The Pohjola route brings to life the breathtakingly beautiful natural landscape of the north, offering tourists a variety of experiences and attractions. UAE tourists can easily reach the area via the 50-minute Oulu connection from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. Oulu is the fifth largest city in Finland, and Oulu Airport has several daily connections from Helsinki. You can also get to Oulu from Helsinki by train, a scenic and eco-friendly way to travel north only a short distance from the Arctic Circle and where Santa Claus lives.
Oulu is a unique hub for travellers. The nine different destinations on the Pohjola route offer wonderful experiences as a combination of the world's cleanest natural and cultural experiences. Oulu has been chosen as the European Capital of Culture in 2026. Oulu offers tourists not only the city's diverse shopping opportunities and high-quality accommodation but also a great variety of restaurants, international events, museums and art in a seaside location. Oulu serves as the starting point for the Pohjola route to its eight unique destinations where the region's nature and exciting history meet. The famous icebreaker Sampo is only a short train ride from the centre of Oulu, and you can travel by train in little over two hours to meet Santa Claus in Rovaniemi.
The Nordic route serves a wide range of holidaymakers of all ages. The new scenic route is perfect for city holidaymakers who want to enjoy day trips in the area. The route can be traversed in sections or, if you have a long enough holiday - travel through the entire 800-kilometre-long Pohjola route.
Many different services and experience activities have already developed around the Pohjola route. One example is Day Trips, which can be made from Oulu to the surrounding areas, says the CEO of Visit Oulu, Yrjötapio “Y.t.” Kivisaari.
The sea section of the Pohjola route runs along the coast of the Gulf of Bothnia from Oulu to the historic port city of Raahe all the way to Finland's most popular riverside beach destination, Kalajoki. The route offers a ferry ride to the largest island in the Gulf of Bothnia, Hailuoto, where the dune-sand beaches and idyllic fishing village enchant every season. You can also make a trip to Liminka, for example, which is known as a migratory “airport” and a bird lover’s paradise.
The Rokua Geopark is one of the most spectacular forest nature sites in the area. This park is where the latest ice age left unique traces shaping the area’s natural environment. The Geopark is one of the destinations of UNESCO's Global Geopark programme. Stunning river views can also be enjoyed along the ring road. The Pohjola route runs alongside 16 rivers, transporting tourists to the origins of historic waterways. The fell areas of the Pohjola route represent the beauty of Finland's southernmost fell area at its best. The Syöte National Park area, east of Oulu, especially attracts active holidaymakers.
The Pohjola route, which is now being launched in the UAE, is part of the broader development and awareness of Finnish tourism.