OULU REGION
TH E B E ST C H A R AC TE R I STI C S O F FI N L A N D
E X PLO R E THE S T UN NIN G O U LU R EG I O N
Oulu Region embodies the best characteristics of Finland. It is about unique arctic experiences, activities in northern nature, urban adventures and high-quality education. Enjoy the Northern Lights in the winter and nightless nights in the summer, along with snow-covered fells, national parks, seashore, events and culture. Oulu Region consists of the City of Oulu and regional travel destinations Rokua Geopark, Syรถte, Liminka, Kalajoki, Raahe, Kempele and Hailuoto Island. It is located in Northern Finland, just south of Lapland.
Photo: Syรถte
ARCTIC EXPERIENCES
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Oulu Region offers plenty of opportunities to experience the true Arctic. Take a deep breath and enjoy a view the like of which you have never seen before. The feeling you get is calm and excited at the same time – a sensation as unique as the Arctic itself.
Photo: Rokua Geopark
H E AV Y S N O W There are dozens of words in Finnish for snow. That is because there are many types of snow to depict. One of the best kinds is heavy snow – it covers the spruces and pine trees and makes them bend, forming an archway to the winter wonderland in our region.
THE NORTHERN LIGHTS In Finnish they are called “fox fires” because traditionally it was believed that the Northern Lights are created by the sweep of a fox’s tail in the snow. The dancing colours on a winter night sky are magical and an experience you will never forget.
THE STEAM OF A SAUNA The country that has over three million saunas definitely has one for you to visit. Enjoy the heat on top of a fell, on a small island in the middle of the sea or floating on a river. Wash away your worries and relax like a Finn!
Photo: Pilpasuo, Oulu
AC TI V E N ATU R E
Versatile terrains in breath-taking landscapes with a wide range of different nature activities is a combination with no comparison. Whether it is by bike, by foot or on snowshoes, skis, snowboard or surfboard – come and challenge yourself. The Oulu region is full of inspiring environments that will create unforgettable memories.
A FE LL TO FA LL FO R Syöte is Finland’s southernmost fell area, just a two-hour drive from Oulu. Find your adventure in the national park and hike amongst snowtopped trees or go mountain biking and enjoy stunning views in the wild.
SEA OF MANY SEASONS In the Oulu Region, you can be active at or by the sea in all seasons. The shores are great ground for going fast even when the sea is frozen. Enjoy the never-setting sun in the summer while surfing the waves. Just find the right gear and you are good to go.
U N E S C O G LO BA L G EO PA R K
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The heritage of ice age makes Rokua UNESCO Global Geopark a unique place for enjoying nature at its purest. Hike, cycle, enjoy cross-country skiing or spend the night below the stars. Collect nature’s superfood by picking berries and mushrooms or give ice fishing a try.
U R BA N A DV E NTU R E
Tourists around the world praise the people in Oulu region for their friendliness. To be honest, the people here are also known to be a little quirky. There are many eccentric events and a rich, unique urban culture. Why is that, you may ask. It might boil down to the following three things.
S O M E TH I N G I N TH E A I R
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Oulu is a city full of stirring events like the Air Guitar World Championships. Competitors from all around the world perform for 60 seconds pretending to play an instrument. With numerous festivals, events and concerts taking place in Oulu region, there is always something in the air.
Photo: Air Guitar World Championships, Oulu
LIT TLE B I G C IT Y Oulu is the fifth largest city in Finland and big enough to have the best sides of vibrant city life but still small enough to have the guts to think outside the box. The city is clean, safe and compact and offers the spirit of a big city within a cosy place.
I N S P I R ATI O N FRO M C IT Y N AT U R E People in the Oulu region are the core of the urban culture but they also need sources of inspiration. The feeling of being a rare, undiscovered gem surrounded by the beautiful arctic nature is what drives them forward and makes magical things happen.
E D U C AT I O N A L T R A V E L AND TECHNIC AL VISITS
Photo: Lovi, Oulu
Oulu Region is the best place to explore and experience the world-famous Finnish education system. We are the leader of education in Northern Finland and innovative forerunner of new teaching philosophies. The City of Oulu is recognised especially for innovations in ICT plus health and life science technology.
E D U C AT I O N A L V I S I T S FOR SCHOOL GROUPS
E D U C AT I O N A L V I S I T S FOR PROFESSIONALS
Oulu Region offers fun and intriguing educational programs for school groups and children of various ages. Combined with inspiring arctic activities and nature programs this creates learning experiences to remember forever.
Finland has a strong pedagogical reputation recognised worldwide. An increasing number of education professionals travel to Oulu Region to learn more about our education system and the pedagogical methods we use.
LEAR N MO RE: VISIT OULU . FI/ EDUTECH
TECHNIC AL VISITS Oulu region is known for its high-level technological achievements, making it a great technical visit destination for professionals. There is also a vast variety of leisure activities to make your visit extraordinary and unforgettable.
ONE REGION E I G HT U N I Q U E D E STI N ATI O N S
S YÖTE
HAILUOTO
RAAHE
KALAJOKI
4
7
6
5
1
O U LU
8
KEMPELE
3
LIMINKA
2
RO K UA G EO PA R K
1
2
Oulu – culture, events and arctic nature by the sea
First UNESCO Global Geopark in Finland – Rokua Geopark
3
4
Finland’s southernmost fell area and nature travel destination Syöte
Beautiful beach and vacation resort Kalajoki
5
6
Liminka – The Arctic Bird Bay
Idyllic marine town of Raahe
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8
The largest island in the Bothnian Bay archipelago, Hailuoto
Finnish traditions, shopping and frozen sea in Kempele
FIND YO U R WAY TO O U LU R EG I O N Arrive to Oulu Region conveniently by train, bus, car or plane. It takes only an hour to fly to Oulu from our capital city Helsinki.
• Did you know that Oulu Airport is the second busiest in Finland? • Several flights daily from Finland’s capital city Helsinki
• Approximately million travelers per year • 30-minute drive to the city center of Oulu and regular bus services
More information: www.finavia.com
FINNAIR.COM
THERE’S SOMETHING NORDIC IN THE AIR Enjoy unique Nordic experiences on board every Finnair flight.
For more information, please visit our website visitoulu.com
CIRCLE ARCTIC
ROVANIEMI
KUUSA MO
O U LU K A JA A N I
VA A S A
KUOPIO
O U LU
HEL SINK I
HEL SINK I O S LO
S TO C K H O L M
COPENHAGEN
WARSAW LONDON
PARIS
B ER L I N
OULU REGION S TATE O F M I N D Do you love learning or trying new things? Does your heart fill with joy when adventuring in the wilderness? Or is your zen in the cold, crisp winter air, under the stars and the Northern Lights? If you say yes to any of these questions you have the Oulu Region state of mind. Welcome to Oulu Region!