Oulu

Understand

Oulu is the capital of the province of Oulu and the region of Northern Ostrobothnia. It is the fifth largest municipality in Finland by population and the largest and most important in Northern Finland. As a result of two consolidations of neighbouring municipalities, first Ylikiiminki in 2009, and then Haukipudas, Kiiminki, Oulunsalo and Yli-Ii in 2013, its land area is over 3,000 km² (five to ten times the size of other similar sized cities in Finland). As urban area it comes fourth, after the capital region, Tampere and Turku. A lot of Finnish IT companies, including Nokia, have offices in Oulu or nearby areas. In 1988 Jarkko Oikarinen wrote the first IRC server and client here. Oulu is also home to Oulun Kärpät, a successful hockey team playing in the top Finnish league, Liiga.

Tourist information 1 Visit Oulu, Kauppatori 1 (inside the old market hall), ☏ +358 8 558-41330, [email protected]. M–F 09:00–18:00, Sa 10:00–16:00. Oulu Tourist Information. Can help visitors to Oulu city and the wider region. (updated May 2001) Visit Kempele.

History

Early history Until the end of the Stone Age, the area that's now the city was underwater, but around 1800 BCE, the post-glacial rebound had moved the coastline inside the current city borders. The Oulu River had already been an important trade route, as it offered connections to the east and the west, as well as to the south by the sea. During the Iron Age, the population in the Oulu area most likely lessened a bit, although the Sami population persisted and the southern Finnish peoples such as the Finns Proper and the Tavastians made hunting, trade and taxation journeys to the north. In the 12th century, Oulu became an important spot for trade and hunting trips by the Karelians, including people from the flourishing population centres on the shores of Lake Ladoga.

From the Middle Ages to the 16th century

It is commonly interpreted that the Treaty of Nöteborg in 1323 placed Oulu inside the Republic of Novgorod, but according to some historians, Ostrobothnia was shared as a collaborative area between the two nations, Sweden and Novgorod. However, in the year 1345 Sweden annexed the regions all the way to Kemi as a part of Turku Diocese. The possession of the area became controversial, and during the next centuries the Novgorodians and later the Russians made raids to Ostrobothnia all the way to Oulu. The first armaments of the Oulu Castle were made in 1375. The fortification was known in Swedish as "Uleåborg", "Ule River Castle". After the founding of the castle, the city started to slowly evo

Getting there

Oulu is on the main north-south railway, and train may be the most convenient way to get in from southern Finland, e.g. Helsinki, Tampere and Turku. There are flights from Helsinki, dominated by work-realated travel. Oulu is also on the two main south-to-north highways, highways 4 and 8.

By plane 1 Oulu Airport (OUL IATA) (15 km south-west of the city). There is only one terminal, open whenever there are flights. There are several device charging points and free Wi-Fi. There is also a piano and rocking chairs in the free Hailuoto Lounge. Oluthuone Toppila in the gate area stock beer, cider, soft drinks and the local "kärkkäri" sausage, as well as hamburgers and other food. Oulu Café (both airside and in Arrivals) has snacks and souvenirs. There is also a pharmacy by the café in the gate area. (updated Jun 2019) The airport has six Finnair flights a day from Helsinki Airport. In summer there are also flights from Mediterranean holiday resorts. That is about all, although the airport website (nothing if not aspirational) lists 50 airlines flying here, including from Tibet. As of 2024, there is also a direct 3 hour flight to Oulu from Munich, operated by Lufthansa. They are planning to increase the number of weekly flights in October.

