active fun!

Transcription

active fun!
Ouluis on!
Experience unique summer in Oulu region
Take
mag this
with azine
you!
Energetic events
- With THE right attitude
Stunning sport experiences
- Active fun!
Go to www.ouluon.fi/summer
and win a trip to oulu region!
Table of
contents
Oulu
Welcome to Oulu, Finland ..................................... 3
A creative city full of things to do .......................... 5
An evening of Rock’n’Roll hits ............................... 6
Rotua ri
Piknik
Welcome
to Oulu,
Rock at Qstock! ...................................................... 8
From jazz and chamber music to metal ............. 10
Helsinki
Air Guitar Festival .................................................. 12
The Oulu region - activities in abundance .......... 14
Stockholm
Inspiration for environmental art ........................ 15
Riga
Finland
The World Championships of swamp soccer .... 17
Stunts on water ..................................................... 18
Copenhagen
Time travel to the stone age ................................ 19
Adventure sports at their best ............................ 20
A paradise for wildlife watching .......................... 21
Sandy beaches and sun ..................................... 24
Holiday delights in Kalajoki ................................ 26
Active relaxation at Nallikari ............................... 27
Hailuoto - and island full of experiences ........... 28
Seaside ambiance ............................................... 29
To the golf green .................................................. 32
First-class accommodation.................................. 34
Culinary experiences from near and far ............ 35
Service directory ....................................................37
Events calendar .................................................... 38
Publisher:
Travel Marketing Oulu Ltd
Layout & editorial content:
Pohjolan Mylly, Finland’s leading
travel marketing agency
www.mylly.fi
Edition:
5000 copies
2
Printed in:
Lönnberg Print & Promo
T
he second busiest airport in Finland, Oulu Airport offers numerous daily connections. Blue1
offers flights to Oulu from Helsinki, Stockholm, and Copenhagen, and via these cities
there are excellent flight connections from
other European destinations.
Oulu Airport is currently used by six airlines, with dozens of flights arriving daily.
Having recently been expanded, the airport and its modernised security check
areas, restaurant and shopping services
and improved parking facilities provide
smooth transfers and a pleasant first impression of Oulu.
Oulu is on! - www.ouluon.fi
3
Great s
r
e
f
f
o
l
a
t
ren
d.
n
a
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n
i
F
in
is.fi
www.av
A creative
city full of
things to do
Oulu is an open-minded and
multifaceted city of events that
believes in creative ideas. Of
course, that goes without saying,
considering that we are talking
about the venue for the Air
Guitar World Championships
and a city where heavy metal
music and flowing jazz can be
heard during one festival.
4
Oulu is on! - www.ouluon.fi
OuluOn Magazine 2012 - www.ouluon.fi
5
J oh n i n
ty
Foger 1.7.
Oulu
OULU
ROCK AND RELAX! ENJOY SUPER BREAKFAST
AFTER BLU DREAMS AND YOU HAVE ENERGY
TO ROCK EVEN MORE!
ROCKS!
An evening of
rock’n’roll hits
ROOMS FROM 91
EUR PER NIGHT
Known as the front man of the legendary Creedence Clearwater
Revival, or CCR for short, John Fogerty will be playing a concert
at the Raati stadium in Oulu on 1 July. Fogerty was the lead
singer and songwriter for CCR, and his country-style rock music
dominated the charts in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
www.piknik.fi
T
he albums of CCR, which hails
from California, have sold over 11
million copies, and classic songs
such as Bad Moon Raising, Proud Mary,
Who’ll Stop The Rain, Cotton Fields, and Up
Around the Bend are still played frequently
around the world. CCR has also given
musical inspiration to many later bands –
Hanoi Rocks from Finland being one band
that has covered CCR’s songs.
6
Fogerty’s solo career, begun in 1973 with
the album The Blue Ridge Rangers, has
also been a success, and the artist is still
going strong. One of Fogerty’s best-known
and most played songs is Rockin’ All Over
The World, which is sure to rouse the audience on the bright July evening.
Finnish top hits
will also include Eppu Normaali, the band
behind many a Finnish classic. With their
15 studio albums, Eppu Normaali represents the best of Finnish pop and rock.
Additional entertainment will be provided
by Austin Miller from Oulu, playing American country-style music in Finnish.
Besides Fogerty, the night’s performers
Oulu is on! - www.ouluon.fi
s in
Upcoming event
Oulu
Conser t
1.7. John Foger ty
ri Picnic
11.–14.7. Rotuaa
k Festival
27.–28.7. Qstoc
2.–5. 8. Elojazz
talli Festival
10.–11.8. Jalome
itar World
22.–24.8. Air Gu
Oulu is on! -m
pionships
Cha www.ouluon.fi
The price is a starting price at Radisson Blu Hotel Oulu
during 3rd July to 11th August 2012. Booking code SUMMER
at www.radissonblu. or call +358 20 1234 700
RADISSON BLU HOTEL
Radisson Blu Hotel Oulu, Hallituskatu 1, 90100 Oulu
7
+358 20 1234 730 sales.oulu@radissonblu.com
radissonblu.fi
Rock at
Qstock!
The last weekend in July is definitely
one of the best summer weekends
in Oulu. This is the time of the all-rock
Qstock festival, when one rock star
after another conquers the stage.
www.qstock.org
ck
o
t
s
Q 28.7.
27.–
Let the party begin
C
elebrating its 10th anniversary in
2012, the festival will take place
near the city centre. The two-day
event attracts about 20,000 festival guests
annually and this year it will offers performances on six stages by some 60 performers.
Rock, pop, metal music, hiphop – this is
what Qstock is about! The festival performers represent a wide variety of music
styles, and they include both international
favourites and top Finnish artists. Musicians from Oulu are also well-represented,
as one of the stages is dedicated for local
performers.
