Hailuoto: Lighthouses, hiking trails and nature

On Hailuoto, lighthouses and historic daymarks tell the story of the coast, while birdwatching and outdoor recreation provide a focus on nature. There are many different ways to plan your trip—from a short, accessible trail to a longer hike or a visit to watch migratory birds.

Hiking trails with different highlights

The accessible Marjaniemi trail is 1.9 kilometres long, easy, and takes about 30 minutes. It is a clearly defined option for planning a walk in Marjaniemi. The Hannuksenlampi trail offers a different experience: this 5.2-kilometre circular route passes three forest ponds and includes a lean-to shelter and a campfire site. If you would like to include a longer route in your day’s plans, consider the 14.2-kilometre Marjaniemi–Pöllä hiking trail.

This hike starts at Marjaniemi harbour and passes through old fishing villages before reaching Pöllä. Its route and length make it a different kind of outing from the circular trail at Hannuksenlampi or the short trail in Marjaniemi. The route lengths alone do not indicate a walking time or a specific level of difficulty. The trails differ in length and in the places described along them: forest ponds and places to rest are highlights of the Hannuksenlampi trail, while the route to Pöllä passes through old fishing villages.

Another destination with historical significance is the Keskiniemi Daymark, Hailuoto’s oldest surviving daymark, completed in 1858. It can be reached via an old hiking trail. By car, you can drive to the end of Karvontie or Sunilahentie and then follow the old yellow trail markers. This lets you combine the visit with a walk; the markers provide guidance for the final stretch.

Lighthouses and local history

Marjaniemi Lighthouse has been in operation for more than 150 years. Guided tours go all the way to the top, where you can enjoy views of the old fishing village of Marjaniemi and the surrounding coast. This makes the lighthouse a destination in its own right for anyone interested in maritime structures and seeing the landscape from above. The visit is specifically described as a guided tour.

Traditional work on Hailuoto is also reflected in tangible objects. Kniivilä Farm displays equipment used in agriculture and livestock farming, fishing and crafts. The Kniivilä Local Heritage Museum houses more than 3,000 catalogued objects. In 2024, the exhibition Meren sylissä opened there, exploring the history of life on Hailuoto and its close connection with nature. The farm, collection and exhibition offer different perspectives: tools and equipment are presented alongside an extensive collection of objects and a thematic portrayal of the island’s history.

A traditional windmill stands in the village of Ojakylä. Nearby are old granaries and a large cogwheel. These features provide further insight into local working and everyday life, complementing the themes of agriculture, fishing and crafts.

Nature watching and outdoor recreation

At the Kirkkosalmi Birdwatching Tower, you can observe cormorants and birds of prey during the spring migration. The tower is also wheelchair accessible. It combines a specific focus on nature observation with an explicitly stated accessibility feature. Hyypänmäki is another option for families and outdoor recreation: the area is open year-round and offers easy-to-walk trails that are also suitable for families.

Beer from the local brewery

Another part of a stay on Hailuoto is Hailuoto Brewery Pub & Shop. Visitors can enjoy beer there and buy beer to take away. The brewery also organises tours and guided beer tastings. This adds a culinary interest to the hiking, nature and history themes, without implying a particular itinerary or fixed length of visit.

More destinations on the portal: Juupajoki, Merijärvi, Karvia, Vieremä, Kuru, Paimio, Syötekylä and Kuusamo.

Return to the main travel overview: Northern Ostrobothnia.