Hunt the auroras: I mention this first as this was what brought me to the city for the first time. It was the September of 2021 when I saw news of a period of high solar activity that may bring in good auroras. Oulu is one of the southernmost locations in Finland with frequent auroras. Unfortunately, the weekend we travelled to Oulu was cloudy and we got no show. However, it was during another trip later that year, I finally managed to see the aurora in Oulu. The Facebook group Oulu Aurora Spotters has a map that tells the best locations in Oulu to see auroras. The group also has active members who post about aurora sightings almost immediately.
Winter cycling: Oulu is the winter cycling capital of the world and home to the Winter Cycling Federation. It has the most extensive network of cycling routes in Finland covering the entire city and also the neighbouring municipalities. Not just that they have the routes, but most of them are well maintained and kept illuminated even through the cold dark winters which is basically about half the year. The real thrill of cycling does come when the temperatures go as low as -20°C.
Meet the Toripolliisi: Be it sun or snow, the policeman is on duty overseeing the Oulu's market square. The bronze statue sculpted by Kaarlo Mikkonen was unveiled in September 1987. It is dedicated to the market police officers who patrolled the area between 1934 and 1979. The Toripolliisi is probably the most recognisable and photographed landmark in the city. So don't forget to get yourself clicked with the officer.
Eat and shop local at Kauppahalli: Built in 1901, the market hall or kauppahalli, as in Finnish, is one of the iconic buildings at Oulu's market square. It is the third oldest market hall in Finland after Helsinki and Turku. The red brick building host several local merchants selling vegetables, meats and other locally produced/manufactured items. A cup of coffee and some pastry or piirakka at one of the cafes here might be a good way to start your day in Oulu. Also, if you are looking for souvenirs to take back home, the kauppahalli is the place to shop at.
Wonder the wooden city: Just a walk away from the kauppahalli is the historic Pikisaari island. Located in the estuary of Oulujoki River, the island was once used to house shipyards apart from several other industrial setups like sawmills, distilleries, wool mills, and machine workshops. The island derives its name from the pitch distillery established during the 17th century. Even today you can see some of the old wooden buildings that survived the fires and the test of time. The Sailor's Home Museum from the early 18th century is said to be among the oldest. Currently, the island is a protected area with limited traffic and is home to some of the charming restaurants of the city. One that I can definitely recommend is the Sokeri-Jussin Kievari, located on a red wooden building just after you have crossed the bridge while coming from kauppahalli.
Relax at Nallikari: Exit Pikisaari from the other end and head straight until you hit the sea — that's where Nallikari beach is. In summer, you can enjoy a dip in the blue sea or practise a variety of water sports. While in winter, as the sea freezes, it is an ideal time to hone your skills in skiing, snow-shoeing, and even ice-fishing. Fat-biking on the vast flat whites is also something you must try while in Oulu.
Hop through the museums of Oulu: The Northern Ostrobothnia Museum is your destination if you want to learn more about the history of this once 'most internationalised' Finnish city. The museum, established in 1896, is more than 120 years old and houses exhibits and photographs far older. Among the exhibits, the primary eye-catcher is a miniature model of Oulu before the World War II bombings. Have a nice look at this model and head to the 45-meter tower adjoining Science Centre Tietomaa. See if you can identify where some of the important old buildings were located. The Science Centre Tietomaa was the first science centre in Finland and tells stories ranging from technological advancements in Finland to some of the unique natural phenomena that happen in these arctic regions. I remember among the exhibits was a collection of mobile telephonic devices manufactured by Nokia including the game-changer Mobira Cityman 900. Close to the Science Centre is the Oulu Museum of Art which hosts an extensive collection of art especially Oulu and Northern Ostrobothnia.
Pray at Oulu Cathedral: A distinguishing architecture with a dome and clock tower that you might observe while viewing the city from the top of Tietomaa is the Oulu Cathedral. While the current building was completed in 1832, it stands at the place of an erstwhile wooden church dating back to the 1610s. The current building was built atop the remanent of the stone church that was built to replace the wooden church in 1777 but was burnt down completely during the Oulu fire of 1822.
Check out the remains of Oulu castle: Close to the market square, in the vast green zone along the Oulujoki River is reminiscent of centuries of history. While it might now be difficult to identify the observation tower as a castle, it is at this site a once impenetrable castle stood in the 1370s. As per records, the castle was built and rebuilt several time and what stands today dates to 1875 when the Oulu School of Sea Captains built their observatory. Currently, the observatory hosts a cafeteria with a small exhibition on the castle's history.
Ruska: If you are visiting Oulu somewhere around late September or early October, you are just in time for one of the most beautiful seasons to visit Finland. The trees turn yellow preparing to shed their leaves for the winter but put on a final show before they go barren. Especially during the golden hour, the autumn foliage adds a wonderful splendour of colours to the already beautiful landscape. Either experience it up close by taking a stroll in the parks of Oulu or drive down the highways and admire the streets lined with yellowed birch trees. If nothing else, the yellow mohabbatein leaves at Ainolan puisto would definitely help you fall in love with the city.
Bonus: Where to stay?
While there are several options you will find on Booking.com or AirBnB or any other websites, I will recommend a property that is named "Lovely apr with sauna at the best area of Oulu". It is a studio apartment suitable for up to two people. Undoubtedly, this is one of the best places I have stayed in while travelling. It is about 4 km from the city centre in an area with limited public transport facilities but just 1 km from the Nallikari beach (one of the recommended places for aurora hunting). If you prefer walking, the shortest path passes through Pikisaari island.
BTW how to reach Oulu?
Oulu is literally connected by all three modes of transport to the world. You can sail through the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Bothnia, from anywhere to Oulu. Oulu also has its own airport with direct connections to several European destinations. However, if you are already within Finland or in the Nordics, you might also consider taking the trains or buses. Oulu is connected to Helsinki and other Finnish cities with regular services throughout the day including an overnight train with sleeping berths. A limited number of buses also operate between Oulu and Tornio, where you can cross over to Sweden. The Haparanda bus and railway station have onward connections to several destinations within Sweden. During the peak summer and winter months, there are also direct buses all the way up to Tromsø in Norway. The Arctic Route buses operated from Tromsø connect to Rovaniemi and Oulu in Finland and some of the finest winter destinations in the Arctic including Narvik, Skjervoy and the Lyngen Alps.
Did I miss anything? Please mention them in the comments below or message me on Instagram (@ag1805x). I might explore them during my next trip! Until then, check out my pictures from Oulu here.
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