Oulu Investment Guide 2025 FINLAND
Oulu for Investors
1.1. Oulu in Brief
1.2. Economic Structure
1.3. Gateway to Arctic Europe
1.4. City Development Projects
Key Industries Retail and and Office Property Market
2.1. Key Industries and Ecosystem
2.2. Opportunities for Sustainable Industry in Oulu
3.1. Market Description
3.2. Retail Development
3.3. Office Development
3.4. Development Projects
Hotel Market and Tourism
4.1. Market Description
4.2. Demand and Supply
4.3. Tourism Development
4.4. Tourist Attractions
Welcome to Oulu, Finland!
Explore the Commercial Opportunities in the Oulu Area
Oulu is the most important commercial, logistic and cultural hub of Arctic Europe. It is a region of over 270,000 inhabitants that is best known for its technological expertise, that makes it a globally significant center in the Europe. Two universities, young population and year-round events makes Oulu vibrant. As a university city Oulu attracts tens of big international conferences yearly.
Oulu Region has been on the fastest growing city region in Nordic. Considering Oulu's availability of skilled workforce, status as a hightech hotspot, excellent connectivity and increasing population, the city provides an excellent platform for new investments.
The growth is accelerated by the spectacular increase in business in the region. Tens of new companies are establishing themselves in Oulu early and investing in the region. Also the city of Oulu is investing 630M€ for the city infrastructure in the coming 3 years. The region is also a great hub for investments in Northernmost Europe totalling 187B€ in coming years.
Oulu aims for carbon neutrality by 2035, focusing on renewable energy, sustainable mobility, and circular economy initiatives. Oulu is developing and zoning significant green transition industrial areas for e.g. hydrogen and e-fuels production and other clean industry investments. Already announced investments totaling >1B€.
Oulu is the biggest year round travel city in North Finland. Here the business and leisure travellers meet green environment, modern city and norhern hospitality.
With this guide, we wish to provide you with an overview of the possibilities Oulu has to offer for commercial real estate investors.
12:50 H
2:45 H
3:55 H
0:55 H
3:05 H
14:00 H
270,000
Inhabitants in the Oulu Area
1 h
One Hour Flight to Helsinki
2026
The European Capital of Culture
1 Oulu for Investors
39
Average Age of the Population
25,000 University Students
1.1 Oulu in Brief
Oulu is an easily accessible city in Northern Finland by the Bothnian Bay. There are over 210,000 inhabitants in the city and 270,000 in the Oulu region. Oulu has one of the youngest populations in Europe: the largest age group is 20- to 24-year-olds and the average age of inhabitants is 39 years. In addition, 25,000 of the population
Why Invest in Oulu
5 Stability: Finland provides an economically and politically stable environment for business. The property market provides stability for longterm commitment, income generation and high returns and yield levels. 1.1.
are university students. This vibrant city with a variety of events and activities all year round is an excellent destination for both business and leisure travel as well as conferences. Oulu is also an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding tourism centres and Lapland.
1 Location: Being the biggest commercial, logistic and cultural hub in Arctic Europe,Oulu is a gateway to the North. As part of the TEN-T core transport network, the Port of Oulu, with its rail and road links, as well as 2 nd busiest airport provides good connections to the rest of the world.
2
Tourism destination: Oulu Region is one of the biggest year round travel destination in Northernmost Europe. Financial indicators of the growing industry underlines its excellence from a tourism investment perspective. Oulu, as the European Capital of Culture in 2026, will rise to shine as a new tourism star.
3 Sustainable Industry Hotspot: An abundance of affordable green energy, Universities with its extensive research and education, alongside the large R&D investments in the area, ensures a wide talent pool for new sustainable projects.
4
Skilled Workforce: Thanks to the universities in Oulu, the region has a highly educated workforce with a young age structure. Skilled labor is available to meet the needs of all industries.
There are 5 times more jobs in ICT industries in Oulu region compared to the same industry in the whole country.
