Nallikari is a popular recreational destination whose history reaches back hundreds of years to the era of tar and timber trade. What was once a lively summer villa community for Oulu’s tar merchants has evolved into a meeting place for locals and travellers alike – a vibrant centre for leisure and relaxation. Today, Nallikari’s beautiful nature, long sandy beach, and diverse accommodation and recreational options invite visitors to enjoy the seaside all year round.
From the birth of Toppilansalmi to the Tar Merchants’ summer Villas (1600–1900)
The history of Hietasaari dates back to the 1600s, when homeowners from the city centre began building malt houses, cottages, and various storage buildings in the area. At the time, Hietasaari was far from other settlements and lacked proper connections. Interest in the area grew after 1724, when a harsh winter carved a new river route to the sea and created what is now known as Toppilansalmi. The new waterway brought harbours closer to the city, breathing life into the Toppilansalmi shores.
In the 19th century, Hietasaari began to develop into a hub of social life. After the war-damaged coastal lands were re-organised in 1854, the plots were leased mainly to members of the Oulu Chamber of Commerce – the city’s tar merchants – who built summer villas for their families on both sides of Toppilansalmi. These villas were designed for an active social life, featuring large terraces, manicured gardens, and decorative towers. Family gatherings, games, and various social events were common, and activities such as cycling, swimming, and sailing flourished. The golden era of villa life lasted until the 1920s, after which new, year-round houses for working families began to appear alongside the summer villas on Mustasaari and Hietasaari.
From summer retreat to year-round recreational area (1950–2000)
Hietasaari has been a popular outdoor destination for locals since the early 1900s. The railway bridge over Toppilansalmi, completed in 1942, improved connections between the island and the city, increasing accessibility. After the wars, city residents discovered Nallikari’s sandy beach, gathering there for leisure and midsummer celebrations. Gradually, Hietasaari became a much-loved recreational area, and new services began to emerge around it.
From Nallikari Camping to Nallikari Holiday Village (1960–1995)
Development of Nallikari Beach began in the early 1950s, and the city of Oulu started developing the campsite in the 1960s. The first cooking shelter, shower facility, and toilet buildings were completed in 1964, followed by a service building with a kitchen shelter in 1965. Campers from Finland and Norway soon found their way to Nallikari and Norwegians remain a key visitor group to this day.
Between 1966 and 1976, 52 small camping cabins were built in the area now occupied by the Poiju Villas and Messi Cottages. Over the years, their equipment included refrigerators, microwaves, hot plates, and sleeping places for 1–4 people. The last of the old cabins were retired in 2015. The first reception building for Nallikari Camping was completed in 1986 and remained in use until 2005; today, it houses EV charging points and washroom facilities for campers.
Development accelerated in the late 1980s and 1990s. The iconic Nallikari Lighthouse was built in 1988, followed by the Kuunari service building in 1994 and the green Masto Cottages in 1995. With the growing range of year-round services, the area became known as Nallikari Holiday Village, marking the start of a new development era.
Explore old photos from the 1980s and 1990s in Kaleva’s archives.
Sustainable Growth and Development (2000–2020)
The 2000s brought a wave of new construction to Nallikari. New accommodation and service buildings appeared, starting with the yellow Holiday Cottages in 2000, complementing the green Holiday Cottages. The Meriholsti meeting and sauna facility followed in 2003, and the Ruori service building and new reception opened in 2005. At the same time, traffic routes were redesigned, and Leiritie became the main entrance road.
Modern development continued with the completion of the Poiju Villas in 2016. The 24 seaside villas quickly became favourites among both leisure and business travellers. Each villa features multiple bedrooms, free parking, a private terrace, fireplace, and sauna – key elements of their enduring popularity.
Between 2017 and 2018, the Messi Summer Cottages were added, offering a touch of comfort for budget-conscious travellers and completing the area’s summer accommodation offering. These nine cottages have been very popular during the peak season from June to August.
Environmental certifications supporting sustainable growth
From the start, Nallikari’s development has focused on preserving the area’s unique character. The heritage of villa culture, maritime environment, and strong local identity have been the cornerstones of its growth. As tourism expanded, the need arose to ensure development remained environmentally sustainable.
Nallikari Holiday Village received the Green Key environmental certificate in 2018, recognising its commitment to raising environmental awareness, improving energy and water efficiency, and reducing the ecological footprint of accommodation operations. In 2021, it was also awarded the Sustainable Travel Finland label by Visit Finland.
Read more about the sustainability.
Nallikari Today – A Year-Round Holiday and Recreation Destination (2020 →)
Nallikari has steadily evolved into one of the most versatile year-round travel and recreation areas in the Oulu region. New accommodation developments, growing domestic and international demand, and city-led infrastructure projects have fuelled a new wave of growth since the 2020s. Once known primarily as a summer destination, Nallikari now offers experiences for every season.
The Aalto seaside Hotel, completed in 2024 alongside Oulu’s street and infrastructure works, transformed Nallikari into a full-service holiday centre. Built closest to the shoreline, Aalto ensures a direct sea view from each of its 21 apartments – some featuring private saunas or whirlpools.
On the ground floor, guests can enjoy Bistoria Patio Restaurant, Osfysio wellness services, and equipment rentals and activities from Nallikari Safaris. The building also includes new public toilets and showers for beach visitors, as well as upgraded walking and cycling routes and a new playground for children.
Nallikari’s offering is further enriched by Vauhtipuisto amusement park – relocated next to the reception area in 2023 – and its Huvilinna Restaurant. Other long-standing services, such as Restaurant Nallikari, Nallikari Minigolf, and Nallisport, continue to attract visitors. Together, these facilities enable comprehensive travel packages for domestic and international guests alike.
The story continues
The story of Nallikari has been built over decades through passion, collaboration, and a shared vision to create a unique seaside destination. While much has been achieved, the journey is far from over. In the years ahead, Nallikari will continue to grow responsibly, respecting the environment and cherishing its local spirit. New ideas, people, and investments will carry the story forward – and the next chapters are only just beginning.
Sources:
1. Hietasaaren käyttö- ja maisemanhoitosuunnitelma 8.5.2000, Oulun kaupunki, tekninen keskus, katu- ja viherpalvelut / Liikuntavirasto
2. Toppilan maankäytön historiaa – Toppilansalmen alueen rakentaminen ja toiminta vuodesta 1724 nykypäivään. Oulu 1997 – Kaarina Niskala
3. Yhteisöllistä elämää Hietasaaressa: Toppilansalmen ja Hietasaaren huvila-alueet oululaisten kesäparatiisina – Kaarina Niskala
4. Autoistuva väki hurmaantui leirintäalueista, Kaleva http://kirjastolinkit.ouka.fi/kaleva/touko15/hurma.htm
