Oulu: Where Innovation Meets Creativity by the Northern Sea
Oulu, Northern Finland’s vibrant hub, blends modernity,
nature, and culture in the Arctic region. Positioned by
the Bothnian Bay and Oulujoki River, it offers stunning
waterfronts and diverse outdoor activities.
The lively cultural scene features museums and
experiences for all ages, while the urban core boasts a
pedestrian street and traditional market. Key attractions
include Market Square, the historic Oulu Castle ruins,
and the beautiful Hupisaaret Park.
Oulu’s culinary scene combines traditional Finnish and
contemporary international cuisine, making it a
gateway to Northern Finland’s natural wonders and an
unforgettable Arctic adventure.
Distance from port to city centre
5 kilometers
Distance from city to airport
14 kilometers
Airport information
Oulu Airport, located about 15 kilometers from the city center, is one of the busiest airports in Finland, serving as a vital gateway to northern Finland. It offers efficient connections to Helsinki and a year-round connection to Munich. The airport supports both business and leisure travelers, with modern facilities designed for convenience and a smooth travel experience. Its strategic location and accessibility make it a key transportation hub, fostering Oulu’s role as a center for innovation, culture, and northern tourism.
Watch the video
Oulu is a vibrant city blending innovation with a rich cultural heritage. Known as a hub for technology and education, it is also celebrated for its nomination as the European Capital of Culture 2026. Oulu’s unique charm lies in its picturesque riverside setting, creative events like the Air Guitar World Championship, and a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere. Surrounded by pristine nature, Oulu offers a perfect balance of urban energy and tranquil northern landscapes.
Must See & Do
Nallikari
Welcome to Nallikari! The long, sandy beach, the natural environment bursting with life, and the gorgeous location guarantee that you’ll be making unforgettable memories by the sea. Thanks to our versatile accommodation options, you’ll be able to find accommodations that suit your needs perfectly. Whether your plan is to spend nights with direct sea views at new Nallikari Aalto apartments, in a beautiful archipelago-style villa, a cosy cottage, camping out in a tent, or at a caravan pitch. You can also enjoy a wide variety of different activities and restaurants all year round.
Oulu Market Square
When you reach the Market Square and its landmarks – the Market Hall, the old granaries, and the Market Square Policeman’s statue keeping the peace – you know you have arrived in the local people’s summertime living room. From early morning on, the Market Square bustles with travellers and local residents, along with vegetable and food vendors as well restaurant keepers serving customers till late evening. The old, multi-coloured granaries house not only restaurants but also tiny, charming boutiques selling handicraft products, clothes, and decoration items. Patrolling in front of the Market Hall and keeping a watchful eye on the visitors is the Market Square Policeman, a plump statue as a reminder of the times when real policemen were guarding the area. The vibrant harbour and export hub of the 18th century gradually became less busy, and the market area became a meeting place for city folk and visitors from the countryside. The policemen were needed for upholding law and order.
Activities at Oulu joki river
Take a moment and enjoy the day at Oulujoki river. Rent a SUP board or a canoe and take a look what the city looks like from the water.
Hupisaaret Park
The Hupisaaret park area invites travelers to a green oasis in the summer and a snow-covered wonderland in the winter. Hupisaaret, located in the immediate vicinity of the center of Oulu, is a destination for outdoorsmen, culture-hungry and romantic alike, and it invites locals and visitors to the city to have fun, adventure and play, picnic and relax. Grab the new OULU letters from the park and take a picture with them as a souvenir! The Oulu Art Museum is also located near the park, so there is plenty to do in the area both outside and inside.
Cafe Kiikku serves in the park area in the summer, while the versatile playground attracts adventure all year round. The wonderful Hupisaarer summer theater created by the architects offers cultural experiences for the whole family. Old-time gazebos and charming wooden bridges connecting small islands are nice places to rest and take photos. With the Fun Islands mobile game, you get to know the stories of the Fun Islands. At the northern end of the park is the longest fish ladder in Finland and the only one in Oulujoki. You can spot migratory fish there from May to the end of October.
