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

How this trip works 

This trip differs slightly from a traditional hosted visit. While lunches, dinners, receptions and selected guided visits have been organised, participants are free to plan their own schedules and choose Oulu2026 Opening Festival events according to their preferences and interests. These time slots are marked in the programme as optional. Please note that members of other media groups will also be participating in parts of the programme.

Hotel

Radisson Blu Oulu (Hallituskatu 1)
Check breakfast schedule from the hotel reception.

Highlights and Opening Festival programme 

Oulu2026 Opening Festival 16–18 January 2026 

On your marks, get set, Oulu! 

Market Square, Friday 16:00–16:30

One event we strongly encourage all participants to attend is the official opening moment of the European Capital of Culture year.  The European Capital of Culture year will be officially opened, and you are warmly invited to join this shared opening moment at the heart of the city. 

In addition to the opening event, the Opening Festival programme includes exhibitions, performances, guided tours and media information sessions offering background, concepts and story angles related to the Oulu2026 programme. A full Opening Festival programme is available online, and we encourage you to explore it in advance. Detailed maps outlining Opening Festival venues, programme highlights and dining locations will be provided to all media participants. 

Media centre and support 

During the festival days, our media team is available at the Media Centre at Oulu City Hall, which serves as your base for work, information and support. Coffee, tea and light refreshments will be available at the media centre.

Media Centre opening hours 
Friday 16 January, 9:00–19:00 
Saturday 17 January, 10:30–19:00 
Sunday 18 January, 11:00–17:00 

We will also create a WhatsApp group for participants to share practical updates and last minute information. Details on joining the group will be provided closer to the event. 

Thursday 15 January

Thursday dinner: Café Mallaamo (Uusikatu 19)

On Thursday, 15 January, guests are welcome to enjoy a relaxed dinner at Café Mallaamo at a time that suits them between 19:00 and 22:00.

The cosy café was established alongside a clothing library in autumn 2025. Mallaamo is one of Oulu2026’s official partners. Mallaamo provides clothing for Oulu2026 events, and together we highlight Finnish fashion.

Friday 16 January 

9:30–10:00
Welcome words by the City of Oulu
Presenter: Harriet Urponen, Communications Director, City of Oulu 
Location: Oulu City Hall 
Close to the media centre, in a separate room. 
 

10:00–10:45
Information session: Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture 
Presenters: Piia Rantala-Korhonen, Chief Executive Officer, Oulu2026, and Samu Forsblom, Programme Director, Oulu2026 
Location: Oulu City Hall 
Close to the media centre, in a separate room.
 

11:00–11:30 
Transfer to Nallikari from the City Hall

11:30–13:40
Arctic Seaside Lunch & Photography Time – Nallikari
Nallikari is one of Oulu’s most iconic seaside locations, especially captivating in winter. After a relaxed lunch at Restaurant Nallikari, participants have dedicated free time to explore and photograph the frozen shoreline, snow-covered beach and the vast horizon of the Bothnian Bay. This is a perfect chance to capture arctic light, winter minimalism and wide landscape shots.

Your host: Rosa Ruuskanen, Head of Content & Communications, Visit Oulu (rosa@visitoulu.fi, +358405595843). Meeting point: Restaurant Nallikari lobby.

13:40–14:00 
Transfer to the city centre

14:00–16:00
Oulu2026 City & Culture Walk
A hosted walk through Oulu’s compact city centre introduces visually rich spots: historic architecture, street-level culture and Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture highlights. The group visits three main Oulu2026 visual art exhibitions: Layers in the Peace Machine and Earworm – Media Art from Kiasma at the City Hall and the Fotografiska Tallinn pop-up gallery — ideal locations for artistic photography and cultural storytelling.

16:00–17:45
Oulu2026 Opening Ceremony & Ice Music Concert
The group attends the opening festivities at Oulu Market Square, where winter atmosphere and live performances set the scene. A rare Ice Music concert by Norwegian pioneer Terje Isungset creates striking audiovisual content opportunities — shimmering ice instruments, cold air and glowing winter light.

17:45–19:15 (OPTIONAL)
Optional programme at the Opening Festival or time to relax at the hotel.

19:15
Gathering at the hotel lobby and a short walk to Pikisaari
Your host: Matti Moller, Coordinator, Arctic Food Lab (matti.moller@oulu2026.eu, +358 40 1561 724)

19:30
Arctic Food Lab Dinner at Sokeri-Jussi Tavern
Sokeri-Jussi is one of Oulu’s most traditional restaurants, located on the idyllic island of Pikisaari. Arctic Food Lab showcases the ingredients, flavours and culinary traditions of northern Finland. It brings together local producers, chefs and restaurants who highlight the region’s pure seasonal ingredients and long-rooted food culture. This dinner offers a taste of those Arctic flavours, with reindeer as one of the key elements of the northern kitchen.

Saturday 17 January

Optional morning programme at the Opening Festival

12:15-12:45
Transfer to Koiteli
Gathering in front of Oulu City Hall
Your host: Lasse Launimaa, Marketing & Communications Specialist, Oulu2026 (lasse.launimaa@oulu2026.eu, +358403515954)

12:45–14:45 
Nature, Art and Inspiration at Koiteli Rapids
Koiteli is a nearly natural rapids area in Oulu’s Kiiminki district, about 25 km from the city centre. The scenic landscape of rapids, islands and riverbanks is a provincially significant attraction. The visit includes time to enjoy nature, photography, and a stop at Tunnelmatupa Café for local treats.