3rd Most Venture Capital in Europe
Per Capita
No 1
R&D Investments
Per Capita in Finland More Than 10 years in a Row
1.2. Economic Structure
Oulu is 15th in attracting venture capital per capita among the top 50 cities in the world. Together the global tech giants and the hundreds of SMEs operating in the city they form a strong Tech-cluster with high degree of expertise and entrepreneurial spirit.
Information technology services, other technology sectors, social and health services as well as education are regarded as specialities of the region. Oulu is specialised in wireless technologies R&D and
electronics manufacturing, and the services supporting it for example engineering, software and information services.
In addition, consumer potential is growing as the population of the region will continue to grow.
Source: Statistics Finland, 2024
1.3. The Gateway to Arctic Europe
Located by the sea, Oulu is a junction for sea, railroad and road traffic. Together with Finland's second busiest airport and largest general port in the Bothnian Bay, makes Oulu the most important transport hub for both passengers and freight in Arctic Europe.
There are development ongoing to make the railway connection from Oulu to Helsinki faster by developing the rail network. Accessibility to and from the Port has been improved by new triangular rail road connection and there are plans to revive also the multimodal terminal. The fastest
train connection from Helsinki to Oulu currently takes just over five hours and will be even faster in future. Oulu is the gateway to Arctic Europe regions, which will see close to 200 billion euros invested over the coming years. The largest investments will be made in industry, energy, mining, infrastructure, tourism and other industries. By 2030, the number will be 160 billion. The largest investments will be made in construction, energy, mining, logistics, tourism and creative industries.
1.4.
Credits: Arkkitehdit Kontukoski Oy
City Development Projects
Oulu´s City Centre Vision 2040 has ambitious goals. The plans include large projects that would help the city to attract mega events and increase tourism. Significant city centre development projects have been finished, still hundreds of millions of euros in investments, such as the Station Centre and several hotels, are yet to be realized. There are also several other areas of development that produce viable and sustainable investment opportunities.
Urban Oulu
Arena for Events and Experiences & Station Centre
The construction of the station centre area will create a connection between the city centre and the Raksila neighbourhood, increasing the appeal of the whole city and further solidifying the city structure. In the future, this area will offer modern and smart travel services for tourists and locals, as well as shops, a hotel, and venues and spaces for culture. Planned for construction right next door to the station centre is a new multi-purpose arena for sports and events. After its realisation, the arena would allow culture and sports events or conferences to be organised on a whole new scale in Oulu. The arena’s location will promote the development of the nearby city centre
and increase the vitality of the city. When the arena is built, it will serve a large northern section of Europe with 2.5 million potential event visitors.
Museum
and Science Centre
Museum and Science Centre consists of nine destinations loved by tourists and locals alike. The Historical Museum, Oulu Museum of Art, and Tietomaa Science Centre are located near the city centre. The annual amount of visitors is over 200,000. Museum and Science Centre is working on new development plans to increase the number of visitors to 250,000 by 2026. The new science center Tiima, which will be completed in 2026, offers immersive experiences and activities. Tiima is the largest cultural investment in Oulu's history, totaling over 36 million euros.
Coastal Oulu
Located right next to Oulu City Centre is the estuary of Oulu River. One of the islands is Kuusisaari, the venue for large outdoor events and mega festivals for as many as 40,000 attendees every summer. Second island next to the city centre is and idyllic wooden district Pikisaari which is being developed as a hub for services and experiences in culture and arts.
The extensive network of pedestrian and cycle paths span over 1000 kilometres.
Nallikari is the biggest summer tourist centre in Northern Finland, which is now being built into a year-round tourist center. It has 100M€ investment opportunities.
Another developing spot is Virpiniemi centre about 20 minutes north. The area has a magnificent golf course by the sea and a winter activity and cross-country skiing centre.
Oulu Area Investment Opportunities
1
OULU STATION CENTRE – MODERN & VERSATILE STATION ZONE
Station Centre will be functional and versatile whole where transport, jobs, services, and accommodation come together. The size of the investment will be approx. € 350 million and total building area around 100,000 m 2
2
ORITKARI
New industrial areas in the Port of Oulu from 40ha up to 200ha. Oritkari has the potential for major industrial and logistics investments.
