Oulu Autumn 2025 - 9 tips: experience these events, experiences and nature spots in Oulu this autumn!

Autumn in Oulu pampers nature and culture lovers! This coming autumn, Oulu will be the place to enjoy art, theatre and cultural events. Local nature areas offer a variety of activities from hiking to mountain biking and canoeing, and there are plenty of fun things to do and experience with children! In this article you will find a collection of event and cultural tips, autumn nature activities and autumn holiday tips for Oulu with children.

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1. Autumn is full of magic - the Festival of Lights is back in November

The end of summer and autumn in Oulu offers a wide range of events - circus, market excitement, taste sensations, light and music.

On 23 August, the whole family will enjoy a day of fun in the Vauhtipuisto Park. Bread and Circus Bread -and immediately afterwards, on 28-31 August. Oulu International Wholesale Market bring together speciality products from over 30 countries, food stalls and a children's fair. The last weekend in August is also a great time to experience much more: Koivuranta Stand Up (29.8.), Finnish Nature Day in Loppula and Venetian celebrations Seelari and Koivuranta (30.8.).

In September, the taste journey continues when A taste adventure (24.-27.9.) takes you to restaurants to taste the flavours of the north, followed by Irish Festival of Oulu (24-28 September) brings Irish music, dance and culture to the city.

The end of the year Snow Festival (21-23 November), which will transform the city centre into a stage for light art, and the spectacular The year is changing: the Oulu2026 show 31.12. in Ouluhall, Finland, starring Finland's top artists.

See the events calendar

2. Splashing on the waves - Oulu's sauna boards invite you to relax

As autumn cools down, Oulu's saunas offer a warm respite amid the scenery of the Oulu River. The soft suds of the wood sauna, a dip in the river and the scenery of the Oulu River guarantee a unique experience. A cruise that takes you to a whole new angle on the city - an experience that combines the best of Finnish tradition and nature.

This autumn, you can experience three different types of sauna: the traditional Koivuranta ferry In the middle, renovated Loan sauna in Saarela and the brand new, completely new building opening at the end of September. Outdoor sauna In Hietasaari, next to the housing fairground (opens 22.9.).

3. Nature awaits - a hike just a stone's throw from Oulu

The Sanginjoki area offers hikers more than 40 kilometres of mainly easy trails through varied forests. The trails include five ring trails, the Ranger Trail and an accessible experience trail in Loppula with beautiful views of the Sanginjoki River itself. There are four rest stops in the area, two of which are accessible.

In addition to nature, the Sanginjoki River offers a variety of events in autumn. At the end of the year there will be a celebration Finnish Nature Day and Sleep a night out -event on 30.8., and On Oulu days (6-7 September) the programme includes reed boat building and braiding workshops. In mid-September (13 September), the mushroom season opens with an exhibition and guided tours. The highlight of the end of autumn is A feast of crackers (1.11.), which includes a market sale of local producers and the traditional Kekripuk fire.

Other nearby nature sites in Oulu also offer adventures in autumn nature. A trip to Kempelee's Ruskaretki To the Köykkyr hiking trail is the perfect way to enjoy autumn nature by hiking or mountain biking. Topyhä Kempele rent fatbikes, and Lunki services offers electric fatbikes and guided safaris.

Also the long-time favourites of Oulu residents Coiteli and Pilpasuo are worth experiencing! In Oulu, guided nature tours by bike and canoe are offered by Nallikari Safaris and Lapland and Oulu Canoeing Centre.

Explore nature trails

4. This autumn's most interesting food experiences and tips for foodies

Oulu offers plenty of options for fine dining, combining northern ingredients, international influences and a relaxed atmosphere. The city offers atmospheric dinner restaurants, traditional North Ostrobothnian cuisine and maritime terraces.

Located in the city centre Alfred Kitchen & Bar combines modern international flavours and a seasonally changing menu, while Puistola from breakfast to dinner, offering dishes made from local ingredients. Sugar-Jussin Kievari Pikisaari's log cabin offers an authentic Finnish food experience, with dishes such as reindeer tongue, reindeer tongue and whitefish tartare. At the Rotuaar VENN invites you to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with wines, cocktails and sharing dishes, and next door. Amarillo brings Texmex classics and the joy of social eating to the table. The seaside scenery, on the other hand, is home to The Sea Island of Hietasaari, with its summer terrace, café treats and programme evenings, makes it a popular meeting place - and part of the Go Arctic Experience Cafés.