Transport Bus routes 8 (to Teknologiakylä) and 9 (to Heikinharju) run between the airport and central Oulu, taking 30 min. The bus stop is to the right as you exit the terminal. There are usually two buses an hour M–Sa 06:25–21:00, otherwise hourly to 01:20. The adult fare is €2.60 if paid with a contactless bank card or the OSL app and €5.00 if paid with cash. The cash price doubles after 23:00 to €10.00 – see "Get around" below for practicalities. The ticket is valid for transfers for 90 minutes. The main city stop for the lines 8 and 9 is Kaupungintalo. The bus doesn't stop on the Pekuri stop in the city centre at all. The university is on bus route 8, else change in the centre to buses 1 (Jylkynkangas), 2 (Ritaharju), 3 (Aaltokangas), 5 (Kaijonharju), 18 (Kaijonharju) or 23 (Haukipudas-Ii): tell the driver "Yliopistolle" (ILL-yo-piss-toll-e) meaning "to the university". Taxis might cost €35; Otaxi is the main airport operator. Car rental: all the main car rental firms are found at the airport. Book in advance as they have small fleets here, and their kiosks may have limited staffed hours.

By train

Oulu is on the main railway line between Helsinki and the far north of Finland. The station is right beside the city centre, and there are trains from Helsinki via Tampere to Oulu every hour or two, taking 6–8 hours. T

Getting around

On foot For being the fifth largest city in Finland the city centre is small compared to, say, Tampere or Turku. The whole of the city centre is easily walkable, and the walking conditions are good. There are usually free walking route maps distributed at the Tourist Information.

By scooter For 2024, the only e-scooter company in town is Ryde. Their operating area reaches from the southern region of Mäntylä all the way to Ideapark mall in Ritaharju. Be sure to follow the rules on riding and parking the vehicles.

By bus

The public transportation is operated by OSL (Oulu Regional Transport).

Payment Single ticket (kertalippu) within about 10 km from the city centre costs €5 with cash, €2.60 with card or the OSL app. There is a child ticket for children under 16, but it is only available when paying with cash or the OSL app. Between 23:00–04:30 a single ticket by cash costs €10, but night services are limited. The night-time price increase only applies to tickets paid in cash. To save money, do use your contactless bank card (Visa, Mastercard or Eurocard; Diners Club and American Express do not work) or a mobile device with Apple Pay or Google Pay. Press "lähimaksu" and tap your card on the machine. The other option is the OSL application (by Waltti Solutions), available in Google Play and App Store. After purchasing the ticket from the app, show it to the driver and you're good to go. You cannot buy tickets in advance with the app, so you must buy it right before you need it. The system calculates the fare combining all trips paid with the card or device: a new single ticket fee will not be charged until the 90-minute changeover period has ended, and a day ticket will be substituted when those are relevant. If paying by card, notice that you can only pay your own ticket. If you want to buy a ticket for a companion, you must use cash or the OSL app. There are day tickets (1 to 7 days) available; you can buy them from the Oulu10 office. You can also buy day tickets from the OSL mobile app. Taking a bike to the bus costs €2/trip, and if the bus is full, you might have to wait for the next one. You can take your bike on some taller long-distance buses (e.g. to Tyrnävä) which have narrow hallways, elevated floors and single middle doors (as opposed to doubles), too, but you need to ask the driver to put the bike in the luggage container of the bus. Taking a folding bike on the bus is free (if the bike is folded, that is) but some bus drivers don't know that (since folding bikes are quite rare). You can also take your own e-scooter to the bus,

