Just a few hours from Frankfurt with Discover Airlines, Oulu awaits by the sea. As Finland’s fifth-largest city and European Capital of Culture 2026, Oulu blends vibrant events with stunning nature, from quirky Air Guitar Championships to the magical Lumo Light Festival. Discover a city like no other – where culture and nature meet.
Add to favouritesShow all favouritesDiscover Oulu: European Capital of Culture 2026 – A City Between Nature and Culture
Experience the northern nature and the magic of winter’s snowy wonderland!
Oulu, where the sea meets the river, is the starting point of the Pohjola Route – a journey into the heart of Northern Finland. The route winds through three unique national parks and diverse landscapes, from fells and forests to wetlands, lakes, rivers, and the Bay of Bothnia. Within two hours you can ski at Syöte, Finland’s southernmost fell, wander the historic wooden streets of Raahe, or take a ferry to Hailuoto island, famed for its birdlife and serene shores. The Pohjola Route also leads you to Rokua Geopark, Finland’s first UNESCO Global Geopark, shaped by the Ice Age with its ridges, pine forests and crystal-clear lakes. Further along are Kemi with its magical SnowCastle, the artistic and eco-minded community of Ii, and the welcoming towns of Tyrnävä, Lumijoki, Liminka and Kempele – each offering an authentic glimpse into northern life and culture.
Read more about the Pohjola routeDiscover the secret ingredient of Finnish happiness: sauna
Finland has been named the world’s happiest country eight years in a row, and in Oulu you’ll quickly see why. At the heart of this happiness is sauna – not just a place to bathe, but a way of life. One of the most memorable ways to enjoy it here is aboard a floating sauna raft, gliding across the water as steam rises and the northern scenery unfolds around you. You can also step into a cozy lakeside cabin sauna for a more traditional touch. Each experience captures the essence of Finnish relaxation, community, and well-being. And if you’d like to dive even deeper into local life, nearby alpaca and reindeer farms or a day of fishing offer the perfect balance of activity and nature.
Discover Oulu’s sauna raftsCelebrate 2026 – Oulu’s Year as European Capital of Culture
Next year, Oulu steps onto the international stage as the European Capital of Culture, together with 39 surrounding municipalities. The whole of Northern Finland will come alive as cultural events fill the calendar, bringing joy, creativity, and unforgettable experiences every single day.
This celebration is the highlight of a multi-year journey – and 2026 will be the moment it all comes together. Our mission goes beyond one year: we are creating a positive, lasting impact for our region. At the heart of it is cultural climate change – a new way of connecting people, communities, and ideas.
Are you ready to discover Oulu 2026?
Explore the programExperience the magic of the Northern Lights – Aurora Borealis in Oulu
Seeing the Northern Lights can feel like chasing a mystery, but in Oulu the odds are on your side. During winter, the auroras appear here about every fourth night, painting the sky with shades of green, purple, and pink. The vast open landscapes and minimal light pollution make Oulu a wonderful base for aurora watching. Whether you’re standing on the frozen sea at Nallikari, deep in the snowy forests, or simply looking up from the city outskirts, each sighting feels unforgettable.
Experience the Northern Lights in OuluSleep under the Northern sky – Best stays along the Pohjola route
From cozy cottages tucked in snowy landscapes to stylish hotels in the heart of the city, Oulu has accommodation to match every mood and travel style. Spend a night under the stars in a glass igloo, relax in a charming guesthouse, or indulge in a touch of luxury – whatever you choose, you’ll find the perfect base for your winter adventure.
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Here's a quick overview of Oulu, Finland!
- Easy access – just a few hours’ direct flight from Frankfurt with Discover Airlines
- Finland’s 5th largest city, home to 216,000 people
- A dynamic university hub, known for innovation and brands like Nokia and Oura
- Gateway to the North – close to the Arctic Circle and surrounded by stunning nature
- On the Bothnian Coastal Route, near the Swedish border
- European Capital of Culture 2026
- Unique events like the Air Guitar World Championships and Polar Bear Pitching
- Nature at your doorstep – 3 national parks, forests, lakes, and seaside views
- Magical skies – Northern Lights in winter, Midnight Sun in summer
- Cycling capital of Finland with year-round bike paths
- A taste of Oulu – from traditional rössypottu to vibrant restaurants and cafés
- Sauna culture – from floating sauna rafts to cozy lakeside cabins
- Family-friendly city – safe, welcoming, and full of activities for all ages