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Oulu is on! - www.ouluon.fi
Having dominated the charts for years,
Roxette is one of the most anticipated performers at Qstock. One of the most successful pop bands in the world, they will
perform a two-hour show, and smash hits
are guaranteed.
The festival mood is sure to be lifted by the
Finnish cello metal band Apocalyptica,
known for its innovative arrangements and
wild performances. Yet the most energetic
stage performance will most likely be provided by Michael Monroe of Hanoi Rocks
fame, whose unique style will certainly
rouse the festival folk.
Bright summer nights, great bands and artists – these are the ingredients of the musical celebrations that Qstock has been offering for the last decade.
Oulu is on! - www.ouluon.fi
9
ulu
O
e
Th gust
Au val
Festi .
.8
6
2
–
.
2
From jazz and
chamber music to metal
www.oulunjuhlaviikot.fi
The Oulu August Festival offers culture and art in both traditional
and surprising settings, from world-class jazz in the middle of the city
to chamber music in a church to air guitar played in the city centre.
Some of the performances take place by the sea, with guitar music on
the cliffs accompanied by the lap of the waves, while hard-core metal
music is offered in a factory setting.
T
Elojazz, 2–5 August
he highlight of the summer in
Oulu, the Oulu August Festival,
offers something for everyone.
The dozens of events and a large variety
of art forms in Oulu and the surrounding
municipalities attract an audience of some
55,000 people annually.
This is the 24th time that the Elojazz festival, offering glorious jazz and soul tunes,
will be held in Oulu. One of the absolute
highlights of the festival is the concert of
Dee Dee Bridgewater, accompanied by
Norrbotten Big Band from Sweden. Other performers include Viktoria Tolstoy
from Sweden and Jimi Tenor & Tony Allen, merging African rhythms and frisky
funk music.
This year, one of the biggest stars of the festival is Dee Dee Bridgewater, a three-time
Grammy winner. This jazz ambassador
from the U.S. will be playing in the opening
concert at the market square on 3 August. In
addition to international top performances,
the festival offers performances combining
various art forms and works of local artists.
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August in the Oulu
region is one big
celebration of culture
Oulunsalo Soi, 3–7 August
In addition to chamber music, the Oulunsalo Soi Chamber Music Festival offers
orchestral and vocal music. This year, the
Oulu is on! - www.ouluon.fi
Oulu is on! - www.ouluon.fi
Other events
festival will boast the Finnish debuts of several internationally successful artists, such
as soprano Elin Rombo, La Scala’s percussion virtuoso Nando Russo, top cembalist
Knut Johannessen, and the music comedy
duo Carrington-Brown.
Koiteli Elää Acoustic Mu
sic
Festival, 18 August
Jalometalli Metal Music
Festival, 10–11 August
Oulu Music Video Festiva
l,
22–26 August
This metal music festival cultivates the
most traditional trends of the genre. Held
now for the 11th time, the festival is the
number one summer event for the friends
of heavy music in Oulu. This year, the performers include artists such as Deicide,
Iced Earth, and Coroner.
Oulun Muusajuhlat fes
tival
of literary art, 11–19 Augu
st
Air Guitar World
Championships, 22–24
Au
Oulu Arts Night, 23 Au
gust
gust
Time Tunnel electronic
dance
music event, 25 August
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Air ld
e
h
T
or
W
r
a nship
t
i
u
G
pio 8.
m
a
Ch 2.–24.
2
Air guitar
festival
– with the right attitude
Oulu is known as a rock’n’roll
town, and not least because
of the Air Guitar World
Championships held in August.
I
www.airguitarwor
ldchampionships.
com
a choreography that they carry on. Body language and timing
are crucial – they are used to express the music,” Aline explains.
n autumn 2011, Aline ”The Devil’s Niece” Westphal from
Germany charmed the audience in the Oulu market
square with a spirited air guitar performance that won
her the Championships title, leaving behind, among other players,
Sylvain ”Günther Love” Quimene from France, who won the last
two Championships.
ond round of the final. The event was followed by over 7,000 people.
“The mood was great. The contestants were like one big family,
each cheering the others on. Of course, on the stage you forgot
about your fellow contestants and concentrated on giving a good
performance and driving the audience wild,” Aline says, laughing.
“The competition was hard and even, with the national champions from several countries and experienced Championships
veterans giving great performances,” Aline says.
The formula for a great
air guitar performance
In the first round, Aline’s character, The Devil’s Niece, charmed
the judges and the audience alike with the song of her choice, The
Pretender by the Foo Fighters, which she performed with great
dynamism. What nailed the victory was her interpretation of
Without a Face by Rage Against the Machine, mandatory for all
contestants in the second round.
The air guitarists certainly embraced the stage, giving energetic
performances with kicks and jumps.
Destination: Oulu
“To me, playing an air guitar is like dancing. Each performer has
As a student of media and pop culture, Aline started her air guitar
career in 2009, when she learned the secrets of the trade as part
In 2011, the competition was a dominated by female air guitarists. Besides Aline, four other female air guitar virtuosos took part in the sec-
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OuluOn Magazine 2012 - www.ouluon.fi
OuluOn Magazine 2012 - www.ouluon.fi
of a study-related research paper. One thing led to another, and
eventually Aline took part in the German Championships, securing the victory in 2011. The next destination, then, was the World
Championships in Oulu.
“It was an amazing experience, and I really enjoyed my stay in
Oulu. The people were very friendly, and the food was really
good. My absolute favourite were the Karelian pasties,” says
Aline, who even learnt a few words of Finnish during her visit.
In 2012, the Air Guitar World Championships will be held on
22–24 August. We hope to see you there – and remember, it’s the
attitude that counts!
13
Inspiration for
environmental art
The Oulu region
– activities in
abundance
T
he Oulu region provides an abundance of activities and events that
are well worth exploring. There is
something for everyone, from nature and
culture to sports.
