This page provides dedicated information for international media visiting as official media guests of Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture and Visit Northern Finland.

16–20 September 2026 | Oulu, Kainuu & Rokua

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

Programme overview 

Wednesday 16 September – Welcome to Oulu

Arrival in Oulu according to individual travel schedules and check-in at Nallikari Aalto.

17:45 Departure from Nallikari

Transfer to Oulu city centre.

18:00 Welcome to Oulu2026

A short introduction to Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture, the ideas behind Oulu2026 and the wider Capital of Culture region.

We’ll meet at the historic Oulu City Hall, a Neo-Renaissance building completed in 1886 and originally built as the city’s Seurahuone, a hotel, restaurant and gathering place. The building underwent an extensive renovation in 2021–2024 and reopened in autumn 2024, with its historic architecture restored and the City Hall made more accessible and open to the public. During the Oulu2026 year, it also serves as one of the cultural venues in the city centre.

19:00 Welcome dinner at restaurant Grill it!

Our first evening together over dinner in the centre of Oulu.

Around 20:30 Transfer to Nallikari

Overnight at Nallikari.

Thursday 17 September – Art & culture in Oulu

Breakfast at Bistoria from 7:00.

8:00 Pick-up from Nallikari

8:30–9:30 Visit to the University of Oulu Botanical Garden

For the morning programme, we will be joined by a small group of invited art professionals and representatives of the Finnish media, who will continue with us to The Kuutar Garden media event.

Our morning introduces us to the botanical and ecological world behind The Kuutar Garden.

The University of Oulu is one of Finland’s leading multidisciplinary universities, with a strong focus on research related to the North, including environmental change, sustainability and Arctic conditions. Its main Linnanmaa campus brings together research and education across a wide range of disciplines.

The Botanical Garden of the University of Oulu and its collections have played an important role in the research behind Jakob Kudsk Steensen’s artistic work. Head Gardener Tuomas Kauppila and Curator Anna Ruotsalainen will tell us about the garden, its seed bank and scientific research. We will visit the pyramid-shaped greenhouses and the outdoor garden, which together form one of the world’s northernmost botanical gardens – a very special place in the Arctic city of Oulu.

9:30 Transfer to Oulu city centre

10:00 The Kuutar Garden – media event with Jakob Kudsk Steensen

A special media event with internationally acclaimed Danish artist Jakob Kudsk Steensen, joined by other members of the team behind The Kuutar Garden as well as representatives from Oulu2026.

We will begin at the Oulu2026 Lounge, located in Shopping Centre Pekuri in the very heart of Oulu. After the introduction, we will walk together to experience The Kuutar Garden in its extraordinary underground setting beneath the city centre – just a few minutes away from the Lounge.

We will hear about the making of The Kuutar Garden and be among the first to experience the immersive installation before it opens to the public on 18 September.

After experiencing the work, there will be an opportunity to return to the Oulu2026 Lounge for short interviews with the artist and members of the team. If you would like to arrange a short one-to-one interview with Jakob Kudsk Steensen, please let Ulla know in advance. Interview questions are also very welcome beforehand.

Oulu2026 Programme Director Samu Forsblom will also be available for interviews during the media event until 12:00. If you would like to speak with Samu, please let Ulla know and she will arrange it.

Based on more than four years of ecological fieldwork in Northern Finland, The Kuutar Garden brings together digital environments, spatialised sound, botanical research and northern mythology. The work transforms an unexpected underground setting beneath Oulu city centre into a virtual botanical world inspired by endangered northern plants and changing ecosystems.

12:00 Lunch at Pannu

14:00 Transfer to AaltoSiilo

14:15–15:00 AaltoSiilo

We visit the former wood-chip silo designed by Alvar Aalto and completed in 1931 as part of the Toppila cellulose factory.

Today, AaltoSiilo is being transformed into a new cultural space, bringing together architectural heritage, contemporary culture and new ideas for the future of the site.

15:00 Transfer to Chocosomnia

15:30–16:45 Chocosomnia chocolate workshop

A hands-on introduction to local chocolate and flavours – and a chance to make and taste some chocolate ourselves.

16:45–17:00 Transfer to Oulu city centre

17:00–19:00 Free time

Time to explore Oulu independently, relax before dinner or visit some of the Oulu2026 exhibitions in the city centre.

19:00 Dinner at Puistola

20:30 Transfer to Nallikari

Overnight at Nallikari Aalto.

Friday 18 September – Art, forests & pessimism in Kainuu

Breakfast at Bistoria from 7:00.

Please bring your luggage with you as we leave Oulu for the next part of our journey.

9:00 Departure from Nallikari

We travel east towards Hyrynsalmi and the forests of Kainuu. Driving time approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.

11:30–14:30 Mustarinda – art, ecology & old-growth forest

Mustarinda is an internationally active art and research organisation located beside an old-growth forest in Hyrynsalmi.

Its work brings together contemporary art, ecological thinking and research into environmental and cultural change. During our visit, we will also learn about the Vaara-Kainuu Art National Park Initiative, an Oulu2026 project exploring new connections between contemporary art, nature conservation and local communities.

Lunch at Mustarinda.

14:30 Transfer to Puolanka

Approximately 35 minutes.

15:15–17:15 Pessimistitalo – House of Pessimism

We meet the Puolanka Pessimists, who have rather brilliantly turned pessimism into art, humour and a cultural identity of their own.

Through performances, events and their House of Pessimism, the community has transformed the challenges of life in a small northern municipality into something distinctly creative – and very Finnish.

17:15 Transfer to Arctic Nest

Approximately 35 minutes.

Evening – Arctic Nest

Check-in followed by a cultural dinner at Arctic Nest.

Overnight at Arctic Nest.

