Tekst Astrix Agency - Fotografie: VISITOULU
Oulu, the capital of Northern Finland, home to Nokia and formerly to tar production, is the northernmost city with over 100,000 inhabitants, where people live in tune with nature. The Oulu region offers space, greenery and beautiful landscapes and coastlines. And much more culture than you might think. Oulu is preparing for its role as European Capital of Culture in 2026, while the city is growing into a premium destination for adventurous travellers seeking outdoor experiences.
Discover Oulu: the city centre and the picturesque Pohjola Route
Oulu's city centre is compact and perfect for exploring on foot. Thanks to the simple grid pattern of the streets, it is easy to navigate between historic wooden houses, cosy coffee bars and the stately Cathedral (Oulun tuomiokirkko). An absolute must-see is the statue of the city's most famous resident: The Fat Policeman (Toripolliisi). This bronze statue guards the Old Market Hall (Oulun kauppahalli) and is a popular spot for visitors. Nearby is Pikisaari Island, with quiet beaches, pine forests and beautiful historic fishermen's cottages with pastel-coloured facades. Oulu is surrounded by breathtaking scenery that ranges from ice-cold coastlines to dense forests and frozen lakes. To showcase this diverse nature, the Pohjola Route was created: a scenic driving route that takes travellers past the most beautiful places in Northern Finland. It's an experience not to be missed!
"Oulu is surrounded by breathtaking scenery that ranges from icy coastlines to dense forests and frozen lakes.
Ice fishing, snowshoeing and dining on an island in the river
In winter, Oulu offers a wide range of outdoor activities: try ice fishing with a private instructor, warm drinks and a heated igloo on Nallikari beach. For those who prefer to explore the forests, a snowshoe hike with an expert guide and a gourmet picnic in the Pilpasuo nature reserve is a unique experience. For an unrivalled outdoor culinary experience, dinner in Koiteli is an absolute must. This idyllic island in the Oulujoki River is accessible via wooden bridges, where you will find an adventurous setting for dinner. Here, gourmet dishes are prepared with local ingredients, such as freshly caught salmon and wild berries. The combination of atmospheric lighting, the serene river and exquisite gastronomy ensures an unforgettable evening in Finnish nature.
‘And don't forget the Northern Lights. In Oulu, you have a good chance of spotting the aurora borealis in the countryside, far from the city lights.’
Sauna and northern lights in Oulu
No visit to Finland is complete without a traditional sauna experience. At Maikkulan Kartano, a historic estate just outside the city, you can relax in a private sauna. After the heat of the sauna, it's wonderful to cool off in the fresh air, possibly followed by an invigorating dip in an ice hole. The evening ends with a gourmet dinner, where refined dishes such as reindeer carpaccio and wood-fired salmon delight the taste buds. And don't forget the Northern Lights: in Oulu, you have a good chance of spotting the aurora borealis in the countryside, far from the city lights.
‘A visit to Finland is not complete without a traditional sauna experience.’
Oulu practical information
This destination is an ideal combination with Lapland, for example, or you can visit it during a trip through Finland. The activities and outdoor experiences make it really worthwhile. The city has an airport nearby and it is best to hire a car locally, due to the vastness of the city and its surroundings. Oulu's hotel experiences range from the Radisson Blu Hotel with its elegant suites and culinary delights in the accompanying restaurant to the Boutique Hotel Lasaretti, a unique combination of art, design and serene views of the Oulujoki River, or the aforementioned Maikkulan Kartano, where you can also stay overnight. You can also stay in private lodges and villas on the shores of the Gulf of Bothnia.
European Capital of Culture in 2026
Next year, Oulu will shine as the European Capital of Culture. Under the theme “Cultural Climate Change”, the festivities will kick off during the opening weekend from 16 to 18 January, followed by a year full of exhibitions, nature trips, art installations, poetry week and the magical Lumo light festival. The Peace Machine, a tribute to AI pioneer Timo Honkela, will be erected in the town hall. Foodies can indulge themselves at the Arctic Food Lab, which brings together farmers and local chefs, culminating in a kilometre-long dinner table for tens of thousands of guests on 22 August 2026.
The full programme for the European Capital of Culture in 2026 will follow in September, but the website already lists many inspiring activities.
Plan your stay and discover Oulu!
