Manamansalo *****

Manamansalo is a top class Wild North tourist centre on the Manamansalo island in Lake Oulujärvi, surrounded by the widest inland waters in Finland. You can access the Manamansalo island via the bridge or with a ferry, the favourite of children in particular.

Great variety of activities and tranquillity of nature. Manamansalo provides excellent opportunities for a successful holiday. For visitors seeking for an active holiday there are e.g. tennis, badminton, and volley ball courts and a minigolf course, and there are also boats and bicycles on rent. Fabulous sandy beaches attract sun bathers. Friends of nature appreciate the easy-to-hike network of paths in the lichened pine forests. A great number of clear ponds attract the visitors to make coffee at campfire places which are ample in number.

The five star services make Manamansalo a favourite destination for people of all ages. The long-term development of Manamansalo services has gained deserved recognition over the years. For example, the Environment Award of Metsähallitus (the national board of forestry), the selection as the Caravan site of the year, and the five star camping site classification all reflect the high standards of Manamansalo.

For fishers Manamansalo is a paradise. The fishing grounds of Lake Oulujärvi are highly varied. Thanks to Kainuu hospitality, the best fishing areas of Lake Oulujärvi are disclosed in a booklet sold at the camping site reception. Fishing permits can be obtained on location or at the gate vending machine around the clock. Rowing boats are also on rent. Manamansalo fishing area includes five clear ponds with natural powan, pike and perch. In addition, fishing-size rainbow trout, char, lake salmon and trout are planted regularly. Just to be on the safe side. For fishers the area offers an almost limitless range of possibilities.

For one day or for the whole summer? Manamansalo welcomes you whether you come just for one day or for a longer period. There are 18 cabins on rent, 50 tent pitches, and 140 motorhome pitches with electricity in the area. Only 40 season pitches are sold for the first buyers. At the guest marina there are 12 places for boats. At the fully licensed restaurant you can enjoy a delicious meal and have a pleasurable holiday at the waves of "the Sea of Kainuu." The five stars are an obligation to provide excellent service.

Lake Oulujärvi hiking area
The only Finnish state-owned hiking area located in an inland water area is at Lake Oulujärvi, and the Manamansalo camping site operates as its Guide Centre. You can access the hiking area islands by renting a boat, if you didn't happen to bring your own boat. You don't even need a boat, as part of the hiking area is surrounding the camping site. From the windows of some of the cabins you can experience both the maritime scope of Lake Oulujärvi and the intimacy of the small ponds.

For children Manamansalo offers a lot to experience. Long sandy beaches, minigolf, games, and other leisure time possibilities in a well maintained environment guarantee the success of even lengthy visits of families with children. The shallow sandy shores are excellent for children's games. Children appreciate the fascinating history of Manamansalo!

Pirates and Tar Rowers
Manamansalo, Lake Oulujärvi and Kainuu have a rich history. In the 19th century rowers of tar boats, who rowed distances of even more than 300 km from near the Russian border to the town of Oulu, took a rest on the island of Manamansalo. Kainuu was the most important tar producer in the world in those days, and e.g. the famous British navy was dependent on Kainuu tar. Wooden ships rot away without tar treatment. The value of tar is illustrated by the fact that the last inland water pirates in Finland were active at Lake Oulujärvi even as late as in the 1860s. Fortunately the pirates are now history...

A lot to experience
Manamansalo camping site is open from 16 May to 21 September. In the summertime all the joys and pleasures of the summer are available in a tremendous landscape. During autumn Manamansalo attracts berry pickers and other who enjoy the foliage and atmosphere of the fall.

Welcome!