Ii
,Ii is a small municipality located in Northern Ostrobothnia, Finland. It is known for its picturesque coastal landscape along the Gulf of Bothnia. The municipality has a rich cultural heritage, with traditional Finnish wooden architecture and local handicrafts being prevalent.
Ii offers various outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, and birdwatching, making it a popular destination for nature lovers.
- "Moikka" - Hi
- "Kiitos" - Thank you
- "Ole hyvä" - You're welcome
- "Yhteystiedot" - Contact information
- "Näkemiin" - Goodbye
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $80 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $3 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day plans
Spend a day exploring around
Explore Nature's Beauty
morning
:Start your day with a refreshing hike in the beautiful landscapes around Ii. Breathe in the fresh air and soak in the tranquility of nature.
afternoon
:Enjoy a packed lunch by the riverside while admiring the stunning scenery. Spend the afternoon exploring the local flora and fauna.
evening
:Return to your accommodation and enjoy a cozy dinner. Wind down by watching the sunset over the river, reflecting on the day's adventures.
Discover Local Culture
morning
:Visit the Ii Museum to learn about the town's history and culture. Engage with interactive exhibits and local artifacts.
afternoon
:Take a walk through the charming streets of Ii, stopping at local shops and cafes. Experience the warmth of the community and perhaps pick up a souvenir.
evening
:Dine at a local restaurant with traditional Finnish cuisine. Reflect on the rich culture you've experienced throughout the day.
Highlights
Good
- Beautiful natural surroundings with vast forests and lakes
- Strong community spirit and friendly locals
- High standard of living and excellent public services
- Safe environment with low crime rates
- Rich cultural heritage and traditions
Bad
- Harsh winter climate with long, cold periods
- Limited job opportunities in smaller towns
- High cost of living compared to other regions
- Potential for isolation due to remote location
- Language barrier for non-Finnish speakers
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Hiking in the Ii Wilderness Area
Explore the beautiful landscapes and diverse ecosystems while enjoying trails that vary in difficulty and length. Ideal for both casual walkers and experienced hikers.
Fishing in the Ii River
Experience the traditional Finnish pastime of fishing. The Ii River offers excellent spots for catching salmon and trout, especially during the summer months.
Biking along the Ii Trails
Ride through scenic routes while taking in the stunning natural beauty of the region. The bike trails are well-marked and cater to different skill levels.
Bird Watching in the Ii Estuary
The Ii Estuary is a great spot for bird watchers, with various species migrating through the area. Bring your binoculars and enjoy a day of birding in this beautiful natural setting.
Kayaking on the Ii River
Paddle through tranquil waters while observing the local flora and fauna. Kayaking is a great way to experience the serenity of nature and access areas otherwise unreachable.
Adventures
Uncover the best of Ii with these unforgettable adventures.
Attractions
Visit one of these nice places.
Rönnäs Lighthouse
A picturesque lighthouse offering stunning views of the Gulf of Bothnia, especially during sunset.
Ii River
The scenic riverbanks provide beautiful vantage points for photography, especially in autumn when the foliage changes color.
Historical Ii Church
This wooden church, built in the 18th century, offers a charming backdrop for photos with its historic architecture.
Oulujoki River Delta
An ideal spot for capturing the meeting of river and sea, with plenty of opportunities for wildlife photography.
Kustavi Nature Reserve
This reserve features diverse landscapes, offering panoramic views and opportunities to capture Finland's natural beauty.
Ii's Old Town
The quaint streets and traditional wooden buildings provide a rich setting for both candid and staged photography.
Kylämylly Market
A lively market with vibrant stalls, perfect for capturing the local culture and lively atmosphere.
Kaurila Park
A tranquil park with gardens and ponds, ideal for photography, especially during spring bloom.
Cuisine
Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Smoked Salmon
A must-try delicacy, locally sourced and smoked salmon offers a rich and buttery flavor. Available at Fish stalls in Ii's harbor area.
Must-Try!
Reindeer Stew
A hearty dish showcasing the local game, often served with mashed potatoes and lingonberry sauce. Found at traditional Finnish restaurants like Ravintola Martina.
Cloudberries and Cream
Indulge in this seasonal dessert highlighting the flavors of the region's wild cloudberries, often served with fresh cream. Offered at local dessert cafes like Herkkupuoti.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Ii better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Ii Harbor Market
Experience local food culture and find fresh fish, berries, vegetables, and artisanal products at this bustling market by the sea.
Kiosk Korner
For a quick bite, visit this popular kiosk offering traditional Finnish snacks like Karelian pasties, crepes, and grilled sausages.
Weather
How To Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Politeness and Formality
In Finland, it is important to greet people politely and use formal titles and surnames until invited to use first names. A firm handshake is a common greeting among acquaintances.
