go to content go to search box go to global site navigation

Oulu

Advertisement

Introducing Oulu

Prosperous Oulu (Swedish: Uleåborg) is one of Finland's most enjoyable cities to visit. In summer the locals, who appreciate daylight when they get it, crowd the terraces around the marketplace, and stalls groan under the weight of Arctic berries and giant pans laden with all manner of delicious food.

Advertisement

The centre is spread across several islands, elegantly connected by pedestrian bridges, and the water never seems far away. This layout has made it very convenient for cycling, and Oulu's network of bike paths is one of the best in Europe.

Oulu, the largest city north of Tampere and the sixth-biggest in Finland, is also one of the world's foremost technology cities; the university turns out top-notch IT graduates and the corporate science and technology parks on the city's outskirts employ people from all over the globe. The centre of Oulu is even rigged up as a free wireless network, so you can check your emails from the terrace of the local pub.

But never fear, it's not all laptops and cycle lanes; this is Finland after all, and there's a good dollop of weirdness here, particularly in the summer season, when the World Air-Guitar Championships come to town!

Last updated: Mar 2, 2009

Tips & articles

  1. Weirdo a go-go: the world’s strangest festivals

    12 June 2012

    Forget Glastonbury and head instead to one of the world’s more unusual festivals – far more exciting than camping, Coldplay...

    Read more

  2. Shout! Meet Finland's loudest choir

    19 August 2009

    Normal 0 MicrosoftInternetExplorer4...

    Read more

See all tips & articles for Oulu

In our shop

See all shop products

Hotels & Hostels in Oulu

See all hotels and hostels in Oulu

Travel Insurance

Going to Finland? Make sure you're covered.

Get a quote

See all travel services

Advertisement