Pikisaari
An idyllic wooden district, old industrial milieu and unique artists’ community awaits travellers who cross the pedestrian bridge from the Market Square to Pikisaari Island. Pikisaari (in English: Pitch Island) got its name from an old pitch works founded in the 17th century. Besides that, the island has housed shipyards, a sawmill, a distillery, a wool mill, and a machine workshop. Nowadays the island is the home and studio for many artists and artisans. Pikisaari Island has residential and industrial buildings as well as granaries from the 18th and 19th centuries as well as the early 20th century. Many of the original wooden houses remain standing, although several fires have tested the island. The oldest wooden building in Oulu accommodates the Sailor’s Home Museum. Another building worth seeing is the old, decorative office of the local machine workshop from the 1880s, nowadays used as a residential house. It represents the neo-renaissance style with a tower that is a notable landmark among the houses on the island. Unique accommodation businesses have also found home at the heart of the island, and there are charming restaurants, too.
Hailuoto
Hailuoto – the hidden gem of the Bay of Bothnia, where natural beauty meets culture! As Finland’s third-largest island, Hailuoto invites you to experience serene landscapes, sandy beaches, and fantastic birdwatching opportunities. Especially during the autumn and winter months, Hailuoto is the perfect escape: low light pollution allows for breathtaking views of the northern lights, creating an atmosphere of peace and wonder. The island is home to a close-knit, welcoming community, passionate about preserving Hailuoto’s rich cultural history. Museums, art galleries, and cultural events invite visitors to explore the unique stories and traditions of island life. Accessible by ferry from Oulu, Hailuoto is the ideal destination to pack your sense of adventure and discover a magical island that captures hearts on the very first visit!
Shore Excursion Examples
Fishing Trip to Koiteli White Water Area
Koiteli white water area is a beautiful Finnish nature spot by River Kiiminkijoki. On the way to Koiteli our guide tells you the facts and features of Oulu today. In Koiteli you get to throw-fishing for two hours with the guidance of an expert. The price includes all the necessary equipment, as well as professional advice of the use of fishing gear. Coffee/tea and traditional Finnish pastry are served during the trip.
Duration: 4h
Minimum: 10
Maximum: 20
Activity level: Medium
Turkansaari Open Air Museum
Turkansaari Open Air Museum is located on three islands in the Oulujoki River 12 kilometres upstream from downtown Oulu. On the way to Turkansaari our guide tells you the facts and features of Oulu today. In the idyllic Turkansaari you can step into the past and listen to the stories of Northern heritage, everyday life and celebration in the countryside. The museum is Finland’s second-oldest open-air museum. It was officially established in 1925 when the island’s wooden church dating back to 1694 was restored to its original location. The museum islands currently host a number of old buildings relocated to the museum to save them from demolition. The main themes of the museum are traditional agriculture and forestry, fishing and Oulu’s history of pine tree tar.
Duration: 4 h
Minimum: 10
Maximum: 50 / coach
Activity level: Easy
Exploring Oulu and Surroundings 4h
Today the people of Oulu design software, produce the finest paper in the world, do business all over the world and provide high quality services for each other and tourists. This tour takes you to the River Oulujoki surroundings and the beautiful seasides. You will visit the old and new monumental centres of Oulu, the sites of culture; Oulu museum of art, Music house, many statues and sites of technology; Technopolis area, University of Oulu, Oulu University hospital area. During the tour you will hear stories about tar merchants, ship builders, sea farers and salmon fishers during the history of Oulu. We will make two visits during the tour; Oulu Cathedral built in 1842 is designed by Carl Ludvig Engel after the big fire that almost destroyed the whole city in 1822. Another stop is at Museum of Northern Ostrobothnia where we can dive a little bit more in detail into the history of the Oulu Region.
