Here, history is not just viewed in a glass case - it is experienced on forest trails, in Stone Age villages and in museum quarters. The city's rhythm pulses with art, music and events that bring together tradition and modernity.
Whether you're travelling with family, friends or your own inspiration, Oulu offers cultural experiences that surprise, touch and stay with you.
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The Kierikkeskus takes you back thousands of years to the Stone Age. At the centre in Yli-Ii, Oulu, you can explore a prehistoric village, take part in workshops and learn what life was like in the Oulu region thousands of years ago. A perfect day trip for families and history enthusiasts. Kierikki is open in summer and in winter by group booking.
Pahkalantie 447, Oulu (Yli-Ii)
23.6.-3.8.
Mon-Sun 10-17
4.8.-31.8.
Mon-Fri 9-16, Sat 10-16 (closed on Sun)
1.9.-26.9.
Mon-Fri 9-16 (Sat-Sun closed)
Follow the Oulu River to the Turkansaari Outdoor Museum, where old buildings, smoke saunas and a 19th-century rectory come to life in summer. The outdoor museum offers a glimpse of North Ostrobothnian life in the countryside - and a chance to breathe in the peace of nature.
Turkansaarentie 165, Oulu
1.6.-31.8.2025
Mon-Sun 10-17
Cafe
Mon-Sun 11-16.30
(to 14.8. 11-14.30
Fri 15 Aug 11-15)
The Pikisaari Seamen's Home Museum opens the door to 19th century Oulu, a time when the sea was the main artery of the city. The atmospheric wooden house tells the story of a sailor's family, the tar trade and the rise of Oulu as an international port city. Open in summer.
Pikisaarentie 6, Oulu
4.6.-31.8.2025
Mon-Sun 10-17
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Located on Oulu's Linnansaari, the Castle Cellar is one of the most mysterious sites in the city. The cellar is the only surviving part of Oulu Castle that was destroyed in the 1700s. Today, it serves as a museum and tells the story of Oulu's medieval history, its Swedish and Russian phases and its strategic location.
Linnansaari 1, Oulu
Open in summer according to the opening hours of the Star Tower café
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Oulu Art Museum presents contemporary art, northern visual culture and current themes. Exhibitions change regularly, and the museum's architecture itself is part of the experience. Northern Finnish artists in particular are given space - but there are also international visitors.
Kasarmintie 9, Oulu
Tue-Sun 11-18
closed today
(to 14.8. 12-22)
English
Finnish