Silence and Personal Space
Finnish people value silence and may be comfortable with longer pauses in conversation. Respect for personal space is significant, and maintaining an appropriate distance is appreciated.
Equality and Inclusiveness
Finnish culture promotes equality and inclusiveness. Be respectful of others' opinions, and avoid interrupting when someone is speaking. Discussions are often focused on consensus rather than confrontation.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Ii with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping & Payment
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping
In Ii, Finland, as in the rest of the country, tipping is not a common practice and is generally not expected. Service charges are typically included in the bill, particularly in restaurants. However, if customers feel that they have received exceptional service, they may choose to round up the bill or leave small change as a gesture of appreciation.
Payment
Payment methods in Ii are diversified, including cash, credit, and debit cards. The use of mobile payment applications is also growing in popularity. Most businesses accept cards, and it is common for establishments to have card reading devices available. Given Finland's advanced digital infrastructure, contactless and mobile payments are increasingly commonplace.
Best Activities
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Ii.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring
Spring in Ii typically lasts from April to May. Temperatures start to rise, and the melting snow leads to beautiful landscapes. Visitors can expect blooming flowers and longer daylight hours, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities like hiking and bird watching.
Summer
Summer runs from June to August, featuring warm temperatures and long daylight hours, with the sun not setting at all for a few weeks. It’s an excellent time for outdoor festivals, exploring nature, and enjoying activities like fishing, swimming, and cycling. The lush greenery and vibrant local culture are highlights of this season.
Autumn
Autumn, from September to October, brings a stunning display of fall colors, as leaves change from green to vibrant shades of red and gold. Temperatures begin to drop, making it perfect for hiking amid the changing foliage. This season also features local harvest festivals and cultural traditions.
Winter
Winter lasts from November to March and can be quite harsh, with heavy snowfall and sub-zero temperatures. This season is perfect for winter sports enthusiasts, offering opportunities for skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing. Visitors can also experience the beautiful Northern Lights and the peaceful, snowy landscapes unique to Ii.
Nightlife
Hiking Spots Nearby
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Ruhmo Nature Reserve
A protected area featuring diverse flora and fauna, offering several hiking trails through beautiful landscapes and along scenic waterways.
Kivikeskus Nature Trail
A popular hiking trail located near Ii, this route features marked paths that lead through forests, wetlands, and along riverbanks.
Oulujoki River Trail
This trail follows the Oulujoki River, providing a picturesque hiking experience with opportunities for bird watching and enjoying local nature.
Haukipudas Hiking Area
Located a bit further away, this area offers well-maintained trails suitable for various skill levels, along with beautiful views of nature.
Liettuanvuori Nature Park
A stunning nature park featuring cliffs, caves, and dense forests, which provide a great setting for hiking and exploring.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Ii through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports Nearby
How to reach Ii by plane.
Oulu Airport (OUL)
Oulu Airport is the main airport serving Oulu, Finland, located approximately 200 kilometers southwest of Ii.
Kemi-Tornio Airport (KEM)
Kemi-Tornio Airport serves the cities of Kemi and Tornio, located about 150 kilometers south of Ii.
Rovaniemi Airport (RVN)
Rovaniemi Airport is situated about 260 kilometers north of Ii, and is the main airport for the Finnish Lapland area.
Ivalo Airport (IVL)
Ivalo Airport is located approximately 380 kilometers northeast of Ii, serving the northernmost regions of Finland.
Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL)
Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is Finland's largest international airport, located about 900 kilometers south of Ii in the capital city, Helsinki.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Finnish
The majority population of Ii, representing the national identity and cultural heritage of Finland.
Sami
Indigenous people of northern Finland, known for their unique culture and language.
Immigrants
Individuals and families from various countries who have moved to Ii, adding to the cultural diversity.
Other Ethnic Minorities
Various smaller ethnic groups that may reside in Ii, contributing to its multicultural environment.
The Soul of Ii
Discover the essence of Ii through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Ice Hockey
A popular team sport in Finland, particularly in Ii, where local teams often compete in regional leagues.
Football (Soccer)
Football is widely played and followed in Ii, with local clubs and youth programs contributing to its popularity.
Cross-Country Skiing
Given Finland's winter climate, cross-country skiing is a favored outdoor activity and sport in the region.
Floorball
An indoor team sport similar to hockey, floorball enjoys popularity in schools and community centers in Ii.
Basketball
Basketball has a growing following in Ii, with youth leagues and recreational play encouraging participation.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Most restaurants and cafes in Ii accommodate vegetarian and vegan diets, with creative plant-based dishes featuring seasonal produce.
Gluten-Free Choices
Travelers with gluten restrictions can find gluten-free bread, pastries, and other options at cafes like Cafe-Restaurant Verkkopirtti.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Ii with these cultural adventures.
