Swimming and water sports all year round

There are beaches to suit all tastes. The most popular, and also the number one destination for families, is the Nallikari recreation and tourist area, 4 km from the centre, with its pearly white sands. From the centre to the sea, you can walk or bike through the idyllic Pikisaari or take a local bus. The shallow beach of Nallikari, almost a kilometre long, is a favourite with families.

At the Tuira and Värtö beaches along the Oulu River, swimmers can also warm up in the gentle steam of a sauna and enjoy a variety of refreshments to accompany their sauna experience. In Värtö, riding on rental water jets is a fun activity. In winter, the Tuira beach attracts open-air swimmers who like to splash around in the cool water. Värtö's sauna ferry also offers a chance to take a dip in the open water while enjoying a sauna.

You can also switch from family-friendly beach activities in the summer to more energetic activities, as kayaks, canoes and SUP boards as well as an adventure raft floating on the water await you at Oulu Linnansaari. At the end of Toppilansaari you'll find a sandy beach area with breakwaters, popular with kitesurfers who ride their boards on the waves.

In Oulu, water sports don't depend on the weather, as Oulu Swimming Pool Raksila and Raati Swimming Pool are open all year round. In addition to the traditional pools, Raksila also has a children's wading pool, a diving tower, a sliding pool and a multifunctional pool with hydro-massage points.

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