Camping in Nallikari for half a century – story of Alf and Paula

First visits in Nallikari

In 1971, Alf and Paula made their first summer trip with their gray VW Beetle from Northern Norway to Nallikari, Oulu, with two small children, tents, and a couple of weeks’ worth of supplies. Even then, Nallikari was an idyllic and compact seaside campsite that invited visitors to enjoy their time on the beautiful island far from the city’s hustle and bustle. The reception area was located at the northern end of the beach, and it was just a small gray building through which people entered the area. The lawns of the Nallikari campsite were filled with eager campers, the sun was shining, and the sound of joyful chatter echoed around. The family’s first summer vacation at Nallikari was so successful that it became a tradition. Summers at Nallikari have been spent there for a total of half a century.

Lifelong memories by the sea

After a couple of summers, in 1973, Alf and Paula arrived at Nallikari for the first time with a caravan. Since then, they have owned a total of six caravans and five campers, all of which have been used for summer visits to Nallikari.

The years have included many good memories. The most memorable summers for Alf and Paula were when their children were still young. The sun shone every day, the children played on the beach, and the whole family got a beautiful tan on the Riviera of the North. The focal point of their vacations became Nallikari’s beach, where the sand was smooth and there were logs to sit on while the children enjoyed the sea waves. These summers remain in their memory, filled with joy and family time together.

The couple has also had some mishaps over the years. The year 1973 is remembered not only for their first caravan trip but also for a fierce thunderstorm. The tent area was flooded, but the family stayed dry inside their caravan. At that moment, they felt particularly grateful for their purchase. Another memory of summer storms is from just a couple of years ago when a newly purchased awning was torn to pieces by wind and rain. A new awning was purchased from the store the next day, just before the next storm. While the couple was having dinner, the newly bought replacement awning met the same fate as the first one. After that, they have not left the third purchased awning in place even during minor winds or rain.

Community and comfort

At Nallikari Holiday Village, Alf and Paula have become familiar to many. Their arrival at Nallikari is a true sign that summer has begun. Familiar staff at the reception welcome the couple with smiles, and quick greetings are exchanged right away. Even the couple’s now adult children have become familiar to the Nallikari staff.

There are also familiar faces at the campsite itself. During a few weeks’ visits, there’s time to meet new neighbors and catch up with old acquaintances. Alf and Paula appreciate the campsite’s rules and follow them exemplarily, such as the nighttime quiet rule. Their good example has a significant impact on increasing the enjoyment of all the guests.

Over 50 years of camping in Nallikari

It has been over 50 years since the first visit to Nallikari, and the summer holiday tradition continues strong. Alf and Paula are known to be the longest-visiting vacationers at Nallikari. Now their adult children, with their families and grandchildren, continue the tradition. For them, Nallikari is always Nallikari, and there is no other summer destination like it.

Alf and Paula’s story is a great example of a tradition and community that endures across generations. Their summers at Nallikari are filled with memories and experiences that continue to enrich their lives.