Top 2 Itineraries in Oulu

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Oulu.

A 3 to 5-day stay in Oulu offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Oulu’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Oulu offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover Finland's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Oulu truly unforgettable!

If you’re as convinced as we are that Oulu belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Oulu are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Oulu and start planning your next trip!

Discover the perfect Oulu itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in Oulu for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 2 itineraries will help you experience the best of Oulu without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Oulu!

A scenic 8-day road trip through Oulu, Kajaani, Rovaniemi, Kiiminki, and Ruka is one of the best ways to experience Finland. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 8-day itinerary means that Oulu can easily be combined with other top destinations in Finland without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Oulu, Kajaani, Rovaniemi, Kiiminki, and Ruka by public transport, renting a car in Finland opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 8 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Kuusamo

• Arrival city: Ruka
• Accommodation: hotel in Ruka, e.g., Ski-Inn RukaValley
• Sightseeing: Rukatunturi

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Kuusamo. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Juuma and Kuusamo

• Destinations: Juuma and Kuusamo
• Driving distance: 249.78 km, approx. 3 hours and 34 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Rovaniemi, e.g., Santa Claus Holiday Village
• Sightseeing: Myllykoski Rapids, Pieni Karhunkierros Circle Trail, and Jyrävä Rapids
• Recommended tour: Aurora hunting & photography tour

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Myllykoski Rapids, Pieni Karhunkierros Circle Trail, and Jyrävä Rapids. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Juuma and Kuusamo, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest. By the end of the day, check-in at a new hotel, located in central Rovaniemi.

Day 3: Discover Rovaniemi

• Destinations: Rovaniemi
• Driving distance: 135.43 km, approx. 2 hours and 2 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Kemi, e.g., Hotelli Toivola
• Sightseeing: Santa Claus Village, Santa Claus Office, and Angry Birds Playground

Spend the day exploring Santa Claus Village, Santa Claus Office, and Angry Birds Playground. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace. End the day by checking into a new hotel, conveniently located in central Kemi.

Day 4: Experience Oulu

• Destinations: Oulu
• Driving distance: 107.86 km, approx. 1 hour and 44 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Oulu, e.g., Lapland Hotels Oulu
• Sightseeing: Tietomaa Science Centre, Oulu Art Museum, Oulu market square, Oulu Market Hall, and Oulu Castle

Continue your journey through Oulu, where you can explore Tietomaa Science Centre, Oulu Art Museum, Oulu market square, Oulu Market Hall, and Oulu Castle. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot. Wrap up the day by checking in at a hotel in the heart of Oulu.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Oulu, Kiiminki, and Oulu

• Destinations: Oulu, Kiiminki, and Oulu
• Driving distance: 136.18 km, approx. 2 hours and 21 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Oulu, e.g., Lapland Hotels Oulu
• Sightseeing: University of Oulu Botanical Gardens, Koitelinkoski, Nallikari Lighthouse, Nallikari Beach, and Kierikki Stone Age Centre

Drive through Oulu, Kiiminki, and Oulu, stopping to visit University of Oulu Botanical Gardens, Koitelinkoski, Nallikari Lighthouse, Nallikari Beach, and Kierikki Stone Age Centre. Don't forget to embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems along the way.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of Oulu

• Destinations: Oulu
• Driving distance: 187.93 km, approx. 2 hours and 54 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Kajaani, e.g., Hotel Aateli Hillside
• Sightseeing: Hollihaka Park, Turkansaari Open-air museum, Rotuaarin pallo, Mannerheim park, and Oulu Automobile Museum

Spend time discovering Hollihaka Park, Turkansaari Open-air museum, Rotuaarin pallo, Mannerheim park, and Oulu Automobile Museum, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture. After a day of exploring, check into a hotel in Kajaani.

Day 7: Spend Time in Kajaani and Suomussalmi

• Destinations: Kajaani and Suomussalmi
• Driving distance: 271.93 km, approx. 3 hours and 25 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Ruka, e.g., Ski-Inn RukaValley
• Sightseeing: Kainuu Museum, Hiljaisen Kansan tilataideteos (The Silent People), and Kajaani Castle Ruins

Explore Kainuu Museum, Hiljaisen Kansan tilataideteos (The Silent People), and Kajaani Castle Ruins at a relaxed pace. Make spontaneous stops for sightseeing, photography, or lunch at a family-run restaurant. Finish the day by checking into another comfortable hotel in the center of Ruka.

Day 8: Bid Farewell to Kuusamo

• Departure city: Ruka
• Driving distance: 27.77 km, approx. 52 minutes
• Sightseeing: Ruka Pedestrian Village

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Kuusamo. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 1267 EUR, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Oulu.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Oulu for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

Enjoy a 3-day city break in Oulu with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 3-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Oulu without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Oulu

Arrive in Oulu and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like Hollihaka Park.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Frans & Camille Bistro is a top-rated recommendation. Say 'cheers' and set the tone for an amazing vacation ahead!

Day 2: Discover Oulu's Most Iconic Attractions

Enjoy your first full day in Oulu by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic Oulu Cathedral and Nallikari Lighthouse.

Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Oulu in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 3: Savor Your Final Moments in Oulu

Spend your last few hours in Oulu soaking up the charm of the city at your own pace. Stroll through favorite spots or revisit local markets before bidding farewell to the city.

Start with a ready-to-go Oulu travel plan and make it your own by selecting tours, accommodations, and more.

As you explore Oulu, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Oulu for you.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Oulu in a way that feels truly unforgettable!