Oulu is the most populous city of northern Finland and the largest city of the north of Scandinavia. Historically, Oulu’s growth was based on tar export but nowadays the city is known for its information technological know-how. In addition to dozens of IT companies, Oulu hosts yearly cultural events (often related to rock music) and the ice hockey team Oulun kärpät, one of the most successful hockey teams in Finland in the 2000s. One of the most famous yearly events in Oulu is the annual Air Guitar World Championships. The next championship will take place concurrently with WCEH2024 on 21-23 of August 2024.
The congress venue is the University of Oulu, Pentti Kaiteran katu 1, 90570 Oulu, Finland. 65.05942401690783, 25.466282771163904
Despite its northern location, Oulu is easily reached by plane, train, and bus. The airport of Oulu is located 15km from the city centre andis the second busiest in Finland. From here you can take buses 8, 9, or 9K to the city. The train station is 300m away from the centre. The fastest trains from Helsinki to Oulu take about five and half hours. As you plan your travel to Oulu, consider the sustainability of your choices: have a look at Visit Oulu’s advice on travelling responsibly in Oulu and the Pohjola Route.
Finland is reachable by sea primarily through Helsinki and Turku; but has lots of ferry ports, including the closest to Oulu, Vaasa, where ferries from Northern Sweden arrive. The fastest route is from Tallinn to Helsinki, taking only two hours. The most common routes are from Stockholm and Tallinn, though there are many others available:
Direct Ferries is a good price comparison site where you can book with lots of companies. It includes a map of all routes into Finland. Booking in advance is always advisable for the summer months.
Helsinki is closest to Tallinn, Estonia, which is also easily reachable from Riga in Latvia by bus. This link means you can make it overland from a lot of places, then taking the ferry to Heslsinki. It is also linked to Germany, via the port of Travemunde. Once in Helsinki, you can take the train to Oulu, which takes up to 7 hours, but is comfortable and has cabins available for sleep, see below.
Outside of Helsinki, Turku is a big port, ferries from Sweden dock several times a week. Both are well connected to Oulu by train, or car.
Reaching Finland by land will most likely involve coming in via ferry, and completing the rest of your journey via land once there. Finland has a land border with Sweden in the Northwest and Russia in the East.
There are two ways of arriving overland from Europe – through Baltics on a train/bus/car from central Europe to Tallinn from where one can continue with a ferry or through Nordic countries to Sweden where one can take a ferry or drive North to cross the border there.
Trains
Booking train tickets for travel in Finland is best done online, directly from the main provider VR. Seats are assigned on booking (apart from short journeys on the commuter trains), and for the long journeys of 7-8 hours from Helsinki and Turku, we recommend booking a cabin. Train station platforms are labelled so you will know which carriage stops where, it’s easiest to board directly on the one labelled on your ticket. Mind the screens at the station, and the destination written on the train, as trains to various destinations may stop at the platform, and delays can happen.
Your ticket will outline if you are upstairs or downstairs, which carriage and what seat you are on, including if it is window or aisle. Trains have a restaurant, you do need to eat in the restaurant and cannot bring the food back to your seat, they will also announce when it opens and closes. All announcements are made in English as well as Finnish.
Driving
Driving up to Oulu might take a while, but it can be a good way to experience Finland’s impressive landscape, especially if you come off the highway (with the help of a satnav). A couple of tips if you intend to do this:
By train there are various options, many of which are direct, and take around 6 to 8 hours, depending on the number of stops the train makes. If you do have to change, this will be at Tikkurila, about 20 minutes from Helsinki.
Driving will take around seven hours, going via Jyväskylä through the middle of Finland. It is a very long drive of around 600km, so we recommend stopping overnight, somewhere and taking it over two days.
By train, you will most likely need to change at Tampere after about an hour and a half, in total this takes between 6 and 7 and a half hours. There is a direct train, but this takes considerably longer at around 11 hours. Depending on the time you are travelling, you may prefer this as you can get a cabin and sleep.
Driving will take you around seven and a half hours, also going through Tampere but going further inland afterwards. It is a very long drive of 647km, so we recommend stopping overnight somewhere and taking it over two days.
Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, located in Vantaa, is the main international airport serving the city of Helsinki. It is the busiest airport in Finland, with about 90% of Finland's international air traffic passing through it. The airport has 32 airlines operating and serving flights to and from 88 destinations, with Finnair leading with 116 flight destinations.
Other airports in Finland are mainly for national travel from Helsinki, they are small and efficient, like Oulu’s airport.
Arriving at Helsinki-Vantaa you will have the option to continue to Oulu overland, by train or car; or take another flight to Oulu.
By train, because the airport is outside of Helsinki, you will have to first take the commuter train and then change at Tikkurila, about 20 minutes from Helsinki. The journey time varies between just under 6, and 7 hours.
Driving will take around seven hours, going through Jyväskylä through the middle of Finland. It is a very long drive of around 600km, so we recommend stopping overnight somewhere and taking it over two days.
Flying to Oulu will take an hour and ten minutes. There are between 3 and 7 flights a day from Helsinki to Oulu, they can range in price but seem to be a little cheaper at the weekend than the week. All are operated by Finnair and depending on the day can be very pricey compared to the train.
Oulu Airport is part of the Finavia airport network. Serving the bustling technology and university city of Oulu, it is the second busiest airport in Finland.
By bus: from the airport, you can take buses 8, 9, or 9K to the city. Buses operate on pay when you get on, you can simply tap a contactless card on the machine next to the driver. It takes 32 to 42 minutes to reach Oulu city centre.
Driving typically takes 16 to 28 minutes, the airport is 15km from Oulu city centre.
Within Oulu the easiest option to travel is public transportation. Tickets can be bought easily with credit cards featuring a contactless payment possibility when entering a bus. Public transportation is also the easiest way to commute between hotels in the city centre and the university campus in Linnanmaa. Oulu is also known for its bicycle-friendliness as Finland’s “unofficial capital of year-round cycling”. Even 20% of all trips in the Oulu region are made by bicycle and half of the regular cyclists ride their bikes even during the wintertime.
In addition to a comprehensive network of public transportation and bicycle routes, Oulu has taken care of its virtual accessibility: the entire city centre is covered by a free wi-fi connection one can access without a user ID or a password.
The congress venue is the University of Oulu, Pentti Kaiteran katu 1, 90570 Oulu, Finland. Directions outlined below are all from the Oulu train station as a central start point, for ease.
You can take buses 5, 2 or 8 from Linja-autoasema E, or 1 from Ratakatu P, towards the university, they leave every 10 minutes. Prices vary but are never very expensive, and you can check where the bus is using Moovit app.
There are two main routes cycling to the congress venue, they take about the same amount of time:
This route takes 23 minutes and is 6.6km long
This route takes 24 minutes and is 6.7km long
The city of Oulu website has good, up-to-date information on things happening in Oulu, including upcoming events. Oulu will be the European Capital of Culture in 2026, with a programme which will particularly focus on the importance of art and culture, and cultural climate change.
Here are some cultural activities you can find in Oulu:
Oulu Museum and Science Centre produces, records and presents northern science, art and history. They promote cooperation around these themes in the region. With their work, they want to strengthen local identity by guiding and inspiring people in the present moment and nurturing what is important for future generations.
Oulu Market Hall Kauppahalli is one of the most important buildings in Oulu by cultural history standards is the Market Hall which has served its customers since 1901. The building was designed in neo-Gothic fashion by Karl Lindhal and Valter Thomé, and a massive reconstruction finished in 2020 restored its old-time glory.
Oulu Symphony is a Finnish orchestra based in Oulu. Oulu Sinfonia gives concerts primarily at the Oulu Music Centre, in the Madetojan sali (Madetoja Concert Hall), located in the Karjasilta district, and named for Leevi Madetoja, who was born in Oulu.
Oulu Theatre is the largest professional theatre in northern Finland. The diverse programme produced by the artistically and operatively high-class professional corporation offers audiences high-quality and ambitious performances.
Oulun Music Centre is a significant cultural centre in Northern Finland, offering diverse cultural experiences for visitors of all ages.
