Photo: Koiteli is one of the most beloved nature destinations in Oulu and will host one of the Climate Clock artworks. Photo: Harri Tarvainen

This page provides dedicated information for international media visiting as official media guests of Oulu2026 and Visit Oulu.

10–14 June 2026 | Oulu & Ii, Finland

All travel, accommodation, meals and transfers included in the official programme are covered and organised for the participants.

Programme overview 

Wednesday 10 June

Arrival in Oulu
Participants arrive in Oulu according to their own schedules.

18.00

Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture Introduction
Overview of themes, artistic highlights and regional context

19.00
Welcome Reception hosted by City of Oulu and Oulu2026
Venue: Oulu Art Museum

Thursday 11 June

09:00
Arrival at Kauppurienaukio Square, Oulu City Centre

Visit to No. 1574 Stone by Rana Begum
Rana Begum will draw inspiration from Oulu’s subarctic light and intricate shapes of its sea ice to create an interactive series of sculptures that will transform the city’s central square. Developed through conversations with glaciologist Alun Hubbard (Professor, University of Oulu), Begum draws on his research of the alarming melting rate of Arctic Circle glaciers.

Artwork:No.1574 Stone
Location: Kauppurienaukio Square, Oulu City Centre
Address: Isokatu 22-25, 90100 Oulu

10:00
Departure by bus to Yli-Ii

11:00
Arrival at Kierikki Centre for Ancient Times

Climate Clock presentation by International Producer Claudia Woolgar and Curator Alice Sharp.

Visits to:
Ilé-Ìlá by Ranti Bam
Ranti Bam’s upcoming artwork in Yli-Ii features large-scale ceramic vessels evoking the intrinsic but diminished synchronicity between humans and the environment, with clay symbolising their shared resilience and vulnerability.

Artwork:Ilé-Ìlá
Location: Kierikki Science Centre, Yli-Ii
Address: Pahkalantie 447, 91200 Oulu

The Most Valuable Clock in the World by Tellervo Kalleinen & Oliver Kochta-Kalleinen
The artist duo Tellervo Kalleinen and Oliver Kochta-Kalleinen are building the world’s most valuable clock together with the residents of Oulu. The value of the clock comes from personally significant moments donated by Oulu residents.

The final artwork created with locals will be a large ‘mechanical-electronic clock’ featuring a curved LED display that showcases recorded moments in cycles of hours, minutes, and seconds. The clock’s hour hand will display moments from Oulu’s natural annual cycle, the minute hand will highlight valuable everyday moments for Oulu residents, and the second hand will provide glimpses of special moments filmed by locals.

12:30
Lunch at Kierikki Centre for Ancient Times

13.30 Departure by bus to Koiteli Rapids, Kiiminki

14:00
Arrival at Koiteli Rapids

Visit to You Are Here by Antti Laitinen

Antti Laitinen’s extensive installation will blend with the woodland of Kiiminki, encouraging viewers to pause and see the water and wildlife in a new way. Inspired by his work with botanist Jouko Rikkinen (Professor, University of Helsinki), two large-scale kinetic installations incorporate moss and lichen – a bioindicator of air quality – exploring the impact of local pollution on their growth.

Artwork: Olet Tässä (You Are Here)
Location: Koiteli Rapids, Kiiminki
Address: Koitelinkoskentie 444, 90900 Oulu

15:30
Departure by bus to Oulu city centre

16:15
Arrival at Oulu City Centre

Free time

19:00
Evening gathering and dinner

Friday 12 June

09:00
Departure by bus from the city centre to Kiviniemi Harbour, Haukipudas

09:30
Arrival at Kiviniemi Harbour

Visit to Super Kello by Superflex

SUPERFLEX will create a new marine landmark set along the coastal area of Haukipudas. The Danish artist group draws on their long-standing collaboration with marine biologists and scientists in the creation of their sculpture. Developed in conversation with local fishermen, the work encourages the public to slow down.

