulu is a vibrant summer city where something exciting happens every day! Whether you’re into culture, events, nature trails, activities, or excellent restaurants, this article provides you with targeted tips for a summer visit to Oulu, whether you’re traveling alone, with your partner or friend, or with children.
7 Summer Tips for Oulu: What to Do and See in Oulu this Summer?

1. Idyllic and Creative Pikisaari: Art, Historical Vibes and Culinary Culture
Pikisaari, the charming old town, is a dream destination for culture and food enthusiasts! Known for its creative and historical ambiance, Pikisaari is just a short walk away from Oulu’s market square; you cross the bridge near Oulu Theater to reach it.
This summer, Pikisaari hosts a unique demolition art exhibition called Reformi. The exhibition takes place in an old educational institution scheduled for demolition next autumn. You can freely explore the premises on weekdays between 12 PM to 6 PM. Admission is free!
History enthusiasts should visit the Merimiehenkotimuseo (Seamen’s Home Museum), located in Oulu’s oldest preserved wooden house. The museum offers a glimpse into the fascinating history of Oulu and Pikisaari. Did you know that ships were built in Pikisaari? The museum is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, and admission is free.
For those who love good food and drinks, Pikisaari offers several interesting options. At Hailuodon Panimo’s Mallassauna terrace, you can taste local organic beers and enjoy Finnish-German cuisine. The Mallassauna hosts various live concerts and other music and cultural events throughout the summer!
Sokeri-Jussin Kievari, on the other hand, is a cozy restaurant located in a log warehouse in Oulu’s Pikisaari. Their kitchen creates delicious Finnish dishes, made from pure domestic ingredients, seasoned according to the seasons’ rhythm and local produce.
Round off your Pikisaari day with a walk along the nature trail that encircles the island! This picturesque path leads along the shores, where you’ll hear tales of Pikisaari’s history. You can find some of the Oulu’s most Instagrammable spots along the trail. Furthermore, some sections of the trail are adorned with art: the Pikinen Poloku art trail near the Old Wool Factory displays local artists’ works.

2. Seaside Charm in Nallikari: Beach Life, Activities and Stunning Sunsets
Enjoy the fabulous Oulu seaside in Nallikari! The popular Nallikari area offers a beautiful beach, also known as the Riviera of the North, charming seaside nature trails with campfire sites and birdwatching towers, accommodation options, cafés, and restaurants for all the relaxation seekers.
For nature lovers, Finnaction’s new container rental service is worth checking out. You can conveniently rent a kayak, canoe, SUP board, or fat bike from Finnaction. They also organize guided trips, such as kayaking safaris to Oulujokisuisto (Oulu River Delta)!
Restaurant Nallikari is a high-quality Nordic restaurant located on Nallikari Beach, offering one of the best views in Oulu from its windows. For lighter fare and a laid-back atmosphere, head to Nallikari Bakery & Bistro, where you can enjoy pastries, cakes, savory snacks, and a relaxed bistro menu.
At Nallikari Lomakylä (Nallikari Holiday Village), you can experience a cottage atmosphere just a stone’s throw away from Oulu’s city center. You can stay in cozy cabins, high-standard villas, or a comfortable camping area. Even dogs are welcome at the holiday village!
Right next to Nallikari Lomakylä is the kids’ favorite spot, Vauhtipuisto (Kids’ Amusement Park). This amusement park is full of excitement, with rides ranging from mini-roller coasters to spinning coffee cups. The park’s new café serves specialty coffee, ice cream, and snacks, and it also features Finland’s smallest toy store, a must-visit for sure!
To top off your Nallikari day, take a stroll along the seaside on a bright summer evening. Climbing the Nallikari Lighthouse, famous from social media photos, during sunset is a classic Oulu experience!

3. Gems of the River Delta: Water Taxi to a Terrace, Island Tour by Kayak and Sauna on a Raft!
The River Delta offers the most beautiful summer experiences in Oulu! Whether you’re an active traveler or someone who prefers a leisurely pace, The Oulu River has something for everyone.
One of the hottest new attractions in Oulu this summer is the Sea Oulu water taxi! You can hop on the water taxi from Oulu’s market square or any stop along the route. The route takes you from the market square to Johteenpooki, Hietasaari Seelari, Toppilansalmi’s Punainen mylly, and back. Hietasaaren Seelari offers a café and a summer terrace with a stunning view, as well as concerts and events.
At Linnansaari, just a short walk from Oulu’s market square, you’ll find Oulun Melontakeskus (Oulu Canoe Center) and Lappis Vesipuisto (Lappis Water Park), perfect for both kids and adults! At Oulu Melontakeskus, you can rent a SUP board or a kayak and take a self-guided tour around Pikisaari, for example. Oulu Melontakeskus also offers Maanantaimelonta (Monday Paddle) and Torstain torimelonta (Thursday Market Paddle), open to everyone and suitable for beginners, taking you on low-threshold paddling excursions to the river delta.
What’s a summer without proper saunas and a dip in the Oulu River? Koivurannan Saunalautta (Koivuranta Sauna Raft) offers a public sauna turn on the riverbanks. The saunalautta also houses Koivuranta Igloos, which provide a unique experience of accommodation and sailing along the Oulu River.

