Autumn in Oulu is a treat for nature and culture lovers: the city and its nearby nature sites are full of activities ranging from mountain biking to canoeing, art and cultural events, and of course things to do for children! In this article you will find a collection of event and culture tips, autumn nature activities and autumn holiday tips for Oulu with kids!
Add to favouritesSee all your favouritesAutumn in Oulu offers art, events and nature: see 10 autumn tips for Oulu!
Photo by Janne-Pekka Manninen, Oulu Theatre 1. Immerse yourself in the theatre: the Oulu Theatre's autumn programme, PikiTalk and stand-up gigs in Rio
The dusky autumn evenings invite you to the renewed Oulu Theatre to embrace and enjoy the culture. Also the new Oulu Theatre theatre restaurant Aulis will be serving epicureans from 4 October! The theatre's autumn programme includes Did not say he regretted, Catching small pike, Who's afraid of Virginia Woolf? and Death in Venice.
During the autumn, Oulu Theatre will also organise PikiTalk events series. PikiTalk is an after-work style social discussion on interesting topics with a rotating panel of guests.
For those looking for a good laugh and a good laugh, head to Rio Live! Rio Live Stand Up Clubs offer the best entertainment in the country once a month, when Finland's funniest comedians take to the stage.

2. Enjoy the autumn colours by kayaking or cycling: join a guided brown safari!
Join us on guided brown safaris to enjoy the autumn colours by canoe or bike!
Finnactionin starts in front of the reception of Nallikari holiday village, from where the safari first heads to the beautiful seaside and forest landscapes of Hietasaari. From there, the tour continues to the historic Pikisaari, Oulu's old town, which is circled along paths through park-like estuary landscapes.
Oulujokisuisto is a versatile kayaking destination, offering some of the most beautiful scenery in the entire Oulu region. The estuary is at its most impressive from mid-September to mid-October, when it is bathed in a magnificent array of brown colours. Organised by Finnaction ruska-time kayaking safaris start from Mustasalmi beach, where the most beautiful landing place on the official Oulu kayaking route is located. Paddling trips are well suited for beginners.
Also Lapland organises fatbike tours in Oulu on a weekly basis.

3. Warm up in Oulu's public saunas: experience the sauna ferry and test the new free saunas at Pikisaari!
On a crisp autumn day, nothing beats the warmth of a sauna!
Hailuoto Brewery's malt sauna will open two new public saunas in Pikisaari this autumn, where you can enjoy the sauna baths for free! The sauna will be topped with organic beers from the local Hailuoto Brewery.
The birch beach sawdust on the public sauna shift you can enjoy the river landscape and take a dip in the Oulujoki river. There are also motorised sauna rides available from the sauna board. Birch beach igloo, where accommodation and sailing along the Oulu River is guaranteed to be a memorable experience!
Photo by Mika Friman4. Be inspired by art! Explore the exhibitions at Oulu Art Museum and Valvee
Oulu Art Museum in autumn 2023, the museum will offer visitors inspiring art experiences in three different exhibitions:
🎨 The Seasons in Us exhibition presents works from the collections of the Finnish Art Foundations, including works from the 19th century to the present day. The exhibition is on display until 7.1.2024.
🎨 Marjatta Hanhijoki: Aino and Reetu - Close up 3 is a collection of works by painter and graphic artist Hanhijoki, which explore the wonders of life and everyday life with a gentle gaze. The exhibition is on display until 26.11.2023.
🎨 Jaakko Autio: OWLA is a fascinating sound installation that combines speech and music. The work reflects on being from Oulu and the relationship between people and their hometown. The installation is open until 26.11.2023.
Art lovers should also visit House of Culture in Valve: three galleries, two performance halls and a cinema full of things to see and do!

