Your Travel Guide to Oulu (+ European Culture Capital 2026 tips)
Oulu is one of the places that I had on my list for many years. People from Oulu having the reputation of being amongst the friendliest in Finland, the wild nature of the Northern Baltic Sea and access towards the heart of Lapland – Oulu is known for many things. Finns and those who have a soft spot for the North are already aware of its strong local culture, that is both savvy and quirky – and makes it the perfect place to be the European Capital 2026!
Oulu is for those who want to...
- combine a vibrant city with pure nature
-
discover quirky Nordic culture during the
European Culture Capital 2026 - want to experience both Northern Lights & Midnight Sun
- live like the locals between urban life and wilderness
- travel sustainably in Northern Finland
In this article:
Part of this trip was experienced on a mediatrip with Visit Oulu and Oulu Culture Capital 2026. All recommendations and opinions are my own. Thank you!
Planning your trip to Oulu & the region: an itinerary suggestion
- Oulu is a great place if you want to explore both one of the biggest cities in Finland, as well as head out to the wilderness for some nature, and/or skiing in the winter
- In 2026, Oulu will be the European Capital of Culture which brings hundreds of events and happenings to the city, and the surrounding municipalities. If you needed a reason to travel to Oulu besides the obvious ones, this is the one you needed to book your trip now
- Oulu itself is a small city, that makes a lovely weekend getaway. Combining it with a trip to the Syöte area, will easily fill a week. I would suggest at least 2 days in Oulu, and another 3 in Syöte, including all the travel in between.
When to travel to Oulu
- While probably every city in Finland will declare itself as a summer city, Oulu is highly recommended year-round. Winter activities of all kinds are are around and nature is a huge part of everyday life here.
- Winter lovers will love the time around January to March, when the Northern light season is fully on but it’s already getting a bit lighter during the day time. It can get icy cold though – especially by the seaside, cold winds can turn the city into a slippery ice-fest so be prepared (I wasn’t).
- The summer months between June and August are magical with the midnight sun’s endless days that will get you the most out of your stay!
Getting to and around Oulu
- By plane: Oulu Airport (OUL) is Finland’s second busiest airport (who knew!), with direct flights from Helsinki (and several seasonal European connections) with Finnair. The airport is just 15 km from the city center, with buses and taxis making it easy to start your trip.
- By train: Oulu is well-connected to the Finnish rail network, with direct trains from Helsinki taking around 5.5 hours. VR’s night trains are not only a really scenic and relaxed way to travel, but also a sustainable and reliable option. I’d always choose this!
- By road: Whether driving or taking a long-distance bus, Oulu is easily accessible via Finland’s highway network. There are several buses from Helsinki, Rovaniemi and other cities that run frequently. Check out Matkahuolto for info.
Where to stay in Oulu
Right in the heart of Oulu, the Scandic Oulu City hotel is the perfect starting point for exploring the city. After a delicious breakfast, head for a day out in town and then get the best nights sleep in their spacious rooms.
From 125€/room
Get in the mood for Northern Finland and Lapland vibes with staying at Lapland Hotel – famous for their incredible breakfast full of typically Finnish delicacies, this is the best place to stay for foodies who like it cozy.
(closed until May) from 145€/room
10 things to do in Oulu
1. Visit the market hall & try local delicacies
From fresh fish to Arctic berries and traditional pastries, this is the perfect place to experience local cuisine and have a chat with friendly vendors. Don’t miss out on trying kalakukko (a savoury fish-bread type of local dish) or Rönttönen (a rye pastry filled with lingonberries)
2. Bike along the sea (or on it!)
Oulu is not only one of the most bike-friendly cities in Finland but famously in all of Europe – with locals fearlessly riding their bikes in literally any condition – even when it’s icy and slippery that you might as well take your ice-skates. Scenic coastal cycling routes for a day out or just for your day-to-day trips, biking is kind of a must in Oulu. In winter, the frozen sea transforms into a natural ice road—perfect for a truly unique cycling adventure that you can book guided with Lappis Rental.
3. Treasure hunting in Second Hand shops
I’m an avid thrifter and I’ve made it my mission to visit at least one flea market (kirpputori) in any place I visit. The smaller the city or town, usually the better – but with the limited time I had in Oulu on this first ever visit, I was not disappointed! Efficient as I am, I picked two places recommended by our lovely local guides, and came home with several treasures. Yes this meant I carried an enamel pot with me for the rest of the trip.
Check out Sininen Pysäkki and Järkikirppis if this is your jam
4. Learn to play the Air Guitar from the champions
Oulu is the home of the Air Guitar World Championships! Channel your inner rock star and learn the art of shredding on an invisible guitar—because in Oulu, playing air guitar isn’t just fun, it’s a cultural tradition and also serious business. Participants from around the world hit the stage in Oulu for the big finals hosted in August. Super fun, unique and a guaranteed good time.