Artwork: Super Kello
Location: Kiviniemi Fishing Harbor in Kello, Haukipudas
Address: Kiviniemen rantatie 10, 90810 Oulu

10:00
A Word from Homer’s The Odyssey (sound installation of Super Kello)

10:30
Departure by bus to Ylikiiminki

11:15
Transportation to Ylikiiminki Beach

Visit to Architectural Snowflakes: Letters from Heaven by Takahiro Iwasaki
Sculptor Takahiro Iwasaki is working with snow hydrologist Pertti Ala-aho (Professor, University of Oulu) to create delicate, miniature forms that capture the magic of nature. Set in Ylikiiminki, connected to its long-standing tradition with tar, his work will reference local architectural shapes, an example of how each installation will celebrate the historic and cultural significance of their location.

Artwork:Architectural Snowflakes: Letters from Heaven
Location: Kirkkosuvanto Beach, Ylikiiminki
Address: Kirkkoranta 18, 91300 Oulu

12:15
Lunch at Ylikiiminki

13:15
Departure by bus to Oulunsalo

14:00
Arrival at Oulunsalo

Visit to Risk Assessing Risk Assessment by Gabriel Kuri
A cautionary work by Gabriel Kuri will transform public spaces within the suburban area of Oulunsalo. Working with UK-based climate scientist Kevin Anderson (Professor, University of Manchester & Uppsala University), Kuri’s work incorporates the visual language of risk assessment charts to warn of the dangers of climate change.

Artwork:Risk Assessing Risk Assessment
Location: Surroundings of Oulunsalo Museum of Local History and Culture, Oulunsalo
Address: Jääsköntie 5, 90460 Oulu

Visit to Oulunsalo Museum of Local History and Culture

15:30
Departure by bus to Oulu city centre

16:00
Arrival to Oulu city centre

18:30
Dinner. In addition to media, Climate Clock artists and their families, Climate Clock working group as well as guests from Oulu2026 and the City of Oulu will gather together to celebrate the opening of the remarkable art series.

Saturday 13 June

Oulu shares the European Capital of Culture title with 39 partner municipalities. Ii, located just north of Oulu, is internationally recognised for its pioneering climate work and strong commitment to sustainable development. As a fun curiosity, Ii also has the shortest municipality name in Finland.

Art Ii Biennial, Akola manor and a Finnish summer night

We will depart from Oulu by bus to Ii (approx. 30-minute drive). During the day, we will explore the Art Ii Biennial, part of the Oulu2026 Best Festivals in Europe programme. The Art Ii Biennial is a cultural gem of Northern Finland, attracting visitors from around the world to experience a unique blend of contemporary art set in the northern landscape. The theme of the 2026 edition is solastalgia. The biennial presents a selection of artworks that reflect on the relationship between humans and the environment.

We will also visit Akola Manor, a protected historic country house in Ii and a remarkable example of restoration that combines traditional materials with a modern touch, contemporary furniture and a thoughtfully designed courtyard landscape. The restoration was a personal project for Teemu Kurkela, who spent his childhood summers in Akola. Teemu is one of the most well-known contemporary Finnish architects and a founding member of JKMM Architects. The studio’s notable works include the National Museum of Finland, Lillehammer Art Museum, Amos Rex in Helsinki, the future Architecture and Design Museum of Finland (planned to open in 2030), and Oulu Central Library Saari.

Akola also serves as a venue for several Oulu2026 events that Teemu Kurkela is involved in producing: AKOLA – LIIKE / MOVEMENT, AKOLA – RAUHA / PEACE and AKOLA – ÄÄNI / Night train & festival.

A more detailed schedule and specific visit locations in Ii will be confirmed closer to the trip.

The evening culminates in a relaxed Finnish summer gathering by the river at Iin paviljonki. This is a chance to experience the true spirit of the Oulu2026 region, as the midnight sun begins to take over the northern landscape and mindset. The programme includes local food, sauna, and for those who wish, the opportunity to take a refreshing swim in the river. Sauna and a dip in fresh water is a truly Finnish summer experience.

Return will take place according to individual travel schedules, and airport transfers will be arranged for all participants. Some participants may depart already on Saturday evening, depending on their flight schedules. Most will return to Oulu and either continue their journey or stay overnight in the city for an easy transfer to the airport on Sunday morning. A limited number of guests may also have the possibility to stay overnight in Ii if their departure on Sunday is later in the day. Please note that accommodation capacity in Ii is very limited, and availability will be confirmed separately.

Travel & transportation

All transfers during the press trip, including airport transfer in Oulu and travel between Oulu and Ii, are organised and included as part of the hosted programme. No independent transportation is required during the official schedule. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask Taru any time.

