Oulu is ideal for enjoying the constantly changing beauty of nature. The national parks are the local people’s favorite recreational areas. The parks and wonderful views are never far away. The Oulu offers chances for hiking, nature and forest trails. And whether you are just visiting or staying for a longer period of time, the town provides convenient access to the southernmost fell highland region of Finland or rare nature areas shaped by the Ice Age. Oulu also has an extensive network of cross-country skiing trails. Oulun Tervahiihto is an annual ski marathon held in Oulu. Races include 40-kilometer and 70-kilometer trails. Tervahiihto is the longest-running annual long-distance ski race in the world. The first Tervahiihto was held in 1889. Virpiniemi The Virpiniemi Sports Institute's versatile recreational and sports environment is in Haukipudas, only a 20-minute drive from downtown Oulu. You can get there by a local bus from the city center. Virpiniemi is ideal for leisure in-door or out-door sports activities. In the winter you can go cross-country skiing. Just choose a route suitable for you; you can select a shorter one or a ten-kilometer loop. In the summer, these tracks are more than perfect for joggers. In the sports hall you can engage in a number of ball games such as floorball, volley ball, football or tennis. If you are looking for more challenges, you can try the trampolines or climbing wall! Address: Virpiniementie 525 Nallikari Nallikari offers a variety of activities all year round. During the winter season you can go strolling on the ice, and in autumn bird-watching towers and camp fires interest hikers of all ages. And, if you are on summer holiday, take a half-day trip to Nallikari and enjoy its long beaches and carefree beach days! The beach can be reached year-round with the local bus number 15 from the city center. Nallikari resort includes a spa hotel and a camping area. Koiteli Koiteli is unique, nearly natural rapid area in Kiiminki, only 25 kilometers from Oulu city center. The bus trip takes about an hour. The bus number 35 leaves from city center. The Koitelinkoski rapids stretch for three kilometers on the river. There are also rare species among the over two hundred plants living in Koiteli. Koiteli is and has always been a place for refreshment for the locals. The place is beyond imagination! Go and explore the beauty of nature, swim, fish, or hike, you won’t be disappointed! And if you need more action, try white water rafting! Hailuoto The star of Bothnian Bay, Hailuoto, is perfect for a daytrip. You can get there by bus number 59 from Oulu city center. The island in itself is quite an attraction. The national landscape is blooming during the summer, however we recommend exploring it also in the winter, and to listen to the sound of silence of the sea. In autumn, you can pick berries and mushrooms.
