Oulu's most beautiful nature spots - See 6 of the most beautiful nature trails in the Oulu region!

The Oulu region's nature sites and nature trails are a cross-section of the biodiversity of the north. Admire pristine rapids and old forests, tour the region's well-maintained campfire sites, explore the area's traditional landscapes and livelihoods, or get your sweat on while enjoying nature. In addition to the national parks, there are some great, smaller places to visit.

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1. Koiteli - an easy destination

In Koiteli, or Koitelinkoski, the Kiiminkijoki River flows in three channels between islands rising from the bedrock. The area of natural beauty is located in Kiiming, about 25 km from Oulu towards Kuusamo.

In the almost unspoilt Koiteli, it's easy to get a taste of nature. You can explore the sparkling waters of the lake on your own or with a guide. Easy bridges and marked trails lead from one island to the next, and there are several campfire sites for cooking sausages. Firewood is provided on site during the summer season and during school holidays. Koitel also has a summer café and toilets.

2. The mushroom swamp is home to a wide range of marshes and species

The Pilpasuo wetland is located in eastern Oulu, less than 20 kilometres from the city centre. The large, almost undrained area is part of the national peatland protection programme.

Pilpasuo is a good habitat for a number of rarer plant and animal species. There are up to 23 different types of bogs in the area. Walking along the long trees, you can see not only a mixture of woodland and spruce, but also, for example, tar sands, and sometimes the trail goes from forest to wide swampy open spaces. Halfway along the 7 km trail, you can enjoy a picnic lunch at a campsite and campfire site.

3. Virpiniemi moves in nature

Virpiniemi is located on the shore of the Gulf of Bothnia, northwest of Oulu, about 20 kilometres from the centre of Oulu. The area offers a diverse recreational and sports environment. In Virpiniemi you can go skiing in the varied forested terrain and on the sea ice, or hone your skills in both frisbee golf and traditional golf.

Virpiniemi Sports Academy offers a versatile framework and guidance for outdoor sports. For example, you can learn about hiking from the very beginning. You can stay in the school's villas and apartments. There is also a camping site in Virpiniemi.

4. The pristine forest of the Sangin River is enchanting

Sanginjoki Nature Reserve is located about 20 kilometres north-east of Oulu. It differs in landscape from other forest areas in the Oulu region. The fells and swamps, small ponds and lush river banks shelter a diverse birdlife. Species that require large areas of continuous forest and large stands of trees also thrive in the Sanginjoki forests.

The Sangin River has more old-growth forest than the surrounding commercial forests. There is also some completely untouched forest left in protected areas, which are best explored on foot. The area has been extensively developed with hiking trails, campfires and game trails.

5. Liimanninkoski sparkling in a traditional landscape

Liimanninkoski Grove Protection Area is located in Muhoksi, about 6 km from Muhoksi towards Kajaani. The traditional landscape of the banks of the Muhos River and the meandering riverbed with its rapids form an interesting cultural and natural ensemble.

There is a guided nature trail of about 1.4 km in the riverbank, which is ideal for short nature walks and for beginners. At the start of the trail is an old woodshed with old agricultural artefacts on display. In the tree house you can, for example, hold educational sessions or have a snack.

6. Syöte, Rokua, Hailuoto and other nature sites on the Nordic ring road

There are several interesting day trip destinations for nature lovers near Oulu! The Nordic Ring Road, along which Oulu is located, is a nature hiker's dream destination with forests, archipelagos and fells. In addition to Oulu, the Pohjola Ring Road also includes Hailuoto, Syöte, Rokua Geopark, Tyrnävä, Lumijoki, Liminka, Kempele, Ii, Raahe and Kalajoki.

Magic Island of Hailuoto is located a short ferry ride from Oulu. In Hailuoto, you should at least visit the old fishing village of Marjaniemi and the light, natural sandy beaches.

There are no less than two different national parks within a couple of hours' drive of Oulu: Feed and Rokua. 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 Kempeleen Köykkyri. Monitoring the autumn migration of birds Limingan Bay are the highlights of the whole year!

Explore the nature sites of the Nordic Ring Road