Welcome to spend your holiday in Vaala, by the shore of Lake Oulujärvi!

Many-sided water routes, magnificent Lake Oulujärvi in its vastness almost like a sea, and aptly called the Sea of Kainuu, with the long sandy beaches especially in Manamansalo Island and Säräisniemi; the River Oulujoki, Lake Oterma, not to forget the crystal clear suppa ponds dating from the Ice Age and created by the retreating glacier, are the assets that Vaala is proud to offer visitors and tourists, to name but a few. Unpolluted nature, clear fishing waters and excellent terrain for hiking and camping, plus numerous attractions and sights of interest, not to mention the versatile all-round services provided by the tourist and travel enterprises, will give you a great opportunity to recreation and to enjoy your holiday.

The travel services of Vaala can mainly be found in three areas: Manamansalo Island, Säräisniemi and, finally, the centre of Vaala municipality itself, and in close proximity to Vaala centre. Nearly half of Lake Oulujärvi is located within the boundaries of Vaala municipality, comprising Oulujärven retkeilyalue, Oulujärvi hiking area in the Niskanselkä part of immense Lake Oulujärvi, which is a national camping area established in an inland lake and river system, being the only one of its kind in the whole of Finland. The Oulujärvi hiking area comprises several islands, Manamansalo camping and Recreation Fishing Area functioning as its centre, and being a favourite travel destination for many tourists both from Finland and abroad. A hiker and a camper will also be attracted by lichen heaths on the ridge zone in Rokua National Park, and the vast peat bog and swamp areas, most of which are protected.

It is easy to go on the water from Vaala, be it by boat or by canoe, or any way you like. There is an ample supply of marinas, harbours and other places to come ashore. Guest harbours can be found in Sahanranta, Vaala; in Ruununtörmä, Säräisniemi; in Teeriniemi and Martinlahti in Manamansalo, plus on the shore next to Restaurant Ihme in Jaalanka, and in Koivuniemi in Kankari.