Shore Excursions

Sightseeing tour by bus duration: 2-3 hours

Guided sightseeing tour in Oulu and its surroundings. Interesting stories from the past and present of this Arctic city.

Today the people of Oulu design software, produce the finest paper in the world, do business all over the world and provide high quality services for each other and tourists. This tour takes you to the river, seaside, marshlands and woods. You will visit the old and new monumental centres of Oulu, the sites of culture and technology. During the tour you will hear stories about tar merchants, ship builders, sea farers and salmon fishers during the history of Oulu.

Guided walking tour duration: 2 hours

Guided walking tour in the Oulu city centre. Interesting stories of the past and present of this lively summer city.

A walk takes you from the old monumental centre to the new one. The guide will tell you about the persons and events of the past, show you where the long narrow boats full of tar barrels landed and lead you to the old storehouses and to the market hall guarded by the statue of a policeman. You will be revealed the humorous stories behind this figure loved by everyone.

Guided Art tour duration: 4 hours

This guided art tour takes the guests to the heart of the local arts in Oulu Region. During the tour group will visit KulttuuriKauppila the local art home, sculpture park of Saarela and the OMA Oulu Museum of Arts.

KulttuuriKauppila is a dream of three artists, a dream of a new kind of an art home. The atelier and exhibition house is the art home of the local artists Sanna Koivisto, Helena Kaikkonen and Antti Ylönen. The old school building functions as the artist residence. Sculpture Park of Saarela. Experience the sculptures in the middle of the beautiful Finnish nature by the River Oulujoki.

City Art Gallery

This unique art gallery is located on the edge of the beautiful Ainola Park and within walking distance from the city centre. The Art Museum's old section represents industrial architecture of the early 1900's. The building has been part of a larger real estate of the leather factory "Veljekset Åström Oy". The radical renovation project was realized and the outcome is an architectural post-modern creation which unites the old, massive, industrial edifice with the new, light section. The result is an interesting, all-encompassing environmental dialogue.

Midnight Sun canoeing from the city centre duration: 3 hours

In Oulu you have the opportunity to experience the canoeing trip starting from the heart of the city ' the market place. And of course, when you're in the land of the Midnight Sun this will also be made in the evening to admire the lightness of the night.

Night-time canoeing trip will give you an opportunity to get to know the city of Oulu and the river Oulujoki delta seen from the water. Along the canoeing route, you will see a number of interesting sights and may be surprised by the wonders of wilderness and how near the city they actually are. Enjoy the silence and the beautiful light of the midnight sun! We set out on our journey in Indian canoes and we will be moving on pleasantly at a low pace. Including a small picnic break

Tar boat cruise to Turkansaari open air museum duration: 3-4 hours

Tar boat cruise along the River Oulujoki takes you to the Turkansaari Open Air Museum for an interesting tour around the island that used to be a marketplace for the Russian merchants who were not allowed to come closer to the city of Oulu. Here they met local people for business. Coffee and snack included.

During the time of great wooden sailing vessels Oulu was the world leading city of tar exporting. Ships all over the world were protected by Finnish tar that made them waterproofed. On the river Oulujoki tar was transported from the forests via Oulu to the world market. Special boats, called Paltamos, transported tens of tar-barrels. We follow the same route by a Paltamo, with a help of an engine: From Koivuranta near the city centre to the Island Turkansaari. The island used to be a marketplace for the Russian merchants who were not allowed to come closer to the city of Oulu. Here they met local people for business. After a guided tour at the museum, we have a coffee and a snack. The cruise back to Oulu takes us again through the beautiful Finnish countryside to the modern city of Oulu.

Day at a Stone Age Center Kierikki duration: 5 hours

A trip to Kierikki Stone Age Centre gives its guests a rare peak to the life of humans 7000 years ago. During the trip group will explore the dwellings of the Stone Age and have a chance to practice ancient archery and other activities and tasks. Lunch included.