See

1 Market Square (Kauppatori) is a hotch-potch of styles: old red granaries, renaissance revival architecture and 1970s brutalist concrete. But during the brief warmth of summer, its terraces, cafes and market booths are busy and lively, though the main market hall is closed in 2019 for re-building. The area is presided over by Toripolliisi, the often photographed statue of the Market Square Policeman. He's a squat stubby young-old figure, as if weighted down by his responsibilities. 2 Oulu Museum of Art (Oulun Taidemuseo), Kasarmintie 7 (500 m north of centre), ☏ +358 44-703-7471. Tu-Su 10:00-17:00. Two-storey museum with a wide variety of modern artwork. Around 8 exhibits a year. Plenty of information in English, except for small, temporary exhibits. €8. (updated Jun 2019) 3 Tietomaa Science Centre (Tiedekeskus Tietomaa), Nahkatehtaankatu 2 (500 m north of centre, near the Art Museum). M-F 10:00–17:00, Sa Su 10:00–18:00. Closed for renovation until 2026 The oldest science museum in the country, mostly kinematic and interactive, great for pre-teens but plenty for adults to enjoy. It is partially located in the former Åström leather factory, and you can ride the glass lift up the 19th-century brick water tower. Adult €15, child (6–15) €11. (updated Jul 2024) 4 Oulu Castle (Oulun linna). Café daily May & Sep: 11:00–19:00, Jun & late Aug: 11:00–20:00, Jul & early Aug: 11:00–21:00 21:00. The castle was damaged by attack in the 18th century and finally blown to pieces in 1793 when lightning struck the gunpowder magazine. What you see now is the maritime observatory built on the ruins; it's set in a pleasant park, and you can climb the tower for views. There's a café (Tähtitornin kahvila) within. The cellar (same hours) displays info on the castle - mostly in Finnish, but there's more in the Northern Ostrobothnia Museum. Free. (updated Jun 2019) 5 Oulu Cathedral (Oulun tuomiokirkko). Sep-May: 12:00-13:00, Jun & Aug: 11:00-20:00, Jul: 11:00-21:00. Neoclassical Lutheran cathedral built in 1832 after its predecessor burned down. The architect Carl Ludvig Engel also designed the buildings of Senate Square in Helsinki. (updated Jun 2019) Franzénin puisto is the leafy little park facing the cathedral, with the statue of Frans Michael Franzén (1772–1847), an Oulu-born poet. The statue is also the eldest public monument in town. 6 Oulu Automobile Museum (Oulun Automuseo), Automuseontie 1 (next to national road 847, 5 km south of the city centre; Buses 9, 50, 52, 59 take you there.), ☏ +358 8 552-1600. M-Sa 09:00-17:00, Su 09:00-15:00 (summer, closed on Sundays in the

Do

1 Oulu City Theatre (Oulun Kaupunginteatteri), Kaarlenväylä 2. Plays in Finnish. Prices vary from €15 to €40 for a single adult ticket. Half-price tickets are available for people under 26. 2 Cinema Finnkino Plaza (Elokuvateatteri Finnkino Plaza), Torikatu 32. Completed in 2007, Plaza movie theatre features one of the biggest movie screens in Finland. Most of the movies shown on theater's eight screens are original English versions and are subtitled in Finnish and Swedish, though some children's movies are dubbed in Finnish. Admission €10.30–13, before 17:00 on weekdays €7. Add €2 for 3D movies. Ticket sets of 5 or 9 tickets are available, bringing the price per admission down to €9.90 or €9 respectively and no extra for 3D showings. 3 Cinema Star (Elokuvateatteri Star), Kalliotie 6 (Tuira region, northern-side of Oulu river), ☏ +358 8 554-2711. The oldest still functioning (yet very modern) movie theatre in Oulu, Star movie theatre features 3D digital movies. Most of the movies shown on the theatre's three screens are original English versions and are subtitled in Finnish and Swedish, though some children's movies are dubbed in Finnish. Star was nominated as Finland's most disabled-friendly establishment in 2007. Admission €7.5-10. Sets of 5 tickets are available for €37, bringing the price per admission down to €7.4 to all shows except for 3D movies, which cost extra. 4 Rotuaari, Kirkkokatu. From the French word trottoir, meaning pedestrian street, this is the main shopping street of the city a place for live entertainment mainly during summertime, but also on weekends all year round. Part of the street was renovated and refitted with heating in 2011, which should keep the street ice free even during the coldest winter months. 5 Nallikari (bus 15 takes you there; by car, head north either via the motorway or the road 8156 toward Tuira and change to the road toward Hietasaari). A summer visit is preferred. Here you can find is the most known beach in the city. There is also the small "amusement park" Vauhtipuisto nearby, as well as minigolf, camping and a restaurant. The area is under construction as of July 2024, but you can still visit there. Cycle or walk. In the summer, rent a bike or walk to the beach in Tuira on the north side of the river Oulujoki, a popular place with locals, passing through Ainola park and over the dam on the way. From there head eastwards, crossing back to the south side of the river and onwards to Värttö. Visit Koivurannan kahvila in an old house by the river, Kasamintie 51. Then head back to the centre for a total 8-km