Credits: Lahdelma & Mahlamäki Architects
Credits: Ramboll
3
RITAPORTTI 1 &2
New retail areas with total of over 30 hectares. Area 1 has a city plan and Area 2 is under planning. Area is located in the heart of north suburban area, near the university and Nokia Campus.
NALLIKARI
4
Nallikari resort has superb possibilities for developing and diversifying tourism, training and education, sports, leisure and recreational facilities. 100M€ investment opportunities.
Virpiniemi Outdoor Sport Area
Autoheikki Office Premises
Kansankatu 47 Hybrid Property
Ravander Block Hybrid Property
Pyyryväinen Green Industry Area
Ruskonselkä Industry Area
Oulunportti Retail Area
Airport City Oulu Office and Light Industry
Credits:Kesko
Credits: Linja Architects
2 Key Industries
2.1. Key Industries and Ecosystems
Oulu truly stands out as a hub of innovation and sustainability! Here are key industries and some key highlights:
Digitalisation and ICT
Pioneering Wireless Technologies :
With over 50 years of experience, Oulu has been at the forefront of developing wireless technologies. The region’s innovations are used by over 3 billion people globally.
5G and Beyond:
Oulu played a significant role in developing 5G technology and is now working on 6G at the University of Oulu.
Thriving ICT Ecosystem:
Home to around 1,000 ICT companies and 25,000 professionals, Oulu boasts a broad portfolio of high-tech research and development.
Health technology
Second Largest Hub in Finland:
Oulu is a major centre for health technology, with a strong network called OuluHealth that fosters collaboration among companies, research institutions, and the public sector.
Innovative Health Solutions :
The region is crucial in developing digital healthcare solutions to address global health challenges. Arrow-Right
Green Transition
Ideal for Cleantech:
Oulu offers a supportive environment for cleantech companies focused on solving environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development.
Carbon Neutral by 2035:
The city’s strategy aims for a lowcarbon, resource-efficient society, with a goal to be carbon neutral by 2035.
Diverse Excellence Areas :
Key areas include energy and climate solutions, sustainable mobility, circular economy, and sustainable materials.
2.2 Opportunities for Sustainable Industry in Oulu
Major Industrial Investments
Major ongoing projects in the fields of technology and industry continue to enhance vitality and employment in Oulu also in the future. Stora Enso is finalising their 1,3B€ investment for Kraftliner production, Nokia is moving to their new campus, an 250M€ investment to R&D and production facilities.
New projects are under planning especially in the fields of Sustainable Industry, especially hydrogen and derivates, an investment potential up to billions of euros in total.
Published project include French company Verso Energy´s plans for hydrogen and synthetic fuels production in the Port of Oulu as well as joint project of P2X Solutions and Oulun Energia hydrogen and derivates production in Laanila industry site.
Prerequisities for Green Industry Projects are in Place in Oulu
Arrow-Right Available and developing industrial areas for green industry
Arrow-Right Abundant availability of green electricity and growth potential for wind and solar power
Arrow-Right Reliable electricity grid and a future hydrogen pipeline
Arrow-Right 2Mt of biogebic CO2 for further H2 refining
Arrow-Right Extensive district heating network for waste heat
Arrow-Right World-class energy and hydrogen research
Arrow-Right Strong industrial heritage and innovative business partners
Arrow-Right Oulu powers EU with renewable electricity
The Oulu Green Industry Master Plan 2030
2
2 PYYRYVÄINEN
New 10 km 2 area for Green Transition Industry; hydrogen, batteries, chemicals.
3
3 LAANILA
Chemical industry ecosystem with Oulun Energia energy production and planned 100MW project for H2 & e-Fuel production.
1
1 PORT AREA
New industrial area 150ha in the heart of Port of Oulu.
4 PIKKARALA
Future hotspot for H2 production with excellent utility connections.