T
he communal ART Ii Biennale
will be held for the third time in
2012. The main administrator for
the biennale, Timo Jokela, MA, professor
at the Faculty of Art and Design at the University of Lapland, has chosen esteemed
artists from the Faroe Islands, Iceland,
Russia, Sweden, Cameroon, and Finland to
create the art work. The creation will begin
on 6 June.
‘The artists will create their pieces in ten
days, in collaboration with the locals. The
residents of Ii look forward to the biennale
every year. Besides locals, other art enthusiasts are also welcome to help the artists in
their task,’ says Mari Maunu, executive director at the KulttuuriKauppila art centre.
The diverse nature offers opportunities for
a large variety of activities. Watching the
World Championships in swamp soccer,
water skiing, and adventures in an historic
setting are just a few of the things to do in
the Oulu region in summer.
In 2012, this biennale of environmental
and sculpture art will be organised in international collaboration with the Arctic
State Institute of Culture and Art located
in Yakutia, Russia.
The activities and tourist attractions in
Oulu are accessible by car and by bus.
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The international artists participating in the ART
Ii Biennale derive inspiration from the unique
Northern nature and the people living here.
Oulu is on! - www.ouluon.fi
Oulu is on! - www.ouluon.fi
Art along a scenic route
The outdoor art from this year’s biennale,
as well as from previous biennales, can be
viewed all year round. The cultural route
in Ii runs from the KulttuuriKauppila art
centre via the environmental art park to
Wanha Hamina, a harbour and market
area from the 14th century with significant
cultural historic value.
Located along route E75 to the north, Ii
and its environmental art are easily accessible from Oulu. By car, the journey takes
only 20 minutes. The art park for the new
works of art is located by the river, right
next to the highway, providing even passers-by with glimpses of the pieces.
‘The seminar will be held on 13 June, and
the Amy Dempsey, PhD, a respected art
historian and writer, is to be the keynote
speaker. Her achievements include working in galleries in New York and Washington DC, and writing articles for several museums in London, such as the Tate Modern
and the Victoria and Albert Museum,’
Maunu explains.
While at the biennale, you may also want
to have a look at the summer exhibition of
Finnish art at the KulttuuriKauppila art
centre. Workshops for children and outdoor concerts will also be held during the
art events.
Amy Dempsey to be
keynote speaker
As in previous years, an art seminar will
be held in conjunction with the biennale.
In summer 2012, the topic of the seminar
will be modern Nordic art and the environment.
www.artii.fi
15
Festival feeling at the
World Championships
of swamp soccer
www.ukkohalla.fi
Football and a wet swamp. These are the makings of one of
the most extraordinary and popular events in Northern Finland,
the World Championships in swamp soccer.
C
onsidering the number of teams taking part in the World
Championships – over 300 – this sport obviously provides a
strange attraction. Played in the wilderness of Kainuu, over
the years the tournament has become an international event, with
participants from as far away as Spain, Russia, Germany, and Sweden.
The World
Championships
of swamp soccer
13.-14.7.
Besides games, the tournament is great for socialising and attending the entertaining Swamp Rock music events. In summer
2012, local companies, their products and services will also have a
visible presence in the tournament area.
Take advantage of the services at Ukkohalla
The good cheer during the matches and the sports festival mood on
the swamp attract plenty of spectators to the tournament, too. During the Championships weekend, up to 30,000 people come to enjoy this unique event, held on the Vuorisuo swamp in Hyrynsalmi.
This year, the legendary swamp soccer tournament will take place
on 13–14 July.
The Vuorisuo tournament area is located about 27 kilometres from
the idyllic Ukkohalla tourist resort, giving you a great opportunity to try cable wakeboarding in this village-like resort during the
swamp soccer tournament weekend.
Sports and carnival spirit
There are also plenty of other accommodation options near the
tournament area and elsewhere in the Kainuu region, from tents to
hotel suites.
This crazy event was the brainchild of a local top skier, who wanted
to use the swamps for his summer practice in the 1990s. The competition category is as sporty as it gets. Among the participating
teams in the most intense battles of summer 2012 are both men’s
and women’s Swedish Champions. Apart from the competition and
business categories, the tournament involves carnival-style fun and
wearing the most peculiar outfits for the matches.
Located 170 kilometres from Oulu Airport, the World Championships in swamp soccer and the Ukkohalla resort are easily accessible by hire car.
www.oulu.com
16
Oulu is on! - www.ouluon.fi
Oulu is on! - www.ouluon.fi
17
Stunts
on water
Time travel to the
Stone Age
At the Ukkohalla tourist resort, skis and boards are also used in summer.
The resort boasts Finland’s only cable wakeboarding track, which is also
the northernmost track in the world, challenging you to perform wild stunts
combining water, speed, and obstacles situated along the track.
J
ust to be clear: the track is indeed
in water, and the aim is to skim
across the surface of the lake on
skis or a wakeboard while holding on to a
rope connected to an overhead cable system. The speed is usually about 30 km/h,
but the top wakeboarders may go as fast
as 60 km/h.
Popular around the world, this dynamic
summer sport demands strength and
technique. It’s also a great way to cool
www.ukkohalla.fi
18
The biggest historic tourist attraction in Finland, the Kierikki Stone Age
Centre will transport you back in time. This archaeological exhibition and
activity centre is located approximately a 45-minute drive from the centre
of Oulu, and it brings the past back to life in a unique way.
T
he Kierikki Centre boasts an entire village demonstrating what life was like in the Stone Age. The village is a
reconstructed model of villages that existed in the area
5,000–6,000 years ago, uncovered in archaeological excavations.
Visitors reach the site via a wide pathway made of logs, running
along the banks of the Iijoki River. If you had lived in the Stone
Age, would you have preferred a one-room house or a large terraced house?
down in hot weather, as you are bound to
plop into the refreshing lake water once
or twice. But after you get the knack of it,
your stunts are limited only by your imagination.
