Autumn in Oulu pampers lovers of nature and culture! This coming fall, Oulu offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy art, theater, and cultural events. Nearby nature and the destinations along the Pohjola Route invite you to explore a wide range of activities, from hiking and mountain biking to canoeing. The city also has plenty of fun experiences for families with children! In this article, you’ll find a curated selection of cultural and event highlights, autumn outdoor activities, and tips for enjoying the autumn break in Oulu with kids.
Add to favouritesShow all favourites8 Must-Do Experiences in Oulu This Autumn 2025 – Events, Adventures & Nature Escapes
1. Autumn is full of event magic – the Festival of Light enchants once again in November.
Late Summer and Autumn in Oulu Offer Events for Every Taste – from Circus and Market Buzz to Culinary Experiences, Light, and Music
In September, the culinary journey continues with Makuseikkailu (Taste Adventure, September 24–27), which takes visitors on a tour of local restaurants to sample northern flavors. Immediately after, the Irish Festival of Oulu (September 24–28) fills the city with Irish music, dance, and culture.
The year’s finale shines with the Lumo Light Festival (November 21–23), transforming the city center into a stage of light art, and the spectacular Year Turns: Oulu2026 Show at Ouluhalli on December 31, featuring some of Finland’s top artists.
Check out the event calendar
2. Sauna by the river – Unwind on Oulu’s floating saunas
As the autumn air turns crisp, Oulu’s sauna rafts offer a warm moment of relaxation amidst the scenic Oulujoki River. Step into the gentle heat of a traditional wood-heated sauna, take a refreshing dip in the river, and soak in the riverside views for a truly unique experience. Onboard, the city reveals itself from an entirely new perspective – an encounter that beautifully combines Finnish tradition with the best of nature.
This autumn, you can enjoy three different sauna rafts: the classic Koivuranta Sauna Raft in Värttö, the renewed Lainesauna in Saarela, and the brand-new Olosauna opening on September 22 in Hietasaari.
Lue lisää
3. Nature awaits – Easy day trips from Oulu
The Sanginjoki area offers hikers more than 40 kilometers of mostly easy trails winding through diverse forests. Among them are five circular routes, the Forest Ranger’s Trail, and an accessible nature trail in Loppula, which opens to beautiful views of the Sanginjoki River. For breaks, the area features four rest spots, two of which are fully accessible.
In addition to nature, Sanginjoki hosts a variety of events in autumn. During Oulu Days (September 6–7), the program includes reed-boat building and weaving workshops. Mid-September (September 13) marks the opening of the mushroom season with an exhibition and guided tours. The highlight of late autumn is the Kekri Festival (November 1), featuring a local producers’ marketplace and the traditional burning of the Kekri Goat.
Other nearby nature destinations in Oulu also invite you to enjoy autumn adventures. A fall foliage trip to the Köykkyri trail network in Kempele is the perfect way to experience the season on foot or by mountain bike. TOpyhä in Kempele offers fatbike rentals, while Lunki Services provides e-fatbikes as well as guided safaris.
Local favorites like Koiteli and Pilpasuo are also well worth a visit! In Oulu, you can join guided nature tours by bike or canoe with Nallikari Safaris, Lappis, and the Oulu Paddling Center.
Explore the nature trails
4. This autumn’s most tempting food experiences and tips for food Lovers
Oulu offers plenty of choices for food lovers, where northern ingredients meet international influences in a relaxed atmosphere. The city boasts everything from cozy dinner restaurants and traditional North Ostrobothnian cuisine to seaside terraces.
In the city center, Alfred Kitchen & Bar blends international flavors with a modern twist and a seasonally changing menu, while Puistola delights from breakfast to dinner with dishes crafted from local ingredients. At Sokeri-Jussi, set in a historic log granary in Pikisaari, you can enjoy an authentic Finnish dining experience with specialties such as rössypottu (a traditional blood and potato stew), reindeer tongue, and whitefish tartare.
On Rotuaari, VENN invites you to relax with wines, cocktails, and shareable plates, while its neighbor Amarillo serves Tex-Mex classics and the joy of social dining. For a maritime atmosphere, head to Seelari in Hietasaari, where the summer terrace, café treats, and lively evening programs make it a popular meeting spot – and part of the Go Arctic Experience Cafés network.
