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

How this press trip works 

This press trip differs slightly from a traditional hosted visit. While media-only sessions, lunches, dinners, receptions and selected guided visits have been organised, journalists are free to plan their own schedules and choose Oulu2026 Opening Festival events according to their editorial preferences and interests. 

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 media 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. 

The President of the Republic of Finland, Alexander Stubb, will attend the Oulu2026 Opening Festival. The President will give a speech at the Oulu2026 Opening Moment, “On your marks, get set, Oulu!”, at Oulu Market Square on Friday 16 January at 16:00.

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. 

Media Centre, Oulu City Hall, Kirkkokatu 2A

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 international media participants to share practical updates and last minute information. Details on joining the group will be provided closer to the event. 

Please note that some of the most popular sessions, such as the City Hall exhibitions and the Oulu2026 information sessions with our CEO Piia and Programme Director Samu, are offered multiple times. The content of these sessions is the same, and the repeated time slots are provided to offer greater flexibility and allow media participants to schedule their visits according to their own timetables.

Media information sessions in English 

Location: Oulu City Hall 
Close to the media centre, in a separate room. 

During the Opening Festival, these media information sessions are the main opportunity to ask interview questions and gather quotes from the Oulu2026 leadership team, programme partners and key contributors.

The sessions consist of a short presentation followed by time for questions. Journalists are welcome to attend freely alongside their independent exploration of the festival. Please note that information sessions will be held in both English and Finnish. Below is the full list of English-language sessions.

Friday 16 January (Oulu City Hall) 

9:30–10:00 
Welcome words by the City of Oulu
Presenter: Harriet Urponen, Communications Director, City of Oulu & Annu Höttönen, Head of Marketing & Communications, Oulu2026
 

10:00–10:45 
Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture 
Presenters: Piia Rantala-Korhonen, Chief Executive Officer, Oulu2026, and Samu Forsblom, Programme Director, Oulu2026 
 

11:00–11:30 
Oulu2026 Sámi Culture Programme 
Presenter: Aino Valovirta, Programme Coordinator, Sámi Culture, Oulu2026 
 

14:30–15:00 
Oulu2026 Art & Tech Programme 
Presenter: Henri Turunen, Programme Manager, Oulu2026 
 

15:30–16:00 
Oulu2026 food culture and culinary programme Arctic Food Lab 
Presenter: Pasi Ruuskanen, Project Manager, Arctic Food Lab, Oulu2026 

Saturday 17 January (Oulu City Hall)

11:30–12:00 
Oulu Sinfonia in 2026 
Presenters: 
Rumon Gamba, Chief Conductor, Oulu Sinfonia 
Jukka-Pekka Metsävainio, Astrophotographer
Lauri Porra, Composer
Maija Kuusisto, General Manager, Oulu Sinfonia 
Jukka-Pekka Peltoniemi, Executive Producer of Oulu2026 productions, Oulu Sinfonia 

14:30–15:15 
Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture  
Presenters: Piia Rantala-Korhonen, Chief Executive Officer, Oulu2026, and Samu Forsblom, Programme Director, Oulu2026 
 

We recommend using these sessions as anchor points for interviews and background discussions, and building your personal Opening Festival schedule around them. 

Additional guided programme for media 

Friday 16 January 

10:00 and 13:00  
Oulu Art Museum, Kasarmintie 9
Eanangiella guided tours for media

Eanangiella – Voice of the Land: A major exhibition of Sámi art and duodji explores the diversity, resilience and sustainability of Sámi culture.

14:20  
Oulu City Hall exhibitions, Kirkkokatu 2 A
Guided entry to the City Hall exchibitions, duration approximately one to one and a half hours. Earworm – Media Art from Kiasma, The Finnish National Gallery and Layers of the Peace Machine, guided by the artists and curators. 

15:15-15:45
Oulu Theatre, Kaarlenväylä 2
Introduction to the theatre’s programme and a tour of the Sámi exhibitions
Oulu Theatre marks the start of Oulu 2026, the European Capital of Culture year, with three immersive Sámi-themed exhibitions: Geir Tore Holm – Bárus bárrui , Sanna Krook – Ruovttus gávpogis & Arla Magga and Helena Ristaniemi – Exhibition based on the final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The exhibitions extend the themes of the Ovllá opera and are freely accessible to all audiences.

Friday evening is reserved entirely for enjoying the Opening Festival. Media participants are offered dining near the Market Square, allowing you to enjoy northern culinary at your own timing while exploring festival events. The exact venue will be informed later. 

Saturday 17 January 

10:00  
Pekuri Shopping Center, 2nd floor, Kauppurienkatu 10
Fotografiska Play Exhibition, guided English media tour by the curator Jorven Viilik 

Day trip to Koitelinkoski Rapids
12:15 – 15:15
A day trip to Koitelinkoski offers a truly memorable nature experience in the Oulu region. Koitelinkoski is one of the locations of the Climate Clock public art route and is often described as one of the most beautiful places in the entire area.

Along the way, we explore the Climate Clock artworks and their connection to the surrounding landscape, while enjoying the magical winter scenery of the rapids. The experience is completed by gathering around an open fire to grill sausages and marshmallows and enjoy freshly made pancakes. This excursion is a perfect blend of art, nature, and Northern winter atmosphere.

