Attractions

Rotuaari

Thereÿs a centre of commerce in every city. In the centre of Oulu, thatÿs Rotuaari. The good shopping, cosy cafés and restaurants with their patios along with the many events throughout the year invite you to enjoy the pleasant and relaxed atmosphere.

Market Square & the Market Square Police

Weÿre all friends of the police, right? Well, especially friends of the Market Square Policeman. He just keeps standing on Market Square day in and day out, steady and dependable as ever. Go see for yourself! From the Market Hall, numerous booths and old stalls you can still find some of that old time countryside spirit. And during summer time, you can also get to know Oulu from the sea by taking one of the sea cruises right from Marketÿs Squareÿs shore. Market Square is home to multiple events all throughout the year.

Hupisaaret

When a region is called Hupisaaret, the Fun Islands, itÿs certainly not a place for feeling bored or pouting. On Hupisaaret, right at the heart of the city, thereÿs always room for a picnic, a nice large playground for kids, and a cosy café. The region also boasts Finlandÿs longest fish ladder. Ainolanpuisto, also on Hupisaaret, is home to the Northern Ostrobothnia Museum.

Oulu Cathedral and Other Churches

The Cathedral, designed by Daniel Hagman, was completed in 1777. The wood structures of the churches burned in the Oulu fire of 1822, but the church was soon rebuilt according to plans by Carl Ludvig Engel. The renovated church was completed in 1832, and is an example neoclassical architecture.

Tietomaa

The best way to keep oneÿs mind alert throughout your life is to constantly strive to learn more. An exceptional place for discovering new things is the Tiedekeskus Tietomaa. Theme exhibitions along with over 150 objects guarantee that youÿll have things to see and experience for the whole day. The giant movie theatre will capture audiences, along with the Sirius science store, Saturnus café-restaurant, and the observation tower, accessible by a glass elevator.
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Observatory Café

By the bridges of Tuira, you can visit the remains of Oulu Castle, rebuilt in 1605 by decree of Swedenÿs King Carl IX. In 1875, the Oulu Marine Instituteÿs Observatory was built on the rock base of the castle. These days the place is where the Observatory summer café stands. The basement holds a small exhibition about the castleÿs history, produced by the Northern Ostrobothnia Museum.

Pikisaari

Thereÿs no place like Pikisaari these days. Thereÿs always someone with an opposing decree or a view. Pikisaari, located only a short walk from Market Square outside of Oulu, used to be a busy industrial region. These days the island is home to a closely-knit artist community of dozens of artists and craftsmen. The old factory buildings on the island have been renovated to act as the working and living quarters of the artists. Idyllic Pikisaari also has the Seamanÿs Home Museum, located in the oldest wooden building in Oulu.

Turkansaari Open-Air Museum

Life sure is nice in the countryside! Well, you donÿt have to agree, of course. But go ahead and take a look how people used to live around the Oulu River back in the days. The Turkansaari Open-Air Museum has over 40 museum buildings complete with their articles. The buildings include a church built in 1694 and the old country manor house of Ylikärppä, completed in 1894. In Turkansaari, you can see the old trades that the regionÿs economy used to revolve around, including the important tar burning.