During your three-day visit to Oulu, you'll have time to experience the diverse opportunities of our northern city by the sea. Oulu is the European Capital of Culture in 2026 and is renowned for its vibrant events programme, but also for its beautiful nature and marine environment. In this article, we've put together some tips on what to experience in Oulu in three days!
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Day 1: Urban culture and history
Start your Oulu adventure from the heart of the city centre, From Oulu market. Enjoy morning coffee at the market café and admire the historic Toripolliisi statue. Also visit In the shopping hall, full of local delicacies and crafts, and a special atmosphere, especially at Christmas time. In summer, you can also jump from the market to SeaOulu water taxi get on board to enjoy the scenery and the summer cafés. The racecourse while the promenade attracts shoppers and restaurants - enjoy lunch at restaurants such as Restaurant Puistola or Alfredi.
Continue reading at Oulu Art Museum, where you can discover interesting temporary exhibitions. Next to the museum, the Hupisaarten Urban Park offers beautiful walking routes and picturesque The letters OULU. At the end of the day, head for Fast track to, where visitors are charmed by the historic wooden houses and the creative, maritime atmosphere. For dinner, for example, the atmospheric picnic island restaurant Sugar-Jussi.
A great way to experience the best of Oulu is to rent a bike and start exploring Oulu at your own pace - there are almost a thousand kilometres of cycle paths in the city, so there are plenty of options!
Day 2: Marine experiences and the peace of nature
Start your day in a maritime landscape In Nallikar. Relax on the beach, stroll along the sand dunes and admire the lighthouse from your photos. For a more active day, hire a fatbike, SUP board or kayak, and in winter, sliding shoes. Nallikari from Safaris. Enjoy Restaurant Nallikarin from the island buffet or taste the best artisan pizza in town Bistoria with patio. An absolute must with children in Nallikari in the summer is Speed Park and in winter Nallikar Winter Village! Also in summer Lapland's floating water park is a favourite destination for families.
In the afternoon, you can head to Oulu's stunning local nature. Koitelinkoski offers beautiful rapids and natural tranquillity. Alternatively Pilpasuon a nature trail invites you to hike through bogs and forests. Outdoor museums in summer Turkey Island and Cyrillic are attractive destinations for all ages.
At the end of the day, you can relax for example Koivuranta Saunalauta, which offers a unique sauna experience on the banks of the Oulu River all year round. Take a dip in the river or enjoy the scenery in the warmth of the sauna and jacuzzi!
Day 3: Day trip to the Nordic ring road
On the third day, head out for a day trip The Nordic ring gauge, with 11 different destinations within a short drive, bus or train ride from Oulu! On the Nordic ring road you can experience the whole of Finland in miniature.
Along the same route you'll find the sea, archipelago and pale heaths, forests, lakes and fells, small fishing villages, rural villages and hidden gems of the countryside with restaurants, attractions and events. Visit In Syötte and Rokua National Parks, sailing on an icebreaker In Kemi, a unique experience Hailuoto and wander the streets steeped in history In the old town of Raahe and Iin In the old Hamina. Here are just a few examples of the many destinations on the Nordic Ring Road, which are enjoyed by nature lovers, pleasure seekers, cultural holidaymakers and families with children alike!
Read moreAdd an event to your visit to Oulu!
Oulu is a lively city of events, with festivals, concerts and cultural events taking place all year round. In late November, the city is illuminated by a magnificent Snow Festival. In August, the Oulu Festival will be celebrated with a programme including the world-famous Air Guitar World Championships. A festival atmosphere in February and March Frozen People -festivals and admire ice art Nallikari at the Snow Fest. So check the events calendar and add an interesting event to your visit to Oulu!
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