-
Oulu is the capital of the province of Oulu and the region of [wiki=07d51f401faf7edbab4bc5b9d3c85b43]Northern Ostrobothnia[/wiki]. It is the sixth largest (fourth largest if you exclude Espoo and Vantaa) city in Finland, and the largest and most important in Northern Finland. Oulu is known for its high-tech focus, with free wireless internet access, Panoulu [url=http://www.panoulu.net/index.shtml.en],]in the city center. A lot of Finnish IT companies, including Nokia, have offices in Oulu or nearby areas.
-
-
By plane
Oulu Airport [url=https://www.finavia.fi/en/oulu/]]is the busiest in the country after Helsinki, and the [[Helsinki[/url]]-Oulu sector is the country's most popular domestic flight with frequent services (almost 20 flights per day each way) on Finnair and Norwegian. A fully flexible return economy ticket might cost more than €200 but a non-changeable one-way ticket can go as low as €20 or a return ticket for less than €50 when bought months in advance. Norwegian is often cheapest, but airlines compete on price for this route so be sure to check others. There are also some services to [wiki=c16c50f34911d1f5d3924c8267409904]Riga[/wiki], [wiki=c2d4002e23db5407916c21f28fafadb0]Rovaniemi[/wiki], [wiki=471fe554e1c62d1b01cc8e4e5076c61a]Tampere[/wiki], [wiki=527fcbf9d80a049cd345b36ab98ee010]Turku[/wiki] and [wiki=768e932985a14c807ca0b292596f4ff6]Kemi[/wiki].
The terminal has recently been expanded and now has jet bridges to get you in the planes without having to walk in the freezing cold tarmac. The airport has an automatic map dispenser that provides free maps, but sometimes it doesn't work.
Bus 9 (~€5) connects the airport to the city center in 30 minutes. Buses operate quite frequently from 06:25 to about 21:00 on weekdays. After 21:00 buses operate infrequently to 01:30. A taxi will cost you around €30 for the same distance.
-
By train
Oulu is on the railway main line between [wiki=8449280a23f8c4fcfb13469f6dc19592]Helsinki[/wiki] and [wiki=c2d4002e23db5407916c21f28fafadb0]Rovaniemi[/wiki]. The fastest Pendolino trains complete the journey from Oulu to Helsinki in about 6 hours (€72), while direct sleepers take around 9 hours (€64 plus optional sleeper at €12-€31 per bed). The newest type of sleeper train carriages have a shower and a toilet in each 2-person cabin.
-
By bus
Trip duration from Helsinki varies between 9½ and 15 hours and costs around €70-80. Timetable and information from Matkahuolto [http://www.matkahuolto.com/en/]
Onnibus [http://www.onnibus.fi] offers low-cost long distance coach lines to Oulu from different cities of Finland.
-
Public transportation is operated by Koskilinjat [url=http://www.oulunjoukkoliikenne.fi/].]Single ticket (kertalippu) in the city of Oulu costs €3.30 (€1.60 for children ages 4-11). Between 23:00-04:00 a single ticket costs €6.20. A single ticket allows one transfer within 60 minutes. A 24-hour ticket (matkailijalippu) allows unlimited use of the buses for the 24-hour period for €14.40 (€7.20 for children). To plan your route in the city, try Google Maps [url=http://maps.google.com/[/url].]It gives you the most convenient route to where you want to go, including walks to/from bus stops, which bus lines to use and where to switch buses. Bus drivers generally do not speak English, so plan your trip beforehand.
To get a good look around Oulu, with English commentary, try Potnapekka [url=http://potnapekka.fi/potnapekka/[/url].] Half train, half bus, it operates during summer months (June to August) on two routes, via Nallikari or Hupisaaret, through roads for light traffic. Both routes leave from the stone ball at Rotuaari (at the center of Oulu) and the journey lasts about one hour. You can hop off and in on the way.
Oulu is renowned for its good bicycle routes, which get you around the city easily and safely even through the cold winter. To rent a bicycle try Pyörä-Suvala, Lekatie 27. If you're staying at Nallikari Camping, Leiritie 10, they also have bikes to rent for visitors costing €12/day.
Taxis:
* [url=http://www.taxify.eu]Taxify.eu[/url[/url] is a leading taxi booking mobile application in Finland and around Northern-Europe, covering 150+ licensed taxis in Oulu area. No booking fee, choose your closest taxi by price, card payment option, car model or user ratings. Order with 2-clicks and you see taxi arriving on the map. Mobile apps for Android, iOS and Windows Phone, plus web based booking.
-
Two story museum with a wide variety of modern artwork. Around 8 exhibits a year. Plenty of information in English, except for small, temporary exhibits.
* The world's first science centre. (Un)fortunately a 'social invention' such as a science centre wasn't to be patented and the idea was copied all over the world.