Cultural Centre Valve is a cultural centre for all ages, open seven days a week. In Valve, you can enjoy cultural experiences by both local organisers and international visits; in the three galleries, two auditoriums and one cinema there is much to see and experience!
Air Guitar Championships (taking place on the last day of the congress) Contestants around the world put their best on stage shamelessly with their invisible instruments. This phenomenon promoting world peace with a smile has inspired both filmmakers and doctorate researchers. You can’t hold a gun while you play the air guitar.
Nallikari Lighthouse. with its splendid sunsets is home to a lighthouse – actually, a lookout tower – that is a must for countless holiday photos and a landmark loved by locals.
Kierikki Stone Age Center takes you back in time thousands of years into the distant past of the North. The Kierikki Centre is located along the Iijoki River on a Stone Age dwelling site that has been studied since the 1960s.
Oulu Cathedral stands in Oulu’s monumental centre, on the same site where several church buildings were located over the centuries. The wooden church that was built on the site in the 1610s was replaced by a cathedral designed by Daniel Hagman of Sweden and completed in 1777. The cathedral, built of natural stone, was so big that all the 2,400 inhabitants of Oulu could fit in it at the same time!
Oulu is a city of parks and nature. Well-kept greenspaces are an integral part of the cityscape and the environment of Oulu. If you’d like to go more off the beaten track, you can also have a look at hiking trails and more nature immersive activities, there is plenty here to do.
Top 10 hiking trails near Oulu
Kayaking in Olu, the delta of River Oulu is a diverse paddling location providing both cultural and natural scenery as well as a unique perspective on the cityscape of Oulu.
Poro-Panuma Reindeer farm - if you don’t manage to get a spot on one of the tours going on Wednesday morning or Saturday with the congress group, you may want to consider this for the days before or after the conference! Poro-Panuma
Pohjola route runs in the Oulu region in Northern Finland. Travel in parts or as a whole and choose your destinations, experiences and adventures from the route however you like. The best parts of Northern Finland can be found along the route, whatever the season.
Northern Lights are rarely seen in summer due to white nights, they become visible from September onwards; however, with the congress being in late August, we may catch a glimpse if we’re lucky!
There are a lot of tours in and around Oulu, we recommend researching your own and taking advantage of the opportunity, especially if you have a couple of days either side of the conference. They range from walking tours in Oulu to outdoor adventures and watersports.
Guided walking tours in Oulu A walk of an hour and a half - two hours takes you from the old monumental centre to the new one. The guide will tell you about the persons and events of the past, show you where the long narrow boats full of tar barrels landed and lead you to the old storehouses and to the market hall guarded by the statue of a policeman. You will be revealed the humorous stories behind this figure loved by everyone.
Saunatour is a tour of saunas around Northern Finland. It includes different kinds of Finnish Sauna Experiences, always accompanied by a trained Finnish sauna guide.
Nature photo tour is a guided nature tour where guests will receive valuable tips and tricks on how to get the best out of their camera.
Salamapaja offers photography tours and workshops in Lapland and Oulu area. Tours range from 1-evening Aurora borealis chase to 1-week photography tours as well as tailored multi-day tours. Workshops concentrate on landscape, nature and night photography.
Lappis offers a variety of wind and watersport activities in Oulu. With them you can learn how to snowkite in the winter or kitesurf in the summer. Both of their locations offer guided tours, lessons and instructions to all of the cool activities.
Loihakka specialises in husky safaris. They are based in Varjakka, Oulu. In summer they also offer guided tours to the historical sawmill of the Varjakansaari Island.
Outdoors Oulu Oy offers a variety of experiences in and around Oulu.
Bring your bathing suit! Sauna culture in Finland is deeply ingrained in the national identity and holds a special place in the hearts of Finns. Dating back centuries, saunas are spaces of community and relaxation. There are approximately two million saunas in Finland; it's not uncommon for homes, offices, and even Parliament buildings to have their own saunas.
Luonnokas Oy is a traditional sauna with a focus on the natural and sauna traditions. There are options for group bookings as well as solo pampering.