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5. Fun for the whole family in Oulu: Discover autumn’s top spots with kids
Oulu is an excellent autumn holiday destination for the whole family. Many nature sites are easily accessible even with younger children, and beyond outdoor adventures, there are plenty of activities for rainy days too.
For horse lovers, the Oulu region offers memorable experiences. In Haukipudas, Saagan Issikat invites visitors to meet Icelandic horses and enjoy their lively yet gentle tölt gait through the forests and coastal landscapes of Virpiniemi. In Hietasaari, Eijan ponitouhut delights children and families alike with pony rides, carriage driving, and hands-on care of the ponies.
Those looking for a bit of climbing excitement can head to the Oulu Climbing Center, which offers versatile facilities for both beginners and more experienced climbers.
And if the weather turns rainy, families can still have a great time at the indoor activity park SuperPark or by solving puzzles together at Exit Oulu’s escape rooms!
Katso vinkit
6. From Summer to Autumn, All paths lead to Nallikari – Oulu’s seaside jewel awaits
Nallikari is Oulu’s seaside gem, enchanting visitors all year round! In addition to its famous beach – often called the “Riviera of the North” – the popular Nallikari area offers charming coastal nature trails with campfire spots and birdwatching towers, as well as a variety of accommodation, cafés, and restaurants for those who love to indulge. And why not stay overnight in some of the city’s most spectacular sea views? At the brand-new Nallikari Aalto and Nallikari Holiday Village, you’ll find everything from cozy cottages to upscale apartments with private hot tubs and panoramic views.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Nallikari Safaris makes it easy to rent a kayak, canoe, SUP board, or fatbike – or join a guided paddling or cycling trip! For a thrill, head to Oulu Zipline, where a 250-meter-long ride offers a rush of speed right by the sea.
When it’s time to dine, Restaurant Nallikari and Bistoria Patio invite you to enjoy a refined à la carte menu or an Italian-inspired trattoria experience. Savor delicious flavors while admiring breathtaking sea views! The lunch and weekend brunch at Restaurant Nallikari are also beloved by both locals and visitors alike.
Explore Nallikari
7. Where to Stay: City Buzz or Seaside Calm?
Oulu’s diverse accommodation options offer something for everyone. The Radisson Blu Hotel Oulu boasts perhaps the city’s best location – right by the market square and just a short walk from many attractions and all the services of the city center. Treat yourself this autumn with the enticing Sparkling Stay package: start your day with a delicious buffet breakfast, enjoy the comfort of late check-out, and make your stay unforgettable with a stylish overnight for two, complete with a bottle of sparkling wine.
On lively Rotuaari, the Original Sokos Hotel Arina is a favorite among families, thanks to its fantastic playroom where children can play, slide, ride the hotel’s bikes, and enjoy plenty of indoor fun.
By the sea, Nallikari Holiday Village offers a wide range of accommodation: from cozy cottages and upscale villas to a welcoming campsite where dogs are also allowed.
If you’re looking for something different, head to Kempele and discover the unique Black Hotel and Blacksauna. In addition to a traditional wood-heated sauna, Blacksauna features cold and hot tubs as well as a cozy café. Right in the same yard, you’ll find Black Hotel’s suite cabins and a caravan area – the perfect way to combine sauna and accommodation in a relaxed setting.
For those seeking peace and quiet away from the city buzz, Taiga Resort in Haukipudas is an ideal choice. Just a 20-minute drive from Oulu’s city center, it offers homely accommodation surrounded by northern nature’s beauty. Taiga Resort combines the experiences of the city with the tranquility of the outdoors, ensuring a truly special stay.
Discover places to stay
8. Hit the Pohjola Route – Discover 3 unique national parks near Oulu
Several exciting day trip destinations await just outside Oulu! Along the Pohjola Route, you can experience Finland in miniature – from seaside landscapes to deep forests, from charming rural villages to fells reaching all the way into Lapland. In addition to Oulu, the route’s highlights include Hailuoto, Syöte, Rokua Geopark, Tyrnävä, Lumijoki, Liminka, Kempele, Ii, Raahe, and Kemi.
Within just a couple of hours’ drive from Oulu, you’ll also find three distinctive national parks: Syöte, Rokua, and Bothnian Bay National Park. Beyond these, the Pohjola Route offers plenty of smaller natural gems for outdoor explorers, such as the Markkuu Nature Trail in Tyrnävä and the Liminka Bay Visitor Centre in Liminka.
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