Sights in Oulu
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A
Oulu Cathedral
Oulu’s imposing cathedral was built in 1777 but then came the great fire of 1822, which severely damaged the structure. Tireless architect CL Engel rebuilt it in Empire style, adding dome and renaissance-style vaulting, which impart a powerful airiness to the fairly unadorned interior. It got promoted to cathedral in 1900 when the bishopric moved here from Kuopio; notable artworks include a fine altarpiece of the Ascension, a very Finnish Crucifixion in the transept, Finland’s oldest portrait (1611) above the door to the vestry and, typically, a hanging boat, for the protection of the sailors of this most maritime city.
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B
Pohjois Pohjanmaan Museo
This park museum merits exploration but has almost too much information to take in at first bite. It covers the earliest habitation of the region through to the 20th century, including plenty of information on the tar trade. Cameras allow you to zoom in on the impressive scale model of 1938 Oulu; a traditional pharmacy, paintings of the great fire, and a schoolroom are included in the wide-ranging display. A series of reconstructed rooms from different periods of history range from formal 19th-century salons to a student’s 1960s bedroom with Che poster, typewriter and hair-curlers.
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C
Oulunlinna
There's not much left of Oulu Castle, although you can clearly see the remaining fort-like structure dominating the small park near the bridge. The observation tower of the castle, rebuilt in 1873, now houses a café, but you can go below and look in the cellar, which has a small interpretative display. The original castle was built in 1590 as a base for the Swedish army moving east towards Russia. The whole thing blew up in 1793 when a lightning strike hit a powder magazine.
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D
Tietomaa
This mammoth science centre, in an old factory building, is Scandinavia’s oldest and largest science museum and one of those places you can poke around in for half a day. It’s most child-friendly, and in term-time gets very full with school groups. The excellent interactive exhibits range from UFOs to dinosaurs, and there’s always one mega-exhibition as the highlight. If you need some breathing space, head up the tower for the views.
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E
Oulu Cathedral
The rather imposing 19th-century cathedral has Finland's oldest portrait (dating from 1611) above the door to the vestry, and a fine altarpiece of the Ascension. A much older church, built in 1777, stood here until the great fire of 1822. This version was designed by the German architect CL Engel. It got promoted to cathedral in 1900 when the bishopric moved here from Kuopio.
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F
Taidemuseo
Oulu’s art museum is a bright gallery opposite Tietomaa. It has excellent temporary exhibitions of both international and Finnish contemporary art, and a good permanent collection. The cafe is an exhibit in its own right. The gallery was closed at last visit for extensive renovation, but is due to open again in spring 2009.
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G
Sailor’s Home Museum
This museum on Pikisaari belonged to a local sailor. Built in 1737, it is the oldest house in Oulu and was transferred here from the town centre in 1983. The wallpaper and extendable bed are typical of 19th-century Finnish homes. Entrance is free with entry to the Pohjois Pohjanmaan Museo.
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H
Oulu University Botanical Gardens
Oulu University Botanical Gardens, in Lineman, north of the centre, are pleasantly landscaped with thousands of exotic plants – including hardy 5m-tall cacti. A pair of greenhouses, named Romeo and Juliet, house tropical species.
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Hupisaaret Island
Just north of the town centre and connected by small bridges, Hupisaaret Island is a pleasant city park with bike paths, greenhouses, a summer café and the Ainola Park. It's a popular place for strolling in summer.
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