Welcome to Oulu!
The Oulu2026 area spans a large part of northern Finland. You can easily reach the heart of the European Capital of Culture year, Oulu, using various modes of transportation. Trains and buses run to Oulu several times a day from different parts of Finland. Oulu Airport is just a stone’s throw from the city center, making it convenient to arrive by air from Helsinki, Riga or Frankfurt.
Once you arrive in Oulu, the best way to get around the city center is, of course, by bicycle or the local bus.
Read more: Oulu named as one of the world’s best destinations for 2026 – Oulu2026
When to visit Oulu? See some of the Must-See Experiences in 2026
Winter
- 31 Dec 2025 – Oulu2026 Show: Ring in the New Year in style as the Oulu2026 Show kicks off the celebration of our European Capital of Culture year with a bang! Expect explosive energy, dazzling visuals, sparkle and joy – with top Finnish artists lighting up the stage. Tickets are on sale!
- 16-19 Jan – Oulu2026 Opening festival: The open-to-all winter city event will showcase the offerings of the European Capital of Culture in an entertaining and diverse way throughout the weekend. See the event
- 16 Jan 2026 – Kotilo Children’s Cultural Centre Launch: Kotilo invites you to play and get to know different fields of art. Everyone enjoys the meeting place, which feeds imagination and enthusiasm. See the event
- Jan–Early May – Sámi Culture at Oulu Art Museum: Immerse yourself in the resilience and sustainability of Sámi culture through exhibitions and events. See the event
- 6 Feb 2026 – Sámi National Day: Celebrate the traditions and contemporary expressions of the Sámi people, the EU’s only indigenous group. See the event
- 28 Feb 2026 – Frozen People Festival: Experience electronic music on the ice of Nallikari beach, where the frozen sea sets a dramatic stage for performances. See the event
Summer
- June 2026 – Climate Clock. The world’s leading international and domestic artists create a permanent artistic route around Oulu. Each unique place offers a moment of reflection and hope for the future. Opening on 13th June, see the event
- 15 Aug 2026 – Summer Night Dinner: Join thousands at a kilometer-long communal table in downtown Oulu, celebrating local cuisine, art, and togetherness. See the event
- 28–29 Aug 2026 – Delta Life: A carnival blending nature, art, and community spirit, set in the river delta area of Oulu’s birthplace. See the event
- 22 Aug 2026 – Faravid’s Land Premiere: A theatrical journey into Oulu’s mythical past, combining theatre, dance, and contemporary circus. See the event
Autumn 2026
- Autumn 2026 – Adaptation, time is not on our side. Project reclaims the narrative of adaptation, challenging acceptance and advocating for active agency. Through artworks and exhibitions, it seeks to empower individuals to shape environments. Read more here
- 13–22 Nov 2026 – Lumo Art & Tech Festival: A ten-day celebration of art and technology, featuring light art, sound installations, and digital experiences across multiple venues. Read more here
- 19–21 Nov 2026 – Beyond the Sky: An innovative work blending art, science, and technology, bringing distant nebulae within reach, accompanied by music performed by Oulu Sinfonia. See the event
Year-round highlights
- Earworm – Media Art from Kiasma: An exhibition curated from the collections of the Finnish National Gallery, hosted at Oulu City Hall, offering cutting-edge media art experiences. See the event
- Layers in the Peace Machine: An immersive media installation at Oulu City Hall, exploring the concept of peace through AI and interactive art. See the event
- PLAY – Fotografiska Tallinn X Oulu2026: A brand-new exhibition curated for Oulu2026, inviting visitors to see beyond the ordinary and envision a future where creativity and community are at the forefront. See the event
Travelling to Oulu
By plane
Oulu Airport makes air travel the fastest way to reach Oulu. Located approximately 15 kilometers from the city center, the airport is well-connected to Helsinki. The flight time from Helsinki to Oulu is about one hour.
In 2026, Discover Airlines will start flying directly from Frankfurt to Oulu and back. AirBaltic will operate direct flights from Riga to Oulu five days a week from March 29 until the end of October 2026: on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
From the airport, bus number 8 and 9 transport you to the city center in 20 minutes. Local taxi service, Otaxi are ready to pick you up from the airport -also preordered!
By train
Oulu is well-connected by train. The Finnish national railway company, VR, operates daily trains to Oulu from major cities like Helsinki, Tampere, and Rovaniemi. The journey from Helsinki to Oulu takes approximately 5–6 hours. For regional travelers, there are frequent connections from nearby cities such as Ylivieska and Kemi.
By bus
Traveling to Oulu by bus is convenient and affordable. Several bus companies provide frequent services to Oulu from major cities across Finland. The trip from Helsinki to Oulu takes around 8–9 hours, with multiple departures daily. Oulu Bus Station is centrally located, providing easy access to the city’s cultural events, attractions and accommodations.
Getting around in Oulu & our region
By train
From Oulu you can take the train to the northern parts of our region, all the way up to Kemi. Also, if you want to explore the Eastern region, you can reach Kajaani in 2 hours. For regional travellers, there are frequent connections from nearby cities such as Ylivieska and Kemi.
By bus
Traveling in Oulu by bus is convenient and affordable. You can also download OSL-app and buy tickets in advance.
By taxi
Our friends at Otaxi provide services in Oulu and Kuusamo. You can also prebook taxis, also from and to the Airport!
Cultural sites of Oulu
Oulu is a city where history, creativity, and northern spirit meet. As European Capital of Culture in 2026, the city invites visitors to explore its rich cultural scene through music, theatre, art, and living history. From concerts and contemporary exhibitions to unique museums, there is something for everyone. Whether you’re uncovering medieval ruins, stepping into the Stone Age, or relaxing in a modern cultural hub, Oulu offers inspiring experiences all year round. By clicking the image, a link will open to a new tab.
Discover Oulu2026-region!
Oulu is the European Capital of Culture together with 39 cities and munincipalities. Join the adventure as culture, art and diverse event take over our northern region!