*There is almost nothing to describe as the Castle of Oulu was destroyed in an explosion of gunpowder deposit (by a bolt of lightning) in the 18th century. Nowadays it is a public park where the castle used to be. The park is big, though, so it's a nice walk beside the river. Their rustic café on the foundations of the 'castle', Linnankahvila open daily in the summer, is well worth the visit however.
-
Recently renovated theatre offers plays in Finnish.
* Completed in 2007, Plaza movie theater 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.
* The oldest still functioning (yet very modern) movie theater in Oulu, Star movie theater features 3D digital movies. Most of the movies shown on the theater's three screens are original english versions and are subtitled in Finnish and Swedish, though some children's movies are dubbed in Finnish. Star has been nominated as Finland's most disabled-friendly establishment in 2007.
* Rotuaari, from the french word trottoir, meaning pedestrian street, is a place for live entertainment mainly during summertime, but also on weekends all year round. Part of the street has been renovated and refitted with heating in 2011, which should keep the street ice free even during the coldest winter months.
* Qstock [url=http://www.qstock.org/]]Rock Festival, late July.
* International Air Guitar Festival [url=http://www.airguitarworldchampionships.com/home[/url],]beginning of August.
* Nallikari and its Eden sea resort. Summer visit is preferred, but you can bathe outside all year round in Eden's cozy temperature of +26°C. A bone-chilling dip in the freezing Oulu river can also be taken at the swimming spot (maauimala) of Tuira all year round.
* In the summer, either rent a bike or walk to the beach in Tuira on the north side of the river Oulujoki, a popular place with locals, passing through Ainola park on the way. From there head eastwards, crossing back to the south side of the river and onwards to Värttö. Visit Koivurannan kahvila in an old house by the river, Kasamintie 51. Then either ride or walk back to the center for a total of 8km trip or take the bus number 7 back to the center.
* [url=http://www.ouluthisweek.net/[/url]Oulu This Week event calendar[/url]
Public swimming pools:
* One of the largest public swimming pools in Finland. In addition to the pools facilities include separate gyms for weight training, gymnastics, judo and boxing. Cafe upstairs with a view to the pools.
* Public pool and gym. Smaller than Oulu swimming pool, but recently renovated (2010).
Indoor Activities:
* Play billiards or snooker right in the city center. B-license.
* Indoor minigolf, air hockey and fussball tables.
*Over twenty bowling lanes near the city center. €15-18 per hour per lane, plus €2.50 for shoe rental. Also pool and snooker tables.
-
Atmospheric interior in over a hundred years old building. Largely a food market, offering fresh and conserved foods varying from reindeer meat to Asian specialities. The market and the surrounding 'aitat' (or barns) also offer a variety of souvenir-type items.
Very large home-electronics located 8 km from Oulu center. The best spot for electronics, computers, digital cameras, mobile phones, etc. in Oulu.
The best place for shopping second hand children's clothing and accessories in Oulu. A cosy play ground and cafeteria, organic and locally produced food, souvenirs and handcraft.
Have everything you need of electronics, and specialize in repairs.
-
Oulu is a place for eating pizza and other fast foods. For as low as €4-7 you can get a pizza with your choice of (usually three) toppings. Also there are many restaurants that have a pizza buffet for around €7-12 which includes a drink. Arguably, Finland's biggest pizzas are served in Oulu's Pizzeria Romeo. There is also the Pannu pizza joint in town - a bit more up-market pizzas for the discerning.
During the summer months, head down to the marketplace and have some fried vendace (muikku) or salmon in one of the stands there.
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, Hesburger and Movie Diner which is decorated in the style of a 50's American diner.
An interesting little restaurant is Pannukakkutalo Renesans near the market square, serving dutch style pannekoeken, or for the unfamiliar, crêpes. More than a hundred of either sweet or savory toppings to choose from.
For typical, if a bit boring, french-scandinavian dining, hotel restaurants such as Sassi (Radisson SAS) and Fransmanni (at the recently-built Arina hotel in the town center) provide. For finnish cuisine, head over the pedestrian bridge from the library to Pikisaari for Ravintola Sokeri-Jussi, offering traditional courses like Rössypottu (potatoes, blood and pork).
Good experiences in a bit more upscale dining would be either Uleåborg or Puistola Dining, for a bit more affordable but still nice dining head near the Oulu Cathedral to Ravintola Hella.
Ravintola Toripolliisi offers gastropub-style fare in nice surroundings both inside and outside, just in the corner of the marketplace.
During the lunch time, usually from 11am to 15pm, most restaurants serves food for reasonable prices. Lunch restaurants and lists in Oulu can be found at [url=http://lounaat.info/oulu]lounaat.info[/url].
