A plan for Oulu

Oulu is the capital of the province of Oulu and the region of Northern Ostrobothnia. It is the fifth largest municipality in Finland by population and the largest and most important in Northern Finland. As a result of two consolidations of neighbouring municipalities, first Ylikiiminki in 2009, and then Haukipudas, Kiiminki, Oulunsalo and Yli-Ii in 2013, its land area is over 3,000 km² (five to ten times the size of other similar sized cities in Finland). As urban area it comes fourth, after the capital region, Tampere and Turku.

A lot of Finnish IT companies, including Nokia, have offices in Oulu or nearby areas. In 1988 Jarkko Oikarinen wrote the first IRC server and client here. Oulu is also home to Oulun Kärpät, a successful hockey team playing in the top Finnish league, Liiga.

Tourist information

1 Visit Oulu, Kauppatori 1 (inside the old market hall), ☏ +358 8 558-41330, touristinfo@ouka.fi. Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00, Sat 10:00–16:00. Oulu Tourist Information. Can help visitors to Oulu city and the wider region. (updated May 2001)

Visit Kempele.

History

Early history

Until the end of the Stone Age, the area that's now the city was underwater, but around 1800 BCE, the post-glacial rebound had moved the coastline inside the current city borders. The Oulu River had already been an important trade route, as it offered connections to the east and the west, as well as to the south by the sea. During the Iron Age, the population in the Oulu area most likely lessened a bit, although the Sami population persisted and the southern Finnish peoples such as the Finns Proper and the Tavastians made hunting, trade and taxation journeys to the north.

In the 12th century, Oulu became an important spot for trade and hunting trips by the Karelians, including people from the flourishing population centres on the shores of Lake Ladoga.

1 Market Square (Kauppatori) is a hotch-potch of styles: old red granaries, renaissance revival architecture and 1970s brutalist concrete. But during the brief warmth of summer, its terraces, cafes and market booths are busy and lively, though the main market hall is closed in 2019 for re-building. The area is presided over by Toripolliisi, the often photographed statue of the Market Square Policeman. He's a squat stubby young-old figure, as if weighted down by his responsibilities.

2 Oulu Museum of Art (Oulun Taidemuseo), Kasarmintie 7 (500 m north of centre), ☏ +358 44-703-7471. Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00. Two-storey museum with a wide variety of modern artwork. Around 8 exhibits a year. Plenty of information in English, except for small, temporary exhibits. €8. (updated Jun 2019)

3 Tietomaa Science Centre (Tiedekeskus Tietomaa), Nahkatehtaankatu 2 (500 m north of centre, near the Art Museum). Mon-Fri 10:00–17:00, Sat Sun 10:00–18:00. Closed for renovation until 2026 The oldest science museum in the country, mostly kinematic and interactive, great for pre-teens but plenty for adults to enjoy. It is partially located in the former Åström leather factory, and you can ride the glass lift up the 19th-century brick water tower. Adult €15, child (6–15) €11. (updated Jul 2024)

4 Oulu Castle (Oulun linna). Café daily May & Sep: 11:00–19:00, Jun & late Aug: 11:00–20:00, Jul & early Aug: 11:00–21:00 21:00. The castle was damaged by attack in the 18th century and finally blown to pieces in 1793 when lightning struck the gunpowder magazine. What you see now is the maritime observatory built on the ruins; it's set in a pleasant park, and you can climb the tower for views. There's a café (Tähtitornin kahvila) within. The cellar (same hours) displays info on the castle - mostly in Finnish, but there's more in the Northern Ostrobothnia Museum. Free. (updated Jun 2019)

1 Oulu City Theatre (Oulun Kaupunginteatteri), Kaarlenväylä 2. Plays in Finnish. Prices vary from €15 to €40 for a single adult ticket. Half-price tickets are available for people under 26.

2 Cinema Finnkino Plaza (Elokuvateatteri Finnkino Plaza), Torikatu 32. Completed in 2007, Plaza movie theatre features one of the biggest movie screens in Finland. Most of the movies shown on theater's eight screens are original English versions and are subtitled in Finnish and Swedish, though some children's movies are dubbed in Finnish. Admission €10.30–13, before 17:00 on weekdays €7. Add €2 for 3D movies. Ticket sets of 5 or 9 tickets are available, bringing the price per admission down to €9.90 or €9 respectively and no extra for 3D showings.