The Ukkohalla tourist resort and the cable wakeboarding track are located only
a couple of hours from Oulu, making
both day trips and longer stays feasible.
Whichever your choice, you are sure to
find fantastic views and great activities.
You can explore the activities in Kierikki on your own or on guided tours. Access is easy even with a pram or a wheelchair.
The archaeological exhibition in the Kierikki Stone Age Centre is
also well worth a visit. It displays pre-historic items, the majority
Oulu is on! - www.ouluon.fi
www.kierikki.fi
Oulu is on! - www.ouluon.fi
of which were found in the Kierikki area, which was a busy settlement and trading place in its time.
Stone Age skills
If you want to try your hand at typical Stone Age chores, such as
carving a wooden sculpture with stone tools, you can do so on one
of the guided programme tours or at the Stone Age fair, held between 27 and 29 July.
Should you wish to linger in the Stone Age for longer than a day
visit, the Kierikki Hotel offers comfortable accommodation by a
small pond. Before returning to the present day, don’t forget to
visit the museum shop for some Stone Age souvenirs.
19
www.geoparkchallenge.com
Geopa
Challe rk
ng e
20.–22
.7.
Adventure sports
at their best
Rokua Geopark Challenge is Finland’s toughest adventure sports
competition, which sets its participants increasingly tough challenges over
the various competition categories. The race venue is the unique terrain and
nature of Rokua Geopark - the only Geopark in Finland and the northernmost
in the world. The Geopark network is supported by UNESCO.
H
eld for the first time in summer
2011, the competition measures
speed, fitness, and wit. In 2011
the competition consisted of two categories, with more than 60 teams participating.
The 24-hour Extreme category offered
ultimate boundary-breaking challenges,
which certainly sorted the wheat from the
chaff. The race course, 230 kilometres in
20
length, included mountain biking, climbing, canoeing, and swimming, with the
main purpose of challenging the competitors’ stamina. This was a team competition,
with three members in each team. In addition to excellent physical condition, the
competition also called for courage – in
summer 2011, among other challenges, the
contestants had to take a 5-metre leap from
a cliff into water.
The 6-hour Adventure race was intended
for those wanting an adventurous workout.
The hours flew past while the participants
fought for first place in dive-orienteering,
canoeing, and at task points.
The competition will take place in Rokua
Geopark again in 2012. Do you have what
it takes to win the challenge?
Oulu is on! - www.ouluon.fi
A paradise for wildlife watching
There are several bird-watching areas
and towers in the Oulu region, where you
can spot and photograph various interesting
species. With its good traffic connections,
Oulu is also a great base for bear or wolverine
watching treks to the Kuhmo wilderness.
L
ocated only a 20-minute drive from Oulu, the Liminganlahti wetland is a great destination for bird-watchers. The
Liminganlahti area is used for nesting by over 100 species,
with a total of about 250 species encountered there every year, and
you may see both southern and northern species during one trip.
Thanks to the short distances, self-guided treks with binoculars or
cameras are a good option. Yet the best bird-watching spots can be
found with the help of Finnature’s skilled guides.
The Liminganlahti Visitor Centre provides plenty of useful information and expert help to ensure a successful bird-watching
trip. The exhibition at the Visitor Centre introduces you to the
enchanting world of birds, while the restaurant offers tasty snacks
Oulu is on! - www.ouluon.fi
for the hungry. Accommodation is also available in the hotel right
next to the bird activities.
Go wild
Located approximately a 3-hour drive from Oulu, Kuhmo provides excellent opportunities for capturing pictures of bears,
wolves, and wolverines in their natural habitat.
The best way to find these animals is to go on a photography and
watching tour organised by Wild Brown Bear. A night spent in a
hut, waiting for these great predators to arrive, is sure to be a memorable experience. Wild Brown Bear’s guided photography and
watching tours will also increase your knowledge of the animals’
ways of life.
21
www.liminganlahti.fi, www.finnature.fi, www.wbb.fi
Enjoy the summer with Hertz
YOU ARE HERE
IN THE CITY, IN THE HEART OF LIFE
SOKOS HOTEL ARINA
Sunny, warm and full of activities... summer is here!
Why not expolre Finland with its beautiful lakes? How about getting to
know the cities and their history? Or just having a beautiful weekend
break in the archipelago? Enjoy the best of Finland this summer with
Hertz.
A car for every occasion
Whether you want to rent something simple to get from A to B,
right through to a Volvo C70 Convertible in our Prestige Collection,
we have a car for every occasion.
Simply book on www.hertz. or call our Hertz Reservation Centre
+358 (0)200 11 22 33
(0.75€/min + local network charge)
For a better journey
22
Oulu is on! - www.ouluon.fi
The roots of Sokos Hotel Arina, which is part of the Finnish,
nationwide Sokos Hotels chain, go back to 1938.
The elegant functionalist building has later gone through
major changes, and today Sokos Hotel Arina is a modern
urban hotel in the heart of Oulu near the revamped pedestrian street, Rotuaari. In addition to accommodation,
we provide a wide range of restaurant and meeting services
conveniently located under one roof. We can also help you
book a comprehensive range of leisure packages for culture
trips, wellbeing, fun and favourite attractions for families
with children. Check out what we have to offer at
www.sokoshotels.fi!
Enquiries and bookings:
Sokos Hotel Arina, tel. +358 8 3123 255
or sales.oulu@sokoshotels.fi
Sokos Hotel Arina
Pakkahuoneenkatu 16, 90100 Oulu
+358 8 3123 111
www.sokoshotels.
Oulu is on! - www.ouluon.fi
23
Sandy
beaches
and sun
As the bright sun shines it raises the
temperature near to +30°C which warms the
sea nicely for a swim. The sun shines through
the night during summer, so you can enjoy a
beach holiday all day long. The midnight sun
is well worth the visit.