Language

The programme, guided tours and discussions are conducted in English.

Photography, filming and interviews

Photography and filming are allowed during the programme. Please be mindful and always respect artists, communities and cultural contexts.

Oulu2026 organisation will have an official photographer documenting the opening events of Climate Clock, and these images along with other press photos of the art series will be made available for media use as soon as they are ready. Interview opportunities can be arranged during the visit.

Media is very welcome to use Oulu2026 photo library. The photographs may be used in different medias in content related to Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture. The use of the photographs is free of charge.

The name of Oulu2026 as well as the name of the photographer (if provided in the information) must always be mentioned. In case of an artwork, the name of the artist and artwork must always be mentioned. When sharing photographs on social media, please tag our official channels (for example @oulu2026official @visitoulu in Instagram).

The photographs may not be used removed from Oulu2026 context or in any unlawful purpose. The photographs may not be used in any products. The photographs may not be altered or modified except for minor cropping.

You are also welcome to use the photo library of Visit Oulu for communications purposes about the region. You can also find photos of Ii from the Visit Oulu Photo library.

Contacts during the trip

Contact details for hosts and coordinators will be provided prior to arrival. A WhatsApp group will also be created for all participants.

About Oulu and the Oulu2026 region

Oulu is the European Capital of Culture 2026 together with 39 partner municipalities in Northern Finland. The aim is a lasting cultural climate change: a permanently richer cultural life and a positive transformation for the region. Cultural climate change brings together culture, art and technology in surprising ways, creates encounters and generates interaction. You can find useful general information about Oulu2026 on our media site.

Travel information

Visit Oulu’s website offers a comprehensive overview of the region and is a useful resource when planning your stay. The site brings together practical travel information, accommodation options, restaurants, cafés and local services, as well as curated tips on things to see and do. You can explore different areas of the region, discover nature destinations, cultural attractions and seasonal activities, and find ready-made suggestions for experiencing the area in your own way. The site is regularly updated and provides inspiration alongside practical guidance, making it a helpful companion before and during your visit.

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June weather and summer conditions in Northern Finland

June marks the beginning of summer in Northern Finland, and the conditions can vary from warm, sunny days to cooler and occasionally rainy weather. Temperatures typically range from around +10 to +20 degrees Celsius, but warmer periods above +20°C are also possible. At the same time, especially near the coast and rivers, wind can make the temperature feel cooler than expected.

One of the most distinctive features of June is the light: the nights are bright, and around mid-June the region experiences the phenomenon of the midnight sun, when it never truly gets dark. This creates a unique atmosphere throughout the day and evening.

Parts of the programme take place outdoors, including walks and visits to nature locations such as riverbanks, forests and coastal areas. Surfaces may be uneven, and short walks are included as part of the experience.

How to dress and what to pack

We recommend dressing in layers to stay comfortable in changing conditions. A light jacket, warmer layer (such as a sweater or fleece), and comfortable walking shoes are essential. It is also advisable to bring a waterproof jacket or coat in case of rain.

Evenings by the water can feel cooler, so having an extra layer is useful. Overall, preparing for both warm sunshine and fresh northern breezes will ensure a comfortable experience throughout the trip.

Practical information 

The national languages in Finland are Finnish and Swedish, and English is widely spoken.

Timezone in Finland is Eastern European Time. 
Emergency number is 112. 
The currency is the euro and debit and credit cards are accepted everywhere. 

The Yliopiston Apteekki pharmacy is located at Isokatu 27 and is open daily from 8 to 23. 
Oulu Airport is situated in Oulunsalo, approximately a twenty-minute drive from the city centre. 
Taxi services are available through Otaxi at +358 600 30081 around the clock. 

Shopping in the city centre 

Valkea Shopping Centre 
Isokatu 22–25 
Grocery store Sokos Herkku open daily 7–23, Sunday 9–22 

Pekuri Shopping Centre 
Kauppurienkatu 15 
Grocery store K Supermarket Pekuri open daily 7–23, Saturday 8–23, Sunday 10–23 
 

Dress code 

The general dress code during the press trip is casual. Above all, please remember to dress warmly for winter conditions.

For the Ii visit, please bring swimwear, as the programme includes sauna and swimming for those who wish to do so.

The programme is subject to changes.