Kierikki Stone Age Centre is an archaeological centre situated north-east of Oulu on an archaeological site of a former Stone Age settlement, which was inhabited as way back as 7000 years ago. The program starts from the archaeological exhibition, where a film about the history of the research will be shown. On the way to the Stone Age village the guide will tell about the life 6000 years before. How did the people live, how did they spend their day and how did they build huts? The Stone Age village is only 500 meters from the main building. Group will explore the dwellings of the Stone Age and have a chance to practice ancient archery and other activities and tasks. Lunch will be enjoyed at the main building.

Smoke sauna experience duration: 5 hours

This is a true opportunity to experience the traditional Finnish smoke sauna. In a secret place and by a small river Jolosjoki we come together to learn about the Finnish sauna traditions, the physical and spiritual power these traditions have offered to the local people through the years. Campfire snack included.

Traditional sauna experience by the river Jolosjoki. For preparation we need to bind the Sauna vihta, a leafy bunch of branches of silver birch to gently beat oneself in the Sauna. This has a relaxing effect on the muscles and the blood circulation. While we are having a Sauna, we will hear about the development and history of the Sauna tradition from the past until today. We will get to know the Sauna as a part of the Finnish culture, as a physical and spiritual experience of the Finnish life and of health in general. During the sauna guests will have an opportunity to dip into the clear watered Jolosjoki river which is only 10 meters wide. Small and pure, just like Finnish sauna evening. After sauna guests will enjoy sauna snack by the campfire in a wooden kota tee-pee. Max 20 guests on this excursion.

Nordic walking in The Rokua National park duration: 4-5 hours

The Rokua area is applying for membership in Unesco's Geopark network by the year 2011. If accepted a member, Rokua Geopark will feature interesting geological, cultural and tourism attractions in the Oulujoki Valley, Rokua and Lake Oulujärvi. During the excursion guests will enjoy a sporty Nordic walking tour in the Rokua National park. Snack included.

In Rokua it is possible to experience the magnificent landscape of Northern Finland. Clean air and the exceptional nature of Rokua provide excellent opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, skiing and fishing. The excellent skiing and hiking routes, of the Rokua National Park and the Suppa guiding centre make the region Rokua one of the most popular holiday destinations for nature lovers and active travellers. During the guided Nordic Walking tour Nordic Walking tour we learn the correct technique, the warming up and walking with the help of a professional guide. We will walk through deep Finnish forest and along good trekking routes. The guide explains interesting things about the nature and surroundings.

Exotic Kota cooking course duration: 3 hours

Experience the secrets of outdoor cooking in a "kota", the Lappish style tee-pee. The evening starts with a welcome drink, meanwhile the chef will show you the working methods, equipments and ingredients. Setting the tables properly is also a part of the cooking school. After a few hours of cooking we may enjoy the results. Wine and other beverages will complete the excellent food.

Kota Menu
- Vegetable bouillon julienne with smoked salmon rosette and toasted rye bread
- Fillet of reindeer grilled by the open fire with creamy morel sauce and vegetables braised on ember
- Flambéed Finnish pancakes with apple and carrot jam
- Coffee or tea

White water rafting at River Tornio duration: 6 hours

The River Tornio is the biggest free river of the Northern Europe and the Kukkola Rapids are the pearl of the river. River rafting in Kukkola Rapids, which are the second biggest and to many the most beautiful of those in River Tornio, is a definite must in summer Lapland! Come along for a breathtaking water activity. Lunch included after the rafting.

River Tornio is the border river between Finland and Sweden. It stretches for hundreds of kilometers from two sources in the northern parts of Sweden and Finland. The river meets the sea in southern Lapland and offers fantastic opportunities for kayaking and rafting as well as fishing.

River rafting in Kukkola Rapids, which are the second biggest and to many the most beautiful of those in River Tornio, is a definite must in summer Lapland! First you'll get acquainted with the paddling technique and safety instructions - and then it's off: the skipper controls the raft with a set of rear oars and participants take the paddles. You'll shoot the rapids twice, first down a so-called basic route, and the second time you'll get to test your skills in a bit more demanding route. A river rafting diploma will be yours as a memento of the trip. After the rafting traditional Finnish lunch.

Visit to the Arctic Circle and Rovaniemi duration: 8 hours

A day trip to meet Santa Claus and to cross the magical Arctic Circle. During the trip guests will also visit a Lappish reindeer farm and enjoy delicious lunch at an authentic atmosphere.