Why not combine an active beach holiday
with nature treks and culture – not
forgetting some nice shopping?
24
Oulu is on! - www.ouluon.fi
Oulu is on! - www.ouluon.fi
25
Holiday
delights
in Kalajoki
Active relaxation
at Nallikari
If what you want from a holiday is sun, endless
sandy beaches, sea air, and activities, Kalajoki
is definitely the destination for you.
T
he Riviera of the North’, Kalajoki
offers great opportunities for recreational activities. Here you will
find the longest sandy beach in Finland, offering enough space for sun-bathing, beach
volley, water activities, and children’s
games alike.
Kalajoki and its sea winds provide excellent conditions for surfing. If you are new
to the sport, why not sign up for a beginner’s course? This could be the start of a
great new hobby!
For more refreshing sea air, you can take
a cruise to the Kallankari islands, located
20 kilometres out to sea. The Maakalla and
Ulkokalla islands used to function as bases
for fishermen, who can still find bountiful
catches in the region. Today, visitors come
to the islands to see attractions such as the
museum exhibiting the life of fishermen
and the lighthouse at Ulkokalla.
26
www.kalajoki.fi
Water slides and
amusement rides
The Nallikari recreation and tourism area
offers activities for people of all ages and is
a wonderful holiday destination for families.
Nallikari makes it possible to combine a
beach holiday with a city break.
Boasting wild water slides and amusement
park rides, the Jukupark water park in Kalajoki is one of the most popular attractions
among families with children. The park
also offers a sunbathing area with deck
chairs as well as a restaurant and café services. And a great way to end a fun day in
the water park is to visit the SaniFani spa
for some relaxation. A holiday in Kalajoki
will provide lovely memories for years to
come!
T
he long, sandy beach and shallow waters at Nallikari provide the perfect ingredients for an active beach holiday. Besides splashing in the sea, you can try beach volley, beach
tennis, or mini golf on the nearby course. The Nallisport sports hall
and Sokos Hotel Eden spa provide plenty to do even on a rainy day.
For golfing enthusiasts, the 18-hole golf
course will provide holiday challenges for
several days.
More amusement to fill a summer day can be found at the
Vauhtipuisto Speedpark with its super slide, electric cars, House
of Fun, and plenty of other activities. The Speedpark will keep you
entertained for hours, no matter how old you are.
Kalajoki offers a wide range of accommodation options as well as many interesting
summer events, from culture to sports to
entertainment.
The unique jewel of Oulu
If you want a bit of variety from the beach, head to Oulu city centre
for some shopping and great cultural attractions. The 3-kilometre
journey along the riverbank is just a short walk on foot or a quick
bike ride, but you may also want to try the Potnapekka train bus,
particularly popular with children.
Known as ‘the jewel of Oulu’, Nallikari offers lovely wildlife and
lots of activities all year round. To further improve the Nallikari
beach and make this jewel shine even brighter, a € 2.5-million development project has been planned for 2012–2013.
Located about 3 kilometres from Oulu city centre, Nallikari provides hotel and cabin accommodation as well as a camping site.
Oulu is on! - www.ouluon.fi
Oulu is on! - www.ouluon.fi
27
www.nallikari.info
Hailuoto
– an island
full of experiences
Seaside
ambiance
Hailuoto is a perfect place for nature lovers,
boaters, and holiday-makers looking for activities.
Located about 50 kilometres from Oulu, this
idyllic island offers peace and quiet in natural
surroundings, culture, and adventures.
T
he crossing to Hailuoto, a halfhour trip by ferry, is a memorable
experience offering fantastic
sea views. On the island, you are greeted
by traditional Finnish landscapes, sandy
beaches, and sunshine in the summer.
Hailuoto has been shaped by the sea and
the wind. Besides beach activities, the island offers great opportunities for hiking,
fishing, and bird-watching. The best way to
get to know your surroundings is to pack
some lunch and go hiking. Other options
include biking and canoeing – equipment
is available for hire on the island.
See the heart of Hailuoto
While on the island, you should definitely
try the local fish delicacies. Fish can be
bought directly from fishermen at the fish
market hall, and the fish smokehouse,
opened early in 2012, creates mouth-
28
Located about an hour’s drive from Oulu, Raahe is a
seaside town with a charming old district of wooden
house, Old Raahe. The scenic archipelago off the Raahe
shore also attracts visitors on lovely summer days.
watering delicacies. The restaurants on
Hailuoto also offer tasty fish dishes.
Between lying on the beach and hiking,
why not fit in some culture as well? The island boasts some great cultural attractions,
such as Huone nro 8, a documentary and
art gallery, and the Hai Art exhibitions
and events showcasing international musical art. If these leave you hungry for more,
check the Hailuoto event calendar. Other
cultural events include the Bättre Folk festival of modern folk music, the Hailuoto
Theatre Festival, and the traditional Siikamarkkinat fair.
www.raahe.fi
Y
ou can still sense the 19th century busy atmosphere of
the seaside town along the narrow lanes in Old Raahe.
People have been walking these same lanes to the market
square and to the seashore for centuries. The heart of Old Raahe is
the Pekkatori market square, where the statue of Count Per Brahe,
the founder of Raahe, looks out to sea.
Hailuoto, its nature, and art exhibitions
provide plenty to explore for several days.
If you wish to spend the night, there are
plenty of accommodation options, from a
hotel to an inn to rural cabins.
www.hailuoto.fi
Some of the great attractions in Raahe are the museums. One of
the town’s museums, for example, houses the world’s oldest diving
suit, dating back to the 18th century, while the Wanha Apteekki
apothecary museum, displaying a large number of jars and pots,
boasts one of the most valuable pharmacy-related collections in
Finland.
