Flights according to agreement and flight schedules
Arrival to Oulu
13.40
or
17.25
Flights from Oulu
14.20
or
17.35
Frozen Wonders of Oulu 26.2.-2.3.2025
Credits: Iina Tauriainen
Welcome to Oulu
Quirky northern city by the sea and European Capital of Culture 2026! By invitation only, updated 23.1.2025.
Credits: Iina Tauriainen
Quick facts
Flights from Destination to Destination
Bring along
Warm clothes, layering is the key
Swimwear
European Capital of Culture 2026
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!
Preliminary program
Kindly note that changes in the program are possible and activities will be done according to the weather conditions.
Credits : Iina Tauriainen
Credits: Harri Tarvainen
Wednesday 26.2.2025
Arrival to Oulu Airport
Your local host or driver will meet you at the airport arrival hall
Check in to Original Sokos Hotel Arina & free time
Pick up outdoor clothes from the reception.
Welcome Dinner
Thursday 27.2.2025
Breakfast at the hotel
Oulu2026 -presention
Visit to Oulu City Hall, Introduction to art pieces and Oulu2026 cultural program taking place at the Oulu City Hall
Arctic Art & Tasting Tour by Arctic Foodlab
Free time
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!
Dinner
Overnight at Original Sokos Hotel Arina
Friday 28.2.2025
Breakfast at the hotel
Winter Activity Day
Lunch
Free time
Dinner
Northern Lights Lecture & Photography Hunt
Overnight at Original Sokos Hotel Arina
Saturday 1.3.2025
Breakfast at the hotel
Free morning
Visit at Pikisaari Art Studios
Lunch at Restaurant Mallassauna with beer tasting by local brewery Hailuodon
Panimo
Frozen People festival
Frozen People is a winterfestival of electronic music and northern art. The event will
exceptionally be held in 2025 at Pikisaari in Oulu. The festival's music programme
highlights local and international talents. The art content showcases installations, light
art, participatory acts, and performances. Frozen People offers 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!
Dinner
Optionally Frozen People festival continues
Overnight at Original Sokos Hotel Arina
Sunday 2.3.2025
Breakfast at the hotel & check out
Transfers to Oulu Airport
Departures
Regional contacts
Visit Oulu
Satu Peura
email. satu@visitoulu.fi
tel. +358 40 6727751
Visit Finland contacts
Meri Sipilä
email. meri.sipila@businessfinland.fi
tel. +358 44 3310594
Useful links