Jenny Lucander's illustration of the churches in Oulu area.

Illustration: Jenny Lucander

Sights and activities for travellers

The Evangelical-Lutheran Church in Oulu offers a lot to see, do and experience during your visit in Oulu – everything from second hand finds to beautiful churches with interesting details and stories. Lue matkailuvinkit suomeksi.

Roadside churches

Jenny Lucander's illustration of Sofia Magdalenas church.

Oulu Cathedral, Sofia Magdalena’s Church - Kirkkokatu 3 A, 90100 Oulu
26 May – 31 August, Mon–Sun 10 am – 8 pm

The Oulu Cathedral, located in the center of Oulu, was originally built in 1777 as a tribute to Gustav III, the king of Sweden – and therefore the cathedral was named after his wife Sofia Magdalena. The wooden structures of the old church burned in a large fire in 1822, and the cathedral was rebuilt on top of the old stone walls with famous architect Carl Ludvig Engel as the designer. The restoration work was completed in 1832. The Oulu Cathedral is open daily, from Monday to Sunday, 26 May – 31 August 10 am – 8 pm. The ongoing facade restoration can affect entering the church: some of the doors may occasionally be closed, but access to the church will always be arranged through one of the doors. The Pikku-Sofia Church in the churchyard is closed due to restoration work. Mass on Sundays at 10 am. The church is accessible.

You can also visit the Oulu Cathedral and get acquainted with its history and art on a free virtual tourLinkki avautuu uudessa välilehdessä, which is also available in English.

Jenny Lucander's illustration of the Haukipudas church.
Haukipudas Church - Kirkkotie 10, 90830 Haukipudas
9 June – 1 August, Mon–Thurs 12 am – 6 pm, Fri 12 am – 5 pm

The wooden Haukipudas Church, decorated with beautiful and vivid paintings by Mikael Toppelius, was completed in 1762. The church is open for visitors 9 June - 1 August, from Monday to Thursday 12 am – 6 pm and on Fridays 12 am – 5pm. Closed on Midsummer’s Eve, 20th of June. Mass on Sundays at 10 am. The church is accessible, free parking.

Jenny Lucander's illustration of the Oulunsalo church.
Oulunsalo Church - Uhrikirkonkuja 2, 90460 Oulunsalo
30 June - 27 July, Mon-Fri 11 am - 4 pm

The wooden Oulunsalo Church, designed by architect Julius Basilier, was completed in 1891. The church is open for visitors 30 June - 27 July, Mon-Fri 11 am - 4 pm. There is coffee service at the church Mon–Tue from 12 pm to 3 pm. Coffee/tea/juice and a sweet bun for 2 euros; the income goes towards the Common Responsibility Campaign, the annual fundraising of the Finnish Lutheran Church. In its 75th anniversary year, The Common Responsibility Campaign supports young people to dream and build a secure future.

Summer cafes

Cafe Krypta - Asemakatu 6, 90100 Oulu
9 June – 1 August, Mon-Thurs 10 am – 6 pm, Fri 10 am – 3 pm

Cafe Krypta is an atmospheric summer cafe located in the beautiful Vanha pappila building. Cafe Krypta is open 9 June – 1 August, Monday to Thursday 10am – 6pm and on Fridays 10 am – 3 pm. Closed on Midsummer's Eve, 20th of June. Cafe Krypta sells coffee, tea and sweet and savoury pastries baked on the spot. The profit is directed towards missionary work. Cafe Krypta is accessible (wheelchair lift at the entrance).

The Haukipudas Belltower Cafe - Kirkkotie 10, 90830 Haukipudas
11 June – 31 July, Mon-Fri 12am – 6 pm

The Haukipudas Belltower Cafe, in Finnish Tapulikahvila, is open 11 June – 31 July, Monday to Friday 12 am – 6 pm. Closed on Midsummer’s Eve, 21st of June. The cafe offers homemade baked goods and handicrafts made by the volunteers of the parish. The profit is directed towards supporting women's literacy in Africa through the Finnish Bible Society.

Second hand shops DOM Second Hand and DOM Vintti

Clothes for sale at DOM and DOM's community space with board games and coffee.

DOM Second Hand, Asemakatu 17, 90100 Oulu and DOM Vintti, Asemakatu 6, 90100 Oulu
DOM Second Hand is a charity shop of the Oulu parishes. From DOM you can find a curated selection of quality second hand clothes and accessories for both men and women. The profit is directed towards helping those in need.
DOM Vintti is located opposite the Second Hand shop, in the yellow Vanha pappila building (2nd floor). From DOM Vintti you will find a selection of vintage clothing, an outlet store for branded clothing and a community space, where you can freely hang out, play some board games and enjoy some coffee.
DOM Second Hand is open on Tuesdays 10 am – 4 pm, Wed-Fri 12 am – 6 pm and Sat 10 am – 4 pm. DOM Vintti is open on Tuesdays 10 am – 4 pm and from Wednesday to Friday 12 am – 6 pm.

The Agricola city pilgrimage route

Would you like a moment of quietness and peace? The Agricola city pilgrimage route starts from the Oulu Market Square. The beautiful bridge route goes through Linnasaari, Raatti and Pikisaari and ends up back to the Market Square. The 1,5 kilometers long route is accessible for the disabled, etc. The seven key words of pilgrimage - unhurriedness, simplicity, freedom, quietness, lightheartedness, sharing and spirituality - will support you on your way. The questions and prayers help you examine your own life and encounter the sacred. Printed instructions can be aqcuired from the Oulu Cathedral (in English and Finnish), free of charge.

Activities for children and families

The Church Rats at Vanha pappila - Asemakatu 6, 90100 Oulu
23 June - 1 August, Mon-Thurs 10 am - 4 pm, Fri 10 am - 3 pm

The Church Rats (summer employees) organize summer activities for children and families in Vanha pappila. Come and say hello! You can for example draw, read and play outdoor games and board games with the Rats. When visiting the Church Rats at the Vanha pappila, you can also stop by the Cafe Krypta for coffee, juice, and a fresh delicious pastry.

Where's the Little rat hiding? - Oulu Cathedral, Kirkkokatu 3 A, 90100 Oulu
2 June - 29 August, Mon-Fri 10 am - 8 pm

The Little rat is hiding in the Oulu Cathedral - can you find him? Children can seek for the Little rat from Monday to Friday at 10 am - 8 pm. When you find the Little rat, tell the church guide where you found him from - you'll get a small reward! Please do not move the Little rat, so that others can seek for him too!

A small, light grey stuffed toy rat.

The Little rat looks like this!

Children's church bingo - Oulu Cathedral, Kirkkokatu 3 A, 90100 Oulu
4 June - 27 August, on Wednesdays 1:30 pm - 2:15 pm

Children's church bingo takes place on Wednesdays from 1:30 pm to 2:15 pm in the Oulu Cathedral. Ask the church guide for instructions and try to find the listed items and things from the church. When you have found all of them, you'll get a small reward from the guide!