Activities in Oulu
Oulu - a wonderful city full of sights and activities!
Welcome to Oulu, a relaxed northern city by the sea! Oulu is full of activities and sights for all ages.
As the European Capital of Culture for 2026, the city comes alive with diverse cultural offerings, stunning natural attractions, and full of events.
Events
Check out all the current events in the Oulu area from the event calendars:
Mun Oulu and Visit Oulu.
Festivals and major events
You can check out all the summer festivals and major events here: Mun Oulu events
Shopping Opportunities
Valkea Shopping Center
Located next to the hotel, Valkea Shopping Center offers great shopping opportunities with over 50 shops and several restaurants.
Detailed information can be found here.
Oulu Market Hall
A short walk from the hotel, the beautiful Oulu Market Hall, built in 1901, offers a lovely atmosphere, cafes, restaurants, and souvenirs.
More information can be found here (in Finnish)
Nature Attractions
Nallikari
Nallikari's kilometer-long beach is a stunning sight just a few kilometers from the center of Oulu. The area has several restaurants and activity opportunities.
Hailuoto
Hailuoto is a unique island located off the coast of Oulu and is the largest permanently inhabited island in Finland. Its distinctive character comes from its maritime nature, extensive sandy beaches, valuable bird wetlands, and strong local culture.
Hailuoto is renowned for its national landscape and exceptional natural environment. Formed by post-glacial land uplift, the island began to emerge approximately 2,000 years ago and continues to grow by about one centimetre each year. Sand, wind, the sea, and centuries of human activity have shaped the island into what it is today.
Hailuoto is easily accessible from Oulu via a fixed road connection. The island offers services throughout the year, and visitors can explore hiking trails independently, visit local attractions, and enjoy the tranquillity of nature and its beautiful beaches.
At Marjaniemi, located on the western tip of the island, visitors can explore the lighthouse completed in 1871, visit a nature exhibition, and admire the wide-open views of the Bothnian Bay. The history of Hailuoto can be discovered at the Kniivilä Local Heritage Museum. The island is also a favourite destination for birdwatchers, with migratory birds visible from observation towers, along the shores, and in the forests for much of the year.
Koitelinkoski
Koiteli is a unique rapids area in Oulu, about 25 kilometers from Oulu towards Kuusamo. You can paddle, fish, picnic, or make a fire at the campfire sites.
Hupisaaret and Ainolanpuisto
Near the hotel, Hupisaaret and Ainolanpuisto offer a lush and beautiful area with picnic spots, a large playground, and a cozy cafe. The area also has Finland's longest fishway.
Cultural Offerings
Oulu Art Museum
Oulu Art Museum offers changing exhibitions.
Other Experiences
SuperPark Oulu
SuperPark is an activity park concept that delights movers of all ages. You can buy a 2-hour ticket from the hotel reception for 10€/piece.
More information can be found here
Nallikari Safaris – Experiences All Year Round
Nallikari Safaris offers authentic and expertly guided outdoor adventures in Oulu and its surrounding areas. Activities take place in the heart of nature and are available throughout the year. Base Locations: Experience Center & Equipment Rental: Ground floor of Nallikari Aalto Hotel. Container Rental: By the Mustasalmi shore. They have their own weekly program packed with exciting experiences, and all activities can be booked directly online.
Read more and check the weekly program here
Ranua Wildlife Park
Ranua Wildlife Park specializes in arctic and northern animal species. Tickets can be purchased at discounted prices from the hotel reception. Distance between Oulu – Ranua is about 160 km.
More information can be found here
Go Arctic – Experiences and Activity Programmes in Oulu
Go Arctic offers a wide range of activity programmes for meeting guests, corporate groups and leisure travellers throughout the year. Their selection includes memorable experiences both outdoors in nature and indoors, making them an excellent addition to a meeting day, team event or visit to Oulu. Among the outdoor activities, you can enjoy the authentic Oulu-style Ömeisingreis, city canoeing, as well as guided walking and cycling tours showcasing some of the city’s most interesting sights. Indoor programmes include popular options such as the Go Arctic Indoor Challenge, the Wärkätään Wanahasta upcycling workshop, restorative painting sessions, relaxing yin yoga and the unique Make Air Air Guitar Workshop.
Find the perfect experience for your group and learn more about Go Arctic’s services here.
Cycling
Oulu has over 600 kilometers of light traffic routes. You can borrow Jopo bikes and helmets from the hotel reception.