The tourism professionals of Oulu recently received positive news, when Lufthansa announced it was extending its popular Munich-Oulu route. From now on, flights from the heart of Central Europe to Oulu will operate all year round, twice a week. Take advantage of our travel tips for the region!

“We are naturally very happy about this year-round three-hour connection from Central Europe to Oulu. Extending the route was like a lottery win for the tourism in Northern Finland," says Henriikka Riipi, Business Area Director at Osuuskauppa Arina.

"We wish all Central European tourists warmly welcome to Oulu and Northern Finland! Oulu combines the beauty of maritime landscapes with the possibilities offered by an urban lifestyle. Whether you prefer nature adventures or cultural experiences, we offer both,” says Riipi.

"In 2026, Oulu will be the European Capital of Culture, which will add a lot to our already high-quality cultural offering", continues Riipi.

Henriikka's TOP 7 Tips for Oulu

In summer:

• The stunning beach at Nallikari, a short walk from the city centre.
• A picnic in Ainola Park. The park is like a lush oasis in the middle of the city, offering both greenery and the sound of flowing water, for a wonderful summer day.
• The unique Air Guitar World Championships in August will be held at Rotuaari, next to Original Sokos Hotel Arina.

In winter:

• A day in the Winter Village in Nallikari, where you can try both sleigh rides and sledding, see reindeer, grill sausages over campfire and take part in ice fishing trips.
• Experience a husky safari! Several adventure companies operating in Oulu organize excursions of different lengths for tourists.

All year round:

• Oulu is first and foremost a maritime city, so you can enjoy many seafront activities. In the summer, you can go paddling and SUP-boarding, and in the winter, skiing, skating, or ice fishing on the frozen sea.
• Cycling around the city – Oulu is a cycling city, where you saddle up all year round.

Riipi also recommends the Pohjola route, along which you will find great destinations, such as the island of Hailuoto, the white sands of Kalajoki and Rokua Geopark, a nature tourism area shaped by the ice age.

A gateway to Northern Finland

"Oulu serves as a gateway to all of Northern Finland, all the way to Fell Lapland. The north is worth exploring and experiencing. Popular day trips from Oulu include Ranua Zoo, Iso-Syöte Ski Resort, the icebreaker in Kemi and Santa Claus in Rovaniemi. In Rovaniemi, I also recommend the Science Centre Arktikum and Ounasvaara hiking trails."

"Levi will treat you to all the wonderful experiences offered by the fell nature. Downhill skiing, hiking, cross-country skiing, safaris, a visit to a reindeer farm – Levi is a great destination, and we have a newly redesigned hotel right in the heart of the Levi alpine village. Levi is also the perfect location for visitors who want to experience fantastic autumn colors”, Riipi adds.

Dreaming of a white Christmas?

“Or why not spend a Finnish Christmas in and around Oulu? A day trip to a reindeer park, looking for the perfect Christmas tree, a visit to the Icebreaker – these are examples of the programmes that are available in the winter packages that Saaga Travel has created for Christmas period 2024–2025. We warmly welcome you to explore the best parts of Northern Finland during the upcoming winter season”, Riipi urges.

High-quality hotels act as the base for travelers

Oulu Original Sokos Hotel Arina in the heart of the city embodies locality. The room themes such as tar, summer night and salmon are closely connected to Oulu, as the city is known for its tar burning tradition, bright summer nights and schools of salmon pushing upstream in the spring.

Radisson Blu Hotel Oulu, located next to the Oulu Market Square, offers quality familiar to international tourists. The hotel is centrally located in the midst of the city's cultural offerings and shopping area. The luxurious rooms offer stunning views of either the city or the sea.

Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna in Rovaniemi is an authentic Lapland hotel in Santa Claus' hometown. The hotel's themed rooms let you experience the magical atmosphere of the Arctic Circle or Christmas, complete with fir trees and northern lights.

Finland's northernmost Sokos Hotel has been renewed

The renewal of Break Sokos Hotel Levi, located in the fell landscape of Lapland, was completed in the autumn of 2023. The restaurants, reception and sauna facilities have been given a fresh, Lapland-inspired look. The hotel now has a cozy restaurant called Grill it! Levi, featuring a fireplace and a terrace. In addition to the updated hotel, Levi offers plenty of activities in the magnificent nature of Lapland.

The flight connection between Oulu and Munich, introduced by Lufthansa in December 2023, is the only year-round international flight connection in Northern Finland. The scheduled flights will operate on Tuesdays and Saturdays starting from March 31 during the summer season of 2024. Winter flights will continue on Wednesdays and Sundays until the end of March and resume on October 30.

Distances by car:

Oulu – Rovaniemi 221 km

Rovaniemi – Levi 168 km

Oulu – Kemi 106 km

Oulu – Iso-Syöte 141 km

Oulu – Ranua Zoo 160 km

Oulu offers excellent train connections to the northern region.