On the country´s northwestern coast where the Oulujoki River meets the Baltic Sea´s Gulf of Bothnia, a six-hour drive and one-hour flight from Helsinki, this city of around 210,000 (lower image at top, and pronounced "OO-loo") is set in a beautiful landscape of coastal forests and a smattering of small islands. Founded in 1605 by King Charles IX of Sweden, Oulu began as a trading post and important tar-export hub. Over the centuries it grew from a maritime town into a modern city, today known for its strong technology sector alongside a lively student population that brings youthful energy to everyday life.
The architecture here is a mix of 19th-century neoclassical and modern, with major landmarks including the also neoclassical Oulu Cathedral, rebuilt in 1816, and the waterfront Market Square (Kauppatori), where historic red storehouses line the harbor, visitors can check out the colorful doings at the 125-year-old Oulu Saluhalli covered market, and the Toripolliisi statue is an unofficial symbol of the city. The main pedestrian street is Rotuaari, with a mix of shops, cafes, restaurants and public squares, making it a lively meeting place for both citizens and visitors.
Speaking of visitors, for them Nallikari Beach is a highlight, offering sandy shores, seaside walking paths, and even winter sea swimming. Many also take day trips to Hailuoto Island, known for its dunes, birdlife, and quiet villages. There´s a bit of history here, too. In Linnansaari Park, located near the city center, traces of the 17th-century Oulu Castle can be seen in the island’s landform and buildings. Only a former chancellery cellar and a piece of rampart remains of the castle which was built in the 1600s today. On top of the cellar stands a handsome observation tower of a maritime school built in 1875, today housing the Tähtitorni Café.
Just as important is the vibrancy of Oulu’s cultural scene. The city is home to institutions such as the Oulu Museum of Art and the Tietomaa Science Centre, which blend art, design, and interactive exhibitions. The Northern Ostrobothnia Museum, meanwhile, showcases the culture and history of the surrounding region. There are also several notable festivals. Oulu is known internationally for hosting the tongue-in-cheek Air Guitar World Championships in late August, and the Oulu Music Video Festival, also in late August, celebrates music and visual culture. Together with galleries, live music venues, and seasonal events, these festivals give Oulu a creative, youthful atmosphere that surprises many first-time visitors.
Oulu 2026
And it´s that heritage and talent Oulu is now drawing upon in its year in the Cultural Capitals spotlight, with the overarching theme “Cultural Climate Change” leveraging culture as a force for creativity, community, sustainability and regional vitality. The program brings together hundreds of cultural creators from Oulu as well as across Finland and Europe to present a diverse mix of art, performance, music, food culture and public experiences linking Arctic nature, innovation and heritage. Thousands of exhibitions, concerts, and other events will take place across the city as well as 39 nearby partner municipalities. Examples include expect regional flavors at Arctic Food Lab; the Climate Clock, a citywide public art trail highlighting environmental themes; and June’s Solstice Festival. And yes, that quirky air guitar competition is of course part of the lineup as well.
Read more in my post European Capitals of Culture 2026: Oulu and Trenčín.
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