-
Probably the best cocktails in town, a small dancefloor, sofas and electronic/rap/house music.
*45 Special, Saaristonkatu 12,[url=http://www.45special.com/].] (08) 8811 845, Open every night. Weekdays gigs and meeting place of modern drunkards after 1.30am, weekends crowded.
*Amarillo, Kirkkokatu 15, (08) 312 3100, [url=http://www.amarillo.fi/sivu.php?kaupunki=oulu[/url].]Nice bar in the 1st floor and a night club underground. Also, the texmex-style kitchen is open Mon-Thu 11-00.30, Fri-Sat 11-23.30, Sun 12-23.00.
*Apollo Live Club, Torikatu 21-23, [url=http://www.cabaret.fi/[/url].]A discotheque with two different rooms of different styles. Meatcounter for 20+. Wed,Fri,Sat 22-04.00.
*Connected to Apollo Live Club, a pub with no cover charge featuring karaoke and live music in separate rooms. Gets quite crowded on saturdays.
*Caio, Sammonkatu 10, (08) 556 2286, Nice and quiet bar with music, billiards and food near the University of Oulu.
*Cozy pub with atmosphere and a fireplace.
*Hevimesta, Torikatu 11, [url=http://www.hevimesta.com/oulu/index.php[/url].]Hard Rock / Metal club. 1e beer on mondays, wednesdays and thursdays til 1am.
*Kaarlenholvi/Jumpru, Kauppurienkatu 6, [url=http://www.jumpru.fi/[/url].]Genuine Oulu. Pub downstairs with warmed up patio offers the authentic overview of locals. Nightclub upstairs attracts younger clientele and exchange students.
*Kuluma, Kauppurienkatu 5, 11am-2am. [url=http://www.kuluma.fi[/url].]If you fancy cocktails, this is the place to go. Some coctails include a fire-breathing display.
*Chilled out bar with a Jamaican vibe. Red Stripe and Reggae.
*Best place for smaller live music acts in city: indie, jazz, metal, electronic etc. Live music in the basement every friday and saturday, occasionally on weeknights.
*Tivoli, Isokatu 35, [url=http://www.ravintolaonnela.fi/[/url].]Four different rooms with different styles: Disco, Rock, Suomipop and "Saucepan". Meatcounter for 18 to 20 year olds.
*Irish-style pub with the best selection of beers in the city.
*Sarkka, Hallituskatu 13-17. 9am-2am. You think you are pro? Come here at 9am and see if you have what it takes!
*Yöhuikka, Mäkelininkatu 13, Fri-Sat 11pm-4am. [http://www.yohuikka.fi/[/url]. A small gay friendly nightclub. Fresh decor, no entrance fee. Cloak room 2 €.
*Another gay friendly nightclub, bigger than Yöhuikka, often hosting theme parties. Open every second weekend or so. 7€ entrance inc. cloak room.
*A well-known and usually crowded burger bar serving burgers and a nice selection of beers. Check out a shot called "lökö".
-
Holiday Inn, Kirkkokatu 3, (08) 883 9111.
*Holiday Club Oulun Eden [url=http://www.holidayclub.fi],]Vellamontie 10, 020 1234 905. Spa hotel on Nallikari beach, a few kilometers (3.5km by foot, 5km by car) from the city center.
*Hotel Apollo [url=http://www.hotelapollo.fi[/url],]Asemakatu 31-33, (08) 5 2211.
*Hotel Cumulus [url=http://www.cumulus.fi[/url],]Kajaaninkatu 17, (08) 882 7111.
*Hotelli Forenom [url=http://www.forenom.fi/frontpage/apartment-search/Oulu[/url],]Rautatienkatu 9, +35820 1983 415. In front of the railway station.
*Radisson SAS [url=http://www.radisson.com[/url],]Hallituskatu 1, (08) 8877 666. One of the best hotels in Oulu, a good choice if your budget isn't too limited.
*Scandic Oulu [url=http://www.scandic-hotels.fi[/url],]Saaristonkatu 4, (08) 543 1000.
*Sokos Hotel Arina [url=http://www.sokoshotels.fi[/url],]Pakkahuoneenkatu 16 , (08) 312 3111.
*Pohto Hotel Kortteeri [https://www.pohto.fi/index.php?p=HotelliKortteeri&sl=en[/url], Vellamontie 12, +358 10 843 4500.
*The Cumulus Oulu is a cosy hotel for a pleasant business or leisure visit.
*One of the cheapest hotels in Oulu. Located in Hupisaaret, the recreational area of Oulu, just 1km from center.
*Absolutely the chapest place to stay in Oulu. Located next to Nallikari beach 4km from center.
-
Oulu is on the whole a very safe city, but avoid getting into arguments late in the night in fast food joints. Some suburban areas like Kaukovainio and Meri-Toppila have a bad reputation and should be avoided at night time.
