Oulu

Welcome to Oulu – a laid-back northern city by the sea!
Historically known as the tar capital of the world and a bustling center of maritime trade, Oulu today is a vibrant university city, the official technology hub of Finland, and the global capital of winter cycling — where no one is ever in a rush.

Oulu offers space for creativity and new experiences: in summer, air guitars are played on Rotuaari for world peace, while in winter, art and music are celebrated on the frozen sea. The city hosts numerous festivals in the summer and a variety of music events during the winter.

Oulu is also proud to be the European Capital of Culture in 2026.
So come and fall in love with Oulu with us!

Sights, Fresh Nature, Delicious Food, and Starry-Night Dreams in Oulu – What More Could You Ask From a Trip?

That’s right – and the destination is ready and waiting: the Oulu region is within your reach.

The Oulu region delights with its diversity. From the urban cityscape, you can easily venture to Finland’s southernmost fell area or explore a rare natural site shaped by the Ice Age.

Culture, food, music, and a wide range of delightful experiences can be found throughout the region — stretching from ski slopes to the coastline and archipelago.

Whether you stay in a downtown hotel, a nature retreat, or a seaside villa with an ocean view, your charming getaway is ready to go!

There are also interesting events almost every day of the year, whether you’re a fan of sports, culture, history, or music festivals.

In a Compact City, Everything Is Close — and You’ll Quickly Feel at Home in Oulu!

The Market Square and the seaside atmosphere of Torinranta, complete with the iconic Toripolliisi statue and local products, are a must-see for visitors — especially in summer. At the Market Hall, you’ll find local delicacies and souvenirs to take home.

From the square, it’s just a short walk across a pedestrian bridge to Pikisaari, a charming old wooden district full of character.

Near the striking Oulu Cathedral, you’ll find the lush Hupisaaret City Park — a year-round favorite among locals. It’s a perfect spot for summer picnics and winter sledding alike.

By the sea, Nallikari is the Nordic Riviera! Its scenic lighthouse and phenomenal sunsets are the stuff of every visitor’s Instagram feed.

Bustling Rotuaari and the Artistic Charm of Pikisaari

The pedestrian street Rotuaari is always buzzing with life, and the Rotuaari Ball is a popular meeting point for locals and visitors alike. Along the street, you’ll find Oulu’s best shopping spots — from small boutique stores to the shops of Valkea Shopping Center. Rotuaari also offers a variety of restaurants and cafés for every taste.

The street is a vibrant event venue year-round, hosting everything from local gatherings to international events — most famously, the Air Guitar World Championships. During the Christmas season, a cozy Christmas market lights up Rotuaari Square.

Just across from Torinranta lies Pikisaari, known as Oulu’s island of artists and artisans. This small island, filled with old wooden and brick buildings, has a truly unique atmosphere.

The best way to explore Pikisaari is to follow its 1.3-kilometer walking trail, which offers scenic sea views and charming old houses. One of the island’s most beloved spots is Sokeri-Jussi’s Tavern, located near the bridge — a traditional restaurant serving classic Oulu flavors in a cozy setting.

Sights in Oulu: History, Nature, and Northern Magic

Linnasaari Star Tower
Next to the market square on Linnasaari Island stands a charming pink wooden tower that catches the eye of passers-by from the Tuiran bridges. The picturesque Star Tower serves as a café in summer and offers splendid views of the surrounding area. Built in 1975 on the ruins of the Oulu Castle’s gunpowder storage, which exploded in 1793, the tower has housed a summer café since 1912. Before that, it functioned as a maritime observation tower and school for navigation students.

Ainola Park
Right next to the city center lies Ainola Park, the green heart of Oulu and part of the lush Hupisaaret City Park. This beautifully maintained park blooms throughout summer and is a popular spot for outdoor activities. It features a scenic summer theater, a cozy café, and a large playground. The park stretches from the market square all the way to the Merikoski Dam Bridge — a must-visit outdoor destination in the warmer months.

Oulujoki River
Water is a defining element in Oulu. The Oulujoki River, flowing through the city, offers swimming spots such as the popular Tuiran and Värtö beaches, as well as excellent fishing opportunities.
Explore the river by kayak or canoe to see the city from a whole new perspective. Water routes lead either toward the sea or upriver to Turkansaari Open-Air Museum, depending on your starting point. Rentals are available for both kayaks and canoes.

Turkansaari Open-Air Museum
Step back in time at Turkansaari, where traditional livelihoods such as tar production, salmon fishing, and logging are brought to life. The museum area showcases the peasant building culture of Northern Finland through more than 30 historic buildings.
Wander through themed areas from different eras, like the early 1900s farmyard of Ylikärpäntalo or the post-war logger’s cabin of Parttuainen. Recognized by the Finnish Heritage Agency, Turkansaari offers seasonal events like Midsummer celebrations, Craft Wednesdays, and hands-on family programs.

Hailuoto – A Hidden Gem in the Bothnian Bay
Finland’s third-largest island, Hailuoto, invites you to enjoy untouched coastal nature, sandy beaches, and birdwatching opportunities. Especially during the dark months of autumn and winter, the island’s lack of light pollution makes it ideal for northern lights spotting and peaceful escapes.
Home to a close-knit, welcoming community, Hailuoto offers museums, galleries, and cultural events that highlight its rich heritage. Top attractions include the fishing village, wind turbines, Marjaniemi Lighthouse, and the serene beaches. Accessible by ferry from Oulu, the island promises to win your heart.