Buy

Oulu Market Hall 1 Verkkokauppa.com (Verkkokauppa.com), Kaakkurinkulma 4 (8 km from Oulu centre; bus zone A). M–F 09:00–21:00, Sa 09:00–18:00, Su 12:00–18:00. Very large home-electronics. The best spot for electronics, computers, digital cameras, and mobile phones, in Oulu. 2 Zeppelin (at freeway 4, 10 km south of the city. Bus zone B). The largest shopping mall in northern Finland, with over hundred different stores. 3 Ideapark Oulu, Ritaharjuntie 49 (Buses 2 and 3 to Ritaharju take you to the shopping centre in about 30 min; Zone A). 10:00-20:00, 10:00-18:00. 50 shops, 10 km from the city centre. (updated Nov 2015) 4 Shopping Centre Valkea (Kauppakeskus Valkea) (150–200 m from the Tourist Info). A shopping centre in the heart of Oulu that opened in 2016. It offers a warm, covered street "Kesäkatu" (which is part of a public street in Oulu), and a number of shops and cafes on both sides of it. This is the place for most young people to hang out in town. Has gained a bit of a reputation for criminal activity in side and nearby the Kesäkatu street. There are security guards present 24/7. The mall hit headlines in summer 2024 for two stabbings with suspected racist motives. The police have been guarding the mall since then pretty much full-time. The incidents were definitely out of the ordinary, and the mall is not a "no go -zone" by any means. The mall is really popular and there are family events held there time to time, and during daytime it is completely safe to visit. Nevertheless, it is always good to be aware of your surroundings. (updated May 2021) 5 Power Limingantulli, Nuottasaarentie 4 (Citybus line C or 3, 9, 50, 52, 53 or 59), ☏ +358 30-50305. A competitor of Verkkokauppa.com, but closer to the city centre. (updated Feb 2018) 6 Raksila hypermarkets (Raksilan marketit), Tehtaankatu 1-5 (most buses take you there from Kaupungintalo E, including the Citybus B; or you can walk the 1-km trip from the city centre.). Hypermarkets Prisma & Citymarket M-Sa 08:00-21:00, Su 10:00-21:00. The Raksila markets (or more officially the Raksila Mall) are the place to go if you need something from the store for a cheap price. The markets are big, but a cheap option if you're on a budget. They are found close to the ice hockey rink of Oulu and the city centre. The buildings are definitely a contemporary ensemble from the 1970s, but function well and do their job. The markets are going to be renewed completely in the following years, and they will build brand new ones on the spot of the current-day parking lot. (updated Nov 2018) If you are in desperate need of

Eat

Budget Oulu is a place for eating pizza and other fast foods. For €10–15 you can get a pizza with your choice of (usually three) toppings. Try one of the more interesting choices of toppings such as reindeer, kebab and mayonnaise. Also there are many restaurants that have a pizza buffet for €12-16 which includes a drink. A number of restaurants serving international cuisine or fast food are found in Oulu, including Indian, Greek, Mediterranean, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Thai and Chinese kitchens. For American-style fast food there is McDonald's and Finnish equivalent Hesburger, but best burgers can be had at a tiny and ever-crowded Kauppuri 5 (Kauppurienkatu 5).