-
The panOULU [http://www.panoulu.net/] (public access network OULU) network provides wireless broadband Internet access to everybody in its coverage area.
The tourist information centre has a computer with free internet access.
-
[wiki=3dee799cf1f3965eda906adc46799ff7]Hailuoto[/wiki] is the largest island in the Gulf of Bothnia and a good destination for day trip. Accessible by ferry, either with own car or by bus.
* Iso-Syöte is the closest destination for downhill skiing. Koskilinjat arranges day trips during winter season [http://www.skibus.fi].
*[wiki=55aefbd2ae6d10e2810157440237c235]Kuusamo[/wiki] is also a place to visit if you continue your journey to the north towards the [wiki=efcd78a5f4a9a41cdab17f98a2dc593e]Finnish Lapland[/wiki].
*[wiki=dbad5b4c1da8ea6cef1b93460970a521]Koitelinkoski[/wiki]-rapids of Kiiminkijoki-river, about 25min by car from Oulu [http://fi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koitelinkoski].
[wiki=7f1a40b317ce621310c0fb2198902e08]fi:Oulu[/wiki]
[wiki=20aa4b71bc16c85b9af32005b42c6764]nl:Oulu[/wiki]
[wiki=ba86b2e2f016fdff6820b26b0506e2a6]pl:Oulu[/wiki]
[wiki=4c8b693efa4b36c53f53f021e5e5191c]pt:Oulu[/wiki]
[wiki=9375cbf16388c2730fedb96604c655ba]sv:Uleåborg[/wiki]
[[WikiPedia:Oulu]]
Seleccionar Destino
Afghanistan
Aland Islands
Albania
Algeria
American Samoa
Andorra
Angola
Anguilla
Antarctica
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Armenia
Aruba
Australia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Bahamas
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Barbados
Belarus
Belgium
Belize
Benin
Bermuda
Bhutan
Bolivia
Bonaire
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Bouvet Island
Brazil
British Indian Ocean Territory
Brunei
Bulgaria
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cambodia
Cameroon
Canada
Cape Verde
Cayman Islands
Central African Republic
Chad
Chile
China
Christmas Island
Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Colombia
Comoros
Congo
Congo, Democratic Republic (ex. Zaire)
Cook Islands
Costa Rica
Croatia
Cuba
Curacao
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Djibouti
Dominica
Dominican Republic
East Timor
Ecuador
Egypt
El Salvador
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Estonia
Ethiopia
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Faroe Islands
Fiji
Finland
France
France, Metropolitan
French Guiana
French Polynesia
French Southern Territories
Gabon
Gambia
Georgia
Germany
Ghana
Gibraltar
Greece
Greenland
Grenada
Guadeloupe
Guam
Guatemala
Guernsey
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Guyana
Haiti
Heard and Mc Donald Islands
Honduras
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Isle Of Man
Israel
Italy
Ivory Coast
Jamaica
Japan
Jersey Island
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kiribati
Kosovo
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Laos
Latvia
Lebanon
Lesotho
Liberia
Libya
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macau
Macedonia
Madagascar
Malawi
Malaysia
Maldives
Mali
Malta
Marshall Islands
Martinique
Mauritania
Mauritius
Mayotte
Mexico
Micronesia
Moldova
Monaco
Mongolia
Montenegro
Montserrat
Morocco
Mozambique
Myanmar
Namibia
Nauru
Nepal
Netherlands
New Caledonia
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Niger
Nigeria
Niue
Norfolk Island
North Korea
Northern Mariana Islands
Norway
Oman
Other Countries
Pakistan
Palau
Palestinian Territory
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Peru
Philippines
Pitcairn
Poland
Portugal
Puerto Rico
Qatar
Reunion
Romania
Russia
Rwanda
Saint Barthelemy
Saint Helena
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Martin
Saint Pierre and Miquelon
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Samoa
San Marino
Sao Tome and Principe
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Serbia
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Sint Maarten
Slovakia
Slovenia
Solomon Islands
Somalia
South Africa
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
South Korea
South Sudan
Spain
Sri Lanka
Sudan
Suriname
Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands
Swaziland
Sweden
Switzerland
Syrian Arab Republic
Taiwan
Tajikistan
Tanzania
Thailand
Togo
Tokelau
Tonga
Trinidad and Tobago
Tunisia
Turkey
Turkmenistan
Turks and Caicos Islands
Tuvalu
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States
United States Minor Outlying Islands
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
Vanuatu
Vatican City State (Holy See)
Venezuela
Vietnam
Virgin Islands, British
Virgin Islands, U.S.
Wallis and Futuna Islands
Western Sahara
Yemen
Yugoslavia
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Spanish