Nallikari – The Nordic Riviera
Gleaming sands, breathtaking sunsets, quality accommodations, and diverse activities await at Nallikari, Oulu’s own Nordic Riviera. In summer, enjoy beach volleyball, water play, and the huge climbing net and playgrounds.
In winter, the frozen Bay of Bothnia becomes a playground for skiers, snowshoers, and kite skiers. The Hietasaari nature trails are perfect for year-round outdoor adventures, with birdwatching towers and campfire spots for all ages. Accessibility is considered in the summer routes.

Compact City, Endless Attractions
Thanks to Oulu’s compact city center, many of its top sights are within walking distance. But don’t stop there — Oulu’s extensive area includes countless attractions beyond the core. Take a scenic drive to explore Hailuoto Island, the rushing rapids of Koiteli, or the Kierikki Stone Age Center for a deep dive into prehistory.

Dining in Oulu
Oulu’s restaurant scene caters to every craving — from five-star fine dining to cozy cafés, chocolate and wine experiences, and traditional Finnish flavors. You’ll find excellent vegan options, local delicacies, the city’s best pizza, and panoramic dining with stunning views.

Cycle-Friendly Oulu
Don’t miss the chance to experience Oulu from the saddle — the city boasts a vast 900 km cycling path network, including the iconic red-marked Baanas. Discover all these sights at your own pace while pedaling through the open northern landscapes of Finland’s top cycling city.

Climate in Oulu – A City of Contrasts

The best time to visit Oulu is summer, but the city offers something for travelers all year round. In summer, bright nights, lively events at the Market Square waterfront, and lush green parks provide the ultimate Oulu experience.

During winter, the city is blanketed in snow, and the crisp, freezing temperatures give Oulu a unique northern charm. Locals are not discouraged by the cold — you’ll still see cyclists riding through the city even in sub-zero temperatures.

The contrast between seasons is striking. In winter, there is typically a lot of snow, but sunsets come early and daylight is limited. In summer, the sun hardly sets, bringing a noticeable boost in energy — locals often spend long, light-filled evenings socializing on the Market Square piers or enjoying outdoor life late into the night.

Oulu’s climate is generally cool. As a northern coastal city, it is windy year-round. In mid-summer, you can enjoy pleasant warmth, with average temperatures around 16°C (61°F) in July, and occasional highs up to 30°C (86°F). In January, the average temperature is about –10°C (14°F), but strong winds can make it feel even colder.

For the best combination of weather, daylight, and events, summer is the ideal season to experience Oulu.

Accommodation in Oulu

Oulu offers a good selection of hotels, and standard rooms are usually readily available. In addition to the city center hotels, there are accommodations between the city center and the railway station, as well as near Nallikari Beach and close to Ainola Park. On average, hotel prices are comparable to other Finnish cities.

While there are no traditional hostels in Oulu, budget travelers can find affordable options in apartment hotels, which provide simple and cost-effective stays. Home-sharing services like Airbnb are also popular, with many locals offering a room or an entire apartment for rent.

During your stay in Oulu, you might also consider renting a cottage just outside the city center. These cabins offer a peaceful setting surrounded by nature and provide a unique way to experience the local outdoors. For a more casual option, there’s also a camping area near Nallikari Beach, with tent and caravan spots available.

Getting Around in Oulu

Oulu is one of Finland’s largest cities by area, due to several surrounding municipalities being merged into it. This presents some challenges for the city’s public transport, but the bus network within the central urban area is fairly comprehensive. Still, most locals prefer cycling over taking the bus, regardless of the season. Oulu boasts an excellent cycling path network, which is well-maintained even during winter.

Exploring Oulu by bike is one of the best ways to experience the city.

Car rental is also a convenient option for travelers, as several rental agencies operate in the city. Finding parking in the city center is easy, thanks to the Kivisydän underground parking facility, as well as numerous on-street parking spaces and parking lots throughout downtown.

By Finnish standards, Oulu is a major city with excellent transportation connections. It’s easily accessible by car, train, or plane. In fact, Finland’s second-busiest airport is located in Oulu, offering good domestic and international flight connections.

Gleaming sands, breathtaking sunsets, quality accommodations, and diverse activities await at Nallikari, Oulu’s own Nordic Riviera. In summer, enjoy beach volleyball, water play, and the huge climbing net and playgrounds.
In winter, the frozen Bay of Bothnia becomes a playground for skiers, snowshoers, and kite skiers. The Hietasaari nature trails are perfect for year-round outdoor adventures, with birdwatching towers and campfire spots for all ages. Accessibility is considered in the summer routes.

Finland’s third-largest island, Hailuoto, invites you to enjoy untouched coastal nature, sandy beaches, and birdwatching opportunities. Especially during the dark months of autumn and winter, the island’s lack of light pollution makes it ideal for northern lights spotting and peaceful escapes.
Home to a close-knit, welcoming community, Hailuoto offers museums, galleries, and cultural events that highlight its rich heritage. Top attractions include the fishing village, wind turbines, Marjaniemi Lighthouse, and the serene beaches. Accessible by ferry from Oulu, the island promises to win your heart.

We can help you to get the trip of your dreams. From tickets, to accommodation and even activities.

Let’s make a deal for you!