4. Summer Events in Oulu: Culture, Music and Festivals
Oulu is a lively summer city with something happening every day. The city boasts a wide range of events, from food and art gatherings to charming summer festivals!
Music lovers should check out the event lineup at Voimala1889. They also host popular summer flea markets. Tuba Food & Lounge next door invites you to join their summer quizzes. Arriving early is recommended, as Tuba is usually buzzing with activity during quiz nights!
The Bättre Folk festival on Hailuoto has become a phenomenon and will once again attract thousands of music and literature enthusiasts on 14-15 July.
The Air Guitar World Championships have been held in Oulu since 1996. The Air Guitar World Championships’ grand finale will take place on 25 August 2023 at Rotuaari Square in Oulu, broadcasted live worldwide.
Oulun juhlaviikot (Oulu Festival Weeks) consist of seven high-quality and established festivals celebrated in the Oulu region from 3 to 27 August 2023. The festival weeks include events such as Taiteiden yö (Night of the Arts) and Elojazz.
Check out the event calendar for more information!

5. Local Nature's Best Spots: Ainola Park, Pilpasuo and Koiteli
In Oulu, nature is always close by! You can reach several nearby natural attractions on foot, by bike, or by paddling from the city center. And if trekking on nature trails doesn’t entice you in the summer heat, consider having a picnic in one of the city’s parks, such as Ainola Park or Hollihaka.
Within a short drive, there are several fantastic natural destinations to explore.
Pilpasuo, a vast wetland area, is one of the favorite hiking spots in the Oulu area. It is a nationally protected wetland and a Natura 2000 site. You can choose between two different routes in Pilpasuo: the short Lystireitti (1 km) and the longer Aistireitti (7 km).
Koitelinkoski rafts in Kiiminki can be reached in about half an hour’s drive from Oulu’s city center. When visiting Koitelinkoski rafts, don’t forget to stop by the cozy café Koitelin Tunnelmatupa, surrounded by the stunning Koitelinkoski. In summer, Koitelinkosket also has an ice cream kiosk.
Sanginjoki is a contiguous forest area located about 16 kilometers from Oulu’s city center. The area has features of a natural forest, with old spruce stands, as well as swamps and dry ridge nature. Sanginjoki is home to endangered fungi and rare bird species.
Explore nature trails
6. Summer Exhibitions and Museums: Dinosaurs, Art Exhibitions and the Legendary Turkansaari
During the summer, make sure to visit at least one art exhibition or museum!
Oulu Art Museum’s summer exhibitions include:
🎨 Riitta-Alina Helevä: “Lauluni” (My Song), until August 6th
🎨 Martti Tarvainen (1897–1985): “Nähdä ja eläytyä” (To See and Empathize), until August 6th
🎨 “Vuodenajat meissä – Teoksia Suomalaiset taidesäätiöt ry:n kokoelmista” (Seasons Within Us – Artworks from the Finnish Art Foundations Association’s Collection), from June 17th, 2023, to January 7th, 2024
For families with children, a visit to Dinosauria is a must. Arranged by the Tietomaa Science Center, Dinosauria is a large dinosaur exhibition located next to Oulu’s SuperPark. You can see about twenty moving dinosaur figures in the exhibition. Dinosauria is open during the summer season from Monday to Saturday, 11 AM to 6 PM, and closed on Sundays.
For a taste of history, head to the traditional open air museum Turkansaari. It is situated in the middle of the Oulu River, about 16 kilometers upstream from Oulu’s city center. The museum is the second-oldest outdoor museum in Finland. Turkansaari lies on the route of an old tar transport trail, and, as a result, the museum maintains the tradition of tar burning. In July, a tar pit is constructed at Siikasaari’s tip, and visitors can witness the lighting and burning of the tar pit.

