The city of Oulu is located on the west coast of Finland and, as the fifth largest city in the country, offers many tourist activities and attractions.
The largest city in northern Scandinavia
With a population of 250,000, the Oulu region is the largest urban centre in northern Scandinavia. The city is easily accessible from anywhere in the world – because there are numerous flights offered every day. From Helsinki you can get to Oulu in just an hour’s flight.


Which part of Finland is Oulu?
Oulu, the most important city in northern Finland and the northernmost major city in the European Union, is not only known as the second largest university city in the country, bishop’s seat and an important economic area, but also for the legendary Tervahiihto cross-country skiing, which has been held annually since 1888. It is the oldest non-stop long-distance ski race in the world, which is held annually at the beginning of March on distances of 40 to 70 kilometers. The cross-country skiing conditions in Oulu, which is only 250 kilometers away from the Arctic Circle, are fantastic and definitely worth a “cross-country trip”.
The name of the city, which has a population of just under 132,000, comes from a Sami word meaning flood. Despite its age, Oulu is quite a young city, because the average age of its inhabitants is 36 years. The city and the surrounding ten municipalities form the Oulu region – an area full of historical sights and impressive nature experiences.
Is Oulu a city in Finland?
How far is Oulu from Russian border?
Do they speak English in Oulu?