From the Arctic Circle to the Art scene: Oulu’s year in the spotlight

Northern creativity shines on the edge of the Arctic

Chosen as one of National Geographic’s Best Places to Travel in 2026, Oulu is ready to step into the global spotlight as Europe’s Capital of Culture. Situated between forest and sea, about 60 miles south of the Arctic Circle, Oulu combines northern wilderness with a strong creative pulse.

Home to around 216,000 people – including 800 Sámi residents – the city celebrates both its cultural roots and its forward-thinking spirit.

Art, light, and local flavours

From January to May, the Oulu Art Museum hosts the Risku exhibition, featuring Sámi art, material culture, and immersive soundscapes. In summer, visitors can kayak through the archipelago, cycle through green forests, or explore the vibrant Kauppatori Market Square, lined with cafés and local food stalls.

A new public art trail, launching in June 2026, will feature climate-focused works created in collaboration between artists and scientists. Later in the year, the Lumo Light & Tech Festival transforms the city into a playground of light installations, symphonic concerts, and visual storytelling.

A taste of the Arctic

Food lovers will find inspiration in Arctic Food Lab 2026, a program celebrating the region’s seasonal ingredients and culinary heritage. Expect dishes built around reindeer, salmon, wild berries, and forest mushrooms. Highlights include Summer Night’s Dinner in August – a communal long-table feast – and Arctic Tasting Week in September, when restaurants across Oulu compete with creative tasting menus.

And of course, in the dark winter months, the northern lights provide the ultimate light show above the frozen sea.

A new cultural connection

Oulu’s year as European Capital of Culture will begin with the launch of the new Pendolino Plus train route, linking the city to Helsinki in just five and a half hours – making the Arctic spirit of Finland more accessible than ever.

More on Oulu.

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