7. Day Trips from Oulu: Road Trip on the Pohjola Route
Around Oulu, there are several exciting day trip destinations. The best summer road trip can be found on the Pohjola Route where Oulu is also located. Besides Oulu, the Pohjola Route stops include Hailuoto, Syöte, Rokua Geopark, Tyrnävä, Lumijoki, Liminka, Kempele, Ii, Raahe, and Kalajoki.
The magical Hailuoto island is just a short ferry ride away from Oulu. In Hailuoto, you should explore Marjaniemi’s old fishing village and its beautiful natural white sandy beaches.
Within a couple of hours’ drive from Oulu, you’ll find two different national parks: Syöte and Rokua. This summer, you can reach Rokua directly from Oulu by bus! In addition to national parks, the Pohjola Route offers numerous smaller gems for nature enthusiasts, such as Markkuun luontopolku in Tyrnävä, Köykkyri in Kempele, and Liminganlahden luontokeskus in Liminka.
For a touch of history, Iin Wanha Hamina (Old Ii) and Wanha Raahe (Old Raahe) are popular summer destinations. In Lumijoki, don’t miss a visit to the summer café Hailuotolaiva.
Kalajoen Hiekkasärkät (Kalajoki Sands), with its long sandy beaches, excellent services, activities, and events, is especially popular with families during the summer.
Enjoy your summer adventures in and around Oulu!
Explore the Pohjola RouteSort by category

Pastel-coloured wooden Raksila

Restaurant Mallassauna

Go Arctic group activities - Traditional tar olympics

Traditional Holiday Cottages in Nallikari, Oulu

Oulu Arts Night

Literary Art Festival Muusajuhlat

Design Shop Proto

Visit to the Home of Huskies

Mourunki lake

Nallikari Aalto Apartments (open from February 2024)

Oulu Cathedral

Pilpasuo protected area and nature trails

Guided transportation from Oulu airport to Oulu

Photo North's gallery

Go Arctic Events - Dinner with the ghosts of Oulu

Spirits of Hearth and Home - Tonttu in Finnish Folklore

Kahvila Kiikku

Kayaking safari to River Oulu delta

Airport Taxi Service in Oulu
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Bistro, Hotel Lasaretti

Adventure Game: Rock The City Oulu

Go Arctic activities - City canoeing day or night

Conference and Banquet Facilities by Original Sokos Hotel ArinaOulu

Restaurant Nallikari

Luotolainen Tikkuri - exhibition

Go Arctic activities - Fatbike trip in Koiteli or Liminka

Koivuranta igloos

Go Arctic group activities - Amazing Oulu - City adventure

Restaurant Hugo

Breakfast & Private Restaurant Veranta

Fafa's Restaurant Limingantulli

Go Arctic activities - Air guitar workshop or Air guitar show

Coffee House Café

SuperPark Restaurant

Go Arctic Events - Performers and hosts to your events

Sightseeing of Oulu on Mountain Bikes

Paddling on the Oulujoki river delta and at sea

Splash-tastic water activities in Oulu

Cafe Tunnelmatupa in Koiteli

Go fishing in Oulu around the year

Nallikari – the Riviera of the North

Amarillo Restaurant Oulu

Jumpru Patio Live!

Urban Festival Oulu Days

Deluxe Poiju Villas by the Sea in Nallikari, Oulu

Playroom Leikkilä

Zivago

Bay of Bothnia by SUP (Stand Up Paddling) in Oulu

Wooden Karjasilta from the reconstruction era

Fatbike Tour in Oulu

Dinosauria

Turkansaari Open Air Museum

Nordic Art Hotel Lasaretti's Venues

Ravintolamaailma Limingantulli

Oulu Market Square

Virpiniemi recreational area

Ravintolamaailma Linnanmaa

Go Arctic group activities - Inhouse Derby

Puistokahvila Makia Cafe

Go Arctic - Guided walking tours in Oulu and in Oulu area

Rusko Bike Park

The reflecting pools of Oulu

Saunas of the Maikkula Mansion

Go Arctic - Conference rooms - Seelari in Hietasaari

Gone fishing

Pohjolan Matka Charter Coaches Oulu

Go Arctic group activities - Traditional games

Oulu's Original Taxi - OTAXI

Rosso Restaurant Valkea

Tuba Food & Lounge

Go Arctic group activities - Kurvisen karsinnat

Best Western Hotel Apollo, Oulu

Guided walking tours in Oulu

Taito Shop Oulu

Lappis Water Park Oulu

Go Arctic - Conference services

Original Sokos Hotel Arina, Oulu

Nallikari Bakery & Bistro

Go Arctic Events - Theme parties

Mediterranean Restaurant

Oulu Museum of Art

Bacaro Doppio Café

Minivan trip to Hailuoto

De Gamlas Hem Meetings and Events

Koivuranta Floating Cafe

Top 5 attractions in Oulu!

