Southern Oulu region Travel Guide

Everything you need to know for your trip to Southern Oulu region, from the best places to visit to where to stay and what to eat.


Introduction to Southern Oulu Region

Welcome to Southern Oulu region, located in the northern part of Finland, in the Nordic countries, in Europe. The Southern Oulu region has a rich cultural and natural heritage waiting to be explored. From picturesque landscapes to thrilling outdoor adventures, the region has something for everyone.

In this comprehensive travel guide, we will take you through the best places to visit in Southern Oulu region, the must-try local food and drink, the various transportation options available, and everything in between.

List of Places to Visit in Southern Oulu Region

There are plenty of places to visit in Southern Oulu region, ranging from culturally important attractions to natural wonders. Here are some of the top places to add to your itinerary:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Oulankajoki River Valley
  • The Kemijärvi Church
  • The Golden Village, Kultala
  • Sammallampi, Rovaniemi
  • Aavasaksa Hill Fortifications
  • The Pisavaara Strict Nature Reserve
  • Taivalkoski
  • Syöte National Park

Natural Attractions of Southern Oulu Region: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Syöte Ski Resort
  • Lake Martimoaapa and its surroundings
  • Jurmu Island
  • Kuusamo
  • The Pudasjärvi Wilderness Area
  • Valtavaara Hill
  • Pöyrisjärvi Wilderness Area
  • Kiutaköngäs Rapids

Hiking/Biking Routes of Southern Oulu Region

Southern Oulu region is a paradise for hikers and bikers as it has many scenic trails and routes. Some of the most popular ones are:

  • Karhunkierros Trail
  • Hetta-Pallas Trail
  • Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park
  • Urho Kekkonen National Park
  • Pöyrisjärvi Wilderness Area

Best Things to Do in Southern Oulu Region: Activities and Tours

Apart from hiking and biking, the Southern Oulu region offers various other activities and tours such as:

  • Watching the Northern Lights
  • Snowmobiling
  • Ice Fishing
  • Husky Safaris
  • Snowshoeing
  • Reindeer Farm Visits

Week-Long Itinerary for Southern Oulu Region

Here’s a sample itinerary for a week-long trip to Southern Oulu region:

Day 1: Arrive and explore the city of Oulu Day 2: Visit Oulankajoki River Valley Day 3: Explore the Syöte National Park Day 4: Take a day trip to Kuusamo Day 5: Hike in the Pöyrisjärvi Wilderness Area Day 6: Experience the thrill of husky safaris Day 7: Visit the Golden Village, Kultala, and depart

Food and Drink Scene of Southern Oulu Region

The Southern Oulu region has a rich culinary tradition, and the cuisine is influenced by Sami, Karelian, and Russian food habits. Here are some of the must-try dishes and beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Reindeer Meat Stew
  • Kalakukko
  • Leipajuusto
  • Rössypottu
  • Perunarieska

Local Beverages

  • Cloudberry Liqueur
  • Salmiakki Koskenkorva
  • Sahti

Where to Stay in Southern Oulu Region: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

The Southern Oulu region has a wide range of accommodations to cater to all budgets and preferences. Here are some of the best options:

  • Hotel Iso Syöte
  • Holiday Club Kuusamon Tropiikki
  • Ruka Ski Chalets
  • Lapland Hotels Bear’s Lodge
  • Luosto Tunturi Hotel

What to Buy in Southern Oulu Region: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

The Southern Oulu region has many unique and traditional products that make for great souvenirs. Some of the most popular ones include:

  • Sámi handcrafts
  • Reindeer leather and fur products
  • Local food products such as cloudberry jam

Local Culture and Customs of Southern Oulu Region

The region has a rich cultural heritage, and the Sami culture is an important part of it. The Sami people of the region are renowned for their handicrafts, traditional costumes, and unique language.

Best Time to Visit Southern Oulu Region

The best time to visit the Southern Oulu region is during the winter season (December to February) when the region is covered in snow, and the Northern Lights are visible. However, the summer season (June to August) also offers great hiking opportunities and a chance to enjoy the region’s natural beauty.

Do’s and Don’ts of Southern Oulu Region

Here are some general do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Southern Oulu region:

Do:

  • Respect the Sami culture and traditions
  • Try the local cuisine and beverages
  • Pack appropriate clothing for the season

Don’t:

  • Disturb the wildlife
  • Litter or damage the natural beauty of the region
  • Take pictures of local people without their permission

Safety and Health

Safety in Southern Oulu Region

Southern Oulu region is a safe destination, however, travelers should watch out for icy roads and slippery paths in winter.

Health in Southern Oulu Region

The region has good medical facilities, and travelers from the European Union should carry their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) during their visit.

Getting to Southern Oulu Region: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Southern Oulu Region

  • Oulu Airport (OLU)
  • Rovaniemi Airport (RVN)
  • Kuusamo Airport (KAO)

Bus Stations Near Southern Oulu Region

  • Oulu Bus Station
  • Rovaniemi Bus Station
  • Kuusamo Bus Station

Other Options

  • Renting a Car
  • Taking a Train

How to Get Around in Southern Oulu Region

The best way to explore the Southern Oulu region is by renting a car or booking a tour with a local operator. Alternatively, you can use public transportation such as buses and trains.

Where to Go Next from Southern Oulu Region: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

After exploring Southern Oulu region, you can extend your trip to other nearby destinations such as:

  • Helsinki
  • Turku
  • Tampere
  • Kemi

Conclusion

Southern Oulu region is a destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, culture, and adventure. With this comprehensive travel guide, you should have all the information you need to plan your trip to this amazing part of Finland. Happy travels!

The Kalajoki River in Ylivieska The Kalajoki River in Ylivieska The buildings of the Raudaskylä Christian Folk High School in Ylivieska The buildings of the Raudaskylä Christian Folk High School in Ylivieska


    Kärsämäki
    Pyhäjärvi
    Ylivieska