Oulu is a city located in the northern part of Finland, next to the Arctic Archipelago of the Gulf of Bothnia and border of Lapland. It’s a home of people who like to choose their own path and do things differently. We are the ones who created the modern mobile technology and are forerunners in 6G. The ones who made up peculiar events such’s as Polar Bear Pitching – the coolest startup event in the world and Frozen People – electronic winter music festival on the arctic!

Our creative city has now been nominated as the European Capital of Culture 2026. Together with 39 municipalities in Northern Finland, Oulu is creating a program for 365 days, filled with captivating events, artworks, and experiences. The main theme is Cultural Climate Change which is visible through three main themes: Brave Hinterland, Wild City and Cool Contrasts.

In Oulu, life is an adventure, filled with rich tones of creativity and the magic of pure northern nature. Now we would like to welcome you dear friend, to visit this mesmerizing city, to experience a weekend filled with tasters of Oulu2026 and unforgettable experiences on the Frozen Sea!

Individual arrivals to Oulu Airport
Driver will meet you at the airport arrival hall with sign  “Frozen Wonders of Oulu”

Transfers to the hotel
Check in to Original Sokos Hotel Arina & free time

18:45 Your host will meet you at the hotel reception 
5 min walk to the restaurant

19:00 Welcome dinner at Alfred Kitchen & Bar

Overnight at Original Sokos Hotel Arina

Breakfast at the hotel

08:45 Your host will meet you at the hotel reception 
5 min walk to the Oulu2026 office 

09:00 Introduction to Oulu2026
Presented by Piia Rantala-Korhonen, CEO 
Venue: Showroom at Oulu2026 office 

10:00 Visit to Oulu City Hall

Welcome by Sami Ylisaari, Director of Arts and Culture at City of Oulu

Introductions to Oulu2026 cultural program by Ulla-Viskari Perttu, Oulu2026: 

• Layers in the Peace Machine, Ekho Collective’s immersive installation 
• Fotografiska Tallinn exhibition 
• Media Art from Kiasma exhibition 

11:00 Arctic Foodlab tasting tour by Niina Keränen, Project Manager of Arctic Food 
Lab, Oulu2026

13:00 Free time

15:45 Your host will meet you at the hotel reception
10 min walk to the Oulu Theatre

16:00 Visit to Oulu Theatre

Introductions to Oulu2026 cultural program by Anne Roth, Oulu Theatre & Aino 
Valovirta, Oulu2026: 

• Risku – Sami art & culture programme 
• The world premiere of Sámi Opera Ovla
• 100% Oulu
• Fravid’s Land, the immersive work of Flow Productions

17:30 Departure to Polar Bear Pitching event

18:00 Avanto Pitching Competition by Polar Bear Pitching

Polar Bear Pitching is an event, where startups demonstrate their resilience and commitment while pitching their business idea for the investors from a real ice hole!  

Watch the selected contestants show their determination to the whole world by getting into the icy cold water and pitching their startup. During the event, you get access to watch the Avanto Competition and enjoy hot tubs, saunas, and warm drinks in the surrounding Sauna Village!

20:30 Dinner at Restaurant Puistola 

Overnight at Original Sokos Hotel Arina

Breakfast at the hotel 
07:00 Your host will meet you at the hotel reception

07:15 Departure to Kemi 
1 hour drive

08:15 Arrival & check in for the cruise

09:15 Cruise with Icebreaker Arktis

12:30 Departure from the harbour

12:45 Visit and lunch at the Reindeer Farm Arkadia

14:30 Departure to Oulu

15:30 Arrival back to the hotel & free time

17:30 Meet your host at the hotel reception 
10 min drive to Pikisaari, the creative island of Oulu

17:45 Visit to Oulu Urban Culture at the Culture Lab

Introductions to Oulu2026 cultural programme by Heikki Myllylahti, Executive 
Director 

• Untamed Office
• Frozen People festival

18:15 Visit to Design Center Proto, hosted by Päivi Tahkokallio 

• Introduction to “Rajat” exhibition, which offers a unique overview of Finnish metal design and works of seven renowned contemporary blacksmiths who challenge traditional notions of blacksmiths profession and design.

19.00 Departure to Pehkola

19:20 Pehkola Sauna Evening hosted by City of Oulu 

• During the evening traditional soup and schnapps are served 
• There will be an opportunity to enjoy a traditional Finnish Sauna 
• There are separate saunas and changing rooms for women and men. You can bring your own bathing suit or experience the sauna Finnish way – without one. 
• All other essentials for the sauna and washing, including towels, soap, and 
  shampoo, will be provided on site.  

22:00 Transfer back to the hotel

Overnight at Original Sokos Hotel Arina 

Breakfast at the hotel

09:45 Meet your host at the hotel reception

10:00 Departure to Koiteli 
30min drive to Koiteli nature area

10:30 Winter Day in Koiteli 

• Traditional winter activities testing such as snowshoeing & kick sledges 
• Kantele Meditation in the wilderness hut 
• Lunch in the wilderness hut

13:30 Departure to city center

Free time 
Optional visit to the Oulu Art Museum 
Address: Kasarmintie 9, 90130 Oulu 
1 km from the hotel, map

17:45 Meet your host at the hotel reception 
10 min drive to the Pikisaari Island

18:00 Frozen People festival 
Frozen People is a winterfestival of electronic music and northern art. The event will exceptionally be held in 2025 at Pikisaari, but it will return to Nallikari in 2026. The festival's music programme highlights local and international talents. The art content showcases installations, light art, participatory acts, and performances. The music program takes place on two stages, the Forest Stage and the Ice Stage. Art installations are spread throughout the festival area, illuminated and shining even after dark.  

Frozen People offer brutal and unique arctic conditions for the world's most chilling 
dances and art experiences. It’s an experience you don’t want to miss!

Dining takes place withing the festival area 

• Everyone will receive food and drink tickets for use at Restaurant Mallassauna’s and drink stalls.
• Restaurant Mallassauna is in the heart of Pikisaari, address: Pikisaarentie 15. 
• At Mallassauna you can enjoy the refreshments from the local brewery, Hailuodon Panimo (Hailuoto Brewery) 

Overnight at Original Sokos Hotel Arina 

Breakfast at the hotel & check out

Individual departures to Oulu Airport 
Driver will meet you in front of your hotel with a sign “Frozen Wonders of Oulu”

For afternoon departure guests:

09:15 Your host will meet you at the hotel reception 
Please take your suitcase with you

09:30 Departure to Tyrnävä 
30 min drive to Tyrnävä

10:00 Guided walking tour at Tyrnävä’s historic Dairy Street 

• Including visit at the Mylly library with Arctic Food Lab tasting by Smokehouse 
  299

11:00 Visit at the Surrealist Seppo Similä’s art gallery 
Kindly note, no filming or photos inside the gallery

12:00 Departure to Oulu Airport

12:40 Arrival to the Oulu Airport

Departures 

Thank you for your visit and see you again in 2026!