Lively Oulu

Finland’s fourth largest city Oulu is a gateway to urban culture as well as to the unique nature of the North. The city is located on the shores of the Bay of Bothnia – where modern business and technology meet Northern peace and exoticism.

When strolling around the city, you will soon realise how important role nature and outdoor activities play in Oulu. You can find beautiful parks all around, ski tracks are well maintained in the winter-time and the archipelago nature of the Bothnian Bay is just around the corner. A ferry runs between the city of Oulu and the sand dune island of Hailuoto in the summertime, and in the winter you can experience crossing the frozen sea via an ice road to the island.

Even though Oulu is known for its year-round cyclists (its cycleway network is the most extensive in Finland), everything in the centre is within walking distance. Rotuaari Promenade in downtown Oulu is like an urban living room. A wide variety of high-calibre cafés and restaurants, department stores and boutiques are on offer there.

Scroll down to find out our favourite places to visit when in Oulu.