Preliminary information for Oulu's spring-summer-autumn 2026

Discover Koiteli: Oulu's Hidden Gem – Where Nature's Serenity Meets Roaring Rapids

Nestled in the Kiiminki area, just a convenient 25-kilometer drive from Oulu's bustling city center towards Kuusamo, lies the magnificent Koiteli Nature Park. This unique, almost untouched river landscape stands as a regionally significant tourist destination, deeply rooted in cultural and historical heritage. Its exceptional beauty unfolds through meandering river channels, roaring waterfalls, charming islands, pristine natural beaches, and other distinctive landmarks.

Attracting nearly 80,000 visitors annually, Koiteli offers a wealth of recreational opportunities and unforgettable experiences. Here, you can fully immerse yourself in nature's splendor, hike along scenic forest trails, take a refreshing dip in the clear waters, try your luck at fishing, spend a tranquil moment on the riverside cliffs, or enjoy a delightful picnic at the designated rest areas. For adrenaline seekers, the powerful roar of the rapids provides thrilling challenges for paddlers of all skill levels.

Getting to Koiteli

Koiteli is conveniently located 25 kilometers from Oulu city center in Kiiminki.

**By Car:**
* From Oulu, take Highway 20 (Oulu-Kuusamo road). At the traffic lights in Kiiminki village, follow signs towards Ylikiiminki and Koitelinkosket. After approximately four kilometers, you will find the main Koiteli parking area on your left, directly off the main road.
* Alternatively, from the north side of Kiiminki center, drive along Purontie (road number 18717) for about five kilometers. A small sign will then direct you right towards Pohjois-Koiteli (North Koiteli). From this parking area, it's approximately a 300-meter walk to Sahasaari. Please note that this parking area is quite limited.

**By Bicycle:**
For cyclists, the scenic journey from Kiiminki to Koiteli takes approximately 20 minutes.

**By Bus:**
From Oulu, you can easily reach Kiiminki by local bus, line 35. Detailed timetables are available on Oulu Public Transport's website: [oulunjoukkoliikenne.fi](https://www.oulunjoukkoliikenne.fi).

Visitor Services & Guidelines

Koiteli's outdoor and recreational area offers diverse opportunities for fishing, paddling, swimming, grilling, hiking in nature, or simply admiring the raw power of the rapids. The environment of Koiteli is sensitive and unique, so we kindly ask all visitors to respect its natural values. During summer, refreshments are available from an ice cream kiosk on the mainland side, and the charming Café Koitelin Tunnelmatupa operates on Sahasaari island, offering a cozy spot to relax.

**Please Remember:**
* Sort waste properly into designated bins, use ashtrays, and take all bottles and cans with you when you leave the area to keep Koiteli pristine.
* Stay on marked routes and only use designated fire pits for safety and environmental protection.
* There are seven freely accessible campfire sites in the area for your enjoyment.
* Firewood can be collected from the wood shed located near the southern parking area of the island.
* Toilets are available near the main parking area, and at Sahasaari, they are accessible during Tunnelmatupa's opening hours.
* Accessible routes are clearly marked on the area's brochure map. Most other routes are also manageable with assistance. However, some sections feature stairs or steep inclines where wheelchair users will require assistance.

Whether you seek peaceful solitude, thrilling adventure, or simply a deep connection with Finland's stunning natural beauty, Koiteli offers an unforgettable escape into the heart of the Finnish wilderness.

Photo*Juha Räty, JR-Studio Oulu

Preliminary information for Finland's spring-summer-autumn 2026
Travel / Food / Drink/Culture/
📍 Published by Finland App / Finland Magazine
🌐 Media & Travel Publisher &
Social Media Publisher
🔗 finlandapp.fi | finlandmagazine.fi