Things To Do
in Kempele
Kempele is a small coastal municipality in Northern Ostrobothnia, Finland, located just south of the city of Oulu and close to the Bothnian Bay. It blends modern residential neighborhoods with farmland, shoreline, and easy access to larger-city services and transport links. The area is valued for its quiet atmosphere, good local schools, and proximity to nature reserves and birdwatching sites.
Kempele makes a convenient base for exploring Oulu-region attractions, especially for travelers who prefer a low-key Finnish experience with quick access to urban amenities.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Oulu Airport and take a short drive to Kempele, soaking in the serene Finnish landscapes. Get settled in your accommodation and prepare for a thrilling adventure ahead. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café where you can taste traditional Finnish pastries.
Explore the charming village of Kempele, visiting local shops and the beautiful Kempele Church. Stroll through the surrounding parks, taking in the fresh air and natural beauty. Grab lunch at a local eatery and savor some authentic Finnish cuisine.
As night falls, relax at your accommodation or take a peaceful walk around the village. Enjoy dinner at a cozy restaurant and try the local specialties, such as reindeer or fish dishes. Conclude the day with a warm drink while admiring the Northern lights if the conditions are right.
Wake up early and visit the nearby Oulujärvi lake for a morning of birdwatching and photography. Pack a breakfast picnic to enjoy by the lakeside as you soak in the tranquility of the Finnish countryside. Take a leisurely hike along the trails, enjoying the crisp morning air and stunning views.
Head to the nearby forests for an afternoon of hiking, where you can explore well-marked trails filled with beautiful flora and fauna. Stop for lunch at one of the scenic rest areas, immersing yourself in the peacefulness of nature. Consider participating in a guided tour to learn more about the local wildlife and forestry.
Return to Kempele and indulge in a hearty dinner at a traditional Finnish restaurant. Share stories from your day while enjoying the warm atmosphere and hospitality. After dinner, unwind at your accommodation or join locals for a fun evening at a local sauna.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $3-4 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (0.5L) | $6-8 |
| 🚍Single bus ticket (local) | $2.50-4 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $80-130 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close to nature reserves, coastline and birdwatching sites
- Quiet, safe and family-friendly community
- Easy access to Oulu city services and Oulu Airport
- Good opportunities for outdoor activities year-round
- Limited nightlife and dining variety within Kempele itself
- Public transport less frequent than in larger cities — a car is convenient
- Weather can be harsh in winter with limited daylight hours
- Some attractions require a drive to Oulu or surrounding areas
- "Moi / Hei" - Hi / Hello
- "Kiitos" - Thank you
- "Anteeksi" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Paljonko tämä maksaa?" - How much does this cost?
- "Missä on ...?" - Where is ...?
- "Hyvää päivää / Näkemiin" - Good day / Goodbye
- "En puhu suomea hyvin." - I don't speak Finnish well.
Places to Visit in Kempele
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic wooden church and peaceful surrounding landscapes offer classic rural architecture shots and seasonal contrasts (snow, autumn colors, midsummer light).
Boardwalks, observation towers and wetlands are prime for bird photography, especially during migration seasons at dawn and dusk.
Shoreline vistas, rocky outcrops and long summer evenings provide wide coastal compositions and sunset opportunities.
Fast-flowing river rapids with scenic bridges and rocks — good for dynamic long-exposure images and nature scenes (nearby Oulu-area).
Sand dunes, lighthouses and quaint fishing villages give varied coastal landscapes; ferry access and seasonal light make it rewarding for photographers.
On clear winter nights, find darker spots away from streetlights for possible aurora photography — Liminganlahti and coastal areas are good choices.
Food in Kempele
Kempele Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Small freshwater fish, often breaded and fried, commonly found at markets and seaside cafés — a regional favorite in northern Finland.
Must-Try!
Creamy soup made with salmon, potatoes and dill — comforting and widely offered in local cafés and restaurants.
Karelian pastries filled with rice or potato, served with egg butter — popular at bakeries and markets throughout the region.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A short drive away in Oulu, the market hall offers fresh fish, smoked specialities, local cheeses, and cafes — great for trying muikku and local breads.
During summer you’ll find outdoor market stalls selling grilled sausages, fish, berries, and pastries — ideal for casual street-food tasting.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Being on time is important for meetings, tours and public transport — Finns value punctuality.
Finnish culture values modesty and quiet; avoid loud conversations in public and respect personal space.
Sauna is a common cultural practice; follow host instructions, shower before entering, and keep noise and phone use minimal. Nudity may be customary in many communal sauna settings — check the situation.
It’s common to remove shoes when entering someone’s home; carry clean indoor shoes or socks if invited.
Safety
Tipping in Kempele
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not required in Finland; service charges are included in prices. Rounding up or leaving small change for exceptional service is appreciated but not expected.
Card payments (chip/contactless) and mobile payments are widely accepted. Cash is less common but still usable. Bring a credit/debit card with chip and PIN and consider Apple/Google Pay for convenience.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Late thaw and muddy trails early in spring; migratory birds return to wetlands and daylight increases rapidly — dress in layers and expect fluctuating temperatures.
Mild to warm with long daylight hours (midnight sun effect in the far north), ideal for outdoor activities, cycling and coastal visits; mosquitos and midges can be common near wetlands, so bring repellent.
Cooler temperatures, colorful foliage and good mushroom- and berry-picking opportunities; days shorten quickly and weather can be rainy and windy near the coast.
Cold with snow and ice; excellent for cross-country skiing, ice-fishing and winter landscapes, but short daylight and freezing temperatures demand warm clothing and caution on icy surfaces.
Kempele at Night
Hiking in Kempele
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Wetland boardwalks and observation towers with short, accessible trails focused on birdwatching and quiet nature walks.
Scenic river rapids with rocky islets and marked paths for short hikes and photography; popular for picnics and easy walking.
Trails across beaches, dunes and village roads on Hailuoto island — reachable by seasonal ferry and offering coastal hiking experiences.
A longer drive away but worth the trip for varied trails, fells and old-growth forests — offers more challenging hikes and marked routes year-round.
Airports
How to reach Kempele by plane.
The closest airport — around 5–10 km from Kempele depending on your exact location — offers domestic flights and some international connections; easily reachable by car or local bus.
Finland’s main international hub; around 6–7 hours by car or a short domestic flight from Oulu — necessary for many long-haul and international connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Kempele is home to many families and commuters who work or study in nearby Oulu; the community is family-oriented with schools and local services.
Like much of Finland, Kempele has a significant older population that is active in local life and community services.
There are diverse newcomers and international residents, often connected to Oulu’s universities and industries, enriching local culture.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
One of Finland’s most popular sports; Oulu area supports strong local teams and active youth leagues — attending a match is a common local pastime.
A traditional winter sport with groomed trails available nearby during snow season.
Popular team sports played in local clubs and at school level throughout the region.
Both recreational and cultural importance in coastal and inland waters, with many locals pursuing fishing as a hobby.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kempele.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in cafés and restaurants (salads, soups, grain bowls). Always ask (in English or Finnish) for vegetarian options — many places will adapt dishes.
Larger cafés and restaurants in Oulu offer vegan and gluten-free choices; in smaller Kempele establishments options may be limited, so plan ahead or bring snacks.
Staff usually understand basic allergy requests, but having a short note in Finnish (e.g., "minulla on pähkinäallergia" — I have a nut allergy) can help avoid misunderstandings.