Tietomaa Science Centre

This is where all the whizkids and quiz machines can finally ask about everything thatÿs ever been on their mind. The Tietomaa Science Centre is a thrill to visit, offering the joys of discovery to visitors of all ages. The rotating theme exhibitions showcase 150 objects, and while there, donÿt forget to visit the giant movie theatre and the observation tower and its elevator. Thereÿs plenty to see and do for the whole day.

www.tietomaa.fi

Hailuoto

Since Hailuoto means ´Shark Isle,¡ children often wonder if thereÿre real sharks there. And we keep telling them that no, thereÿre not. Right?

The Bay of Bothniaÿs largest Island, Hailuoto, is located around 50 kilometres from Oulu. The ferry trip takes about 25 minutes. In wintertime you can also use the ice road for parts of the year.

Hailuoto is a popular recreational place with 600 summer cottages in addition to the permanent population of around 1,000 people. Due to its beautiful nature, Hailuoto has been named as one of Finlandÿs National Landscape. The lighthouse of Marjanimi, the fisher village, the wind mills, and of course the magnificient sandy beaches and landscapes are among the top destinations of people visiting Hailuoto.
www.hailuoto.fi

Muhos

The Oulu River also flows through Muhos, the home parish of the former Miss Universe Armi Kuusela. On the southern side of the rider, the vast expanses of Otsrobothnia spread out while to the north are the mountains of Kainuu and its large forests. For sights to see, go take a look at the Pyhäkoski power plant and museum and Finlandÿs oldest wooden church used all year around, built in 1634.
www.muhos.fi

Tyrnävä

Tyrnävä is known for its potatoes: potato fields, potato markets, and their own potato spirits, too. During the summer you can see and hear the horse powers at work at the tractor pulling competition.
www.tyrnava.fi

Koiteli

Many have wondered about where Koiteli got its name. We can be rather sure that itÿs originally from a Sami language word meaning ´the one in the middle.¡ The greatest sight at Koiteli is the regionÿs nature itself. The landscape gets its beauty from the special features of the river beds, rapids, islands, beaches and other nature.

The shore cliffs of Koiteli, its islands and bridges make it a diverse camping area where getting around is easy and rewarding.
www.koiteli.fi

Liminka

Liminka Bay will host thousands of water birds in the spring and fall. Binoculars and walking shoes are all you need, as the beach already has the Liminka Bay bird tower in the prime spot. Ever wondered how it would be like to see almost a thousand swans setting down to rest after a long flight?

And the World Championship in hay-mowing is of course a part of the Finnish summer and life in Liminka.
www.liminka.fi

Kierikki Stone Age Center

A while, or actually around 7,000 years ago, somebody thought it would be a good idea to settle around the Oulu region. Not a bad choice, we might add!

Around 60 kilometres north of Oulu, on the northern shore of Iijoki, is the Kierikki Stone Age Centre and the Stone Age village, right in the middle of a vast stone age living region. Finlandÿs largest prehistoric and cultural history centreÿs permanent exhibition showcases discovered objects and research history of the region.

At the nearby Stone Age Village you can see how people used to live during the stone age. At the ancient fishing camp youÿll find out how people used to fish.
For accommodation, thereÿs a new hotel with 16 living spaces with saunas and conferences rooms.
www.kierikki.fi