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5. Still time: cultural treasures for the end of summer

In Oulu, history is not confined to a display case, but comes to life on forest trails, in Stone Age villages and museum quarters. The twisting centre in Yli-Ii takes you back to the Stone Age, the Turkansaari Outdoor Museum presents traditional culture in the midst of nature, the Seamen's Home Museum tells the stories of the port city and the Castle Cellar reveals Oulu's darker history. The heartbeat of the city can also be heard in art, music and events where tradition meets modernity - experiences that surprise, touch and stay with family, friends and inspiration.

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6. The whole family enjoys autumn holidays in Oulu: find your favourite autumn destinations with children

Oulu is a great autumn holiday destination for the whole family. Many nature spots are easily accessible for the younger members of the family, and in addition to nature adventures, there are plenty of things to do even on rainy days.

For horse lovers, the Oulu region offers a variety of experiences. Located in Haukiputa, the Saagan Issikat invites you to discover Icelandic horses and their swift but gentle tölt in the forests and seascapes of Virpiniemi. In Hietasaari Eija's Pony Troubles offers children and families joyful moments with ponies - riding, driving and caring for them

You can try climbing and bouldering At the Oulu Climbing Centre, which offers a wide range of opportunities for beginners and more experienced climbers alike.

In case of a rainy day, the whole family will also enjoy the indoor activity park SuperPark and Exit Oulu on escape games!

Find more things to do in Oulu

7. Summer or autumn, all roads lead to Nallikar! Fall in love with Oulu's maritime pearl

Nallikari is a maritime gem in Oulu that delights in all seasons! The popular Nallikari area is home to a beach known as the Nordic Riviera, as well as a number of charming seaside resorts. nature trails with campfire sites and bird towers as well as accommodation, cafés and restaurants for those who want to enjoy themselves. And why not stay in one of Oulu's most stunning seascapes on your visit? From the new Nallikar's Wave and From Nallikar Holiday Village you'll find options ranging from a cosy cottage to an upmarket, hot-tub view apartment.

A nature lover should head for Nallikari for Safaris, where you can conveniently rent a kayak, canoe, SUP board or fatbike. Or go on a guided canoeing or cycling trip!

Oulu Zipline offers a 250-metre-long cable car in Nallikar, where you can enjoy the thrill of speed on the seashore.

Restaurant Nallikari and Bistoria Patio invite you to enjoy a high quality à la carte menu and an Italian-style trattoria menu. Feast while admiring the breathtakingly beautiful sea views! Restaurant Nallikar's lunch and weekend brunch are also popular with locals and visitors alike.

Get to know Nallikari

8. Stay in comfort! The hustle and bustle of the Rotunda or the tranquillity of the seaside?

Oulu's diverse accommodation options offer something for everyone.

Radisson Blu Hotel Oulu is in perhaps the best location in Oulu, right next to the market square and a short walk from many attractions and all the services of the city centre. Treat yourself this autumn with the tempting Sparkling Stay package: start your day with a delicious buffet breakfast and enjoy the convenience of a late check-out. A stylish overnight stay for two and a bottle of sparkling wine will ensure a memorable stay in Oulu.

Located in the rotunda Original Sokos Hotel Arina in turn, attracts families with its fantastic playroom where children can play, go down the slide, ride the house bikes and enjoy a variety of indoor activities.

Nallikari Holiday Village offers a wide range of accommodation options by the sea. Choose from a cosy cottage, a stylish villa or a comfortable campsite where dogs are welcome.

If you're looking for something different, you should look towards the Kempelee-based Black Hotel and Blacksauna. In addition to the traditional wood sauna, the Blacksauna offers cold and hot tubs and a cosy café. The Black Hotel's suite cottages and caravan area are located in the Blacksauna's yard, so you can combine sauna and accommodation in a comfortable way.

When you need some peace and quiet to counterbalance the hustle and bustle of the city, Taiga Resort Falconry is the perfect choice. Just a 20-minute drive from the centre of Oulu, you can enjoy cosy accommodation amidst the beauty of northern nature. Taiga Resort combines city life with the peace of nature in a way that makes your stay special.

Browse accommodation options

9. Turn to the Nordic ring road! Experience three different national parks near Oulu

There are several interesting day trips near Oulu! In the Oulu region The Nordic ring road you can experience the whole of Finland in miniature, from the seashore to the embrace of the forests, from small rural villages to the fells and all the way to Lapland. In addition to Oulu, the destinations of the Nordic Ring Road include Hailuoto, Syöte, Rokua Geopark, Tyrnävä, Lumijoki, Liminka, Kempele, Ii, Raahe and Kemi.

There are three different national parks within a couple of hours' drive from Oulu: Feeding, Rokua and the Perämeri National Park. In addition to the national parks, the Nordic ring road has many smaller gems for nature lovers, such as the Markku nature trail In Tyrnava and Liminganlahti Nature Centre In Liminga.

Go to the Nordic rings

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