Turkansaari Open Air Museum

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.

In addition to the historical buildings and setting, the museum offers summertime work demonstrations in the Northern Ostobothnian tradition, such as tar pit burning during the Midsummer Week. 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 Tar Week, Midsummer celebration, Tradition Week, the Jaakko Days and the Autumn Market.