5. Classical music is part of Oulu's autumn: drop by the Oulu Symphony Orchestra concert
Oulu Symphony Orchestra's autumn programme with its seasonal and special concerts is, in a word, diverse!
This autumn, Oulu Music Centre celebrates its 40-year history as the beating heart of the city. The Oulu Symphony's home base, the Madetoja Hall, will be the focal point of the celebrations in October with a two-concert mini-festival featuring several Oulu composers. Levi Madetoyan classic compositions and brand new L. Onervan based on poems Lara Poen composed by.
On Friday 13, the youth, or rather former youth, will gather again in the Madetoja Hall for a LIVE concert of the compositions of former youth. This year the stage will be taken over by the established stars of entertainment Finland. Laura Voutilainen, Mikko Alatalo and Ilkka Alanko. Jorma Hietamäki and Paula Everyman the concert will feature some of the trio's best songs and the stories behind them in stunning symphonic arrangements. The Oulu Symphony Orchestra will be conducted as usual by Jukka Myllys. Former young people will also perform LIVE on Saturday 14.10. at 16:00. The concert can also be combined with an Oktoberfest-style buffet at Restaurant Prelud.
The Oulu Symphony Orchestra has a new ticket package for the autumn season, which includes three special concerts (price 60-96€).
Photo by Sanna Krook6. Autumn events in Oulu: from Irish festivals to piano recitals and light art
Even in autumn, Oulu is a lively event city with plenty to offer, especially for lovers of culture and live music.
The world's northernmost Irish festivals, The Irish Festival of Oulu, is being held for the sixteenth time this year! It will be another unforgettable Irish cultural festival - between new and old friends - so make a note in your diary for 4-8 October.
For live music, check out The power plant of 1889 and Tuba Food & Lounges the range of gigs on offer.
Enjoy the autumn atmosphere with a glass of wine and live piano music at the wine bar On VENN In the rotunda. And either you're familiar with Oulu's absolute coolest clothing store Rags, which is also a café, wine bar, pop-up gallery and event space along the Rotuaar?
Crafts enthusiasts should check out Taito Shop courses and events, such as pop-up sales and handicraft courses.
Enjoy light art again after dark in November, when the Festival of Light Lumo Light Festival Oulu illuminates the entire downtown area.
See the events calendar
7. Maritime Nallikari charms in all seasons: a natural atmosphere by the sea
Nallikari is where Oulu's seaside is at its best! In the popular Nallikari area, in addition to the beach known as the Nordic Riviera, you will find charming seaside resorts, such as nature trails with campfire sites and bird towers as well as accommodation, cafés and restaurants for those who want to enjoy themselves.
A nature lover should head for Finnactionin a container rental shop, where you can conveniently rent a kayak, canoe, SUP board or fatbike.
Restaurant Nallikari is an upscale Nordic restaurant on Nallikari beach with one of the best views in Oulu. Nallikari Bakery & Bistro while enjoying pastries, cakes, savoury snacks and a relaxed bistro atmosphere.
In Nallikari Holiday Village you can experience the cottage atmosphere just a stone's throw from the centre of Oulu. You can stay in a cosy cottage, a quality villa or a comfortable camping site. Dogs are also welcome!
A walk along the seafront at sunset is the highlight of a day at Nallikar. A classic Oulu experience is climbing up to the Nallikari lighthouse to admire the views!

8. Autumn holiday activities with kids: dinosaurs, animal friends and indoor activities
Oulu is a great autumn holiday destination for the whole family. In addition to nature-based adventures, there's plenty to do even on rainy days.
Finland's largest and most spectacular dinosaur exhibition Dinosauria bring twenty ancient reptiles to life. Life-size dinosaurs move and make sounds in a mysteriously lit exhibition hall next door to SuperPark. The exhibition is produced by Tietomaa Science Centre in Oulu.
Activity park in the same building as the dinosaur SuperPark. Indoor activities for the whole family too Exit Oulu in the escape rooms!
Of course, the best thing to do in the cooler weather is to go outdoors and spend time with animals. A magical family causal adventure invites you to be enchanted by the captivating About the kippons and the fairy tale forest trip To Hawkeye Putea! The ponies take the adventurers on an adventure where autumn smells and leaves crunch under the pony's hooves. The experience is also suitable for the youngest members of the family, no previous experience necessary!
At the Milky Way farm In Kempele, you can visit alpaca farms in the beautiful scenery of forest trails. Alpacas are sweet and gentle animals, so they are also suitable for children.

9. A trip to the nearby nature: the Pilpasuo, Koiteli and the Nordic ring road
In Oulu, nature is close by! You can even walk, cycle or paddle to the nearest nature spots from the city centre. Within a twenty-minute drive you can find several great nature spots.
Pilpasuon The vast marshland is one of the Oulu region's favourite hiking destinations. It is a national peatland conservation programme site and a Natura 2000 site. There are two different routes to choose from in Pilpasouo: the one-kilometre Lystireute (1km) and the seven-kilometre Aistireute (7km).
Koitelinkosket are located in Kiiming, which can be reached from the centre of Oulu in about half an hour. In Koiteli, it is worth stopping by a café with a natural I mothballed in the Emotional Dome, surrounded by the magnificent Koitelinkoski.
River Sanginjoki is a continuous forest area located about 16 kilometres from the centre of Oulu. The area has natural forest features, old spruce stands, also with heaths and dry brushland.
Interesting day trips can also be found in Nordic ring gauge, along which Oulu is also located. In addition to Oulu, the Nordic Ring Road includes Hailuoto, Syöte, Rokua Geopark, Tyrnävä, Lumijoki, Liminka, Kempele, Ii, Raahe, Kalajoki and Kemi.
Browse nature trails
10. Stay in comfort! Take advantage of autumn accommodation offers
Your autumn break in Oulu is crowned by accommodation in one of the hotels in the city centre or in Nallikari by the sea. Would you prefer to stay in a carbon-neutral hotel, a villa by the sea or add a touch of luxury to your holiday by booking a modern themed room in Rotuaari? Take a pick autumn accommodation offers!
See our autumn accommodation offersSort tips

Archaeological exhibition

Guided winter swimming

Virpiniemi

Hollihaa Central Play Park

Go Arctic activity - Northern Lights in Koitel, Northern Lights Lecture

Nature trip to the Stone Age - exhibition

Kempeleen Old Church

Oulu fast walking tour

Ouluntull's Rock Monkey

Indulgent relaxation (for 1-2 people)