5. Enjoy some beers and music
From cozy craft beer bars to vibrant live music venues, Oulu’s nightlife has something for everyone and it was really surprising by how versatile the scene felt while I was here. If you’re a fan of beers, don’t miss out on checking Mallas Sauna, the Oulu home of the first organic brewery Hailuodon Panimo that is brewed on the Hailuoto island about 1,5 hours from Oulu. I really enjoyed the wheat beer and their amber ale. And you might be lucky and encounter one of the former world air guitar champions here.
Oulu is also pretty well frequented by international artists who stop on their tours, so make sure to check local events when you visit.
6. Visit local Museums
Discover Oulu’s history and creativity in its museums. The Oulu Museum of Art showcases contemporary Finnish works, while the Northern Ostrobothnia Museum dives into the region’s fascinating past. Locals suggest you plan at least two hours for each of these museums, if you really want to immerse yourself in the stories and pieces.
7. Book some local restaurant hot spots
Oulu’s food scene is an exciting mix of traditional and modern flavours –Sokeri-Jussin Kievari is an old-timey tavern where you can taste local specialties or curiosities such as rössypottu – a brothy pork soup with blood pudding. For a more contemporary dinner, highly recommended was the Wine Bar Kurkela that also has a lovely food menu.
For us foodies, the Arctic Food Lab is the place to keep an eye out during Oulu 2026.
8. Sauna and a dip in the sea, of course
No visit anywhere in Finland is ever complete without a sauna visit. During the summer, sauna floats and boats are all around the city, or if you’re feeling like something a bit different, why not try the torisauna – the sauna in the middle of the market square. The Koivunrannan Saunalautta operates year-round and offers public sauna slots for anyone.
9. Nature's escape to Hailuoto island by ferry
Take a ferry to Hailuoto, an island known for its beautiful beaches, old fishing villages, and relaxed atmosphere. It’s a peaceful escape just outside the city, perfect for hiking, birdwatching, or simply unwinding.
10. Continue your trip into the wilderness of the nearby Syöte area
Just a short drive from Oulu, the Syöte region is a paradise for nature lovers and those looking to be active in the wilderness. Whether you want to ski in winter or hike through beautiful forests in summer, Syöte National Park offers breathtaking landscapes and endless outdoor adventures.
Oulu - European Capital of Culture 2026
- European Capital of Culture 2026 – Oulu will host a year-long cultural celebration with thousands of events, performances, and exhibitions showcasing art, music, and innovation. The overarching topic of the events will be Cultural Climate Change.
- Unique Cultural Themes – The 2026 program is built around three themes: Wild City (urban nature experiences), Cool Contrasts (blending tradition and modernity), and Brave Hinterland (highlighting regional creativity).
- Arctic Food Lab – Taste authentic Northern Finnish flavours, from wild berries and fresh seafood to reindeer dishes, all sourced from the Arctic region. This is – of course – the most interesting topic for me and will definitely be the reason for me to return to Oulu in 2016.
Top 10 (+1) Event picks for Oulu 2026
These are my personal Oulu2026 Cultural Programme Highlights, with more to come!
- Arctic Food Lab – A celebration of Northern flavors, promoting Arctic ingredients and sustainable food culture.
- Fotografiska Tallinn x Oulu2026 – A collaboration bringing world-class photography exhibitions to Oulu.
- Climate Clock – An artistic installation visualizing the urgency of climate action.
- Media Art from Kiasma – Cutting-edge media art exhibitions in collaboration with Kiasma Museum.
- OVLÁ – One of the most exciting projects of the year will be the first ever Sámi opera, Ovlá. It explores the indigenous culture from a new perspective.
- From Here to Art Travel Agency – transforms personal experiences into immersive community art journeys, where locals and newcomers collaborate with artists to create unique “trips”—ranging from time travel to urban pilgrimages—offered through an imaginative art travel agency in Oulu.
- Knitwear from the Edge of Europe – A showcase of contemporary Nordic knitwear blending tradition with modern design.
- Ancient Survival Skills – A revival of Stone Age traditions through interactive experiences and a prehistoric market.
- Tuira Sauna – The Art of Sauna Steam – A new riverside sauna offering the best of Finnish sauna culture.
- The Wild Ones – An interactive dance performance exploring personal and cultural transformation.
- Pikinen Poloku Environmental Art Path – A scenic art trail on Pikisaari Island, connecting nature, history, and urban culture.
What to know and what to pack
Hot tip
Both in terms of clothing and drinkware, thermals were quite the essential for me.
Layering is the key, and especially if you’re planning any outdoor activities, a breathable base layer but a wind-proof jacket are key.
Plan your days smart
The main tip here: use the daylight hours. The time when it’s light here is limited, so it’s crucial to make the best of it when you can.
If you plan to stay up late to see the Northern lights, I highly recommend scheduling an afternoon break once it gets dark. The cold makes you really tired, and after a fully packed day, I could not make it out to chase the auroras because I was asleep HARD.
Packing Must-Haves
Myssyfarmi Hohto Hood
Pomar Saana felt boots
Icebreaker floppy Mittens
R-Collection overshirt
Joutsen Mysi Down Coat
North Outdoor Merino joggers
Laponie all-around-balm
