Oulu with Dogs: Pet-friendly hotels & restaurants

Travel is at its best when the whole family can join in – including the furry, four-legged members. In Oulu, this is easy, thanks to the city’s wide range of dog-friendly services and experiences. Hotels welcome canine guests, cafés and restaurants offer plenty of spots where paws are allowed, and there are beautiful outdoor routes from beaches to parks for strolling together.

In this article, you’ll find tips on the best accommodations, dining spots, and activities to enjoy with your dog – because in Oulu, the most important thing is that the whole family feels at home.

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Dog-Friendly Stays in Oulu: Hotels & Accommodation with dogs

Oulu offers a variety of hotels and accommodation options where pets are warmly welcomed. In the city center, dog-friendly choices include Original Sokos Hotel Arina, Radisson Blu Hotel Oulu, Hotelli Apollo, Scandic, and GreenStar Hotel Oulu.

At Nallikari Holiday Village, pets can join the holiday fun in the Messi summer cottages, holiday cabins, and selected Poiju Villa Soolo apartments. The entire camping area is pet-friendly and even features a dedicated dog park where furry friends can play freely.

In Haukipudas, Taiga Resort welcomes dogs in some of its apartments, while Villa Uleå offers a comfortable villa option where pets can stay together with the whole family.

Dog-Friendly Restaurants and Cafés in Oulu

In Oulu, many restaurants and cafés are happy to welcome four-legged guests. In some places, dogs are allowed indoors, while on many terraces they can enjoy the fresh air alongside their owners.

Restaurants where dogs are welcome indoors:
  • Venn
  • Rooster
  • Tuba Food & Lounge
  • Oula Kitchen & Bar
  • Mallassauna
  • Bistro Mesu
  • Fuchka
  • Italica Taberna

  • Hietasaaren Seelari

Restaurants where dogs are welcome on the terrace:
  • Alfred
  • Puistola

  • Amarillo

Cafés:
  • Villa Hannala
  • Kahvila Kiikku
  • Tähtitornin kahvila
  • Bacaro Doppio (terrace only)
  • Coffee house (terrace only)
  • Makia (terrace only)

Exploring Oulu with Your Dog–Walks and swimming spots for dogs

In Oulu, dogs have plenty of space to run and play – the city boasts as many as 20 fenced dog parks, where furry friends can exercise, socialize, and enjoy some off-leash fun. A true gem in the city center is the Hupisaari Dog Park, where the lush green surroundings make outdoor time especially pleasant.

And in summer, a dip in the water is a must on every dog’s bucket list! While there are currently no official dog beaches, there are plenty of great swimming spots. Close to the city center, dogs can splash around at Sonnisaari, Lammassaari, and the small beaches of Pikisaari, while in Hietasaari they’ll find refreshing waves along the Toppilansaari shores. A bit further out, popular spots include Pyykösjärvi, Kuivasjärvi, Valkiaisjärvi’s dog beach, Papinjärvi in Oulunsalo, Jäälin monttu and Murtoperä in Haukipudas.

Dog-Friendly activities and adventures in Oulu

In Oulu, your four-legged friend doesn’t have to miss out on the fun. At Vauhtipuisto amusement park, pets are welcome – and in summer, dogs can even ride along in the Potnapekka train, an experience that charms the whole crew – little ones, grown-ups, and even the pups.

If you’re into culture, there are also great spots where dogs can tag along. The Turkansaari Open-Air Museum and Kierikki Stone Age Village are perfect for combining history with a day outdoors.

And of course, Oulu’s famous sauna culture doesn’t leave dogs behind either. Dogs are welcome on the terrace of the Koivuranta sauna raft and at the cozy Olosauna café. So wherever you go, the whole family – paws included – can soak up Oulu’s one-of-a-kind atmosphere together.