Car & Van Hire - Oulunsalo

Oulunsalo is a neighbourhood of Oulu, the city known as the gateway to Lapland. It has long, severe winters and short but beautiful summers. This is a real off-the-beaten-track destination, great for discovering another side of Finland. Old wooden buildings, sweeping forests and a dramatic shoreline are just a few of the treats waiting for you here.

Start your trip to Oulunsalo with a visit to Pikisaari. Once a separate town, it can now be reached on foot from the centre of Oulu. This is worth visiting for its houses, which are traditional, old wooden dwellings. Many date back to the 17th century and offer a remarkable glimpse into the traditional Finnish way of life. With its unusual charm, this neighbourhood has become a magnet for artists and artisans. As you wander its streets, you'll find a number of amazing artisan shops where you can buy local handcrafted goods.

Use car hire in Oulunsalo to get around, and you'll be able to see places beyond the city centre. Nallikari Beach is well worth a visit. This long stretch of sand is popular all year round. In summer, it's a hotspot for sunbathing, beach volleyball and jogging. In winter, it is transformed into an extraordinary, magical landscape with the sea completely frozen over. You can walk out onto the sea ice, but make sure you check that it's safe first. Locals often come here to go ice fishing.

Want to entertain the kids? Try heading for the Tietomaa Science Centre, one of the city's best attractions for families. This science museum is packed full of interactive exhibits, so it's the perfect spot for budding scientists. There's plenty to keep the adults happy, too, with 3D films shown at the centre's giant cinema. You can also head right to the top floor of the centre for some of the best views across Oulu.

Your car or van hire in Oulunsalo will help you explore more of Finland's wild nature. This is the most forested country in Europe, and it's easy to lose yourself in the majestic Finnish woodlands. Sanginjoki Forest is a hiker's dream, with dozens of beautiful trails that wind through the dense trees. You can also visit Loihakka, home to some lovely husky kennels. The kids are sure to fall in love with these adorable pups. If you visit in winter, you can even take the chance to ride a husky sled across the frozen countryside!

Your driving experience in Oulunsalo will be very different depending on the season that you visit. Many visitors want to see Finland covered in snow. This far north, the snowy season lasts almost six months, from mid-October to late April. Winter tyres should be used from 1 November to 31 March, but many locals keep them on their cars for longer. The roads are not gritted in Finland. Instead, snow ploughs clear the snow away. You'll find that things still run smoothly in extreme weather conditions, as it's a normal part of life here. However, you should still take precautions. In the winter months, stick to the main roads. Black ice may develop on back roads, which can be extremely dangerous.

Take care of your car if driving in winter. There are several underground or covered car parks around Oulu. Park your vehicle in one of these, rather than using on-street parking. You may need to use an engine heater before you can start driving. You should also ensure you have an ice scraper to clear your windscreen. Some drivers try to defrost their windscreen with boiling water, but this is extremely dangerous and can result in damage to your car.

In summer, things are totally different - but the weather can still be a hazard! In this case, it's the extremely long days that cause problems. During the Oulunsalo summer, you will never experience full darkness. Instead, the sun sets just enough to create a dim twilight and stays that way for several hours. This can be absolutely enchanting for visitors, but it's also very bad for your body clock. While you try to adjust to these extremely long days, you may find that you are far more tired than usual. Take care on the roads. If you are feeling fatigued, take a break from driving.

At all times of the year, animals are a potential hazard on the roads around Oulunsalo. Don't be surprised if you see a herd of reindeer strutting up and down the road. Unlike other deer, they do not fear cars. These are generally placid animals, and you can drive carefully around them. If you see an elk, things may get more complicated. These large deer can get aggressive and may make sudden movements. It's better to stop the car completely and let the creature move at its own pace. Do not get out to take photos, as elks are known to attack humans.