Photo: Oulu Art Museum, opening of the exhibition Eanangiella – Voice of the Land. President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb; Minister of Science and Culture Mari-Leena Talvitie; and curators of Eanangiella, Inga-Wiktoria Påve and Fredrik Prost. Artworks in the background: Outi Pieski in collaboration with Gáddjá Haarla, Ládjogahpir rematriášuvdna – Máhccat eatni lusa II / Rematriation of a Ládjogahpir – Return to Máttaráhkka II (2019) (right), and Outi Pieski, Subjeavttat dutkamuša vuolde / Subjects of Research (2019) (left). Photograph: Petteri Löppönen

This page provides dedicated information for international media visiting as official media guests.

5–8 February 2026 | Oulu – Tornio–Haparanda

This press trip offers an in-depth introduction to Dálvemánnu, a major Sámi cultural event and part of the Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture programme, while also taking participants north to Tornio, where the river, the landscape and everyday life connect cultures across borders. The visit is fully hosted and guided throughout, with a carefully curated programme combining contemporary Sámi art, performances, exhibitions, encounters and Northern nature.

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

Programme overview 

Thursday 5 February

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

Accommodation: Lapland Hotels Oulu (Check-in is available upon arrival)

18:50

Departure from hotel and short walk to the restaurant. Ulla will pick you up.

19:00
Dinner: Restaurant Grill It, “Arctic Taste of Oulu – Cultural menu”

Friday 6 February

Morning – Oulu Theatre & Theatre Restaurant Aulis

08:45
Departure from hotel and short walk (approx. 5 minutes) to Oulu Theatre

09:00–09:30

Introduction to the Oulu2026 Cultural Programme and Oulu Theater’s Oulu2026 productions

Alma Lehmuskallio, Artistic Director, Oulu Theatre

Samu Forsblom, Programme Director, Oulu2026

Aino Valovirta (Oulu2026 Sámi Culture Programme Coordinator) & Inka Hyvönen (Oulu2026 Programme Coordinator): Introduction to Sámi culture and Sámi-related programming within Oulu2026

Guided visit to Sámi-themed exhibitions at Oulu Theatre
Guide: Heidi Jäärni

Three Sámi-themed exhibitions are presented in the lower lobby and main stage foyer of Oulu Theatre:

Bárus bárrui – From Wave to Wave by Geir Tore Holm

Ruovttus gávpogis – At Home in the City: a photo exhibition on Urban Sámi life

Duohtavuohta ja soabadeapmi – Truth and Reconciliation, connected to the final report of the Sámi Truth and Reconciliation Commission

11:00
Lunch: Oulu Theater, Restaurant Aulis

Afternoon – Oulu Art Museum

12:30
Guided tour of the exhibition Eanangiella – Voice of the Land

The historically extensive exhibition of Sámi art and duodji featuring 76 artists and over 120 works from across Sápmi. The exhibition explores the diversity, resilience and sustainability of Sámi culture.

The guided tour at Oulu Art Museum is led by curator Selina Väliheikki. The exhibition is curated by Fredrik Prost, Inga-Wiktoria Påve and Áilu Valle.

Break

16:45
Early Dinner: Lapland Hotels Oulu, Arctic Food Lab Surprise menu, 3 courses

Evening

19:00–21:30
Ovllá-opera at Oulu Theatre

Ovllá is a powerful contemporary opera that weaves Sámi history, language and lived experience into a visually striking and musically rich stage work. The opera explores themes of identity, belonging and resistance, drawing from Sámi storytelling traditions while engaging with contemporary artistic forms. Sung in Sámi languages and Finnish, Ovllá brings Sámi perspectives to the main stage of a national theatre, marking a significant moment in Finnish performing arts.