4
5 million Visitors in Valkea Shopping Centre Yearly.
3.1 Market Description
As the capital of Northern Scandinavia and a university city, Oulu is attractive to industries that require skilled young labor, good logistical connections, and business opportunities. The number of jobs has increased annually.
Green transition projects, the rising geopolitical importance of northern regions, and nearly 200 billion euros
Job Development in Oulu
in investments create conditions for Oulu's growth far into the future.
Oulu has long offered stable and higher returns on real estate investments compared to the capital region. Market changes have been weaker in the Oulu economic area. Thus, Oulu offers an interesting operating area for investors and developers.
Population Development in Oulu
40% of Work-Aged Population Have an Academic Degree
3.2. Retail Development
The main market area for commercial services in Oulu has 270,000 residents. Oulu attracts visitors from a wider area throughout Northern Finland, where 640,000 people live. Oulu has four shopping centres: Valkea and Pekuri in the city centre, Ideapark in Ritaharju, and Kapteeni near Oulu Airport.
The shopping centre industry has recovered quite well during 2022. In addition to covered city centres, significant retail concentrations
include the Raksila hypermarkets in the city centre, the KaakkuriOulunportti commercial area south of Oulu, and Northern Finland's largest hypermarket, Prisma Centre in Limingantulli. A large commercial concentration is developing along the motorway north of Oulu in Ritaportti.
Retail spaces have been filled in recent years with new retail and service sector companies. The vacancy rate for retail spaces in Oulu is 2.0%.
The Finnish Real Estate Market Spring 2025
Source: Catella Market Indicator Finland, 2025
Vibrant city center - with excellent vacancy rates among business premises
3.3. Office Development
The most significant office space concentrations in Oulu are located in the Technology Campus near the Oulu University, the health and wellness centre Kontinkangas, and the city centre. Oulu's office space market has been more positive than other comparable cities for years. In a city-by-city comparison, Oulu is the second-best performer with an office vacancy rate of 8.2%. The office vacancy rate in the city centre is only about 5%.
There is demand for new modern office spaces, especially among hightech companies. The shortage of supply has led to an increase in prime office rental levels. Prime property gross rent is approx. EUR 26,50/m2 per month. Nokia is building their new “Home of Radio” campus with R&D and production facilities total 50,000 m 2 for 2600 employees. The project will be completed in 2025.
Office Vacancy Rate by Cities
Jyväskylä Lahti Tampere Vaasa Oulu Turku
Source: Catella, 2025
3.4. Development Projects
During the years 2024–2030, Oulu will develop in many sectors at once: an Experience Arena and travel centre, Water Sport Centre and new Musem and Science Centre will be built. Additionally, the Virpiniemi Sport Centre, Market Square and the Coastal Nallikari will be renewed. In 2025, Finland's Housing Fair will arrive to Oulu and Oulu is the European Capital of Culture in 2026. The total investment will be almost billion euros.
Station Centre
Raksila area. The area is extensive and centrally located. This is an interesting and very large-scale renewal project by Finnish standards. This could be compared, for example, to the development and construction of Central Pasila in Helsinki. The estimated size of investment is 450–500M€.
Arena for Events and Experiences
The Arena, right in the heart of the city, is the most important urban development project in Oulu in years. The location next to the future Station Centre is excellent, as traffic connections from all directions will bring travellers directly to events. The project complex includes an multifunctional arena and full-size practice rink. The total cost of the project is around 100M€. Restaurants, a meeting, event & conference hotel and office premises are also being sought for the area. In the spring of 2025, the city will start a public bidding process for the development of the arena and its surroundings. For more info, contact Project Director Karri Oikarinen, karri. oikarinen@ouka.fi
Kontinkangas Campus
Adjacent of Oulu University Hospital renewal project (1.6B€) is ongoing development for future health care innovation and R&D centre, OYSTER.
The area offers opportunities for eHealth and MedTech companies for setting up operations as well as real estate investors and developers for construction. There is availability of brownfield and greenfield sites.