Saturday 19 September – Lake Oulujärvi, environmental art & the Ice Age landscapes of Rokua

Breakfast and check-out.

Today we journey through the Lake Oulujärvi and Rokua UNESCO Global Geopark region, combining environmental art, local culture, food and landscapes shaped by the Ice Age.

8:45 Departure from Arctic Nest

Transfer towards Paltamo and Lake Oulujärvi.

10:30–11:00 Kankari Isokivi Erratic Boulder

A short walk to the largest erratic boulder in the Rokua Geopark area, including an introduction and time for photography.

11:00–11:45 Transfer to Manamansalon Portti

11:45–12:30 Geofood lunch at Manamansalon Portti

Lunch featuring local flavours and ingredients from the Lake Oulujärvi region.

12:30–12:40 Transfer to Peurapyyntikylä

12:40–13:35 Näkijä environmental artwork & Peuranpolku Trail

A guided walk combining environmental art, nature and the old hunting traditions of Manamansalo.

13:35–13:55 Manamansalo Memorial Church

A short visit to the historic site of the first church in the Kainuu region.

13:55–14:20 Transfer to Alassalmi Ferry

14:35–14:45 Alassalmi Ferry

We cross Lake Oulujärvi from Manamansalo Island to the mainland.

14:45–15:15 Transfer to Vaala

15:15–16:30 Vaala Engine Shed – art, stories & film

An introduction to the historic engine shed and local arts and cultural activities, including the Kierrot environmental artwork, coffee and a screening of the Rokua Geopark short film Maiseman muisti – Memory of the Landscape.

16:30–16:55 Transfer to Rokua

16:55–17:10 Kuutio ilmaa – Cube of Air

An introduction to the environmental artwork located on a hill at the former Rokua ski stadium.

17:10–18:00 Guided walk to Rokua Health & Spa

A short walk through Rokua’s Ice Age landscape, passing Lake Ahveroinen and the Käpy kultainen – Golden Cone environmental artwork.

The walk ends at Rokua Health & Spa.

18:00 Check-in & free time

19:00 Dinner at Rokua Health & Spa

After dinner – Finnish sauna & spa

A chance to relax with a classic Finnish sauna and spa experience after a full day outdoors. Overnight at Rokua Health & Spa. Rokua Health & Spa is a traditional and relaxed Finnish nature hotel surrounded by the forests and distinctive landscapes of Rokua. A long-time favourite among hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, the hotel is all about its close connection to nature – with trails starting nearby and a Finnish sauna and spa waiting at the end of the day.

Sunday 20 September – The green river valley of Rokua Geopark

8:00–8:45 Breakfast

Check-out after breakfast.

8:45–9:30 Transfer to Liimanninkoski

9:30–10:25 Liimanninkoski Nature Trail

A guided walk through lush forest scenery to the rapids, showcasing the contrasting landscapes of the Oulujoki River Valley.

10:25–10:45 Finnish campfire experience

We finish our journey in a very Finnish way: grilled sausages and warm berry juice by the campfire.

10:45 Departure for Oulu

Transfer towards Oulu Airport.

Approximately 11:40 Arrival at Oulu Airport After the airport stop, the transfer continues to Oulu city centre for participants with later departures.

Travel & transportation

All transfers during the press trip are organised and included as part of the hosted programme. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask any time!

Language

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

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.

Press photos

Media representatives are very welcome to use the Oulu2026 photo library. The photographs may be used in different media in editorial content related to Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture (Oulu Culture Foundation). 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 channel (for example @oulu2026official in Instagram) and hashtag #oulu2026 and/or #culturalclimatechange.

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

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.

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September weather and early autumn conditions in Northern Finland

September marks the beginning of autumn in Northern Finland. The weather can vary considerably, with daytime temperatures often ranging from around +5 to +15 degrees Celsius. Mornings and evenings can be chilly, and rain and wind are possible, so warm layers and a waterproof jacket are highly recommended.

September is also one of the most beautiful times to experience northern nature. The forests and landscapes begin to take on their autumn colours, while the darker evenings return after the bright northern summer.

Several parts of the programme take place outdoors, including visits to forests, nature trails and the landscapes of Rokua UNESCO Global Geopark. Surfaces may be uneven or wet, and the programme includes short walks in natural terrain, so comfortable, sturdy and preferably waterproof shoes are recommended.

How to dress and what to pack

We recommend dressing in layers to stay comfortable in changing conditions. September weather in Northern Finland can vary considerably during the day, so bring warm layers as well as a waterproof and windproof jacket. Mornings and evenings can feel particularly cool, and rain is always possible.

Several parts of the programme take place outdoors, including forest walks, nature trails and visits to environmental artworks in natural settings. Surfaces may be uneven or wet, so comfortable, sturdy and preferably waterproof walking shoes are highly recommended.

The programme also includes a Finnish sauna and spa experience at Rokua Health & Spa. We recommend bringing:

• Comfortable, sturdy and preferably waterproof walking shoes
• Warm layers, such as a sweater or fleece
• A waterproof and windproof jacket
• Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities
• Swimwear for the sauna and spa
• A small day bag for outdoor visits

The general dress code throughout the press trip is casual. Above all, dress for the weather and comfort.

Practical information 

The national languages in Finland are Finnish and Swedish, and English is widely spoken. In addition, three Sámi languages are spoken in Finland: North Sámi, Inari Sámi and Skolt Sámi.

Useful phrases

Thank you
Finnish: Kiitos

Hi
Finnish: Hei / Moi

Welcome
Finnish: Tervetuloa

Finland is in the Eastern European Time zone.
The emergency number is 112.
The currency is the euro. Debit and credit cards are widely accepted.

The programme is subject to changes.