Visit Oulu

Oulu is the European Capital of Culture 2026 – a laid-back seaside city in northern Finland where creativity thrives and nature is always just around the corner. In summer, Oulu really comes alive. Think sandy beaches, buzzing events, cycling by the sea and long northern evenings filled with light 😍☀️ If you’re heading to Oulu this summer, here are 10 things you shouldn’t miss: 1. Explore the Market Square & meet Toripolliisi 📍 Start at the heart of the city – grab ice cream, enjoy the atmosphere and say hi to Oulu’s most iconic statue. 2. Enjoy the seaside at Nallikari Beach 🌊 @nallikari Long sandy beach, seaside restaurants, sunsets and family-friendly vibes – the Riviera of the North. 3. Take a day trip to Hailuoto ⛴️ @visithailuoto Ferry over to this peaceful island for nature, local food and unique stays by the sea. 4. Have fun with the whole family 🎡 From Nallikari and @vauhtipuisto to Hupisaaret, Koitelinkoski and waterpark @lappisvesipuistot – plenty to explore for all ages. 5. Experience Oulu by bike 🚲 One of Europe’s best cycling cities – 900 km of bike paths connecting everything. 6. Discover sauna the Oulu way 🔥 Floating saunas, seaside sessions and refreshing dips – pure Finnish summer. 7. Walk through Pikisaari 🌿 A charming island with wooden houses, creatives, great food and cosy spots. 8. Enjoy the midnight sun atmosphere ✨ Bright nights, glowing skies and long evenings by the sea. 9. Dive into festivals & Oulu2026 culture 🎶 From Qstock to Air Guitar – summer full of music, art and creativity. 10. Taste the North – Arctic Food Lab 🍽️ @arcticfoodlab Discover local flavours and unique food experiences across the city. Which one are you adding to your summer plans? 👇 #visitoulu #oulu #ourfinland #nordicsummer #visitfinland oulu2026

This is what 10pm looks like in Oulu during July — 28°C and the sun still high above Nallikari Beach 💛 @nallikari @oulu2026official @cityofoulu #nallikari #visitoulu #ourfinland #pohjolaroute #oulu #oulu2026 #thisisfinland #finnishsummer #visitfinland @ourfinland

Just a reminder: this is what Oulu will look like in a few months 😍☀️🍃🌊 #visitoulu #oulu #finnishsummer #ourfinland

Summer is that you? 😍☀️ #visitoulu #oulu #kesä #toukokuu #finnishsummer

Only a few weeks until Oulu looks like this again! 
Here’s how to enjoy a perfect summer day in Oulu🌿☀️🍦🍻🐟 See you in Oulu! ❤️ #oulu #kesä #finnishsummer #ourfinland #oulu2026

This is your sign to come to Oulu this summer ☀️ Festivals, events everywhere, beach days in between, and nights that never get dark 🎉🌊🍦☀️🌿 Photos: 1: Pasi Rytinki / Oulun kaupunki 8: Linnea Laatikainen / Oulu2026 10: Linnea Laatikainen / Oulu2026 11: Oulu2026 #oulu #kesä #finnishsummer #ourfinland #oulu2026

Where to eat in Oulu this spring? 😋🍴 Here are 5 restaurant tips for May in Oulu 👇 Start your day at @ravintolapuistola with fresh breakfast, then come back for lunch, artisan pizza or à la carte 🥐🍕 Step into Italy on Rotuaari at @italica_taberna_oulu 🇮🇹 – a cosy family restaurant with authentic flavours 🍝 Discover @ravintolasarkka ⚓ for lunch, burgers & classic pub vibes in one of the Oulu’s oldest restaurant 🍔 Enjoy breakfast at @originalsokoshotelarina Veranta restaurant– local treats & a fun porridge bar 🥐☕ And for riverside dining, @restaurant_ule at Radisson Blu offers lunch and à la carte with fresh Nordic flavours ✨🍽️ Which one are you trying first? 👇 #oulu #visitoulu #restaurants #oulu2026

Oulu ❤️ Vappu May Day Eve vibes in Oulu 🎈✨ Head to the market square tomorrow — the celebrations continue! 🌸🥳 #vappu #oulu #visitoulu

Torilla tavataan? 🥂 Happy vappu! #visitoulu #vappu #oulu

Coming to Oulu for Vappu? 👀🎈 Don’t miss these 👇 Celebrate Vappu at the lively Oulu Market Square, enjoy brunches and spring flavours around the city, and relax in a sauna for the ultimate Finnish experience. Take a stroll through Ainola Park, grab a coffee or ice cream, and soak in the fresh spring atmosphere 🌿🌷☀️🍦 From student traditions and events to terraces, live music and local treats – there’s something for everyone this Vappu in Oulu 😎 Discover more tips and events here: visitoulu.fi/vappu-oulussa Photos: 1st: @jorojukka | last: @linnealaatikainen #oulu #visitoulu #vappu #oulu2026 #kevät

Oulu Food Guide – Where to eat in Oulu 🍴 Step into a piece of Oulu’s history at @ravintolasarkka – a local classic since 1941. Come for the comfort food: juicy burgers, wings, fries, and all your favorite snacks to share 🍔 At lunchtime, Sarkka serves fresh, individually plated dishes inspired by traditional Finnish flavours – no buffet, just quality food made for you. And when the evening hits… it’s karaoke time 🎤 Sarkka is one of the rare spots in Oulu where the true, old-school karaoke vibe still lives on – think classic hits and a laid-back atmosphere 🤩 #visitoulu #oulu #foodie #karaoke #restaurant

Where to eat in Oulu this spring? 👀✨ From northern flavours and (arguably) one of Finland’s best breakfasts at @oulakitchen Kitchen & Bar, to craft beer, pizza & salads at @varikkopanimo 🍕🍺 Take a cozy break at @kahvila_kiikku in Ainola Park ☕🌿 or experience something different at @mallassauna – where food, brews & sauna meet 🔥 Craving Italian? @ravintolalasinfonia serves authentic flavours and great wines 🍝🍷 And for something special, head to @kurkelalounge – a hidden gem with seasonal dishes & award-winning cocktails 🍸✨ Which one are you trying first? 👇 #oulu #visitoulu #ravintolat #oulu2026