Oulu / Uleåborg
The Finnish city of Oulu (Swedish: Uleåborg) lies at the mouth of the Oulujoki River, where it flows into the Gulf of Bothnia, the northernmost part of the Baltic Sea. Oulu is considered Finland’s boomtown. With a population of 140,000, it is Europe’s northernmost major city and attracts an increasing number of visitors each year. City tourism in Oulu continues to grow year after year. Founded in 1605, when Finland was part of Sweden, the city rose to prominence through the tar and salmon trade. Today, however, it is regarded as an information technology hub and is home to a Nokia production facility. Oulunsalo Airport connects the city not only with Finland’s capital, Helsinki, but also with many major European cities.
Meritulli-Marina in Oulu an der finnischen Ostseeküste
Photo: © visitfinland.com
Places to see in Oulu
After the city fire of 1822, the cathedral and town hall in particular were renovated or rebuilt. Excursion destinations around the city include the open-air museum on Turkansaari, 13 kilometers southeast of the city, with more than 20 historic buildings; the Kierikki Stone Age Centre, featuring a Stone Age village, about 60 kilometers north of Oulu; and the zoo and botanical garden in Tyrnävä. The Oulu Music and Video Festival’s annual Air Guitar World Championships draw attention from around the world. Finland’s longest fish ladder is right in Oulu, in Hupisaaret City Park.
Holidays in and around Oulu
Oulu is a year-round destination for active family holidays on Finland’s Baltic coast. The possibilities are almost limitless. Whether you enjoy hiking, cycling, sailing, boating or canoeing, golf, swimming at one of the 17 beaches in summer, ice swimming or skating in winter, there is something for everyone. Oulu is also considered Finland’s wellness hub. A major attraction for Baltic Sea holidaymakers in Oulu is the nearby island of Hailuoto (literally “Shark Island”), the largest island in the Gulf of Bothnia. In addition to its 1,000 permanent residents, the island has 600 holiday homes. It can be reached from Oulu by boat. Ten hotels welcome guests in Oulu year-round, with more open only in summer. There are also numerous holiday homes and apartments, as well as campsites.