3 Cinema Star (Elokuvateatteri Star), Kalliotie 6 (Tuira region, northern-side of Oulu river), ☏ +358 8 554-2711. The oldest still functioning (yet very modern) movie theatre in Oulu, Star movie theatre features 3D digital movies. Most of the movies shown on the theatre's three screens are original English versions and are subtitled in Finnish and Swedish, though some children's movies are dubbed in Finnish. Star was nominated as Finland's most disabled-friendly establishment in 2007. Admission €7.5-10. Sets of 5 tickets are available for €37, bringing the price per admission down to €7.4 to all shows except for 3D movies, which cost extra.

4 Rotuaari, Kirkkokatu. From the French word trottoir, meaning pedestrian street, this is the main shopping street of the city a place for live entertainment mainly during summertime, but also on weekends all year round. Part of the street was renovated and refitted with heating in 2011, which should keep the street ice free even during the coldest winter months.

Budget

Oulu is a place for eating pizza and other fast foods. For €10–15 you can get a pizza with your choice of (usually three) toppings. Try one of the more interesting choices of toppings such as reindeer, kebab and mayonnaise. Also there are many restaurants that have a pizza buffet for €12-16 which includes a drink. A number of restaurants serving international cuisine or fast food are found in Oulu, including Indian, Greek, Mediterranean, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Thai and Chinese kitchens. For American-style fast food there is McDonald's and Finnish equivalent Hesburger, but best burgers can be had at a tiny and ever-crowded Kauppuri 5 (Kauppurienkatu 5).

1 Pizzeria Old Lemoon, Mäkelininkatu 31. A cheap pizzeria but with good reviews

Stalls on the Market Place have local delicacies such as fried vendace (muikku) or salmon.

2 RAX Pizzabuffet, Ritaharjuntie 49. The pizza buffet chain has two restaurants in Oulu, of which the Ideapark one is more popular Buffet €13.9. (updated Jul 2024)

Katri Antell-lounasravintolat. The local bakery operates several lunch eateries both in central Oulu and the suburbs. Lunch about €12-14.

Café Provence, Kempeleentie 7b, ☏ +358 8 882-1414. Mon-Fri 10:00-14:00. Simple café serving lunch. (updated Jun 2019)

3 Koivurannan kahvila, Kasarmintie 51, ☏ +358 8 333-944. Open only in the summer months. A café right at the Oulu river. Also has rowing boats for rent.

4 Villa Hannala, Kahvelitie 1, ☏ +358 44-714-0323. Mon–Fri 10:00–15:30. Only in summertime. A summer restaurant-café in a historic villa 3 km from the city centre. (updated Feb 2018)

5 Coffee House Oulu (Coffari, Koffari), Pakkahuoneenkatu 16 (right next to the Sokos Hotel Arina), ☏ +358 44-788-6760. Mon–Fri 08:00-20:00 Sat 10:00–21:00 Sun 11:00–20:00. A modern, trendy café with nice staff. Outlets to charge your phone are found on many seats. (updated Feb 2018)

6 Puistokahvila Makia (Makia), Otto Karhin Puisto (in the centre of Oulu), ☏ +358 44-788-6180. Mon–Thu 07:30–20:00 Fri 07:30–22:00 Sat 09:00–22:00 Sun 09:00–20:00. A stand-alone park café. Lunch and salad buffet available. A popular place for university students and foreigners to hang out. (updated Oct 2018)

Drinking in Finland can be an expensive activity, a typical pint (either 0.4 or 0.5L) of domestic macro lager is typically around €6 and up. Typical Finnish beer is European lager, but also more interesting Finnish and local (breweries Maistila, Sonnisaari and Hailuoto are local) craft beer is available at a few pubs, as is imported stuff. Do try lonkku, a long time Finnish favorite long drink of gin and grapefruit juice.

1 1bar, Kauppurienkatu 5. Probably the best cocktails in town, a small dancefloor, sofas and electronic, rap and house music.

2 45 Special, Saaristonkatu 12, ☏ +358 8 881-1845. Open every night. Weekdays gigs and meeting place of modern drunkards after 01:30, weekends crowded.

3 Amarillo, Kirkkokatu 15, ☏ +358 8 312-3100. Nice bar on the 1st floor and a night club underground. Also, the Tex-Mex-style kitchen is open M–Th 11:00–00:30, F Sa 11:00–23:30, Su 12:00–23:00.

4 Caio, Sammonkatu 10, ☏ +358 8 556-2286. Nice and quiet bar with music, billiards and food near the University of Oulu.

5 Graali, Saaristonkatu 5. 14:00-03:00. Cozy pub with atmosphere and a fireplace.

Hevimesta. Hard Rock and Metal club.

