❄️ Winter Activities

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Looking for winter activities in Oulu? See the weekly programme here.

Aurora hunting

The northern lights shining on the dark sky are a memorable experience. At the latitude of Oulu, this natural phenomenon occurs approximately every fourth night, and you may catch the aurora flares between the nights of late summer and the last dark moments of spring. The best time is between 10 PM to 2 AM. The sky must be clear, the temperature well below 0 Celsius, and you must avoid light pollution.

The best places for aurora watching can be found on the Nallikari beach or around lakes Pyykösjärvi and Kuivasjärvi on the north side of town. A traveller with a car might also want to get away from the city lights and head northeast to, for example Koiteli rapids area.

Guided tours available:
SALAMAPAJA | salamapaja.fi
NALLIKARI SAFARIS | nallikarisafaris.fi
LAPPIS | lappis.fi
OULU SAFARIS | oulusafaris.com
MAJAKKA OUTDOORS| majakkaoutdoors.fi

Aurora forecasts:
en.ilmatieteenlaitos.fi/northern-lights
rwc-finland.fmi.fi
Facebook: @Oulu Aurora Spotters

Reindeer farm visits

Traditional reindeer farms are open by order. During the farm visit you can meet and feed reindeer and - depending on the snow situation - try a sleigh ride. Reindeer herders will share their stories with you, and you can also order a snack and hot drinks by the open fire in a traditional hut.

PORO-PANUMA | Laasenraitti 40, Pudasjärvi | poropanuma.com
Book your visit beforehand via email or phone.

REINDEER FARM JUSSILA | Maalismaantie 953, Yli-Ii |porotilajussila.com
Guided trips with transportation can be booked from Tonttu Tärmön Paja.

NALLIKARI SAFARIS | nallikarisafaris.fi
Nallikari Safaris arranges trips to a christmas tree farm, that is a home to three reindeer: Snow White and her friends.

Cross-country Skiing

The vast ski track network in Oulu has 350 kilometres of maintained tracks. You can find the starting points for the most popular routes here:

Check out the track maintenance information: oulu.fluentprogress.fi/outdoors

Ice Skating

Oulu has plenty of outdoor ice-skating rinks for you to test your skills at. Try one or more of these, for example:

More rinks: ouka.fi/en/outdoor-exercise
Rink maintenance: oulu.fluentprogress.fi/outdoors

Fatbiking

Rent a fatbike to move around effortlessly in the city as well as the surrounding nature. You can go for an independent ride or join a guide for a trip to Kaakkuri Sports Centre or the sea ice in Nallikari. With a bicycle, you can easily explore the sights along the extensive Oulu cycleway network or discover the wintry nature alongside snowy trails.

NALLIKARI SAFARIS| nallikarisafaris.fi
LAPPIS| lappis.fi
NORTHERN RENTAL | northernrental.fi
TOPYHÄ | topyha.fi

Snowshoeing

On snowshoes or sliding snowshoes, you can head out to hiking trails with the whole family, if you wish. This is an easy and fun way to experience nature with little effort. Rent some gear for an independent outing or book a guided safari and see the best winter scenery Oulu has to offer.

NALLIKARI SAFARIS | nallikarisafaris.fi
LAPPIS | lappis.fi
OULU SAFARIS | oulusafaris.com
TOPYHÄ | topyha.fi

Ice Fishing

The frozen sea is the perfect setting for luring fish. On an ice fishing trip, you can marvel at the white icescape around you and let your mind rest in its silence. If you wish, you can grill your catch later at the fireplaces in Hietasaari, for example. On a guided winter fishing trip, a local guide will show you to the best fishing spots in and around Oulu.

Downhill skiing

Ruskotunturi | ruskotunturi.fi

Consisting of five slopes and two parks, Ruskotunturi is a hill with a relief of 50 metres. In addition to the slopes, there is a rope lift, minipark and sled hill for kids. A cafeteria and gear rental plus a ski school serve customers as well. You can also find campfire sites around the area.

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