Things to see and do Oulu

To begin with, let's go to the market square. With the covered market, the numerous stalls and old stalls, you will find the spirit of the countryside of yesteryear. And, in summer, you can discover Oulu by the sea by embarking on a cruise from the shore of the market square. Then take a stroll along Rotuaari Street. This is Oulu's lively pedestrian street where you can go shopping, have a drink and go to a restaurant to enjoy one of the many summer terraces. Then, you can continue to Nallikari Beach to admire the sea and take a swim.

This Lutheran cathedral was originally built in 1777 as a tribute to King Gustav III of Sweden. Originally made of wood, it was partly destroyed during the fire of 23 May 1822 that ravaged the city. Rebuilt after the fire, its pale yellow exterior and the 17th century portraits it contains make it a jewel of northern Finland's sacred art. The church was made an official cathedral in 1900, when the bishopric was transferred from Kuopio to Oulu. It is the ecclesiastical centre of Northern Finland.

This little yellow train has become an institution over time. Even if it has a rather classic appearance, this tourist train has a reputation that goes beyond the Oulu cove in the Gulf of Bothnia. You will be able to say: "I did it! "But after an hour, you will be able to see all the main sights of Oulu. There are two trains: one to go to the sea at Nallikari and the other to go to Hupisaaret and the Oulu river delta. The departure is from the intersection of Rotuaari pedestrian street with Kirkkokatu. More information at the tourist office.

Outside the city, in the open air, this open-air museum allows you to discover a rural village through 40 different buildings, with for example a church dating from 1694 or the Ylikärppä manor house. We walk along the lake and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Ideal for all ages and all travellers! In the summer, a café is open and offers a delicious salmon soup in a very pleasant setting.

Scientific centre with exhibitions regularly organized on different themes. Interactive, pedagogical and fun to initiate or deepen your knowledge of science and technology. Simulations to be made in music and sports, exhibition on stones, astronomy ... The museum completes its permanent exhibitions with temporary exhibitions such as those on minerals. Nice viewpoint from the water tower. A nice family outing!

The museum is spread over three floors. The first floor is devoted to prehistory from 9,000 B.C., including the hunter-gatherer way of life, as well as flora and fauna. Opposite, the history of Oulu from its foundation by King Karl IX of Sweden in 1605 to the present day. The second floor presents the different learning styles. Finally, the top floor recalls the close link between the sea and the history of the town of Oulu, which in the late ^18th century was world-renowned for its trade in vegetable tar.

Oulu has a long tradition of visual arts. Many artists have settled here, both Finnish and international. The museum works closely with the various artists to showcase them and thus offers rich and diverse exhibitions. The permanent exhibitions are complemented by temporary exhibitions of painting, sculpture and photography. The plus: workshops adapted to children to introduce them to art!