Kesän Sauna is a ferry sauna which allows you to also dip into the river at a good price, the Summer sauna is operated by volunteers.
Five must-experience saunas in Finnish Coast & Archipelago
Koivuranta Floating Cafe, when in dock, the raft operates as a floating café. Treat yourself to their famous sweet and savoury waffles! They have gluten free, lactose free and vegan options. They also have a sauna on the raft, which is limited to 20 people at the time so you should book ahead. Can also be booked through the conference during the Wednesday event called Sauna evening on the Oulujoki river.
Saunatour is a tour of saunas around Northern Finland. It includes different kinds of Finnish Sauna Experiences, always accompanied by a trained Finnish sauna guide.
Have a look at this list of 10 authentic Finnish saunas for more ideas!
At the “Vekaravintti” attic in the Turkansaari Open Air Museum you can get to know the everyday life of children who lived in the 1940s and 1950s. The space is designed especially for children, but adults can also come to get information and moods about childhood in the post-war era.
Kierikki Stone Age Center takes you back in time thousands of years into the distant past of the North. The Kierikki Centre is located along the Iijoki River on a Stone Age dwelling site that has been studied since the 1960s.
Turkansaaren Ulkomuseo is the second oldest outdoor museum in Finland in the middle of the beautiful Oulujoki river.
Loihakka Husky Cafè & Husky experiences specialise in husky safaris. They are based in Varjakka, Oulu. In summer they also offer guided tours to the historical sawmill of the Varjakansaari Island.
Here are some suggestions, do click the link above or explore further online if you’d like to see more options. Whilst most restaurants have at least one vegetarian option, we do recommend looking into menus before booking to check for greater variety and vegan options, we have highlighted in the options below where we could.
Fafa's Restaurant Valkea offers authentic handmade gourmet street food with straightforward and friendly service, meat-eaters, vegetarians and vegans alike are warmly welcome.
Sokeri-Jussin Kievari is an atmospheric restaurant located in a timber storehouse in Pikisaari. The Tavern kitchen creates a delicious Finnish menu out of pure domestic ingredients flavoured with the delicacies of the season.
De Gamlas Hem Restaurant's charming and atmospheric restaurant is based on their very own vision that combines modern cuisine with De Gamlas Hem’s traditions.
Vegan Love V&W is a unique vegan food kiosk located in the heart of Oulu. Always fresh smoothies, desserts and lunches. Open for outdoor dining and to-go orders.
At Ravintolamaailma Linnanmaa they offer food and beverages from three different brands: Pizza&Buffa, Presso and Hesburger. Pizza&Buffa is an entire buffet available at a single price, with special prices for children.
Restaurant Mallassauna on top of tap beers offer tasting trays, German style Pretzels and other snacks and warm food, beer and other products to shop, gigs and events, both in the beautiful rustic house or during the summer, out on the green.
Amarillo in Oulu is a social dining experience, which is about sharing encouraged by their dishes. They also offer a meal experience known as The Table, with unique drinks and dishes.
SuperPark Restaurant, Robson’s restaurant, located next to the SuperPark activation park, serves tasty lunch, small snacks and sweet and savoury coffee breads. It is a fixed price menu, including salad buffet, two hot food options, dessert and coffee (lunch only).
Frans & Camille Bistro is a rural French restaurant, traditional French recipes and new creations by their chefs guarantee a great meal experience for all tastes. It has good vegetarian options.
Koivuranta Floating Cafe, when in dock, the raft operates as a floating café. Treat yourself to their famous sweet and savoury waffles! They have gluten free, lactose free and vegan options. They also have a sauna on the raft, which is limited to 20 people at the time so you should book ahead. Can also be booked through the conference during the Wednesday event called Sauna evening on the Oulujoki river.
Cafe-Restaurant Seelari in Hietasaari is a cafe with stunning views to Oulu city centre. Located in the beautiful island of Hietasaari, it is only short walk from the Oulu marketplace. It has good vegetarian options.