Climate Clock art trail:
Climate Clock, a highlight of Oulu2026, combines art, science and nature to raise environmental awareness. The trail will feature several permanent artworks across the region, including one that will be located at Koiteli. Most works will be located in natural settings, showcasing local landscapes and nature’s resilience.
 

14:45–15:15
Transfer to Oulu city centre

15:30-17:00
Winter Market Vibes and Arctic Food Lab Tour
Enjoy the lively winter atmosphere at the market square, tasting local delicacies from the market stalls. The tour also includes a visit to the historic Oulu Market Hall, where you can explore more regional flavours and culinary traditions, as well as local souvenirs.

Meeting at city hall lobby.
Your host: Matti Moller, Coordinator, Arctic Food Lab (matti.moller@oulu2026.eu, +358 40 1561 724)

17:00–19:00 (OPTIONAL)
Optional programme at the Opening Festival or time to relax at the hotel

19:00
Finnish sauna experience by the sea + street food dinner 
Location: Nallikari Beach 
Your host: Lasse Launimaa, Marketing & Communications Specialist, Oulu2026 (lasse.launimaa@oulu2026.eu, +358403515954)

Experience a relaxed and authentic Northern Finnish sauna evening by the sea, close to the shores of Nallikari. Sauna culture is an essential part of life in Oulu, offering space to unwind, reflect and connect, especially in the heart of winter.

The evening is complemented by a casual street food style dinner featuring Northern Finnish ingredients and flavours, enjoyed in a laid-back atmosphere. No prior sauna experience is needed. This is about wellbeing, warmth and shared moments.

Further practical details (schedule, meeting points, dress code) will be shared with registered participants closer to the event. 

Interviews and advance information 

If you would like to interview programme partners, artists or other Oulu2026 representatives before the visit, we are happy to help arrange online interviews in advance or after the trip.  

If you need any specific background information ahead of time, please don’t hesitate to contact us — we’re glad to assist. Ulla and Lasse are eager to help you with any requests. 

Oulu Market Square

Events at Oulu Market Square form a central hub for the city-wide celebration. A dedicated area for film crews and photographers will be available, offering clear views of both the stage and the audience. The spot is located approximately 40 metres from the main stage, making it ideal for capturing the atmosphere as well as the performances.

Image banks

You are welcome to use Oulu2026 image bank which includes a wide variety of images related to our programme, as well as general images from Oulu and our region:

Oulu2026 Image Bank: 

oulu2026https://oulu2026.kuvat.fi/kuvat/official

For general photos, you are very welcome also to use the photos from the City of Oulu and Visit Oulu:

City of Oulu Image Bank: https://mediapankki.ouka.fi/

Visit Oulu Image Bank: https://visitoulu.kuvat.fi/kuvat/

Exploring beyond the city centre 

If you wish to explore Oulu beyond the city centre during your stay, we will provide all participants with a one-day public transport pass, which can be used freely on any one day of your visit. 

Recommended destinations include: 

• Aaltosiilo, an iconic silo designed by Alvar Aalto, transformed into a cultural space as part of Oulu2026 
• Oulu2026 murals, located in different parts of the city and forming a city-wide public 

Meals and dining arrangements 

Meals for media guests are organised in a flexible way, allowing you to plan your schedule around the Opening Festival programme and your editorial work. 

Dinners

Media guests are offered dinners on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. 

On Thursday and Friday, dinner is available over an extended time window in the evening. You are welcome to dine at a time that best suits your personal schedule while exploring the Opening Festival programme. These evenings offer an opportunity to experience northern flavours in a relaxed atmosphere. 

On Saturday, the sauna programme includes an informal street food–style dinner. 

Lunches

Lunches on Friday and Saturday are provided on a voucher basis for all media guests.

We have selected local restaurants where you can use your lunch vouchers and experience local cuisine in authentic settings. Information on participating restaurants, opening hours and a map will be provided closer to the event 

January weather and winter conditions in Oulu 

January is the heart of winter in Oulu. Snow and frost define the season, and temperatures usually range from minus fifteen to minus five degrees Celsius, occasionally lower. Due to wind and coastal conditions, it may feel colder than the actual temperature. 

Daylight hours are short, approximately four to five hours, but winter light and illuminated festival events create a distinctive atmosphere throughout the day and evening. Outdoor events are an essential part of the Opening Festival, and moving between venues may take longer due to snowy or icy conditions. 

How to dress warmly 

We recommend checking the daily weather forecast before heading out and dressing in layers. Layers allow you to adjust easily when moving between indoor and outdoor locations. Thin gloves worn under mittens and spare socks can add comfort during long outdoor periods. 

What to pack 

Warm gloves or mittens, warm hat or ear protection, scarf, wool or thermal socks, winter shoes with good grip, and a thick insulated jacket. For sauna, please bring swimwear. 

Practical information 

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

Useful phrases 
Thank you  Kiitos 
Sorry or excuse me  Anteeksi 
Hi  Hei or Moi 

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, remember to dress warmly. 

The programme is preliminary and subject to change. A detailed schedule, maps and additional practical information will be provided to media participants closer to the event.