1 Pizzeria Old Lemoon, Mäkelininkatu 31. A cheap pizzeria but with good reviews Stalls on the Market Place have local delicacies such as fried vendace (muikku) or salmon. 2 RAX Pizzabuffet, Ritaharjuntie 49. The pizza buffet chain has two restaurants in Oulu, of which the Ideapark one is more popular Buffet €13.9. (updated Jul 2024) Katri Antell-lounasravintolat. The local bakery operates several lunch eateries both in central Oulu and the suburbs. Lunch about €12-14. Café Provence, Kempeleentie 7b, ☏ +358 8 882-1414. M-F 10:00-14:00. Simple café serving lunch. (updated Jun 2019) 3 Koivurannan kahvila, Kasarmintie 51, ☏ +358 8 333-944. Open only in the summer months. A café right at the Oulu river. Also has rowing boats for rent. 4 Villa Hannala, Kahvelitie 1, ☏ +358 44-714-0323. M–F 10:00–15:30. Only in summertime. A summer restaurant-café in a historic villa 3 km from the city centre. (updated Feb 2018) 5 Coffee House Oulu (Coffari, Koffari), Pakkahuoneenkatu 16 (right next to the Sokos Hotel Arina), ☏ +358 44-788-6760. M–F 08:00-20:00 Sa 10:00–21:00 Su 11:00–20:00. A modern, trendy café with nice staff. Outlets to charge your phone are found on many seats. (updated Feb 2018) 6 Puistokahvila Makia (Makia), Otto Karhin Puisto (in the centre of Oulu), ☏ +358 44-788-6180. M–Th 07:30–20:00 F 07:30–22:00 Sa 09:00–22:00 Su 09:00–20:00. A stand-alone park café. Lunch and salad buffet available. A popular place for university students and foreigners to hang out. (updated Oct 2018) 7 Café Piha, Kauppurienkatu 7. M–Th 10:00–21:00 F Sa 10:00–24:00 Su 12:00–18:00. A modern cafe-restaurant with many power outlets. (updated Feb 2018) 8 Café Rooster, Torikatu 26 (Right next to the movie theater), ☏ +358 20-711-8280. A popular cafe-restaurant-pub in the middle of Oulu. (updated Feb 2018) Ravintola Indian Cuisine, Kajaaninkatu 38 (next to railway station), ☏ +358 8 530-1640. M-Sa 10:30-22:00, Su 13:00

Drink & nightlife

Drinking in Finland can be an expensive activity, a typical pint (either 0.4 or 0.5L) of domestic macro lager is typically around €6 and up. Typical Finnish beer is European lager, but also more interesting Finnish and local (breweries Maistila, Sonnisaari and Hailuoto are local) craft beer is available at a few pubs, as is imported stuff. Do try lonkku, a long time Finnish favorite long drink of gin and grapefruit juice.

1 1bar, Kauppurienkatu 5. Probably the best cocktails in town, a small dancefloor, sofas and electronic, rap and house music. 2 45 Special, Saaristonkatu 12, ☏ +358 8 881-1845. Open every night. Weekdays gigs and meeting place of modern drunkards after 01:30, weekends crowded. 3 Amarillo, Kirkkokatu 15, ☏ +358 8 312-3100. Nice bar on the 1st floor and a night club underground. Also, the Tex-Mex-style kitchen is open M–Th 11:00–00:30, F Sa 11:00–23:30, Su 12:00–23:00. 4 Caio, Sammonkatu 10, ☏ +358 8 556-2286. Nice and quiet bar with music, billiards and food near the University of Oulu. 5 Graali, Saaristonkatu 5. 14:00-03:00. Cozy pub with atmosphere and a fireplace. Hevimesta. Hard Rock and Metal club. 6 Kaarlenholvi/Jumpru, Kauppurienkatu 6. Genuine Oulu. Pub downstairs with warmed up patio offers the authentic overview of locals. Nightclub upstairs attracts younger clientele and exchange students. Long queues weekends, so arrive early (before 23:00) to avoid waiting. 7 Kuluma, Kauppurienkatu 5. 11:00–02:00. If you fancy cocktails, this is the place to go. Some cocktails include a fire-breathing display. 8 Oluthuone Leskinen, Kirkkokatu 10, ☏ +358 8 311-7993. 12:00–02:00. Irish-style pub with the best selection of beers in the city. Very crowded on Friday and Saturday nights. 9 Sarkka, Hallituskatu 13-17. 09:00–02:00. You think you are pro? Come here at 09:00 and see if you have what it takes! 10 Yöhuikka, Mäkelininkatu 13. F Sa 11:00–04:00. A small gay friendly nightclub. Fresh decor. Cloak room €2, entrance free. 11 Snooker Time (Snookeri), Asemakatu 28, 90100 Oulu, [email protected]. Su–Tu 16:00–01:00, W Th 16:00–02:00, F Sa 16:00–04:00. A laid-back alternative-style bar. Cheap drinks and a lot of things to do like pinball, darts and – of course – billiards (updated Jan 2024)