Ritaportti Retail Areas 1–2
New shopping centre and retail park area, total 30 ha, is developing along the motorway, north of Oulu city centre. The adjacent 80-hectare area is under zoning for space-intensive retail, buildings serving sports and recreational activities, office spaces, and nondisruptive industrial facilities. Retail areas locate in the heart of suburban area near Oulu University and new Nokia Campus.
Oulunportti Retail Area
Oulunportti is a major specialty trade area at the intersection of the motorway and the road to the airport. There are numerous existing specialty stores already in the area, such as car dealers and hardware stores. There are still business plots available in the area for new projects.
Ravander Block
One of the most significant development projects in the near future. A hybrid block under planning. For commercial space, office space, and accommodation business in addition to housing. Very central location in the heart of Oulu.
Kansankatu 47 Property
A unique functionalist property in the city center is looking for a developer and investor. Additional construction may enable a project totaling 11,500 m 2 . The property can have various uses. The new city plan permitting additional building right is planned to be completed in 2026.
Autoheikki Office Property and Parking Facility
The project located in the city center offers an investment opportunity that has interested users. The new building will provide 12,500 m 2 of office space and 7,500 m 2 of parking spaces. The zoning of the site is in progress.
Credits: Lahdelma & Mahlamäki arkkitehdit
Station Centre
Autoheikki Office Property and Parking Facility
Kansankatu 47 Property
Credits: Pave Architects
4 Hotel Market and Tourism
851,000
Total Overnight Accommodation 2024
69% OCC% Yearly Average 2024
4.1. Market Description
The hotel occupancy rate in Oulu is officially the highest in the country and new capacity is required to meet the growing needs of the visitors. The average annual occupancy rate of all Oulu accommodation establishments has been over 60% since 2015. The occupancy rates have been higher than in Helsinki, Tampere, Turku, Kuopio, Jyväskylä or Rovaniemi last years.
Travel to Oulu is evenly distributed throughout the year, and approximately 20% of travellers are international and 80% domestic.
Approximately 60% of the overnights in Oulu come from leisure travellers and 40% from business travellers. Peak season for leisure travellers is July–August, while the business traveller season is year-round. In wintertime, Oulu has big potential for leisure tourism and this aspect is currently being developed.
The total growth in foreign overnight stays was +37% in 2024.
KPI Performance in City Hotels in Oulu
Source: Statistics Finland, 2025
In recent years, the average RevPAR (Revenue Per Available Room) of all Oulu accommodation establishments has been higher than in Turku, Jyväskylä and Helsinki. The RevPar of the hotels in Oulu in 2024 was €85.
Source: Oulu Marketing, 2025
RevPar Comparison
Occupancy Rate Comparison
Source: Statistics Finland, 2025
(All
In recent years, the occupancy rate of hotels in Oulu has been higher than in Helsinki, Jyväskylä, Tampere and Turku. The occupancy rate in 2024 in all accommodation was 69%.
Terwa Tower – Seaside Hotel
Credits: Terwa Kiinteistökehitys Oy
4.2. Demand and Supply
Oulu is a great place for tourism business. Seasonal fluctuations are moderate and demand is high throughout the year. Hotel occupancy rates and prices have been at the level of the best cities in Finland for the past five years.
The city's business growth and international activities provide a solid foundation for continued growth in business travel. Leisure tourists' growing interest in tourist destinations in the North brings growth to Oulu, for example from Asia and Central Europe. Tourism in Oulu is
Hotel Nights and All Nights
also strongly based on the demand of domestic tourists. Oulu is also a city of thousands of different events.
Oulu and its neighbouring destination marketing organisations market the Oulu region through Visit Oulu cooperation. Oulu region with its surrounding tourism resorts has in total over 1 million overnights yearly.