Modern Messi Summer Cottages in Nallikari, Oulu

GreenStar Hotel Oulu

Warjakka B&B Accommodation

ChocoTasting

SuperPark Oulu

Kierikki Stone Age Center

Air Guitar World Championships

Go Arctic - Guided bus tours in Oulu and neighbouring municipalities

Gems of the Oulu River estuary

Rent a canoe

Lapland Hotels Oulu

Amusement Park Vauhtipuisto

Varjakka industrial heritage site and nature trail

Design Center Proto

Family autumn vacation: Break from everyday life

Elojazz

Sea Oulu Water Taxi

Go Arctic activities - Rubber raft polo game

Oulujoki Church

Koskikippari in Koiteli - Conference and event service

Valkea Shopping Centre

Tähtitorni Observation Tower

The Seasons in Us – Works from the Collections of the Association of Finnish Fine Art Foundations

Go Arctic activities - Canoeing trip at river Oulujoki or Kiiminkijoki

Meeting Room Restaurant Mallassauna

Nordic Art Hotel Lasaretti
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Letonniemi protected area and nature trail

Fafa's Restaurant Valkea

Sanginjoki Nature Reserve

Botanical Garden of the University of Oulu

Go Arctic activities - Northern Lights

Single ticket to Reenis

Go Arctic group activities - Team Path

Many layers of history in Kuusiluoto

Mon Chou - French Pastry Shop

Rent a Jopo-bike

Oulu loves biking

Tietomaa Science Centre Tower

Nallikari Holiday Village - Camping, Oulu

Go Arctic activities - Archery Competition

Oulu Tourist Information Office

Day hike in a nature reserve

Night at Reenis

ChocoSomnia Factory tour&Tasting

City Train Kompiainen

Joo Hetki Cafe

Voimala 1889

Vegan Love V&W

Cafe Hanna

Northern Finland food experience

Local Taxi Services in Kempele

Idyllic holiday home by the Kiiminki River

Oulu August Festival

Café Kaari

Vekaravintti - Childrens Playroom Attic

Oulu Shop in Oulu Tourist Info

ChocoSomnia Workshop

Summer Night Setting in the Oulu Arts’ Night

m/s Crescendo | Kelluva elämys

Restaurant Harald

Pure maku

Oulu Climbing Center

Guided bike tour from Nallikari to Oulu city center

Room Escape Games

De Gamlas Hem Restaurant

Go Arctic activities - White water swimming in Koiteli

Voltti´s Music Quiz, Oulu

De Urbe Uloa – Paintings of Oulu

Sokeri-Jussin Kievari

Kuusisaari Recreation Park

Oula Kitchen & Bar

Traditional Finnish sauna and hot tube

Arctic Edu-Tech - Workshops and experiences in Oulu area

Go Arctic activities - Stories from Oulu

Koivuranta Sauna Boat Cruise

Nallikari Lighthouse

Scandic Oulu City

Go Arctic group activities - Hassle in the city

Go Arctic activities - Yoga

Cafe Krypta

Scandic Oulu Station

Hietasaari recreational area

Go Arctic group activities - Koiteli Team Path

Puuilo Vasaraperä

Tent site in Nallikari Holiday Village, Oulu

OTAXI VIP for Premium Taxi Wishes

Hailuoto road trip

Minivan trip to Turkansaari Open Air Museum

Let's Breathe the Forest!

Oulu Market Square Policeman statue

Koivuranta Sauna Boat Puplic Sauna

Hot Air Balloon Flight for group 4-12pax

Charter buses and private transportation services in Oulu region

Bay of Bothnia by Kayak in Oulu

Cafe-Restaurant Seelari in Hietasaari

Go Arctic group activities - The Head of Tribe

Experience the wonders of the Finnish nature

Fresh Mex

Turkansaari Museum Church

Jaakko Autio: OWLA

Puuilo Rusko

Go Arctic activities - Fishing at the Koiteli Rapids

Riding treks with charming Icelandic Horses in Oulu!

Go Arctic activities - Guided tour in Oulu by bike

Go Arctic - Events Services

Paintball

PikePadel outdoor padelcourts

De Gamlas Hem Hotel

Oulu Market Hall

Marjatta Hanhijoki: Aino and Reetu – Visibly So 3

Oulu quickly

Go Arctic group activities - Heptathlon

Sea Oulu Charter Cruise

Meriholsti Meeting Room & Private Saunas in Nallikari, Oulu

Seniors' vacation: Break from everyday life

Historical Rantakortteli blocks of Oulu

Restaurant and winebar VENN

Wooden old town in Pikisaari Island

Oulu Music Video Festival

Hupisaaret Islands city park

Go Arctic activities - White water rafting in Koiteli

Maikkula's Manor the Charter Restaurant

Oulunsalo Soi Chamber Music Festival

Lapland Hotels Oulu Conference and venue facilities

Go Arctic Events - Decorations for your events

Koiteli Residenssi accommodation villa

Tunnelmatupa in Koiteli - Conference services

Frans&Camille Bistro

Northern Ostrobothnia Museum

Go Arctic activities - Craft upcycle workshop

Rauhala ravintola-pâtisserie

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