Sleep

Budget 1 Hotel Lasaretti, Kasarmintie 13, ☏ +358 20-757-4700. One of the cheapest, yet most historical hotels in Oulu. It's in Hupisaaret, the recreational area of Oulu, 1 km from centre. 2 Nallikari Lomakylä-Camping, Leiritie 10, ☏ +358 44-703-1353. Absolutely the cheapest place to stay in Oulu. It's next to Nallikari beach 4 km from centre. 79 cottages with shower, toilet, cooking equipment and television. No breakfast served, but you can purchase breakfast at nearby Hotel Eden. Bus number 15 takes you to the city centre. €36/4-person cottage. 3 Kempeleen Moottorimaja, Sohjanantie 3, Kempele, ☏ +358 8 515-566. Clean rooms with refrigerator, microwave oven, coffee machine and television. Breakfast €4/person. The motel is 9 km south from the city centre, access by car, buses no. 50 and 52(A/K) or taxi. Single €25, double €40 or €50, quad €65–75.

Mid-range 4 Best Western Hotel Apollo, Asemakatu 31–33, ☏ +358 8 522-11, fax: +358 8 372 060, [email protected]. Good value for money, a clean and modern hotel in the city centre. There are 70 rooms, some are tiny. B&B double €90. (updated Jun 2019) 5 Scandic Oulu Station (previously Cumulus Oulu), Kajaaninkatu 17 (Two blocks west of railway station), ☏ +358 8 882-7111. Clean, efficient mid-range hotel, central location, good for business or leisure visit. B&B double €170. (updated Jun 2019) 6 Finlandia Hotel Airport, Vihiluoto 10 (4 km east of airport off road 815), ☏ +358 8 514-5100, fax: +358 8 5145 200, [email protected]. reception 07:00–23:00. A decent hotel 5 minutes drive from the airport. With Spanish restaurant El Sabor. Double €100. (updated Jun 2019)

Splurge Radisson Blu, Hallituskatu 1 (next to the marketplace), ☏ +358 8 887-7666. Splurge hotel built in the 2000s. Probably the most expensive hotel room in Oulu is found here, with the presidential suite costing around €1000 per night. (updated May 2021) 7 Scandic Oulu City, Saaristonkatu 4 (city centre), ☏ +358 8 543-1000. Pricey hotel of the Scandic mid-range chain. Double room €130. (updated Jun 2019) 8 Lapland Hotels Oulu (formerly Holiday Inn), Kirkkokatu 3 (Next to the cathedral), ☏ +358 8 881-1110. Slick modern hotel. Double €130. (updated Jun 2019) 9 Original Sokos Hotel Arina, Pakkahuoneenkatu 16 (in the centre, about 250 m from the tourist information), ☏ +358 8 312-3111, [email protected]. A modern, cosy hotel. If you're travelling to Oulu to see the Air Guitar World Championships, this hotel is next to Rotuaari Stage, the competition venue. It is quite expensive, though, the most basic room costs around €120/ni

Go next

Hailuoto is the largest island in the Gulf of Bothnia and a good destination for a day trip. Accessible by a free of charge 3 Oulunsalo–Hailuoto ferry, either with own car or by bus. In February you can drive there on an official ice road (dates varying by year). Iso-Syöte on the way to Kuusamo is the closest destination for downhill skiing and the southernmost fell of Finland. Here are also Syöte national park, Iso-Syöte national hiking area and Pikku-Syöte recreational forest. Koskilinjat arranges day trips to the slopes during the winter season. Kuusamo by Finland's eastern border is a gateway to Lapland, with the ski resort Ruka, the legendary Karhunkierros hiking route (80 km) and Oulanka national park. Koitelinkoski — rapids of Kiiminkijoki-river, about 25 min by car from Oulu. Ii has a beautiful old town and is 35 km away. Vaala municipality on the shores of Lake Oulujärvi about 90 km southeast of Oulu. Helsinki, the capital of Finland