This trip also available as 2 hours tour without visits.
Minimum: 20
Maximum: 50 / coach
Activity level: Easy
https://arcticcruiseports.com/oulu-shore-excursions/
Guided Nordic Walk in the beautiful islands of the City of Oulu
A walk of two hours takes you from the city to the beautiful and fascinating islands of Pikisaari, Linnasaari and Hupisaaret. During the walk you can admire some of the old wooden architecture of Pikisaari and the newer architecture of Alvar Aalto. The fascinating sea and river areas close to the city will give you a good sense of the nature and fresh air of our city. Linnasaari still has some remains of our former castles to see and Hupisaaret will show you the perfect combination of nature and city living together.
Nordic walking is a total body version of walking that can be enjoyed both by non-athletes as a health-promoting physical activity, and by athletes as a sport. The activity is performed with specially designed walking poles similar to ski poles.
Duration: 2,5 hours
Minimum: 20
Maximum: 50 / coach
Activity: Medium
Oulu by Land and River
This tour shows you the very best of Oulu by land and river! First of all you enjoy a bus tour through Oulu and its remarkable attractions. After the bus tour you will board on Angelina River boat to enjoy the beautiful scenery of River Oulujoki. On board you will hear stories about pine tree tar production and transportation and salmon fishing that have all played important roles in history of Oulujoki and the growth of the city. Bar is open on board during the cruise.
Duration: 4h
Minimum: 20
Maximum: 80
Activity level: Easy
https://arcticcruiseports.com/oulu-shore-excursions/
Annual Events
Checkout some of Oulu’s annual events!
Air Guitar World Championships
- Late August
- Location Oulu city centre
The purpose of the Air Guitar World Championships is to promote world peace.
According to the competition ideology, wars will end, climate change will stop and all bad things will vanish when all the people in the world play the air guitar.
Frozen People
- March
- Location Oulu by the sea
The festival’s music programme will showcase both local and international talents. The art content will feature installations, light art, interactive performances, and live performances.
The festival’s music programme will showcase both local and international talents. The art content will feature installations, light art, interactive performances, and live performances.
Oulu Days
- September
- Location Oulu Market square
Oulu Päivät is a joint festival of all Oulu residents, whose program is shaped by cooperation between various actors
Oulu Christmas Market
- December
- Location Oulu city centre
In Oulu, the traditional Tiernatori, organized for years on the pedestrian street Rotuaari aukio is held at Kauppurienaukio,
At Tiernator’s Christmas market, which opens yearly around December 7, you can find wonderful handicrafts, e.g. mittens, jewelry, candles, pitch cream, sheep’s wool, knives. Tasty and warm mulled wine with gingerbread can be sipped at the atmospheric Christmas market.
Qstock festival
- July
- Location Oulu
The first ever Qstock festival took place in 2003. What was planned as a very small-scale event gathered an attendance of more than 7000 people instead of the expected 3000. Within the next three years, the festival blew up into an event that attracted around 20 000 people each year.
Now Qstock has been sold out for eleven summers in a row, and it has established a status as one of the biggest festivals in Finland.
In 2023 the festival celebrated its 20th anniversary and the tickets were sold out almost two months before the festival. There were again 40 000 visitors over two days. Qstock won festival of the year award at the Music x Media Industry Awards in October 2023.
Oulu: A Hub of Innovation, Culture, and Northern Charm
Oulu, the vibrant city by the Gulf of Bothnia, blends cutting-edge technology with rich cultural heritage. Known for its innovation in mobile technology and being the European Capital of Culture 2026, Oulu offers a unique mix of urban energy and northern tranquility. Whether it’s enjoying the pristine nature, exploring cultural landmarks, or engaging in quirky events like the Air Guitar World Championship, Oulu welcomes visitors with creativity, adventure, and a warm, laid-back atmosphere.”