SuperPark Oulu

The wooden Old Town of Pikisaari

Ancient skills of Kierik: red mural painting

The kingdom of frontline houses Karjasilta

Escape games

Excursion to Hailuoto

City of Oulu Tourist Information

The Oulu Market Hall is the jewel in the crown

Fishing in Oulu in summer and winter

Koitelinkoski

Fätbike Safari, Oulu, Nallikari

The traditional fishing port of Kellon Kiviniemi

The Kuusiluoto of many eras

Electric Fatbike Safari

Go Arctic activity - Traditions

Paintball

A visit to a husky home

A day in the Stone Age

Guided winter swimming

Kierik guided tours

Rock The City Oulu - a city adventure

Go Arctic activity - Mothership team trail

Design Centre Proto

Excursion to Koitelinkoski

Go Arctic event production - Thematic celebrations

Oula Kitchen & Bar

Oulu Toripolliisi statue

Oulujoki Church

Ancient skills of Kierik: stone grinding

Go Arctic activity - Kurvinen qualification

Sauna night at Taiga Resort, Oulu

Forest hiking with alpacas - Come and get to know alpacas and go on a forest hike with them!

Go Arctic activity - Stories from Oulu

Ancient skills of Kierik: archery

Ancient skills of Kierik: stone grinding

Shadowing at school or nursery

Canoeing safari to the Oulujoki estuary

Go Arctic activity - snowshoeing/sliding in Koitel

Oulu's historic waterfront

SUP racing in the Oulu Delta

Padel outdoor courts

StartNo abstract? 28.3.-30.11.2025

Diverse Hietasaari

Go Arctic activity - Archery competition

Indulgent relaxation (for 1-2 people)

Hot air balloon group flight 4-12 passengers

Go Arctic activity - Peruvian Omeisingreis

Arctic Edu-Tech - Workshops and experiences

Go Arctic activity - Tar Olympics

Stone Age tribal shield

Oulu Cathedral

Pearls of the Oulu estuary

Fatbike tour in Oulu

Voltin Biisikärpänen - music competition, Oulu

Nature trip to the Stone Age - exhibition

Oulu's water mirrors as a reflector of the city

Köykkyr recreation area

Go Arctic activity

Expert presentations and workshops on education and training

Go Arctic - Guided walking tours in Oulu and surrounding municipalities

Ancient skills of Kierik: canoeing

Koivuranta Sauna Board's general sauna shift

Nallikari Lighthouse

Dining experiences in Northern Finland

Guided bike tour from Nallikari to Oulu city centre

Relaxation paddling

Study visit and work experience at a special vocational school, Oulu

Go Arctic - sightseeing tours in Oulu and surrounding municipalities

Study visit

Chocosomnia Factory tour & tasting

Winter experiences on the Sangin River - Naturest Oy

Stone Age tribal shield

Hupisaarten Central Play Park

Go Arctic activity - 7-match

Excursion to Hailuoto

Kuusisaari Recreation Park

The pastel-coloured wooden houses of Puu-Raksila

Go Arctic activity - City hiking day or night

Rusko Bike Park

Go Arctic event production - Performers for productions

Pilpasuo protected area and hiking trails

Archaeological exhibition

Go Arctic event production - Perioulula ghost dinner

Go Arctic activity - Let's make something out of the old - a makeover workshop

Nature experiences on the Sanginjoki River - Naturest Oy

Acupuncture and energy therapy

Oulu fast walking tour

Parikellunta

Nature-based tyhy-days and business events (Sanginjoki, Rokua)- Naturest Oy

Go Arctic Live - event production

Discover paddling in the Oulu River Delta

Koivuranta Sauna Ferry Cruises

Lake Mourunki

Environmental Education / Forest School at Sanginjoki River - Naturest Oy

Oulu's top 5 attractions!

Chocolate tasting

Private event: wine and fashion

One-off ticket for Reenis to the creative gym

Elf - spirits of the home

Midnight sun golf

Go Arctic activity - Indoor race

Cycling in Oulu

Oja Iron Arena

Oulu Climbing Centre

Ancient skills of Kierik: red mural painting

University of Oulu Botanical Garden

Cross-country riding with Icelandic horses in Oulu!
%20muokattu.jpg?s=1920)
Letonniemi Nature Reserve and Nature Trail

Experience the wonders of Finnish nature

Nallikari - Nordic Riviera

Ancient skills of Kierik: canoeing

Museum of North Ostrobothnia

Sarkkiranta Sports Centre

Go Arctic activity - Home Manager

Swimming and water sports all year round

Paddling in the Oulu estuary and at sea

Leo's Kempele

Photo North - Northern Photography Centre

Go Arctic activity - Air guitar workshop or air guitar show

The Köykkyr hiking trail

Hupisaarten City Park

River Sanginjoki

Shadow Island and nature trail

Cyrillic

School visit

Oulu Art Museum

Kindergarten visit

Excursion to Koitelinkoski

Vihiluoto - seafront and bird tower

Go Arctic activity - Kayaking trip on the Oulu or Kiiminkijoki rivers
