Things to Do in Oulu
Explore the best of Oulu with Thrillophilia’s Finland Tour Packages and soak in its culture on the Gulf of Bothnia coast.
Start by exploring the picturesque waterfront, where you can enjoy scenic walks along the Oulu River and take in the stunning views. If you’re a nature enthusiast, make sure to visit the serene Nallikari Beach and the expansive Hupisaaret Park, perfect for a relaxing day outdoors. Oulu’s unique architecture and lively street life make the city center a great place to wander and discover local shops and cafes.
One of the top things to do in Oulu is visiting Oulu Cathedral and the Northern Ostrobothnia Museum. In winter, the snow-covered landscapes provide fantastic opportunities for ice fishing, skiing, and snowshoeing. With its modern amenities and natural wonders, Oulu offers something for everyone, ensuring a memorable experience in this charming Finnish city.
Top Things to do in Oulu
1. Delight in the marvels of technology at Tietomaa, the Science Centre
Visit Finland’s first science centre for an engaging and interactive experience. You will find that the centre features more than 150 hands-on exhibits that cover diverse fields of science and technology. Enjoy themed exhibitions, like the thrilling sea-themed M.O.B., and test your skills in activities from sailing competitions to speedboat simulators.
Location: Nahkatehtaankatu 6, 90130 Oulu
Timings: 10am-6pm
2. Spend a relaxing day at the Beach
Revel in the peaceful Nallikari Beach especially if you are in Finland during warmer months. Make the most of its golden sand and clear waters which make Nallikari perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and beach activities. In winter, you can even try ice swimming, one of the most famous things to do in Oulu. You will find several cafes and restaurants that provide dining options here as well as excellent amenities like showers, lifeguard towers, and medical facilities that ensure a safe and comfortable visit.
3. Try out Bird Watching at Liminganlahti Visitor Centre
Spend time amidst nature at Liminganlahti Visitor Centre and enjoy top-notch birdwatching and learning about various bird species. Located 35km south of Oulu, you can enjoy excellent views of Bothnian Bay at this free-entry centre. You can borrow telescopes and binoculars to spot around 200 bird species, including the annual crane migration. Explore the fascinating exhibition on the eight seasons of birds, a souvenir shop, a small nature hotel, and meeting facilities.
Location: Rantakurvi 6, 91900 Liminka
Timings: 10 am-4 pm
4. Admire the Bobby Statue
Embark on a trip to the Oulu seafront and explore the Oulu marketplace. Soak in its bustling atmosphere with food stalls and local produce. Witness the iconic Bobby Statue, or Toripolliisi, which honours the policemen who once patrolled the market square. This bronze statue by Kaarlo Mikkonen was created in 1987 and stands at the entrance of the picturesque old market hall facing the sea and the nearby island of Kiikelj.
Location: Kauppatori 1, 90100 Oulu
Timing: 24 hours
5. Go shopping at the Oulu Market square
Visit the Oulu Market Square and be greeted by the Toripolliisi statue that honours the old market policemen. Delight in the vibrant atmosphere with vendors selling fresh vegetables, berries, traditional foods, clothes, and jewellery. Explore the charming old granaries, now home to gift shops, cafés, and restaurants. Head to the historic Market Hall, over 110 years old, where you can buy fresh bread, meat, and fish.
Location: Kauppatori, 90100 Oulu
Timing: 9am-5pm
6. Relish delicacies on an Artistic Island
When you visit Finland, one of the nicest things to do in Oulu is to dine at Sokeri Jussi Tavern on the island of Pikisaari. Just a two-minute drive or ten-minute walk from downtown, this restaurant is set in a charming old timber storehouse. You will enjoy some of the best meals in Finland, with delicious reindeer and lamb dishes. You may also try the elk meatballs if you can fit them in. This is also a fantastic spot to sample local berry wines like blueberry, cloudberry, and lingonberry.
7. Delve deep in history at the Park and Castle Ruins
Explore Linnansaari, an easily accessible island in the city centre that houses a beautiful park perfect for a stroll and discovering the remnants of Oulu Castle. Though the castle was largely destroyed, it now hosts the Oulu Observatory, built on the ruins of the powder room in 1875. The observatory has been a warm-weather café since 1912. As you wander, you will learn about Oulu’s rich history and enjoy the scenic surroundings. If you are a history enthusiast or just looking to experience Oulu's cultural heritage, climb up to the castle’s tower that offers breathtaking views.
