Oulu

Oulu is the sixth largest city in Finland. It is located along the Gulf of Bothnia. Oulu is 600 km from Helsinki. Oulu is the trade centre of northern Finland. The center of the region is also known as a high tech centre.

Population: 132 000 inhabitants.

Area: 449.53 km², 69.37 - water.

An international airport is 15 km from the centre of Oulu, but a railway station is right in the centre.

Oulu was founded in 1605; it is the oldest city in northern Finland. In 1765 the city received the right to trade abroad, and then started development. By the 19th century people had tar trades and navigation facilities established.

There was a fire in 1822 that destroyed the city. The architect Karl Ludving Angel created a new plan of the city. The modern city of Oulu is known as a science, cultural, industrial and economical centre. Due to the first centre of Scandinavia of modern tech (Technopolis) and a University being built in 1982, Oulu is developing, and the population is growing. Oulu takes first place for the fastest growing population in Scandinavia.

There is Rotuaari in the centre of Oulu, where many shops, restaurants and caffes are.
There is also Otto Karhin park. And Hupisaari park is not far from the centre either and was a place for vacation in 1860.

The trade square is located on the shore of the river. There is a central library and theater there. The Cathedral (1777) is one of the highest points in Oulu at 60 m. The museum is located in the oldest building of the city, which has been in use since 1740.

There are many styles in Oulu such as: neorennesaince, functionalism, empire etc.
There are lots of museums: Museum of north Finland, Art museum, car museum, open air museum. Lots of events are in Oulu like various cultural, sport, and musical events.

Popular sports in Oulu are: Finnish baseball, swimming, football, golfing, and fishing.

Nallikari is a modern tourist complex that is located on the shore of the river, and includes cozy modern cottages, small summer houses, a beach, a park for children, and a mini golf field.

There is an SPA complex "Eden" not far from Nallikari.

160 km from Oulu is located the most northern zoo in the world. Here you can observe
northern wildlife.

At the first science centre in Oulu, "Tietomaa", people can play different games and get to know more about science, chemistry, and physics. It’s an interesting place to visit.