There are many special museums in Oulu that are only open in the summers. The museums offer a diverse look into local history.
Sailor’s Home Museum presents Oulu from many perspectives
The scent of tar wafts in the Sailor’s Home Museum’s air and the traditional sailor life creaks in the wooden floorboards. The Museum is located in the Matila House in Pikisaari. In the Museum, you can explore the Oulu of the 1800s, when it was a significant seaport city. The Museum is free of charge to enter and guides are present at all times to tell you about the history of the building and the area.
The Sailor’s Home Museum is open from Mon – Sun, 10.00–17.00, until August 31, 2025. Pikisaarentie 6, Oulu.
Oulu Castle’s Cellar presents the history of Oulu’s founding
The old stone cellar of the Tähtitorni Observatory serves as an exhibition space where you can read about the history of the Oulu Castle and the city’s founding starting from the 1500s. The Oulu Castle and its surrounding area are ancient remains protected by the Antiquities Act.
The Oulu Castle Cellar is open during the Tähtitorni Café’s opening times. Linnansaari, Oulu.
Oulunsalo Traditional Village Museum has a weekend café
You can explore the local life of the early 1900s at the Oulunsalo Traditional Village Museum. Guides are present in the museum during opening times. Entry is free of charge. A summer café serves visitors on the weekends.
Oulunsalo Traditional Village Museum is open from Wed – Sun, 11.00–17.00, July 3 – July 27, 2025. Jääsköntie 5, Oulu (Oulunsalo).
Pateniemi Sawmill Museum presents the region’s industrial history
In the Pateniemi Sawmill Museum, you can explore the Oulu region’s industrial history in the authentic environment of the museum building originating from the 1850s. The Sawmill Museum presents the history of the sawmill and its community through objects and images.
Pateniemi Sawmill Museum is open from Wed – Sun, 11.00–17.00, July 9 – July 27, 2025. Sahantie 21, Oulu.
Kierikki’s summer is an official part of the European Capital of Culture programme
The Stone Age science centre takes a bold step into the past. All of Kierikki’s summer events are a part of Oulu’s European Capital of Culture 2026 programming.
Kierikki consists of the Centre for Ancient Times and the Stone Age Village. They take you on a journey to learn about the region’s history, test ancient survival skills, and explore the atmosphere of Stone Age dwellings.
The summer’s main event, the Ancient Marketplace event, is organized on August 2–3, 2025 with the theme: “One country – many tribes”.
Kierikki is open until September 26, 2025. Pahkalantie 447, Oulu (Yli-Ii).
Turkansaari Open Air Museum represents historical life and celebration
The Turkansaari Open Air Museum celebrates its 100th anniversary. The anniversary year 2025 marks the century-long journey of recording, protecting and revitalizing history in Oulu and northern Finland.
The buildings and their surroundings located on the Oulujoki River’s islands allow you to explore the livelihoods, traditional skills and beliefs of the region. Come by and enjoy the countryside atmosphere and natural beauty.
The Museum’s anniversary summer is full of events and music performances. Café Turkansaari serves customers every day.
Turkansaari Open Air Museum is open from Mon – Sun, 10.00–17.00, the café is open from Mon – Sun, 11.00–16.30, until August 31, 2025. Turkansaarentie 165, 90310 Oulu.