Oulu is on! - www.ouluon.fi
Oulu is on! - www.ouluon.fi
A trip to a northern archipelago
If you wish to head out to sea, we recommended stopping first at
Pikkulahden Palvelut, offering canoeing instruction and equipment for hire. The best places for canoeing and the most breathtaking views are easiest to find with the help of skilled guide. The
islands off the Raahe shore offer sandy beaches and little cottages
where you can have a break from canoeing, enjoy a spot of lunch
and bask in the sun amidst the wonderful seascapes.
Should you desire a longer sea voyage, the stately Raahen Fiia
sailing ship provides charter cruises lasting from a few hours to
a couple of days.
29
VISITING OULU?
If you’re planning to visit Oulu this summer, stay at our modern hotel.
Scandic Oulu is located in Oulu’s city centre, offering comfortable
accommodation with a fresh Nordic design. The hotel makes
a perfect base for exploring Oulu’s attractions.
Bookings and further information: scandichotels.com/oulu
Saaristonkatu 4, 90100 Oulu, Finland
Telephone +358 8 543 1000
oulu@scandichotels.com
scandichotels.com
30
Oulu is on! - www.ouluon.fi
Oulu is on! - www.ouluon.fi
31
To the golf green
www.oulugolf.fi, www.kalajokigolf.fi, www.paltamogolf.fi, www.virpiniemigolf.fi, www.vuokatti.fi
You may well want to take your best golf clubs with
you for a trip to Oulu – the golf courses in the region
offer great challenges for anyone into the game.
A
ll packed? When the nose of the plane points to Oulu, it
is time to consider your game strategy among the ridges
and ponder how the sea wind will affect your swing – especially if you are sitting next to someone you definitely will want
to beat on the green the next day.
Ready to play
After a good night’s sleep, a tasty breakfast at the hotel, and a
short city tour it is time to head to the golf club. To surprise your
opponents with the most amazing strokes of the summer, consult the local players before the round for the best tips for the
course.
The 15-minute taxi or bus ride from the airport to your hotel gives
you time to choose the best golf course for the next day. Located
20 kilometres from the centre of Oulu, the 18-hole golf course in
Virpiniemi offers ridges, dunes, sea views, and occasionally additional challenges from the wind. Another option is the Sankivaara
golf club, located about a 20-minute car ride from the city centre
and offering two 18-hole courses.
While your opponent is considering whether to go around or
over the water obstacle, you can already start thinking about
the best place for dinner later. After an exciting round of golf,
we recommend trying one of the great steak restaurants in the
city centre. From there it is easy to continue to a local pub for
the evening.
Because of the warm and bright summer nights you can also play
golf in the middle of the night. Midnight sun golf is definitely
something every golfer should experience.
When you’ve chosen a restaurant for dinner, it is time to start
thinking about your next stroke and the best club for it. Winning
is never easy on the challenging golf courses in Oulu.
32
Oulu is on! - www.ouluon.fi
A day trip to golf resorts
If you are on a winning streak, why not continue it with a day or two
in any of the other golf resorts in the region?
Located in scenic Paltamo, a couple of hours’ drive from Oulu, a
full-sized golf course provides a challenge for even the most skilled
players. Drive 40 minutes further, and you will find the Vuokatti
golf course nestled among lovely lakes and heaths. Here, not even
the most enthusiastic golfer needs to wait for the course to open in
the morning, as it is located right next to the hotel.
In the popular Kalajoki Resort, an 18-hole golf course offers long
fairways and some nice putting challenges. Located about a 2-hour
drive from Oulu, the club also boasts excellent practice areas for
perfecting your swing before the actual game.
Oulu is on! - www.ouluon.fi
33
First-class
accommodation
I
n the Oulu region you are guaranteed a good night’s sleep, as the
comprehensive and high-quality
range of accommodation makes it easy to
something suitable. The city centre offers
both international chain hotels as well as
smaller alternatives. You can also choose
from comfortable local and tourism industry hotels, hostels, holiday and city apartments, cabins, and camping sites such as
the Nallikari holiday village on the shore
not far from the centre.
The hotels in the heart of the centre offer
service with their quality rooms, but most
of all with their excellent location a stone’s
throw from cultural and shopping opportunities. Just a little further away from the
34
Culinary experiences
from near and far
A relaxed spot of lunch, dinner in a restaurant brimming with
ambience, or in a gourmet restaurant serving ethnic cuisine
– Oulu offers a great variety of places to eat.
centre are high-quality and characterful
accommodation alternatives. Suitable accommodation can be found for any tourist,
whether good traffic connections, peaceful
nature or spas are what you’re looking for.
W
Sweet dreams can also be found in accommodation surrounded by activities organised by the region’s tourism centres, where
the nearby nature and good service form a
perfect experience. Oulu’s many international-level hotels serve guests attending
meetings and congresses.
hen deciding where to eat, you can choose culinary experiences from practically anywhere in the world, from spaghetti in a cosy Italian restaurant to Tex-Mex dishes in an
authentic Mexican-style setting to a tender steak, washed down with
Viking beer. In many restaurants, the menus also include local delicacies, which any visitor to Oulu should definitely try at least once.
After dinner, we recommend heading to one of the local pubs for
a digestive drink, or if you feel like dancing the night away, the
nightclubs in Oulu are open into the small hours. On the way back
to your accommodation, do as the locals do and pop in to a latenight pizzeria for a snack.
It is also worth trying the hotels’ comfortable and diverse restaurants. Many of them
serve local regional food.
Oulu is on! - www.ouluon.fi
Oulu is on! - www.ouluon.fi
Unique restaurant environments
Some of the restaurants in Oulu are not quite what most people
are used to. If you are looking for new experiences, why not enjoy
your meal in a romantic farmhouse kitchen or in a hut amidst unspoilt nature?
You can also combine culinary pleasures with exciting experiences by fishing, hunting, or gathering berries or mushrooms for
your own meal. Lessons on traditional cooking methods are also
available, utilising campfires instead of a modern kitchen.
