Liisa Sallinen settled in Oulu in 2012 when she started as the Airport Manager of Oulu Airport.
“My first job at Finavia, then Finnish Civil Aviation Administration, was back in 1997-2005. Later, I took on the position of Airport Manager of Kuusamo Airport in February 2012 and then transferred to Oulu Airport in November 2012.”
Sallinen, who has enjoyed being the Airport Manager of Oulu Airport for almost ten years, feels that one of her key responsibilities is to enable the airport community to succeed together both in small everyday jobs and in larger tasks.
“The remarkable development of Oulu Airport has succeeded in cooperation with our excellent, professional staff. We invest in a seamless travel experience and customer satisfaction, as well as in meeting our customers' needs. We have plenty of capacity to reach 1.5 million annual passengers.”
Photo: Visit Oulu
Sallinen reveals that her favourite place at the airport is the Hailuoto lounge in the open waiting area, near the departure gates.
“There is a book exchange and a black grand piano that passengers can play. You should also definitely not leave the airport without trying out the scrumptious sweet and savoury waffles at Waffle King.”
Sallinen is happy to welcome any passengers heading to Oulu during the summer.
“Oulu is a diverse seaside town with many leisure activities. The city offers plenty of seaside attractions – for example, the incredible sea views of Hailuoto and the sandy beach at Nallikari are a must.”
The airlines Finnair and Norwegian fly directly from Helsinki Airport to Oulu Airport. At the moment, there are also charter flights from Oulu to Crete, Rhodes and in the winter to the Canary Islands, a favourite destination.
“Oulu is very easy to access by air so take flight and come to Oulu!”
Photo: Visit Finland
Liisa's Oulu travel tips
Outdoor activities for hikers
“Oulu offers a convenient way to visit Finland's southernmost fell area and the Rokua Geopark, a rare natural area formed during the Ice Age. Oulu is also a good jump-off point for the Syöte hills, both in the summer and winter, as well as the sandy beaches of Kalajoki.”
“The new Northern Ring Road connects nine tourist areas and covers the open sea, river terrain, lush forests and fells. The destinations along the route can be explored on day trips or, if you prefer, you can go the whole circle!”
Photo: Visit Oulu
Biking along trails
“Oulu definitely has a great cycling network and I often like to spend some free time adventuring around the red bike paths. There are also plenty of options for mountain biking, and the Oulunsalo trails are even accessible directly from the airport.”
Photo: Kim Östman / Visit Finland
Enjoy delicious food in the city’s restaurants
“The restaurant Uleåborg 1881 in one of the red booths of Oulu Market Square is absolutely number one. It combines local flavours and delicacies of global gastronomy with excellent service. Pancake House, over at the neighbouring red booth, serves delicious sweet and savoury pancakes.”
Finavia’s My Archipelago & Coast series continues from where Finavia’s My Lapland series left off. The series introduces readers to Finavia airports located by the sea and life by the water. Over the series, local airport staff will share their best tips for visitors.
Article photo: Visit Oulu
