The world is turning its eyes north, with Oulu stepping into the spotlight as Europe’s Capital of Culture in 2026. Highlighted by National Geographic, BBC, Forbes and Condé Nast Traveler, Oulu has emerged as one of the world’s top travel destinations for 2026. From floating saunas and air guitars to festivals on frozen seas and Arctic light, read on to discover why Oulu belongs on your travel list!
Add to favouritesShow all favouritesDiscover Oulu: From far Northern city to one of the world’s best travel destinations in 2026
A Year-Round Cultural Programme Across Northern Finland
In 2026, Oulu is Europe’s Capital of Culture, with a programme designed to be experienced year-round. Culture is not confined to the city alone, but spread across 40 municipalities throughout Northern Finland.
One of the early highlights of the cultural year is Frozen People, an electronic music festival held on the frozen sea, where internationally known DJs and artists perform in the heart of winter. Beyond Frozen People, the Oulu 2026 region offers some of the most unique festivals in Europe, from the world-famous Air Guitar World Championships to jazz concerts by the Bothnian Bay, poetry weeks, folk and Irish music festivals, and small community-driven events rooted in northern traditions.
Alongside seasonal events, exhibitions, installations and cultural venues remain open year-round, making Oulu a destination where there is always something to experience — no matter when you arrive.
Explore the Oulu2026 Cultural ProgrammeFood culture shaped by the North
Food is an essential part of Oulu’s cultural identity, shaped by northern seasons, clean nature and local ingredients. Through the Arctic Food Lab, these northern food traditions and ingredients are brought to the forefront, highlighting flavours shaped by the skies of Oulu, the surrounding region and Northern Finland.
As part of Oulu’s year as European Capital of Culture, Arctic Food Lab weaves food into the cultural programme, offering residents and visitors experiences, products and services found nowhere else. Northern flavours can be enjoyed in restaurants across Oulu and nearby areas, from relaxed everyday dining to carefully crafted tasting menus.
Learn more about Arctic Food LabNorthern nature, without the crowds
Oulu offers easy access to northern nature — the sea, forests, islands and wide-open landscapes — right at the edge of the city. In winter, the Northern Lights may light up the sky; in summer, the midnight sun stretches the days into long hours of light. Just beyond the city, visitors can experience some of the North’s most iconic activities, from husky safaris and sleigh rides pulled by Finnish horses to meeting reindeer and discovering polar bears up close. Unlike many northern destinations, Oulu remains largely untouched by mass tourism, making it an inviting choice for travellers seeking space, calm and authenticity.
Living the Sauna culture
In Oulu, sauna is part of everyday life — a simple, natural way to unwind and connect with the elements. Many hotel rooms feature a private sauna, allowing visitors to experience this Finnish tradition in complete privacy and at their own pace. Beyond hotels, saunas can be found along the riverbanks and floating on the river, while another iconic sauna sits at Oulu Market Square, right by the sea in the heart of the city.
The Oulu River is home to three floating saunas, all of which offer the chance to take a refreshing dip in an ice hole during winter — a much-loved ritual among locals. Sauna in Oulu is enjoyed throughout the year, often combining heat with cold and time spent outdoors.
In winter, the experience becomes even more memorable: it’s also possible to sauna in a sauna built entirely from ice, surrounded by snow and crisp Arctic air. Whether by the river, at the Market Square or on ice, sauna in Oulu is about embracing the northern way of life — calmly, authentically and close to nature.
Discover sauna the Oulu wayDiscover Northern Finland from Oulu
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.
Plan your journey along the Pohjola RouteHere’s a quick overview of Oulu, Finland!
- 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
- Arctic Food Lab – 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