35
Service directory / Travel Marketing Oulu Ltd co-operation partners
Accommodation
The Official Air Guitar Hotel
Cumulus Oulu, Kajaaninkatu 17
HI Ouluwww.facebook.com/cumulus.fi
matkailu - Kids 210x140 EN vekt.ai
1
Reservations www.hotelworld.fi
or +358 (0)8 882 7111
8.5.2012
13.21
Airport Hotel
www.airporthotel.fi
BEST WESTERN Hotel Apollo
www.hotelapollo.fi
BEST WESTERN
Hotel Samantta
www.samantta.fi
Cumulus Oulu
www.cumulus.fi
Emolahti Hiekat
www.emolahti.fi
Forenom apartments Oulu
www.forenom.fi
Forenom Hotel Oulu
www.forenom.fi
Holiday Inn Oulu
www.finland.holidayinn.com
Hotel Iso-Syöte
www.hotelli-isosyote.fi
Lasaretti Hotel Restaurant
www.lasaretti.com
Kalajoki Camping
www.camping-hiekkasarkat.fi
Kotimaailma Oulu
www.kotimaailma.com
Spa Hotel Sani
www.kalajokiresort.fi
Nallikari Holiday Village
www.nallikari.fi
POHTO Hotel Kortteeri
www.pohto.fi
Radisson Blu Hotel Oulu
www.radissonblu.fi
Rokua Health&Spa
www.rokua.com
Scandic Oulu
www.scandichotels.fi
Sokos Hotel Arina
www.sokoshotels.fi
Sokos Hotel Oulun Eden
www.sokoshotels.fi
Virpiniemi Sport Hostel
www.virpiniemi.fi
Restaurants
Amarillo
www.amarillo.fi
Anna & Albert
www.anna-albert.fi
Coffee House
www.coffeehouse.fi
Fransmanni
www.fransmanni.fi
Grill it!
www.grillit.fi
Harald
www.ravintolaharald.fi
Heinäkenkä
www.karaokebar.net
36
Oulu is on! - www.ouluon.fi
Oulu is on! - www.ouluon.fi
Hevimesta
www.hevimesta.com
Hot NightClub
www.hotnightclub.fi
Kantis
www.kantis.net
Karaoke Bar
www.karaokebar.net
Karaoke Pub Aitta 22
www.karaokebar.net
Maikkula Estate
www.maikkulankartano.fi
Nightclub Tähti
www.nightclubtahti.fi
Paloaseman Ullakko
www.paloasemanullakko.fi
Pepper´s
www.karaokebar.net
Pub Graali
www.graali.fi
Pub Linja 25
www.arina.fi
Restaurant Toripolliisi
www.toripolliisi.fi
Rosso
www.rosso.fi
Sokeri-Jussin Kievari
www.sokerijussi.fi
Torero
www.torero.fi
Vanha Paloasema
Bar & Bistro
www.vanhapaloasema.fi
Wilbert
www.karaokebar.net
Yöhuikka
www.yohuikka.fi
Culture
and events
Local arts and crafts
museums in the area
www.ouka.fi/ppm/
maakunnallinen/
yhteystietoja.htm
Iin Kulttuurikauppila
www.kulttuurikauppila.fi
Sailor’s home museum
www.ouka.fi/ppm/
merimiesmuseo
Meri Oulu Cultural Society/
Summer theatre
Meri Oulu
www.merioulu.fi
Oskari Jauhiainen
museum
www.jauhiaisenmuseo.fi
Oulu City Theatre
teatteri.ouka.fi
Oulun Kulttuuritapahtumayhdistys
www.oulunjuhlaviikot.fi
Oulu Museum of Art
www.ouka.fi/taidemuseo
Oulu Sinfonia
www.oulusinfonia.fi
Northern Photographic Centre
www.pohjoinenvalokuva
keskus.fi
The Northern
Ostrobothnia museum
www.ouka.fi/ppm
Pro Piknik Festivals
www.piknik.fi
Qstock
www.qstock.org
Teatteri Rio theatre
www.teatteririo.fi
Turkansaari open-air museum
www.ouka.fi/ppm/turkansaari
Find out more about culture
and events in Oulu region
from www.ouluon.fi
Activities and
programme
services
Finnature
www.finnature.fi
Go Arctic!
www.goarctic.fi
Stone Age Centre
www.kierikki.fi
Maritime Oulu
/Oulu Laiva
www.merellinenoulu.com
Oulu Lines
www.oululines.fi
Oulun Sports&Karting
Center
www.sportskartingcenter.fi
RTG Ready To Go
www.readytogo.fi
Science Centre Tietomaa
www.tietomaa.fi
Vauhtipuisto
www.vauhtipuisto.fi
Wild Brown Bear
www.wbb.fi
Other services
Avis
www.avis.fi
Business Oulu /
Congress Oulu
www.congressoulu.fi
Europcar
www.europcar.fi
Finavia
www.finavia.fi
Hertz
www.hertz.fi
Huiput
www.huiput.fi
Keskipisteen Matkailu
Tourism Services
www.keskipiste.info
Konffa PCO
www.konffa.fi
Merilä Manor
www.utajarvi.com/
merilankartano
Oulu City Tourist Office
www.visitoulu.fi
Oulu Congress Techniques
www.oktoy.fi
Oulun koru
www.oulunkoru.fi
Oulun Taksipalvelut
www.ouluntaksipalvelut.fi
Pukumies Oulu
www.pukumies.fi
Stockmann Oulu
www.stockmann.com
Vocational College Luovi
www3.luovi.fi
Find out more about shops,
restaurants, cafés and other
services in Oulu
city centre from
www.rotuaari.info
Municipalities
and regional travel
destinations
Municipality of Hailuoto
www.hailuoto.fi
Municipality of Haukipudas
www.haukipudas.fi
Iilaakso
www.iilaakso.fi
CIty of Kalajoki
www.kalajokimatkailu.fi
Municipality of Kiiminki
www.kiiminki.fi
Municipality of Liminka
www.liminka.fi
Municipality of Muhos
www.muhos.fi
Municipality of Oulunsalo
www.oulunsalo.fi
Rokua
www.rokua.com
Syöte
www.syote.fi
Ukkohalla
www.ukkohalla.fi
Virpiniemi
www.virpiniemi.fi
Vuokatti
www.vuokatti.fi
37
Events calendar
www.ouluon.fi
Oulu and Oulu Region
MAY
25 May–18 Jun
26 May
Suomen Tivoli in Oulu, amusement park that goes from town to town.