We depart for Koiteli by bus at 12:15 from in front of Oulu City Hall and return to the same location at 15:15.
 

12:40  
Oulu City Hall exhibitions, Kirkkokatu 2 A
Guided entry to the City Hall exchibitions, duration approximately one to one and a half hours. Earworm – Media Art from Kiasma, The Finnish National Gallery and Layers of the Peace Machine, guided by the artists and curators. 

Saturday evening – optional programme (choose one) 

On Saturday evening, we invite you to choose one of the following two optional programmes. Both offer a distinct perspective on our culture, life and hospitality in Oulu — one through the arts, the other through wellbeing and food. 

Option 1: Oulu2026 reception – THIS OPTION IS FULL

Location: Oulu Theatre, Kaarlenväylä 2

Join the official Oulu2026 reception at Oulu Theatre. This elegant yet relaxed evening brings together programme partners, artists, city representatives and invited guests in a cultural setting at the heart of the city. 

The reception includes light cocktail bites and offers an excellent opportunity for informal conversations, networking and background discussions related to the European Capital of Culture year. 

This option is ideal if you wish to experience the cultural and institutional side of Oulu2026. 

Please arrive to the Oulu Theater for the English language program at 18.15.

Option 2: Finnish sauna experience by the sea + street food dinner 

Location: Nallikari Beach, Restaurant Nallikari, Nallikarinranta 15 (transportation from city centre)

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.

This option is ideal if you are looking for a more informal, experiential evening rooted in everyday Finnish culture.

We will depart for Nallikari from in front of Oulu City Hall at 18:30. The return trip to the city centre departs from Nallikari at 21:30.

Registration 

Please choose your preferred Saturday evening programme and register via the link below as soon as possible: 

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

Other media programme

Ovllá Opera – registration required

The opera brings the perspective of the Sámi, the only Indigenous people of European Union, to the main stage of Oulu Theatre, addressing the deeply painful consequences of state-led oppression that continue to affect new generations of Sámi. The world premiere opens Oulu’s European Capital of Culture year 2026.

Oulu2026 and Oulu Theatre warmly invite media representatives to attend the premiere of the Ovllá opera on Friday or the daytime performance on Saturday.

Performance times:

Friday 16 January, 7:00–9:30 pm (world premiere)

Saturday 17 January, 1:00–3:30 pm

To reserve a ticket for a performance, please contact Oulu Theatre’s Communications Planner Rita Junes at rita.junes@oulunteatteri.fi

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.

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. 

Bus routes and journey planner of Oulu Regional Transport (OSL):
https://www.osl.fi/en

Recommended destinations include: 

• AaltoSiilo, Paalikatu 21, 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 
  • 2025: Momo Yoshino: Kami Circulation, at Mallastie 30, in Toppila, Oulu
  • 2024: Fabio Petani: Ferrous sulfate, Achillea millefolium & Lathyrus palustris, at Karvarinaukio 1, in Myllyoja, Oulu
  • 2023: Ilana Pichon: Ovensuussa, at Valtatie 54, in Tuira, Oulu
  • 2022: Eloise Gillow: Käännekohta, at Ruiskukkatie 1, in Rajakylä, Oulu
  • For more information (only in Finnish) and pictures of the Oulu2026 murals: https://www.upeart.com/oulu2026/

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

Dinner will be served on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

On Thursday and Friday, dinner will be available over several hours in the evening, allowing guests to schedule their meal flexibly to fit their own programme. On these evenings, there is an opportunity to explore northern flavours in a relaxed atmosphere.

Saturday’s dinner will depend on the selected evening programme. The Oulu2026 reception will offer light cocktail-style refreshments, while the sauna programme includes a more casual and substantial dinner.

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 dinner: Radisson Blu Oulu (Hallituskatu 1)

On Friday, we will enjoy northern flavours close to the main venue of the Opening Festival, Oulu Market Square. A buffet dinner will be served for our group at Radisson Blu Oulu, located by the sea next to the Market Square, from 18:00 to 20:30. Guests may dine at their preferred time during this period.

Lunches

Lunch on Friday and Saturday will be provided using lunch vouchers.

A selected group of local restaurants participates in the voucher system, offering an opportunity to explore the region’s Arctic Food Lab culinary selection.

Each participant will receive two lunch vouchers: pink (Friday) and violet (Saturday). The vouchers can be used as a method of payment at the locations listed below.

Lunch vouchers are accepted at the following restaurants:

• Cafe Konstantiina
Torikatu 12, 90100 Oulu
A cozy café in the city centre offering lunch and delicious items from the display counter. The café’s own pancake comes highly recommended.

• J&S Burger (food stall, Oulu Market Square)
Oulu Market Square
Tasty burgers and fries in the middle of the opening celebrations. Winner of the Taste Adventure 2025 competition!

• Frans & Camille
Isokatu 18, 90100 Oulu
A French-inspired bistro located next to Original Sokos Hotel Arina. Its lunch buffet is a long-time favourite among locals.

• Grill it!
Valkea Shopping Centre, Isokatu 25, 90100 Oulu
Delicious grilled dishes and burgers in the heart of the city.

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. If you plan to use sauna facilities at your hotel, 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. If you choose to attend the Oulu2026 Opening Festival reception on Saturday, the dress code is business or cocktail. If you choose the sauna option, you may bring swimwear if you prefer. 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.