Café Kaari is located in the historic Åström Brothers factory building next to the scenic Ainola Park. They have lovely sweet and savoury treats, fantastic special coffee varieties and some fabulous sparkling wines. Their selection emphasises local products from the North.
Kahvila Kiikku is in the heart of central park of Oulu, Ainolanpuisto. There is also a big playground for children nearby.
Bacaro Doppio Café offers a laid-back and stylish atmosphere for friends of Italian coffee, wine and delicacies. You’ll enjoy the feel of a Venetian wine bar where tradition blends effortlessly with modern elements.
Cafe Tunnelmatupa at Koiteli rapids area offers home-baked pancakes, organic and fair trade coffee, ice cream and many kinds of snacks.
Coffee House Café offers a great atmosphere, coffee, croissants and bagels, open 08:00-20:00 it’s a great place to wind down after panel sessions. Their savoury selection includes good vegetarian options.
Mango Disco Bar - Mango DiscoBar combines a bar and a disco: the unhurried bar's personal competent service and relaxed atmosphere, as well as the best dance floors in the city. Open from 10 pm to 3 am on Wensday and 10 pm to 5 am on Friday.
45 Special - a rock bar and known as a venue for live music. Open Wed, Thur, Sun 6pm to 2 am, Fri–Sat 6pm to 4:30 am.
Ilona - nightclub with a lot of different offerings London, Live, Disco, Retro and Karaoke. Open Friday to Sunday 10 pm to 5 am.
Ihku Oulu - a combination karaoke bar and nightclub. Open from Wed - Thu at 9 pm, Fri - Sat at 6pm, Sun at 9 pm closes at 5am.
Jumpru Patio Live! – club will start at Jumpru Pub Patio on Tuesday June 13th and there will be live music every week from Tuesday to Saturday from 9 pm to 10.30 pm.
1bar is your relaxed living room in the center of Oulu, where cocktails, wine and people meet to have a good time.
Restaurant and winebar VENN offers simple and delicious food, charming wines and exhilarating cocktails.
Literary Art Festival Muusajuhlat taking place between 13 and 18 August 2024 is the most notable literary happening in Oulu area. The festival brings together poets, writers, musicians, and artists from all around Finland.
Air Guitar World Championships taking place between 21 and 23 August 2024, the final is already on the congress programme! The Air Guitar World Championships is a celebration of love and peace. In 25 years, the semi absurd performance art has grown into a favourite of international audiences and media, spreading its message around the world.
Oulu Music Video Festival taking place between 22 and 25 August 2024 is a four-day spectacle of music and moving pictures that brings together young and youthful people, both music and film professionals, enthusiasts and consumers on the last warm evenings of the summer.
Here is a selection of Oulu services that provide childcare.
Pilke Lastenhoito prices vary from 48,36 € / h to 63,24 € / h during the week, minimum charge 3h. The service can be ordered at a short notice. The webpage is only in Finnish but contains all of the booking information.
Onni price range is from 36 €/h to 50,40€/h during the week, minimum charge 3h. The service can be ordered at a short notice. The webpage is only in Finnish but contains all of the booking information.
Yoopies a professional nanny service. It facilitates contact between interested parties and the nannies with the nannies' own rates shown on the website. Most of the ads are in Finnish but there are English ones as well. In addition, because of the high rates of English speakers amongst Finns it is likely that even ads written in Finnish will be able to converse in English.
Where can I exchange currency/money?
Remember to pack adaptors, you will need a European two-prong adapter if you have devices that use other plugs. In Germany, types C and F are the official standards, Only five Continental European countries use the slightly different, but fully compatible, French type E standard (France, Belgium, Poland, the Czech Republic & Slovakia).
Oulu is warmer in August but not as warm as other parts of Europe. The average temperature is 14°C (57°F), it is marginally dry with occasional rain (though we recommend checking the forecast), so it is important to prepare for all eventualities.
Pack your favourite shorts or skirt, light-weight shirt, and good walking shoes to explore the city in summer. Also, remember your swimsuit for the many saunas, rivers and lakes. However, take note that the sun can disappear, so bring something waterproof or an umbrella.
Oulu attractions and activities