Terwahölkkä race and marathon, traditional race competition in Oulu.
JUNE
6–15 Jun
7–8 Jun
9 Jun
8–10 Jun
15–16 Jun
15–17 Jun
20 Jun–18 Aug
21–22 Jun
21–23 Jun
22–27 Jun
25 Jun–1 Jul
29–30 Jun
29–30 Jun
30 Jun
ART Ii Biennale, ecologically sustainable artworks in Ii.
Geopark 2012, Geopark seminar in Rokua.
Ii Salmon market, Ii.
Kalajoki X-games, extreme sports festival and competition, Kalajoki.
28th Tar rowing on the Oulujoki river, through a historical tar route, Vaala-Oulu.
Kalajoki Beach Football, one of the highlights of the Finnish football summer, Kalajoki.
Naurava kulkuri theatre restaurant,
great summer programme with theatre and music, Oulu.
Midsummer rally, traditional rally sprint competition at­tracting around 150 participants
racing against the clock to reach the top of Iso-Syöte fell, Pudasjärvi.
Kalajoki Midsummer party, midsummer festival, Kalajoki.
Tar burn week in Turkansaari, interesting demonstrations about tar burning, Oulu.
Haapavesi Folk Music Festival, international festival where folk music is combined with
enjoyable church concerts, jazz, children’s music, dance and theatre, Haapavesi.
Oulu HipHop Festival, the biggest hiphop festival in northern Finland, Oulu.
Nallikari Beach Soccer, beach soccer tournament, Oulu.
Rokua Geopark offroad marathon, Rokua Health&Spa is the centre of the event, Rokua.
JULY
1 Jul
1–6 Jul
2–8 Jul
6–7 Jul
7 Jul
7–8 Jul
8 Jul
11–14 Jul
38
Piknik LIVE: John Fogerty concert, in Raati stadium, Oulu.
Kainuu Orienteering Week 2012, an orienteering and holiday
week for the whole family in Kajaani.
Tervastiima, tar tradition week in YliKiiminki.
Jyrkkä 2012 Rock Festival,top bands and an unforget­table atmosphere, Pudasjärvi.
Logger´s game in Ii, event for the whole family, Ii.
International pedigree cat show, Kempele.
Piippolan vaari children’s song festival, children’s music, magic and a children’s song
festival in Piippola.
Rotuaari Picnic, city festival with music, dance and food, Oulu.
Oulu is on! - www.ouluon.fi
13–14 Jul 14 Jul
14–15 Jul 19–22 Jul
20–22 Jul
22–26 Jul
22–29 Jul 26–28 Jul
27–28 Jul 27–29 Jul
27–29 Jul
27–29 Jul
Swamp Soccer World Championships, just like a regular soccer game,
except the field is a sludgy bog, Ukkohalla.
Swamp Rock, music event, Ukkohalla.
International dog show, Oulu.
Finnish baseball East-West 2012,
event with the world’s best Finnish baseball players, Sotkamo.
Rokua Geopark Challenge II, adventure sports competi­tion, Rokua.
Full Moon Dance Festival, Finnish and international dance performances
and an extensive range of dance courses, Pyhäjärvi.
Circus Finlandia in Oulu, the most famous circus in Finland.
Raahe Jazz on the Beach Festival,
modern and contemporary quality jazz festival, Raahe.
Qstock rock festival, island of Kuusisaari, Oulu.
Huippuajot MP, motorcycle meet at Iso-Syöte fell.
Featuring terrific bikes and a great programme, Pudasjärvi.
Hailuoto Theatre Festival, amazing tour featuring theatre, discussion,
dance and acrobatics, Hailuoto.
Kierikki Stone Age Market,
workshops and exhibitions in the reconstructed Stone Age Village, Yli-ii.
AUGUST
2–26 Aug
Oulu August Festival, this cross-disciplinary festival features world-class music for every
taste and culminates in the Air Guitar World Championships.
Events include:
2–5 Aug
3–8 Aug
10–11 Aug 18 Aug
22–24 Aug
22–26 Aug
23 Aug
25 Aug
3–4 Aug
16–18 Aug
18 Aug
23–25 Aug
24–25 Aug 24–26 Aug 25 Aug
Sotkamon Syke 2012, music festival, Sotkamo.
International Oulu Grand Fair, located in Raksila Fair Centre, near Oulu city center.
Likkojen lenkki, a mix of exercise, fun and great music for women, Oulu.
Vuokatti Dance Festival, an international dance event for adults over 30, Vuokatti.
Venetian festival on the Hiekkasärkät sand dunes,
closing of the summer season and opening of the autumn season, Kalajoki.
Hailuoto Ride 2012, race meeting for motorcyclists, Nallikari. Vuokatti MTB, mountain biking event, Vuokatti.
Oulu is on! - www.ouluon.fi
Elojazz, Oulu
Oulunsalo soi chamber music festival and Hailuoto Day
Jalometalli - metal music festival
Koiteli elää 2012 - Acoustic music festival
17th Air Guitar World Championships, Oulu
XVIXOulu Music Video Festival
Oulu Arts Night
19th Time Tunnel, electronic music festival
39
Experience
Oulu Region
www.ouluon.fi
40
Oulu is on! - www.ouluon.fi