Oulu is the Busiest Event City in the North
Guest Nights by Travel Purpose
Foreign Overnights by Country
The Total Growth in Foreign Overnight Stays Was +37% in 2024
Germany
Sweden
Norway
Denmark
United
Estonia
Source: Statistics Finland, 2025
Source: Statistics Finland, 2025
4.3. Tourism Development
The main hotel development areas in Oulu are in the city centre and the Market Square area, the station area and the Nallikari Tourist Centre about 3 km from the city centre.
Arena Hotel
A new hotel is also envisioned in connection with the Arena for Events and Experiences. The approximately 10,000 m 2 meeting, event and congress hotel will serve Northern Finland's business life, events and tourism. Opportunity for operators, investors and developers to get involved in the most significant investment to be made in Arctic Europe to leisure, tourism and entertainment fields.
Terwa Tower – Seaside Hotel
Terwa Management Oy has received a design reservation for a building site owned by the City of Oulu, located at a superior building site in the vicinity of Oulu Theatre and the City Library next to the seaside. The building is called Terwa Tower and is designed to host a 250 rooms hotel, offices, a restaurant and conference rooms, co-working facilities, plus a spa section with a seawater pool. A meeting place is planned for the top floor with stunning views across the city and the sea. Parking is planned under the building and the market square.
Market Square Hotel
Oulu Market Square Hotel and a covered winter market have been designed next to the 110-year-old Market Hall. The hotel is planned to have four floors and 130–150 hotel rooms. The covered winter market space will serve year-round market activities and provide a sheltered space for a variety of events during the winter.
Lapland Hotel Oulu
An extension of almost 100 rooms will be built next to the existing hotel. The hotel's capacity will increase to approximately 250 rooms. At the same time, a thorough renovation will be carried out, which will also increase the number of restaurant premises and conference rooms. The entire project is scheduled to be ready in 2025.
Nallikari Seaside Resort
Nallikari resort has superb possibilities for developing and diversifying tourism, training and education, sports, leisure and recreational facilities. The resort’s attractiveness and competitiveness in tourism will also be improved by supplementing available services with new functions, and by ensuring effortless accessibility with different modes of transport.
Credits: Lapland Hotels Oulu
NALLIKARI SEA SIDE RESORT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY
Nallikari has a beautiful seaside location, 3 kilometres from the city centre, with a beach, a wide range of outdoor, restaurant and recreational services, and a variety of events around the year, e.g. Nallikari Winter Village. The Nallikari area is 95 hectares with a total building area of 75,000 m 2 . Investment opportunity is approx. 100 million euros including hotel, themed amusement park, holiday villas, theatre, restaurants and other services.
Area is under construction. The first in 2023 completed children's amusement park, new holiday apartments and renewed beach boulevard with new shops and services. There are still approximately 50,000 m 2 of new building rights available in the area.
Spa Hotel Eden in Nallikari
About 3 km from the centre of Oulu is the Nallikari resort, where the property of the spa hotel is available for a new tenant. The property is under renovation and it offers an excellent opportunity to develop a suitable concept for the new operator's own business. The new site plan also offers approximately 10,000 floor square meters for the construction of new additional premises in connection with the hotel. The property is owned and further information is provided by Capman Ltd.
Pikisaari Old Town
An idyllic wooden district, old industrial milieu and unique artists’ community awaits travellers who cross the pedestrian bridge from the
Market Square to Pikisaari Island. Pikisaari (in English: Pitch Island) got its name from an old pitch works founded in the 17 th century. Besides that, the island has housed shipyards, a sawmill, a distillery, a wool mill, and a machine workshop.
Nowadays the island is the home and studio for many artists and artisans. Unique accommodation businesses have also found home at the heart of the island, and there are charming restaurants, too. Pikisaari is developing as a centre for companies in the creative fields, art and culture. The plans include new unique boutique hotels and restaurant services.
Credits: Linja Architects
NALLISPORT
1 st
Finland is the Happiest Country in the World Seven Years in a Row
Source: The World Happiness Report 2024
3,000
Total Number of Events Yearly
4.4. Tourist Attractions
A City of Year-Round Experiences
Oulu region is a diverse nature destination. Within easy reach from the city of Oulu, you can find ski resorts, national parks and more. Oulu offers a variety of possibilities for day trips and connections to different tourist centres and Lapland.
