History
Oulu was founded by King Karl IX of Sweden in 1605. It wasn't long before industrious and hard-working Swedish pioneers descended upon the Kainuu forests in search of tar, which was floated in barrels to Oulu - the sticky stuff was essential to the building of unsinkable wooden ships. By the late 19th century Oulu boasted the largest fleet in Finland.
In 1822 Oulu burned to the ground and was rebuilt, although very few old buildings now remain.
Oulu
Things to do
- Entertainment (11)
- Restaurants (12)
- Sights (8)
- Hotels & hostels
