When most people think of Northern Finland, they think of Santa Claus’ village in Rovaniemi, which, in recent years, has faced issues with overtourism. While this is a top-tier attraction for families and winter outdoor activities, it’s just one of many cities and towns worth visiting in this icy part of the Nordics. Traveling north of the Finnish capital, Helsinki, by train in February, you’re transported into a wintry world of snow-covered fir trees and frozen lakes. However, I didn’t travel all the way up to Rovaniemi; I got off about two hours and 20 minutes south in Oulu, the European Capital of Culture for 2026.
Located on the Gulf of Bothnia, Oulu is a coastal city with buckets of charm, incredible architecture, and quirky festivals. It’s an ideal destination for a “coolcation”. With plenty of rail connections to Helsinki and Rovaniemi, and a regional airport served by Finnair flights from Helsinki, it’s super accessible, despite feeling remote. So, why should you add Oulu to your travel bucket list? This Northern Finland city is full of incredible things to do, natural wonders, and outdoor adventures. Let’s dive in and find out more.
Oulu, Finland, Is The Capital Of Culture 2026
Oulu signCredit: Courtesy of Rebecca Crowe
Located on the edge of the Arctic Circle in Finland lies the coastal city of Oulu. Known for its incredible tech and art scene, (Nokia has its headquarters here as well as several large tech incubators), it’s a small city but one that packs a punch. Throughout 2026, Oulu will serve as the European Capital of Culture for 2026, along with 39 other municipalities across Northern Finland. The program showcases local and international talent in culture and art, as well as highlighting the work of incredible Sami artists, the only indigenous people of Europe. In fact, Oulu is home to the largest Sami village outside the Sami homeland in northern Lapland.
As part of the European Capital of Culture 2026 program, Oulu will play host to incredible art exhibitions, theatrical performances, and initiatives, designed to showcase the best of the region. From the largest art exhibition of Sami work in the Oulu Art Museum and a one-kilometer-long table hosting a feast in the center of the city in summer, to a 10-day light and tech festival in November, there’s a little something for everyone.
With the overarching theme of Cultural Climate Change, Oulu’s program connects art, tech, and nature, seamlessly weaving the three together. Think art trails through snow-filled forests, installations of AI, and blending architecture with the surroundings and history of the region.
Why Should You Visit Oulu, Finland?
Downtown OuluCredit: Courtesy of Rebecca Crowe
So, why should you visit this small city of 200,000 people in Northern Finland? Well, it’s packed with interesting architecture, walkable streets, artistic people, and incredible day trips around the region. It’s also relatively unique for a northern Nordic region with its frozen sea in the winter months. As it’s so far from the fresh salt water of the Atlantic Ocean and there are so many freshwater rivers leading into the bays around Oulu, it’s common for the sea to freeze up to a meter thick in places.
It’s also a place that is surrounded by natural wonder. A short walk from the city center lies Hupisaaret Islands City Park. This spans across a few of the 17 islands that make up Oulu, and takes you through forested trails with breathtaking views. There’s a tranquility here. While Oulu isn’t the busiest city, even taking the few steps through this park along the trails feels serene. Usually, you’d have to travel hours away from ta city center to find this level of uninterrupted beauty and peace.
City park in OuluCredit: Courtesy of Rebecca Crowe
Oulu is undoubtedly a walkable city. Even in February with the thick snow, the trails and walkways are groomed and easy to walk around with some solid boots. There are cycle paths linking together huge swathes of the wider Oulu region, which in warmer months, would be a fantastic way to experience this part of coastal Finland.
Cool Events That Take Place In Oulu
Polar Bear pitching, OuluCredit: Courtesy of Rebecca Crowe
One of the things that I enjoyed the most about my time in Oulu were the festivals. In true Finnish style, they were super creative and a little offbeat. One of the most popular events of the year happens in February and welcomes crowds from around the world. It’s called Polar Bear Pitching. Essentially, it’s if you took Shark Tank and told the entrepreneurs that they had to pitch from a hole in the frozen sea. There were competitors from India, Japan, Spain, Switzerland, and beyond competing for 10,000 Euros and a chance to speak to the huge range of angel investors in the audience. Toshi Ichikawa, a competitor from Japan, managed to stay in the ice hole and pitch for seven and a half minutes in waters of 0°C (32°F).
Another fantastic winter festival is the Frozen People festival. The name is a play on Burning Man festival, and it’s an electronic music and arts festival held on the frozen sea at Nallikari, on the outskirts of Oulu. In the summer, this is a popular beach, but in February, it’s transformed with DJs and art installations by worldwide artists.
What’s particularly cool about this one-day festival is that it’s put together by the young people of Oulu. Most of the team learn on the job, are responsible for their own stages or after-party line-ups, and learn all about event management, marketing, tech, and more. It’s designed to give them experience in a field they’re passionate about without having to leave Oulu for the bigger cities.
Day Trips From Oulu
Icebreaker cruise, KemiCredit: Courtesy of Rebecca Crowe
If you’re visiting Oulu, you need to make sure that you visit the surrounding area as well. One of the best day trips is to Kemi, which is to the northwest along the coast. This is home to the famous Icebreaker cruise and the Snowcastle complex. From here, you can board the Icebreaker cruise through the frozen Gulf of Bothnia. Halfway through, the boat will stop, and you can float in a patch of frozen sea ice (dressed somewhat like a Minion in a wetsuit), and spend time playing games on the frozen sea, including kicksleds, football, sledging, and more.
Reindeer Ride, OuluCredit: Courtesy of Rebecca Crowe
For a quieter day, head to Arkadia Reindeer Farm. Here, you can meet some local reindeer and the family that herds them. There’s also a short reindeer sledge ride through the snow-covered forest, which, at golden hour, was just magical. You can learn all about what it’s like being a reindeer farmer, and experience more of rural Finland.
How Can You Get To Oulu?
Helsinki to Oulu trainCredit: Courtesy of Rebecca Crowe
In my opinion, the best way to get to Oulu is by train. There are multiple direct routes from Helsinki each day, and it takes six and a half hours in total. The train is really comfortable, with reliable Wi-Fi, and if you book the comfort carriage for a small amount more, you get unlimited free tea, coffee, and hot chocolate. You can also take this train as a sleeper option and wake up in Oulu if you want to maximize your time in Finland and save on accommodation. The train also continues north to Kemi and Rovaniemi, so you can do a multi-stop rail trip or use the train for your day trips.
Oulu also has its own regional airport, so you can find frequent connections from Helsinki, which is a major hub airport for Finnair. The flight time is just one hour in total. From Helsinki, you can find direct routes around Europe, the US, and as far as Seoul, Tokyo, and Shanghai. There’s also an international airport in Rovaniemi, so if you’re traveling within Europe, you may find direct routes here. This is just a two-hour and 20-minute train away from Oulu.