(Option to join the concert below after the opera ends)

21:00–23:00
AMOC & Áilu Valle
Cultural Centre Valve

Saturday 7 February

Tornio–Haparanda

08:00
Departure by bus from hotel
Travel to Tornio (approx. 1 hour 45 minutes)

10:00
Meeting point: Nordic Safaris office

Participants will receive winter boots and, if needed, thermal overalls.
Transfer from the office to Kukkolankoski (approx. 15 minutes).

10:30
Kukkolankoski

The visit begins at Siikakartano. The programme includes snowshoeing in the Kukkolankoski area and reindeer feeding.
Hosts: Laura and Risto Kantola (Nordic Safaris)

12:30–14:00
Aine Art Museum
Soup lunch, guided visit and coffee

14:00–15:30
Tornionlaakso Museum
Guided tour and workshop
Hands-on workshop: making traditional birch bark rings

16:00
Check-in at Hotel Mustaparta

17:30–19:00
Sauna på Gränsen
Sauna and ice swimming
Please bring swimwear

20:00
Dinner at Umpitunneli
Dinner followed by karaoke

Sunday 8 February

Breakfast at Hotel Mustaparta

8:15
Check-out and departure towards Oulu

Travel & transportation

All transfers during the press trip, including travel between Oulu and Tornio–Haparanda, are organised and included as part of the hosted programme. No independent transportation is required during the official schedule.

Accommodation

Oulu: Lapland Hotels Oulu

Tornio: Hotel Mustaparta

Language

The programme, guided tours and discussions are conducted in English. Local terms and Sámi-language names may be used in their original form when relevant.

Photography, filming and interviews

Photography and filming are generally allowed during the programme, with the exception of the Ovllá performance. Please be mindful of performance-specific restrictions and always respect artists, communities and cultural contexts.

Press images from the Ovllá opera will be provided for media use. In addition, the Oulu2026 organisation will have an official photographer documenting the Dálvemánnu week, and these images 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 and @visittorniohaparanda 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.

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.

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February weather and winter conditions in Northern Finland

February is midwinter in Northern Finland. Snow, frost and icy conditions are typical, and temperatures often range from around minus fifteen to minus five degrees Celsius, though colder periods are also possible. Wind and open river or coastal areas may make the temperature feel lower than indicated.

Daylight hours are still relatively short, but winter light, snow-covered landscapes and illuminated surroundings create a distinctive atmosphere throughout the day. Parts of the programme take place outdoors, especially during the visit to Tornio–Haparanda, where nature and river landscapes are an essential part of the experience.

How to dress and what to pack

Warm winter clothing is essential. We recommend dressing in layers, which makes it easier to adjust when moving between indoor venues and outdoor activities. A warm coat, insulated trousers, hat, scarf and gloves or mittens are strongly advised.

Through our partner, Oulu Recycling Centre Likke, we also have the possibility to provide journalists with recycled, genuine wool socks, mittens and hats. Many of the items are hand-knitted in Finland.

Winter boots and thermal overalls will be provided for outdoor activities in Tornio–Haparanda if needed. Please remember to bring swimwear for the Tornio visit, as the programme includes sauna and ice swimming.

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
North Sámi: Giitu
Inari Sámi: Takkâ
Skolt Sámi: Takkâ / Takkā

Hi
Finnish: Hei / Moi
North Sámi: Bures
Inari Sámi: Tiervâ
Skolt Sámi: Buorre / Šiõǥǥ

Welcome
Finnish: Tervetuloa
North Sámi: Bures boahtin
Inari Sámi: Tiervâ boahtin
Skolt Sámi: Buorre boahtin / Šiõǥǥ boahtin

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. 

Sámi culture

Finland is home to around 10,000 Sámi people. The below guide will help keep you up-to-date with Sámi culture, listen to the Sámi national anthem, learn what Sámi clothes mean to their wearers and find out what it means if someone yoiks you. 

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. For the Ovllá opera, you are welcome to dress a little more formally if you wish, though this is entirely optional. Above all, please remember to dress warmly for winter conditions.

For the Tornio visit, please bring swimwear, as the programme includes sauna and ice swimming.

The programme is subject to changes.