6 Kaarlenholvi/Jumpru, Kauppurienkatu 6. Genuine Oulu. Pub downstairs with warmed up patio offers the authentic overview of locals. Nightclub upstairs attracts younger clientele and exchange students. Long queues weekends, so arrive early (before 23:00) to avoid waiting.

7 Kuluma, Kauppurienkatu 5. 11:00–02:00. If you fancy cocktails, this is the place to go. Some cocktails include a fire-breathing display.

8 Oluthuone Leskinen, Kirkkokatu 10, ☏ +358 8 311-7993. 12:00–02:00. Irish-style pub with the best selection of beers in the city. Very crowded on Friday and Saturday nights.

9 Sarkka, Hallituskatu 13-17. 09:00–02:00. You think you are pro? Come here at 09:00 and see if you have what it takes!

10 Yöhuikka, Mäkelininkatu 13. Fri Sat 11:00–04:00. A small gay friendly nightclub. Fresh decor. Cloak room €2, entrance free.

11 Snooker Time (Snookeri), Asemakatu 28, 90100 Oulu, info@snookertime.net. Sun–Tue 16:00–01:00, Wed Thu 16:00–02:00, Fri Sat 16:00–04:00. A laid-back alternative-style bar. Cheap drinks and a lot of things to do like pinball, darts and – of course – billiards (updated Jan 2024)

On foot

For being the fifth largest city in Finland the city centre is small compared to, say, Tampere or Turku. The whole of the city centre is easily walkable, and the walking conditions are good. There are usually free walking route maps distributed at the Tourist Information.

By scooter

For 2024, the only e-scooter company in town is Ryde. Their operating area reaches from the southern region of Mäntylä all the way to Ideapark mall in Ritaharju. Be sure to follow the rules on riding and parking the vehicles.

By bus

The public transportation is operated by OSL (Oulu Regional Transport).

Payment

Single ticket (kertalippu) within about 10 km from the city centre costs €5 with cash, €2.60 with card or the OSL app. There is a child ticket for children under 16, but it is only available when paying with cash or the OSL app. Between 23:00–04:30 a single ticket by cash costs €10, but night services are limited. The night-time price increase only applies to tickets paid in cash.

To save money, do use your contactless bank card (Visa, Mastercard or Eurocard; Diners Club and American Express do not work) or a mobile device with Apple Pay or Google Pay. Press "lähimaksu" and tap your card on the machine.

The other option is the OSL application (by Waltti Solutions), available in Google Play and App Store. After purchasing the ticket from the app, show it to the driver and you're good to go. You cannot buy tickets in advance with the app, so you must buy it right before you need it.

The system calculates the fare combining all trips paid with the card or device: a new single ticket fee will not be charged until the 90-minute changeover period has ended, and a day ticket will be substituted when those are relevant.

If paying by card, notice that you can only pay your own ticket. If you want to buy a ticket for a companion, you must use cash or the OSL app.

There are day tickets (1 to 7 days) available; you can buy them from the Oulu10 office. You can also buy day tickets from the OSL mobile app.

Oulu is, on the whole, a very safe city, but avoid getting into arguments late in the night in fast food joints. Pickpocketing is remarkably rare, but it doesn't harm you to keep an eye on your belongings just like in any other place.

Even though crime otherwise is rare, Oulu has experienced a lot of bike thefts, so make sure to keep your bike locked when you go shopping etc.

There can be some drunks in Rotuaari, the "summer street" of Valkea, the Mannerheim park and some other places in the city centre, but they shouldn't cause any harm to travellers.

The police are helpful and friendly, although some might lack English skills. If you have non-emergency cases or questions, you can contact the police department of Oulu at ☏ +358 29-546-0211. The central police office is at Kirkkokatu 13.

Medical help

In case of emergency, contact the emergency number ☏ 112.

For non-emergency but urgent cases, contact the number ☏ 116117 (OYS emergency centre)Country code missing for a free evaluation of the situation.

If you are a holder of the European Health Insurance card, you will get necessary treatment in any health center or Oulu University Hospital emergency room.

During weekdays 8-16 you have to visit the urgent care in a health center. Kontinkangas (Kajaanintie 46A) and Tuira (Kangastie 12-16) health centers are the closest ones to the city center. Outside of business hours and on weekends, you have to go to the emergency room of OYS (Kajaanintie 50 A1).

The waiting times for any public healthcare in Oulu are long as public healthcare is shortstaffed. It is not uncommon to wait for 10 hours in the OYS emergency room during busy days. There are also private healthcare chains which have locations in the city, though more expensive, usually provide appointments faster. These include Terveystalo, Mehiläinen and Pihlajalinna, all of which have multiple locations in Oulu, including in the city center. They have good websites with all necessary information.