Oulu is officially on the world’s travel radar for 2026. Celebrated by leading international media, Oulu is being recognised for its northern character, creative culture, and easy access to nature.
Scroll down to discover the international articles naming Oulu a top destination for 2026.
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National Geographic highlights Oulu as one of the most best destinations to visit in 2026. The article showcases Oulu’s unique location between forest and sea, its easy-to-explore, walkable city centre, and the striking contrasts of northern nature — from the midnight sun of summer to snowy forests and the northern lights in winter. Oulu’s year as European Capital of Culture 2026 is presented as a moment when the city naturally brings together urban life and the outdoors, with bold Sámi art, climate-focused public art, Arctic food experiences, and events that extend from the city to its surrounding islands. Iconic local experiences such as Kauppatori Market Square, Pikisaari Island, Oulu Art Museum, and traditional Finnish sauna culture — including the floating saunas on the Oulu River — are also highlighted.
Read also: National Geographic’s Best of the World: Oulu, Finland, is finally getting its moment to shine in 2026 feature takes a closer look at Oulu through its cultural highlights and signature experiences.
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Condé Nast Traveler presents Oulu as a forward-looking northern city where climate action, culture, and creativity meet. As European Capital of Culture 2026 under the theme Cultural Climate Change, the city hosts a year-long programme combining electronic music, contemporary and Sámi art, digital innovation, and Arctic food, with highlights such as the Frozen People festival on the frozen sea, summer celebrations of northern light and ingredients, and the Climate Clock public art trail.
Oulu is described as a naturally eco-friendly destination with clean air, extensive walking and cycling routes, and a strong sauna culture, from traditional wood-smoke and floating river saunas to sauna festivals rooted in Finnish heritage. The article also highlights Oulu’s role as Finland’s tech and science hub, featuring projects like the year-long Peace Machineinstallation and a new museum and science center opening in 2026. Easy connections from Helsinki and new hotel openings further position Oulu as a compact, walkable city where northern nature and bold ideas come together.
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Forbes highlights Oulu as a northern river city undergoing a major cultural transformation as European Capital of Culture 2026. Once a tar-trading port and later a paper-mill town, Oulu reinvented itself as Finland’s leading tech hub and is now using culture, creativity, and technology to drive its next chapter. Under the theme Cultural Climate Change, Oulu 2026 aims to address social and environmental challenges through art, community, and innovation, with more than 500 events spread across Oulu and 40 municipalities throughout northern Finland.
The article emphasizes Oulu’s role in bringing northern identity into focus, from Sámi culture and contemporary art to pop-up festivals, food events, and tech-driven light and digital installations. Forbes also highlights Oulu as a true year-round destination, shaped by dramatic seasonal contrasts—from summer’s long days, cycling routes, beaches, and waterfront terraces to winter’s frozen seascapes, outdoor sports, and northern lights.
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1000things ranks Oulu number one among the 10 Places in Europe You Must Visit in 2026. Named European Capital of Culture 2026, Oulu is presented as a standout northern destination that brings together urban creativity and Arctic nature just minutes apart. From winter swimming, northern lights, and seaside saunas to the midnight sun of summer, Oulu offers a full spectrum of Finnish experiences. With more than 900 kilometres of cycling routes, the city is also highlighted as a true paradise for cyclists — even in winter.
As the largest city in Northern Scandinavia, Oulu impresses with a vibrant cultural scene, including internationally known events such as the Air Guitar World Championships, as well as theatre, opera, and orchestral performances accessible to international visitors. Sustainability is a key focus, with Oulu aiming to become climate neutral by 2035 and actively promoting responsible tourism. Seasonal highlights include summer’s midnight sun, extensive cycling network, and the Air Guitar World Championships, as well as winter experiences such as winter swimming, the Lumo Light Festival, ice fishing, husky safaris, and walking across the frozen sea.
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BBC Travel highlights Oulu as an Arctic city in full creative bloom during its year as European Capital of Culture 2026. Located just below the Arctic Circle, Oulu is presented as a destination reshaping perceptions of northern Finland through a year-long cultural programme of pop-up performances, art installations, exhibitions, and festivals. Key highlights include the Arctic Food Lab, showcasing Nordic-Arctic flavours shaped by extreme seasons, and Climate Clock, a public art trail created by artists and scientists exploring creativity, climate change, and a slower, more mindful way of travelling.
Beyond culture, the article highlights Oulu’s windswept islands, coastal walks, strong winter-cycling identity, and traditional Finnish sauna culture. Together, frontier nature, Arctic heritage, and contemporary creativity position Oulu as one of Europe’s most intriguing travel destinations for 2026.
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The Sun describes Oulu as a distinctive northern city full of unforgettable experiences and traditions, highlighting its selection as European Capital of Culture 2026. The article showcases Oulu’s playful and extreme side, from the Polar Bear Pitching event on a frozen lake and the Icebreaker experience at sea to winter festivals like Frozen People and the globally famous Air Guitar World Championships.
The story also highlights Oulu’s Arctic food culture, reindeer farm visits, hotel saunas, and classic Finnish rituals such as winter swimming and sauna sessions followed by snow dips. Set against snowy landscapes and calm city life by the sea, Oulu is portrayed as a relaxed yet exciting destination where northern nature, creativity, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences come together — capped by the magic of witnessing the northern lights.
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The Guardian portrays Oulu as a distinctive northern tech city where creativity, community, and a touch of playful eccentricity define life in the Arctic. The article highlights Oulu’s year as European Capital of Culture 2026 as a moment when cultural events, art, and music take centre stage — from electronic music and pop-up performances to iconic local phenomena such as the Air Guitar World Championships, the Screaming Men’s Choir, and the Polar Bear Pitching event in icy waters.
Set by the Baltic Sea and surrounded by rivers, forests, and islands, Oulu is presented as a city shaped by nature and seasons, offering winter cycling, cross-country skiing, midnight sun in summer, and northern lights in winter. Sauna culture runs through everyday life, from floating river saunas to hotel and lakeside saunas, reflecting Finnish traditions at their most authentic. With its friendly atmosphere, strong sense of community, and reputation as a digital innovation hub, Oulu is described as a place where Arctic heritage, modern technology, and joyful creativity come together.
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In a CNN Travel article, Oulu is presented as a northern destination stepping into the international spotlight as a European Capital of Culture in 2026. The feature notes how Oulu has long remained under the radar compared to Helsinki and Lapland, but is now gaining wider recognition for its distinctive blend of culture, nature and everyday northern life.
CNN Travel highlights Oulu as a place to experience the Northern Lights, winter swimming and floating saunas on the Oulujoki River, as well as green waterfront areas such as the Hupisaaret Islands Park. Well-known local landmarks, including Oulu Cathedral, the Market Hall and the iconic Toripolliisi statue in Market Square, are mentioned as part of Oulu’s character and sense of place.
The article also points to the scale of the cultural year, with nearly 200 Oulu2026 events taking place throughout 2026. Special attention is given to Frozen People, the electronic music festival held on ice, described as a highlight of Oulu’s social calendar and an example of how culture in Oulu is experienced outdoors and in close connection with winter and the surrounding environment.
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