Finland's Leading Destination for Educational and Technical Visits
In Oulu you can explore world famous Finnish education system from elementary school to university level. There is a wide variety of educational visit programs both for education professionals and school excursion groups, for example on themes such as computer programming, sustainable development and learning English.
Surrounding Tourist Centres and Lapland
Arrow-Right Syöte Ski resort and national park , Finland’s southernmost fell area, 1,5 h
Arrow-Right Rokua national park and UNESCO Global Geopark , a rare natural environment shaped by the Ice Age, 1 h
Arrow-Right Liminka Bay, an internationally renowned, valuable bird habitat for migrating birds, 30 min
Arrow-Right Liminka, Ruutikangas , Europe's largest shooting range and event park.
Arrow-Right Hailuoto, the largest island in the Bothnian Bay, 1 h
Arrow-Right Ruka Ski resort and national parks, Kuusamo, 2,5 h
Arrow-Right Snow Castle and Sampo Ice Breaker, Kemi, 1,5 h
Arrow-Right Santa Claus village and Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi, 2,5 h
Rovaniemi
Kuusamo
Vaasa
Helsinki
Umeå
Turku
Tampere
Jyväskylä
Seinäjoki
Haparanda
ARCTIC CIRCLE
BAY OF BOTHNIA
NORWAY
SWEDEN
ESTONIA
Ranua
Kemi
Oulu
Oulu
Syöte
Kemi Kempele
Raahe
Liminka Ii
Kemi
Lumijoki Rokua Geopark Tyrnävä
Hailuoto
Pohjola route Pohjola route The Finnish
The European Capital of Culture 2026 is a Lively Event and Tourism City
Oulu hosts around 40 international conferences in a normal year. Oulu’s strength in conference tourism lies in a strong science community and expertise. Oulu offers versatile facilities for meetings, conferences and exhibitions.
There are many different developments that will make Oulu even more attractive for both domestic and foreign tourists alikeas well as event visitors. Oulu new exhibition centre opened in 2021 and
Biggest Yearly Events
Source: Oulu Marketing
Biggest Yearly Fairs
a huge arena for up to 10,000 guests is planned next to Oulu station. Two hotels and sea spa and saunas is under planning to the heart of city center. New investments approx. €100 million are coming to the seaside resort in Nallikari for example amusement park and leisure services.
The cultural scene of Oulu is strong and diverse. Over 3,000 different events in sports, culture or business are organised in Oulu every year and Oulu is known around the world for its original events such as the Air Guitar World Championships and Polar Bear Pitching. Oulu has been chose as the European Capital of Culture in 2026.
Nallikari Seaside Resort
Hupisaaret City Park
Science Center Tietomaa
Turkansaari Open Air Museum
Toripolliisi Statue
Market Hall
Oulu Cathedral
Pikisaari Old Town
Botanical Garden of the University of Oulu
Northern Ostrobothnia Museum
Oulu Museum of Art
Oulu Automobile Museum
Nallikari Winter Village and Snowfest
Vauhtipuisto Amusement Park
Northern Photographic Centre & Gallery
Oulu City Hall
Kierikki Stone Age Centre
Source: Oulu Marketing
Contact Information
We are happy to help you discover the Oulu area commercial opportunities and provide you with the right contacts and market information.
Jyrki Kemppainen
Key Accounts, Service, Tourism and Logistics +358 44 499 3296 jyrki.kemppainen@businessoulu.com
Janne Ylitalo
Service Manager, Investments +358 400 999 523 janne.ylitalo@businessoulu.com
Seija Haapalainen
Senior Consultant, Relocation Services +358 50 361 4791 seija.haapalainen@businessoulu.com
P.O. Box 22, FI-90015 City of Oulu, FINLAND Uusikatu 52, 90100 Oulu, FINLAND info@businessoulu.com oulu.com investinoulu.com businessoulu.com
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