In the summer of 2026, Syöte offers something truly special. Amid the wide-open landscapes of the national park, visitors can experience art in a way that invites them to pause and breathe in the quiet beauty of the North.
The open-air exhibition Välähdyksiä (“Glimpses of the North” , located at the top of Iso-Syöte fell, brings together local artists, the unique fell landscape and it is part of the Oulu 2026 European Capital of Culture programme .The exhibition is open from June 5 to October 18, 2026, culture lovers, locals, cottage owners and summer travellers alike to experience the nature of Syöte from a new perspective.
Art in the heart of Syöte National Park
Välähdyksiä (Glimpses of the North) is a joint exhibition featuring seven artists connected to the Syöte region. Uniquely, the artworks are placed directly in nature – in the very landscapes where their stories and atmosphere were born.
The exhibition features artists Katariina Kuukasjärvi, Sinikka Tasala, Arja Äikäs, Teija Soini, Tiina Törmänen, Sami Säily and Marjo Koskenkorva. The exhibition includes paintings, photography and graphic art, all united by a strong connection to northern nature and the lifestyle of the Syöte region.
Set along a fell path stretching a few hundred metres, the exhibition offers visitors an experience where landscape and art become one. The light, silence and sweeping views of the fell create an ever-changing atmosphere shaped by weather and time of day.
Part of the Oulu 2026 Cultural Programme
Välähdyksiä (Glimpses if the North) is part of the Oulu 2026 European Capital of Culture programme, which will bring a wide range of cultural events and experiences to Northern Finland throughout the year.
In Syöte, the exhibition highlights exactly what makes the area unforgettable year after year: the closeness of nature, the sense of peace created by the open landscapes and the region’s strong local identity. Pudasjärvi will also host several other events connected to the Oulu 2026 European Capital of Culture programme.
Endless ways to enjoy summer in Syöte
Visiting the exhibition is easy to combine with a summer day full of activities in Syöte. The area is well known for its diverse outdoor opportunities and stunning scenery. Syöte Nationalpark offers hikers an extensive network of trails, scenic viewpoints and rest areas surrounded by pristine wilderness.
During the summer, visitors can hike, fish, go mountain biking or try exciting downhill biking trails. A new chairlift provides easy access to the top of Iso-Syöte – even for those simply wishing to admire the views. Along the way, visitors can stop by the Välähdyksiä (Glimpses of the North) exhibition and enjoy the scenery from the terrace of Restaurant Hilltop.
Accommodation options range from full-service hotels to cosy cabins hidden among the forests. Syöte is equally perfect for active adventurers and travellers seeking a peaceful nature escape.
Nature untouched – even holidays feel more relaxing
There is something about summer in Syöte that naturally slows the pace of life. Perhaps it is the fell breeze, the bright northern evenings or the silence of the forests. The Välähdyksiä (Glimpses of the North) exhibition complements this atmosphere beautifully – offering art to be experienced in the heart of nature.
This summer, head to the Syöte fells and discover what art looks like in the place where inspiration begins.
