Skiing
Cross-Country Skiing in Oulu, Glide the Trails and Frozen Sea at Nallikari
Cross-country skiing is Finland’s best loved winter sport, and it is wonderfully easy to enjoy at Nallikari in Oulu. A maintained 2 kilometre local ski track in Hietasaari starts less than a kilometre from the Nallikari Holiday Village reception, so you can be out gliding through a snowy landscape within minutes of your door. And if you want to experience the sport beyond the groomed tracks, the frozen sea and the Hietasaari nature trails open up a whole new way to feel the Finnish winter.
Where is Oulu
Oulu is a coastal city in Northern Finland, sitting on the Gulf of Bothnia just south of the Arctic Circle, and Nallikari is its seaside beach area only about 15 minutes from the city centre. Oulu was named one of National Geographic’s Best of the World 2026 destinations and is a European Capital of Culture in 2026. Because the sea here freezes solid each winter, you can even ski across it on a clear, safe day, which is a rare experience you will not find in most ski destinations. Getting here is easy, with an airport about 15 km away and a direct train from Helsinki in around five and a half hours.
A gentle way into a Finnish tradition
Cross-country skiing is woven into everyday life in Finland, and it is one of the most relaxing and healthy ways to spend a winter day outdoors. The maintained local track in Hietasaari is flat and easy to follow, which makes it a great place to find your rhythm at your own pace, whether you are returning to skis after years or trying them for the first time. It works well for families too, and there is no rush and no crowds, just the quiet of a snowy northern landscape.
Where can you ski in Oulu?
The easiest start is the ready made 2 kilometre local track in Hietasaari, right beside the Nallikari Holiday Village. When you want more space and scenery, you can also head out onto the frozen sea and along the Hietasaari nature trails, where the open sea ice and calm paths make the day feel truly special. You can choose your route to match your fitness and the conditions, and the wide, bright winter surroundings are a reward in themselves.
Renting skis at Nallikari
Skis are easy to rent from the Nallikari Safaris rental shop during opening hours, and they cannot be pre-booked, so you simply pick them up on the spot. Guests staying at the Holiday Village get a discount on ski rentals. Just dress warmly and for the weather, and you are ready to head straight to the track.
Rent skis at the Nallikari Holiday Village reception.
Frequently asked questions
Is cross-country skiing one of the best things to do in Oulu in winter?
For many visitors, yes. It is easy to start, the maintained track is right by Nallikari, and skiing across a frozen sea beside the city is a memorable experience. It is also simple to combine with other winter activities in the area.
Do I need previous experience?
Not necessarily. The maintained local track is gentle and beginner friendly, so it is a comfortable place to practise and find your pace.
Where do I rent skis, and do I need to book?
From the Nallikari Holiday Village reception during opening hours, on the spot, and they cannot be pre-booked. Guests staying at the Holiday Village get a discount.
Where can I ski?
On the maintained 2 kilometre Hietasaari local track less than a kilometre from the Holiday Village, and, for something different, out on the frozen sea and along the Hietasaari nature trails.
When can I go skiing in Oulu?
In winter, roughly from November to April, depending on the snow.
One area, everything close by
At Nallikari your day does not have to end when you step off the track, because everything else you need sits along the same seaside area. You can warm up over lunch or coffee at Ravintola Nallikari or Bistoria Patio, and ease tired muscles with a massage at Osfysio. You can stay the night by the sea at Nallikari Aalto, the Poiju villas, the holiday cottages or the camping area. More things to do all year round are waiting with the guided tours and equipment rental of Nallikari Safaris. On the track by day and relaxing by the sea in the evening, you will find everything in one seaside area in Oulu.