Location: Linnansaari 1, 90100 Oulu
Timing: 24 hours
8. Head out of town and visit the Koitelinkoski Rapids
If you want to experience the great Finnish outdoors, head to the Koiteli region and visit the Koitelinkoski Rapids, just 24km from Oulu. This beautiful spot on the Kiiminki River is perfect for fishing, hiking, and canoeing. Enjoy breathtaking views from the free-flowing rapids all year round. In spring, witness the powerful breaking ice, while summer brings a gentle roar. In autumn the colors will mesmerize you, and in winter enjoy the magical icy landscape under a starry sky. Explore the suspension bridges, campfire sites, as well as a summer café.
9. Take a tour of the Northern Ostrobothnia Museum
Walking through the Northern Ostrobothnia Museum in Ainolanpuisto is one of the most popular things to do in Oulu. It is one of Finland's oldest cultural history museums and offers a unique cultural experience that will help you understand Finnish culture and history. Marvel at the museum’s extensive collections including nearly 100,000 objects, over half a million photographs, and around 80 meters of archive material. You will find artefacts, traditional crafts, contemporary art, and more. Many exhibits are explained in English which will help you immerse in the rich cultural heritage of the country.
Location: Ainolanpolku 1, 90100 Oulu
Timings: 10am-5pm\
10. Learn ancient history at the Kierikki Stone Age Centre
Explore the Kierikki Stone Age Centre by the River Iijoki and journey back thousands of years to explore Finland's Stone Age. The archaeological exhibition covers early prehistory, from the Ice Age to the Stone Age. In the Stone Age village, try your hand at archery, making stone objects, and other ancient chores. Admire the main building which is a marvel of Finnish log construction, and is among the largest modern log buildings in the Nordic countries. Gain a hands-on understanding of life in the northern past with Stone Age guides teaching survival skills, archery competitions, and workshops to craft stone tools.
Location: Pahkalantie 447A, 91200 Oulu
Timings: 10am-5pm
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Oulu Things To Do FAQs
Is Oulu worth visiting?
Yes, with some of the most exciting things to do in Oulu, it is certainly worth visiting. As Finland's fourth-largest city, Oulu offers a blend of urban culture, beautiful parks, scenic waterfronts, Nordic design, and charming cafes. It serves as an excellent gateway for exploring Northern Finland and Lapland. Oulu is a hub of creativity, with its vibrant cultural scene that has also earned it a nomination for the European Capital of Culture 2026.
What is Oulu known for?
Oulu is known for its innovative spirit and unique cultural events. It is a global hub for wireless technology and is home to the Air Guitar World Championships. The city boasts a long, sandy beach and a vibrant natural environment which are perfect for making seaside vacations. In winter, the frozen sea offers a breathtaking experience. Thus, Oulu is essentially a blend of technological innovation, cultural uniqueness, and natural beauty.
Where to see Aurora in Oulu?
To see the Aurora Borealis in Oulu, you can head to the ideal spot Nallikari Beach. For a better view, you can venture outside the city centre to escape the street lights. Look for open fields, meadows, or riverbanks facing north. Areas along rivers where the water doesn't freeze offer spectacular reflections of the Northern Lights. For the best chance, travel north of Oulu, above the Arctic Circle, to places like Pudasjarvi and Kuusamo.
What is the best time to go to Oulu?
The best times to visit Oulu are in Spring and Fall. During these seasons, the weather is milder, with longer and warmer days, making it ideal for exploring the outdoors and enjoying attractions. Oulu's average temperature is around 3 degrees Celsius year-round.
How many days are enough for Oulu?
2 to 3 days are enough for an Oulu trip. This time frame allows you to explore the city’s main attractions, such as Nallikari Beach, the Northern Ostrobothnia Museum, and the charming market square. You can also visit nearby sites like the Koitelinkoski Rapids and the Kierikki Stone Age Centre. If you plan to experience the Arctic environment or take day trips to surrounding areas, you may also consider extending your stay to 4 or 5 days.