The idyllic Turkansaari Open Air Museum takes you on a time trip to the past. Turkansaari’s historical countryside setting and beautiful natural environment are fully preserved, yet close to the city centre. Step into the past and listen to the stories of Northern heritage, everyday life and celebration in the countryside.

Turkansaari Open Air Museum is located on three islands in the Oulujoki River 12 kilometres upstream from downtown Oulu. The museum is Finland’s second-oldest open air museum. It was officially established in 1925 when the island’s wooden church dating back to 1694 was restored to its original location. The museum islands currently host a number of old buildings relocated to the museum to save them from demolition, including an old parsonage from Yli-Tornio, the Sorvo hut from Sanginjoki and the Yli-Juurus house from Maikkula.

Turkansaari is located along a historical Finnish tar transportation route, and maintains the old traditions of tar production. Exhibitions showing tar burning and how tar was used are staged in the museum. Genuine pit-made tar and other tar souvenirs are available in our gift shop.

In addition to the historical buildings and setting, the museum offers summertime work demonstrations in the Northern Ostrobothnian tradition, such as tar pit burning and crafts. The main themes of the museum are traditional agriculture and forestry, fishing and Oulu’s history of tar. The main events of the year are Midsummer celebration, Tradition Weekend, the Jaakko Days and the Autumn Market. In the spring and the autumn, Turkansaari is a popular destination for school groups.

When the weather permits, coming to the outdoor museum by bicycle is recommended. Downtown Oulu is connected to Turkansaari by excellent bicycle paths with much to see along the way. Total distance from the city is 16 kilometres. You can also come by car. Thanks to our spacious parking areas, finding a parking place is easy.

During summertime, the old Turkansaari church is used by the Oulujoki parish. Thousands of couples have been wed and many children baptised in our church. For more information about weddings please see here.

Do you want to learn how people lived their lives in the countryside in the past centuries? Or would you just like to spend a nice day with your family and perhaps go to a café? Turkansaari is the perfect choice!