Take your group to Oulu in 2026 and experience cultural climate change

Oulu will be the European Capital of Culture in 2026, and the city invites tourists to experience art, events and the unique northern atmosphere all year round. Cultural climate change is reflected in the city's everyday life, celebrations and sense of community - and provides the perfect setting for group trips.

Here are two different travel suggestions that will take you right into the heart of Oulu's cultural year - to the intense experiences of winter and the colourful festival atmosphere of summer.

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Winter trip: the Ovllá Sámi Opera and Dálvemánnu - winter in Oulu

In winter, Oulu opens the door to northern identity and Sámi culture. The trip starts with a bus transfer and a guided tour of the city's anniversary sites, such as the City Hall, Torinranta and Pikisaari. During the tour, the group will learn about the themes of Oulu2026: Wildly Northern, City of Resilience and Cultural Climate Change.

The tour is followed by afternoon coffee with local delicacies and a visit to the Oulu Art Museum, where the Sápmi Triennale exhibition presents works, duodjis and soundscapes from different generations of Sámi contemporary art.

In the evening, the group will experience a powerful performance at the Oulu City Theatre. Ovllá Sami Opera, which highlights the Sámi perspective and the influence of the shadows of the past on new generations. The work deals with the loss of roots, loneliness and identity in the midst of strangeness - a touching cultural experience that will stay with you for a long time.

On the second day, the group will have time to explore Oulu on their own: shopping, experiencing the market life and visiting the market hall. The trip culminates in an exhibition at the Fotografiska Tallinn x Oulu2026 Museum of Photography, which will inspire you to see culture and community in the light of the future.

Summer trip: three days in the Capital of Culture

Summer brings colour, light and festival atmosphere to Oulu. The three-day trip starts with a guided tour of the Oulu2026 themes, after which the group will stay at a hotel in the city centre.

The afternoon of the first day takes you to Hupisaari and Ainola Park For the Kajo Flower Festival, where the thriving world of plants is intertwined with art. The main work is seen as Plant Chapel - Ode to plants, and the festival will also offer workshops and a flower show. The day will end with dinner at Caspian restaurant and a stroll through Oulu's street art.

The second day takes you deeper into the art of the Capital of Culture. An immersive experience at Oulu City Hall. Peace machine, which combines art and technology, describing peace as an active process. The bus tour takes you to the landscapes of the Nordic Rengastie Climate Clock -where seven pieces of environmental art will challenge and inspire you. Dinner will be enjoyed at the seaside Seeler in Hietasaari, and the evening will continue with exhibitions and performances in Pikisaari.

On the third day, the group will visit the Fotografiska Tallinn exhibition in Oulu's Pekuri Quarter - the perfect end to a summer cultural trip.

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