recommended route
On The Traces Of The Ice Age - Lake Oulujärvi
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Sahanrannan uimaranta Vaalan keskustassaPhoto: Mikko Kiuttu / Rokua Geopark, Pohjolan Rengastie
European Union's oldest bedrock, tens of kilometers of sandy beaches and a marine atmosphere on Finland's largest inland open waters.
According to one theory, the eye-catching landscape of Lake Oulujärvi has been created as a result of the effects of ancient crustal movements, continental ruptures and the ice age, and according to another story, giants have had something to do with it. One way or another, the Lake Oulujärvi area is perfect for spending summer days and exploring interesting cultural history. Fish, paddle, hike, swim, watch birds, visit a museum or an art show. There is a lot to do for several days!
Along the circular route there are three important centers with their services: Vaala center, Säräisniemi and Manamansalo island. The Vaala municipal center is located at the starting point of the Oulujoki River, and has thus been an important passage for tar rowers on their way from Kainuu to Oulu. The former municipal center of Vaala, the village of Säräisniemi, is located about 15 kilometers south of Vaala. Säräisniemi has camping sites, a local history museum and a magnificent wooden church from 1781. The island of Manamansalo in the middle of Lake Oulujärvi is a real paradise with hiking areas and tens of kilometers of sandy beaches. Manamansalo has been inhabited since the Stone Age, of which signs can be found along the Peurapolku trail, for example.
In the Turn-by-turn directions you will find places to visit and the services of our companies along the Lake Oulujärvi-route! Check out the area's activities and experiences in our Discovery shop!
Author’s recommendation
Along the Lake Oulujärvi -route, you can stay in Taikaloora cottages in Vaala, at Oulujärvi Active Camping and at Manamansalon Portti campsite.
Taikaloora organizes fishing trips to Lake Oulujärvi. At Oulujärvi Active Camping, kayaks and SUP-boards can be rented on weekends. Luonnollisesti Oulujärvi organizes guided kayaking in Säräisniemi. Manamansalon Portti has fat bikes, SUP-boards and canomarans for rent.
The summer exhibition of Kankari Art Villa is open from 19th of June to 28th of August. There is diverse art, authentic hand-woven Moroccan rugs and the Ivana Helsinki clothing collection on display.
Track types
Safety information
If you travel the route by bike, bring a mobile phone, a powerbank, and something to drink. Take food and equipment with you, according to the season, the weather and the duration of the trip. Along the route, there are services in Vaala, Säräisniemi, Oulujärvi Active Camping and Manamansalon Portti.
Tips and hints
You can start the route from anywhere. In this description, the route runs counterclockwise, but you can also go clockwise. You can travel the route both by car and by bike. The route is entirely asphalt.
If you ride a bike, you can arrive at Vaala Municipal Center by bus or train (Note: traveling with a bike is only allowed on the InterCity train).
Along the route you will find one electric car charging point at Vaala ABC service station, address Vaalantie 285, 91700 Vaala.
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
Places to visit and services on the Lake Oulujärvi -route when driving counterclockwise, click for more information:
- Vaala Library: Rokua Geopark Time Travel exhibition.
- Sahanranta beach and summer kiosk.
- Taikaloora: high-quality cottage accommodation near services, but still in its own peace on the shores of Lake Oulujärvi.
- Oulujärvi Active Camping: camping area on the magnificent Säräisniemi shore.
- Säräisniemi Church: a beautiful wooden church built in 1781.
- Säräisniemi Local History Museum: The Säräisniemi Local History Museum is the only local history museum presenting the local tradition of the entire Vaala municipality.
- Luonnollisesti Oulujärvi: guided kayaking in Säräisniemi. In addition, boat transport to Ärjänsaari and other activities in Kajaani.
- Rumala-Kuvaja-Oudonrimmit mire area: the large marshland can be admired from the Kuvaja bird tower and snacks can be enjoyed in the Iso-Salmi shed.
- Alassalmi ferry: the ferry transports you from the mainland to the island of Manamansalo in the middle of Lake Oulujärvi.
- Lake Oulujärvi hiking area: Finland's only inland water hiking area on the island of Manamansalo.
- Manamansalon Portti: a campsite, shop and restaurant where you can enjoy GEOfood made from local ingredients.
- Deer Trail: get to know the settlement and history of Manamansalo from the Stone Age.
- Kankari Art Villa: an oasis of high quality art on the premises of an old village school. The art villa also sells authentic Moroccan BerberArt rugs and a clothing collection designed by Paola Suhonen.
- Laajanlampi nature trail
Note
Public transport
Several buses and trains from Oulu and Kajaani arrive daily at the starting point of the route in the center of Vaala.Coordinates
Book recommendation by the author
You can get acquainted with the formation of the Lake Oulujärvi landscape on our Youtube channel and in the Time Travel exhibition at Vaala Library.
Equipment
Choose equipment according to the mode of transport; the route can be traveled by car and bicycle.
Statistics
- 14 Waypoints
- 14 Waypoints
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