A day trip to Rovaniemi to cross the legendary Arctic Circle. When at Rovaniemi the group visits a local reindeer farm and Santa Claus Village. Konttaniemi Reindeer Farm is a genuine reindeer farm located approximately 7 km from Rovaniemi by the river Ounasjoki. The owners herd the reindeer on their own farmyard making their living from it. At the farm guest are acquainted with old and new reindeer herding culture and how they are used side by side complementing each other. Everyone will have a go on a sledge pulled by reindeer! Lunch will be served at the reindeer farm. Visit to Santa Claus Village. Group will have a chance on meeting Santa himself and have his/her picture taken with him. The village is a nice place to walk and look around ' and do some souvenir shopping.

The Ranua Wildlife Park duration: 7 hours

Trip to Ranua Wildlife Park to see the arctic animals. The park inhabits fifty wild animals, in the summer including also a Park of Domestic Animals. You can't see the Polar bear on the streets of Oulu, but in Ranua you can meet this impressive symbol of Arctic zones! Lunch included.

The leading idea and aim of the Wildlife Park is to offer clients living in the vicinity as well as tourists travelling from near and far the chance of seeing Nordic and Arctic animals in their most natural environment possible around the year. The park inhabits fifty wild animals, in the summer including also a Park of Domestic Animals. You can't see the Polar bear on the streets of Oulu, but in Ranua you can meet this impressive symbol of Arctic zones! Lunch will be enjoyed at Restaurant Jussan Pirtti.

Hot air balloon flight duration: 3-4 hours

Flying in a hot air balloon is a lifetime experience, where you can gently sail across the sky and enjoy the beautiful Oulu Region landscapes from a bird's eye view.

Flying in a hot air balloon flight is a lifetime experience, where you can gently sail across the sky and enjoy the beautiful Finnish landscapes from a bird's eye view. Hot air balloon was the first successful way for human to fly - the first flight took place in Paris 1773. Interestingly the hot air balloon has continued to amaze and attract people, because of sheer uniqueness of the experience, as, in this flight it is the journey that matters, not the destination. The MOMENTS-balloon trip lasts 3-4 hours of which one hour is spent travelling in the air.

Places To Visit/Things To Do By Yourself

Science Center Tietomaa duration: 4-5 hours

Enjoy the fantastic exhibition in the Science Center Tietomaa which offers fun and excitement for all ages. The changing theme exhibitions consist of over 150 exhibits, and there is also a magnificent super screen theatre and a glass elevator with a view over Oulu. You can enjoy yourself exploring the science centre all day! For more info, please, visit www.tietomaa.fi

What did Aristotle, Galilei, Newton and Einstein have to offer to the study of gravitation? If you weigh 50 kilograms on the earth, how much do you weigh on the moon or on Jupiter? You will find answers to these and numerous other questions in the new Gravitation exhibition. As is customary in Tietomaa, the Gravitation exhibition offers an enjoyable hands-on approach to this field of physical phenomena.

OMA

An art year in the Oulu Museum of Art consist of changing exhibitions and museum's permanent collections. Art museum arranges events such as workshops, lectures and guided tours. It also has a substantial knowledge in producing public art. The location of the museum in almost a hundred years old, idyllic industrial milieu gives and exquisite framework to museums versatile program. A walk from the centre to the museum takes only five minutes. The beautiful Ainola park provides You with some colorful scenes. For more info, please, see www.ouka.fi/taidemuseo

The museum of Northern Ostrobothnian

The prehistoric time of Finland can be divided into three ages: the Stone, Bronze and Iron Ages. In Finland the prehistoric time started around 9000 B.C., when the first inhabitants arrived after the Ice Ages. The prehistoric department tells for instance about the great significance of the seal in hunter gatherers' lives. For more info, please, see www.ouka.fi/ppm

Sports&Karting Center

Oulu Sports & Karting Center is the newest indoor karting track in Finland. We are modern high class event center with versatile entertainment and meeting possibilities for both companies and private persons.

Come to have speedy and enjoyable karting race. Our race programs include safety and driving guidance, qualifications and exciting finals. For more information, please, see www.sportskartingcenter.fi